Experience the traditions of the British monarchy in London with a guide and audioguide. Watch the Changing of the King's Foot Guards and see the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace.
London: Buckingham Palace Entry & Changing of the Guard Tour
Summary Description
Highlights
- Learn about the tradition and history of Buckingham Palace and its State Rooms
- See treasures from the Royal Collection, including beautiful Sèvres porcelain
- Take in the action of the changing of the guards outside the palace
- Watch the precision skills of the King's Foot Guards
- Explore the lavish State Rooms of the British Monarchy official London residence
Description
Explore the state rooms of Buckingham Palace and see the Changing of the Guard. Gain a deeper understanding of royal protocol from your tour guide and enjoy audio commentary inside the palace.
First, watch the Changing of the Guards in the company of a guide, who will explain the history and meaning behind the ceremony. See the precision of the King's Guards up close as they march to the sounds of a military band.
Depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards in London.
Finally, step inside Buckingham palace and admire the lavish apartments and sparkling chandeliers. View some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including exquisite Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.
While inside, enjoy commentary from the official audio guide and learn the history behind the sumptuous furnishings and family history.
New for 2025: The King’s Tour Artists Exhibition
Step inside the majestic Ballroom of Buckingham Palace and explore The King’s Tour Artists—a brand-new exhibition debuting in 2025. Personally chosen by His Majesty The King, this extraordinary collection features over 70 carefully selected masterpieces from the Royal Collection, offering a rare and intimate look at the artistic preferences of the monarch.
Included / Excluded
- • Entrance ticket to Buckingham Palace
- • Tour guide
- • Headsets (if needed) to hear your guide
- • New for 2025: The King’s Tour Artists Exhibition
- • Tips (optional)
- • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Duke of York Column, London, UK
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- • The Changing of the Guards is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.
- • There is no Changing of the Foot Guards on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday so you'll be provided with a Walking Tour of Westminster City. You may be able to see the Changing of the Horse Guards at Horse Guards parade but that's not guaranteed.
- • We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded
- • The guides will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition
- • This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking. We recommend comfortable shoes for all guests
- • The Changing of the Guards is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.
- • There is no Changing of the Foot Guards on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday so you'll be provided with a Walking Tour of Westminster City. You may be able to see the Changing of the Horse Guards at Horse Guards parade but that's not guaranteed.
- • Gratuities for your guide are appreciated!
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Options and Pricing
| Buckingham Palace Tour and Changing of the Guard Ceremony | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 - 99 years) | $68.00 |
Points of interest
Additional Information
Not wheelchair accessible
Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.
The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities.
Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music or parade.
Depending on the day you will see either the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade.
About operator:
Created for travel enthusiasts with inquisitive minds, City Wonders is a global tour operator specializing in exclusive and expert tours throughout Italy, France, Spain and the UK. Its intimate tours and day trips invite travelers to go beyond sightseeing, bringing the wonders of each destination to life through behind-the-scene experiences. All City Wonders tours are guided by local experts that know the ins and outs of their city.
Basic Information
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Trip difficulty: Moderate
- Max Group Size: 30
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
Other products
