London Experiences

Buckingham Palace skip-the-line tour with Changing of the Guard

££

Attraction Heritage

Hightlight

City Centre
Family Friendly
Tours

Get the royal treatment in London with a narrated viewing of the Changing of the Guard and a visit to Buckingham Palace. See the outfits worn by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Coronation too.

You’ll meet your guide and be taken to an area with a prime view of the Changing of the Guard. This colourful ceremony is one of the oldest traditions at the Palace, with red tunics, bearskin hats, and occasionally pop music.

Please note that if you book on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, enjoy the Household Cavalry change the guard at Horse Guards parade, with their unmistakable silver plumed helmets and mounted on their magnificent horses.

Afterward, your guide will take a moment to describe the history of Buckingham Palace before sending you right in. Traditionally, guides are not allowed to speak inside, so you will receive an official audioguide. You’ll be able to explore this royal home at your own pace. Take the time to admire the world-famous artwork and furnishings. With 19 State Rooms, a ballroom, and the throne room, you’re sure to see impressive elements of the Royal Collection. It’s a regal experience you won’t want to miss.

What’s included

Pre-booked admission to Buckingham Palace
Changing of the Guard (weather permitting)
Expert, English-speaking tour guide
Headsets, when necessary

What’s not included

Gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and beverages

Meeting point:

Please meet by the Duke of York column at Waterloo Place. This is the tall column with the statue on top. If you are arriving by tube, take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St James. Walk south down Regent Street towards St James Park (do not walk north towards Oxford Street). Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street. You will see the tall column with a statue on top. If you arrive into Charing Cross Station, walk down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace. You will see the statue on your right at the top of some steps. The tour will end inside Buckingham Palace.

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Maps

Contact

9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG, UK

Google Reviews

Buckingham Palace

4.5188060 reviews

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Andrew Hubbard

2 weeks ago

Seeing Buckingham Palace in person is one of those classic London moments that really delivers. Grand, elegant, and steeped in history, it feels instantly familiar yet still impressive when you’re standing there. The atmosphere around the palace is lively, the setting is beautiful, and it’s an easy highlight to combine with a walk through St James’s Park. Even without going inside, it’s well worth the visit and a must-see for anyone in London.

Effi Peratinou

a week ago

Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. I’ve visited many times, but this was my first time seeing the Changing of the Guard. We arrived around 10:50 and it was extremely crowded, earlier arrival seems wiser if you wish to approach, police and mounted guards blocked all crossings on both sides, which felt poorly managed and unnecessarily aggressive toward visitors just to pass one pavement to the other people are there to appreciate the culture not to be yelled at I understand precaution measures and safety that is a necessity, but at the sideways there should be more organised for the people to make sure they can move around rather than feeling captured, felt strange in comparison to everything else experienced. Despite that, we managed to get close to the gates, saw part of the ceremony, and caught the band as it was leaving. We accessed the area via Green Park and left through St James’s Park, which was absolutely beautiful.

Sumukha Ashok

2 months ago

Highly recommend the palace tour as the palace is quite stunning on the inside. Do buy the tickets in advance and show up right in time for your entry because there’s no wait then! The gift shop also has some quality souvenirs so I highly recommend it. Also, the palace gardens were my favourite gardens in London ✨✨✨✨

Shanel

2 months ago

I had a great time attending Buckingham palace! The grounds were stunning and I even got to see a short performance from the guards. The landscaping and fountains were the highlight for me. The self-guided tour inside was great too. Buy your ticket in advance to pick your preferred time.

jessica desilets

3 months ago

We purchased guided tour tickets to include the changing of the guards. What we failed to understand was the meeting point is not actually at Buckingham Palace, rather about a mile down the road at the equestrian statue. The tickets were expensive since we did opted for a guided tour however the guided tour does not take you inside the palace. I have to say overall I was a bit let down by the tour I expected more for some reason. Don't get me wrong you get to see beautiful marble statues and works of art that are one of a kind and you're only going to see there and you get to see a very small section of the palace. The section you get to see is where they do most of the hosting for guests. It's a must-see, I'm not so sure paying extra for a guided tour was worth it as once you get inside your guide leaves you and you can take the free guided audio tour to go through the rooms. The palace was absolutely packed during a random weekday and I would definitely recommend pre-buying your tickets. There is a small Cafe outside at the end of your tour and a large garden that you can get a free tour as well. Located right in the center of London, when you come out it pops you right back out in the streets so be prepared to walk. Just like all the other palaces and castles I visited you cannot take pictures or video once inside.