This experience brings together Buckingham Palace and the famous Changing of the Guard, so you’ll enjoy both London pageantry and a close-up visit to the royal residence. You’ll watch the colourful spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, then enter the palace with a tour host and use an independent audio guide to explore the State Rooms. The audio guide will explain the palace’s history as you move through rooms used for state and ceremonial events.
Along the way you’ll admire the lavish State Rooms and learn about their role in royal life and official occasions from the commentary. The palace visit is available only for roughly two months (approximately eight weeks) each year, making this a seasonal opportunity to see these rooms and hear their stories.
Why Visit
- Admission to Buckingham Palace included for access to the State Rooms
- Changing of the Guard ceremony viewing included as part of the tour
- Audio guide for the State Rooms provided with a tour host
- Limited seasonal access to Buckingham Palace open about eight weeks yearly
What's included
- Expert guide
- Pre-reserved entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms
- Changing of the Guard viewing
- Audio headsets
- Official Buckingham Palace audio guide
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Accessibility
- Public transit links nearby
Tour available in your selected language
Additional information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
On occasional Sundays may be rescheduled to early morning, this will then be replaced with an extended walking tour.
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.