London: Buckingham Palace Entry & Changing of the Guard Tour

Visiting Buckingham Palace is a highlight for many travelers to London, and this 2.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive look into the British monarchy’s grandeur. Priced at $96.98 per person, the experience combines a guided view of the Changing of the Guard with access to some of the Palace’s most luxurious State Rooms. The tour is suitable for those interested in royal traditions, historic treasures, and a well-organized sightseeing experience. It features audio commentary for deeper insights and a professional guide to enhance the visit.

While the tour offers many memorable moments, it’s important to note that cameras are not allowed inside Buckingham Palace and that changing of the guards may be unavailable on certain days, such as Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This tour provides a rewarding glimpse into royal life, making it ideal for first-time visitors and those wanting an efficient yet thorough experience.

Key Points

• Includes entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms and the Changing of the Guard
• Guided tour with audio commentary enhances the experience
• Stops at the Duke of York Column and comprehensive walk through key sites
• Duration of 2.5 hours, starting at convenient locations in London
• New for 2025: The exclusive Kings Tour Artists Exhibition inside the Palace
• No hotel pickup or drop-off, meeting at Waterloo Place

You can check availability for your dates here:

Meeting and Departure Points at Waterloo Place

The tour begins near the Duke of York Column at 9 Carlton Terrace, SW1Y 5AJ. Guides are easily recognizable with a City Wonders sign and meet at a tall column topped with a statue. Directions are simple: take the Underground to Piccadilly Circus and walk south down Regent Street toward St. James’s Park, or head to Charing Cross Station and walk down The Mall toward Buckingham Palace.

The meeting point is not at Buckingham Palace itself, but it places guests right at the heart of London’s historic square. The activity ends back at the same meeting spot, making transportation planning straightforward.

Watching the Changing of the Guard in London

This tour features the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, led by an expert guide. The guide explains the history and significance of this military tradition, helping visitors understand its ceremonial importance. The marching guards, often accompanied by a military band, perform with precision, creating a classic London spectacle.

Depending on the Household Cavalry schedule, guests may see either the Foot Guards or the Horse Guards. The guide’s commentary ensures that spectators know the meaning behind each movement and the history tied to these centuries-old ceremonies. The viewing spots are chosen for optimal sightlines, often giving close-up views of the guards, which many reviews highlight as a major perk.

Inside Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms and Treasures

After the guard ceremony, the tour takes visitors inside Buckingham Palace to see the lavish State Rooms. These opulent apartments are decorated with sparkling chandeliers, exquisite furniture, and royal treasures. The Royal Collection displays fine Sèvres porcelain, as well as some of the best English and French furniture in the world.

Visitors appreciate the audio commentary inside, which adds context to each room’s history and furnishings. The palace’s interiors are described as grand, with some reviews noting that each room surpasses the last in beauty. The exhibition of artworks, especially the Kings Tour Artists Collection debuting in 2025, offers a rare view into the artistic preferences of the current monarch, making this a unique feature of the upcoming season.

The Special Kings Tour Artists Exhibition

Opening in 2025, this exclusive collection is personally curated by His Majesty The King. It showcases over 70 carefully selected masterpieces from the Royal Collection. Visitors get an intimate look at the artistic tastes of the monarch, making this exhibition a highlight for art lovers and royal enthusiasts alike.

The Ballroom of Buckingham Palace hosts the exhibition, which offers a different perspective from the usual palace tours. This addition enhances the experience, giving guests a rare glimpse into the artistic side of royal life, not normally visible during standard visits.

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Tour Schedule and Flexibility

The tour’s starting times vary, so checking availability for your preferred date is recommended. It is designed to be paced comfortably over 2.5 hours, allowing enough time for both the guard ceremony and the palace visit. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday are exceptions where the Changing of the Guard may be unavailable, and guests are provided with a walking tour of Westminster instead.

The tour includes headsets so groups can clearly hear the guide’s narration even in crowded spots. It’s a walk-and-watch style experience that combines outdoor ceremony viewing with indoor palace exploration.

Practicalities and Accessibility

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking and standing. The activity is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, given the terrain and access restrictions. Cameras are not allowed inside Buckingham Palace, but plenty of photo opportunities outside and of the guard ceremony will be available.

The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so guests need to plan their transport to the meeting point. Arriving a few minutes early is advisable to ensure a smooth start.

Guides and Overall Quality

The guides are a major highlight, with reviews praising their knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling skills. Guides like Natalie, Michael, and Katrina are described as entertaining and highly informative, often making the experience memorable. Many reviews mention that guides know where to position guests for the best views, creating an up-close experience of the changing of the guard.

The reviews are consistent in rating the tour 4.2 out of 5, with many travelers expressing satisfaction with the insightful commentary and well-organized itinerary. The inclusion of audio guides and professional guides greatly enhances the experience, especially for first-timers.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At $96.98, the tour offers good value, considering it includes entry to Buckingham Palace, guide services, headsets, and the new Kings Tour Artists Exhibition. The combination of outdoor ceremony viewing and luxurious palace interiors makes it a comprehensive experience for those interested in royalty and history.

While there are some limitations—such as cameras being not permitted inside and dates when the guard change is not available—the overall experience is praised for quality guides, stunning interiors, and exclusive exhibits. It suits visitors who want an organized, informative, and up-close look at British royalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Changing of the Guard included in the tour?
Yes, the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace is a key part of the experience, with a guide explaining the ceremony’s history and significance.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, cameras are not allowed inside the palace’s State Rooms, but outside areas and guard ceremonies offer plenty of photo opportunities.

What happens if the guard change is canceled?
On days when the guard change is not scheduled, guests receive a walking tour of Westminster instead, ensuring no part of the day is wasted.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to terrain and access restrictions.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers entry to Buckingham Palace, the guided tour, headsets, and access to the Kings Tour Artists Exhibition starting in 2025.

This Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard tour offers a well-rounded view of London’s royal traditions and grandeur, led by knowledgeable guides and enhanced by exclusive exhibits. It’s a solid choice for travelers who value detailed insights and stunning interiors, with the convenience of a carefully curated schedule.

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