Buckingham Palace Tour Including Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Experience London’s royal heritage and pageantry on a 2.5-hour experience that combines a visit to Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy the colorful spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and then enter the magnificent palace with a tour host for an independent audio tour of the State Rooms, an experience only available for two months of the year. Admire the lavish rooms that are used by the royals for State and ceremonial events, as you discover the palace’s history from the audio guide.

Please note: Buckingham Palace is only open to the public for approx. eight weeks each year. Tickets sell out fast, so book now to avoid disappointment

Meet your tour host at the prearranged location in central London. After introductions, enjoy a short stroll through St James's Park to Buckingham Palace, an iconic monument that has served as the official London residence of the British royals since the 19th century.

Depending on the weather, stop directly in front of the palace or pause by the Horse Guards Parade to watch the Changing of the Guard. From your prime viewing position, see the guards assemble and listen to your host talk about the ceremony’s history and pageantry. Then, look on in delight as the Queen’s Foot Guards — clothed in crimson tunics and bearskin hats — march in time to drumbeats from a military band. Alternatively, watch as the Household Cavalry change the guard at Horse Guards parade, with their plumed helmets and immaculately groomed horses.

After the ceremony, walk with your host to the entrance of Buckingham Palace, a site only open to the public for two months each year. Guides are not permitted to speak inside the palace, so listen to your host’s insightful commentary outside.

Make your way inside with your prebooked ticket, plug in your audio guide, and set off to explore Queen Elizabeth II’s lavish State Rooms independently. Marvel at the sparkling chandeliers, sumptuous furnishings and treasures from the Royal Collection, and listen to the audio commentary for more information on the palace’s royal residents, history and traditions.

Your tour then concludes outside Buckingham Palace.

Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning (as on some Sundays) — the ceremony will be replaced with a walking tour.