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- Buckingham Palace
- Changing the Guard Ceremony
- State Rooms
- King's Gallery
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- Royal Mews
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
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- Harry Potter London Tours
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- Madame Tussauds London
- Westminster Abbey
- London To Windsor Castle Tours
- Up At The O2 Climb
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- London To Stonehenge Tours
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- Frameless London
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Kew Gardens
- Hampton Court Palace
- Downton Abbey
- Churchill War Rooms
- London Dungeon
Buckingham Palace Guided Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- Catch the Changing of the Foot Guards or Changing of the Horse Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, depending on the day of your visit, with a small group.
- Witness the Old Guard, in their vibrant red uniforms, being replaced by the New Guard in a formal ceremony as the regimental band plays a lively tune.
- Go on a 1.5-hour walking tour and stroll through St. James's Park, the Mall, and St. James's Palace, hearing stories from your English-speaking guide.
- Upgrade your tickets to get skip-the-line entry into Westminster Abbey, a World Heritage Site that has witnessed multiple coronations and royal weddings.
- Catch the Changing of the Foot Guards or Changing of the Horse Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, depending on the day of your visit, with a small group.
- Witness the Old Guard, in their vibrant red uniforms, being replaced by the New Guard in a formal ceremony as the regimental band plays a lively tune.
- Go on a 1.5-hour walking tour and stroll through St. James's Park, the Mall, and St. James's Palace, hearing stories from your English-speaking guide.
- Upgrade your tickets to get skip-the-line entry into Westminster Abbey, a World Heritage Site that has witnessed multiple coronations and royal weddings.
Inclusions
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Small group tour
- 1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace (as per option selected)
- Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey (as per option selected)
- Audio headsets
- Tip: Try to stand somewhere close to the Buckingham Palace Gate to get the best views of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Changing of the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
- Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you’ll experience the change of the Household Cavalry.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Dive into Britain's rich history with this 4-hour, small-group, English, German, or French guided tour of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.
- Skip-the-line tickets mean no waiting around at Westminster Abbey, spend more time exploring this architectural wonder and its royal heritage.
- Be awed by the beauty of Lady Chapel, called ‘the wonder of the world’ by 16th-century historian John Leland, and check out the Coronation Chair.
- Stroll through the streets of Westminster, and visit the exteriors of Buckingham Palace as your English-speaking guide regales you with interesting stories.
- Marvel at the Big Ben, a sign of Parliament and democracy, and explore the Buckingham Palace Gardens where you can see a tennis court, summer house, and more.
- Dive into Britain's rich history with this 4-hour, small-group, English, German, or French guided tour of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.
- Skip-the-line tickets mean no waiting around at Westminster Abbey, spend more time exploring this architectural wonder and its royal heritage.
- Be awed by the beauty of Lady Chapel, called ‘the wonder of the world’ by 16th-century historian John Leland, and check out the Coronation Chair.
- Stroll through the streets of Westminster, and visit the exteriors of Buckingham Palace as your English-speaking guide regales you with interesting stories.
- Marvel at the Big Ben, a sign of Parliament and democracy, and explore the Buckingham Palace Gardens where you can see a tennis court, summer house, and more.
Inclusions
- 4-hour guided tour of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace
- Skip-the-line tickets to Westminster Abbey
- Licensed English, German, or French-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Walking tour of the city of Westminster
- Small group of max 20 people
Exclusions
- Entry to Buckingham Palace
- Entry to Big Ben
- Tip: While exploring Westminster Abbey, make sure to visit the famous Poets' Corner. You'll find memorials to notable literary figures like Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens.
- Keep in mind large suitcases and bulky items are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Safety is a priority so guests under 17 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over.
- While there is no strictly enforced dress code, please note that the Abbey is a place of worship, and it is better to be dressed modestly
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Guided Tours
Tower of London Guided Tour, Thames Cruise, Changing of the Guards and Optional Opening Ceremony
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Tower of London Ticket Office
Meet your English-speaking guide at the Ticket Office at the Tower of London.
0.16 km
3 minutes
1
Tower of London
Tickets included
The Tower of London, a historic castle on the banks of the River Thames, is a symbol of British power and history. This iconic fortress has served as a royal palace, an armory, a prison, and a treasury.
0.16 km
3 minutes
2
Thames River Cruise
8 attractions
Tickets included
Experience the magic of London from the River Thames, a relaxing and scenic way to explore the city! Cruise past iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and St Paul's Cathedral, while learning about the city's rich history and culture from your English-speaking guide.
Nearby things to do
Tower Bridge
21 min walk
The Shard
22 min walk
HMS Belfast
22 min walk
St. Paul's Cathedral
14 min walk
Shakespeare's Globe
15 min walk
London Eye
8 min walk
Big Ben
1 min walk
Westminster Abbey
2 min walk
3.37 km
27 minutes
3
Skip the lines at the Tower, & watch the Changing of the Guard.
- See the Tower of London, the Changing of the Guard, and a Thames River cruise in one day, saving time and money.
- Get a healthy dose of royalty as you marvel at the Crown Jewels at the Tower and the palatial residence of Buckingham Palace.
- With a guided tour of the Tower, the Thames River cruise, and the Buckingham Palace grounds, you can learn much about the city and its rich history.
- While skip-the-line early access to the Tower is guaranteed, you can also upgrade your experience to see the Beefeater (Yeoman Warders) opening ceremony.
Skip the lines at the Tower, & watch the Changing of the Guard.
- See the Tower of London, the Changing of the Guard, and a Thames River cruise in one day, saving time and money.
- Get a healthy dose of royalty as you marvel at the Crown Jewels at the Tower and the palatial residence of Buckingham Palace.
- With a guided tour of the Tower, the Thames River cruise, and the Buckingham Palace grounds, you can learn much about the city and its rich history.
- While skip-the-line early access to the Tower is guaranteed, you can also upgrade your experience to see the Beefeater (Yeoman Warders) opening ceremony.
Inclusions
Tower of London
- Guided tour of the Tower of London
- Skip-the-line early access
- English-speaking guide
- Opening ceremony at the Tower of London (as per option selected)
Thames River Cruise
- Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames
- English-speaking guide
Buckingham Palace
- Walking tour around Buckingham Palace
- Changing of the Guards ceremony
Exclusions
- Entry to the Buckingham Palace
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, and Thames River Cruise
- The Crown Jewels are a working collection and as a consequence, the display is subject to change without prior notice due to security reasons.
- Some lines may form due to increased security measures, even with skip-the-line access.
- The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time, and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Please note that the schedule may change and on different dates, you will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.
- In case the Changing of the Guard ceremony is canceled, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster instead.
- Keep in mind that large bags, sharp objects, and items that can cause security hazards are not allowed in these experiences. Pack wisely!
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for these experiences.
- These experiences are partially wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venues.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Enter the iconic Buckingham Palace, and opt to witness the Change of the Guard ceremony with an expert guide.
- Watch the guards in red tunics and bearskin hats march before the grand palace, then explore the Royal Family’s residence with the official audio guide.
- Walk through the royal State Rooms, where the royal family holds their many events and receptions, and admire the 47-meter-long Picture Gallery.
- The gallery houses the Royal collection such as Van Dyck's portrait of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, scenes of Venice, by Canaletto, and more.
Choose to witness the Changing of the Guard or enjoy a walk in St James's Park while hearing fascinating tales of King Henry VIII's hunting adventures.
- Enter the iconic Buckingham Palace, and opt to witness the Change of the Guard ceremony with an expert guide.
- Watch the guards in red tunics and bearskin hats march before the grand palace, then explore the Royal Family’s residence with the official audio guide.
- Walk through the royal State Rooms, where the royal family holds their many events and receptions, and admire the 47-meter-long Picture Gallery.
- The gallery houses the Royal collection such as Van Dyck's portrait of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, scenes of Venice, by Canaletto, and more.
Choose to witness the Changing of the Guard or enjoy a walk in St James's Park while hearing fascinating tales of King Henry VIII's hunting adventures.
Inclusions
- Hosted entry to Buckingham Palace
- Official Palace multimedia guide for interiors
- Headsets
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony with an English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- St. James Park walking tour (as per option selected)
- Tip: Don't forget to stop and admire the Grand Staircase, a very prominent feature of the Palace that talks a lot about its aesthetic interiors.
- On the days when the Changing of the Guard ceremony is not available, a visit to the Horseguards Parade will be arranged in its place.
- Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before 11am. When this occurs, you will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music or parade.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Get an exclusive peek inside Buckingham Palace. With skip-the-line access see the best of the monarchy during the King's 2-month open house.
- Fall in love with regal sights as you stroll down the Mall, discover St James’s Palace, and wander through St James’s Park on a royal walking tour.
- Walk through the State Rooms and feast your eyes on masterpieces by legends like Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Rubens.
- Get the lowdown on Buckingham Palace with a multilingual audio guide as you discover Royal Collection treasures.
- Get an exclusive peek inside Buckingham Palace. With skip-the-line access see the best of the monarchy during the King's 2-month open house.
- Fall in love with regal sights as you stroll down the Mall, discover St James’s Palace, and wander through St James’s Park on a royal walking tour.
- Walk through the State Rooms and feast your eyes on masterpieces by legends like Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Rubens.
- Get the lowdown on Buckingham Palace with a multilingual audio guide as you discover Royal Collection treasures.
Inclusions
- Royal walking tour before palace entry
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Buckingham Palace
- Audio guide for Buckingham Palace
- Skip-the-line access
- Headsets when necessary
- For safety reasons, pushchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms. They must be checked in and reclaimed at the exit. Baby-carriers are available for loan.
- A one-way system operates along the entire visitor route so be sure to check out the attractions thoroughly as you won’t be allowed to revisit them.
- This tour is not meant for individuals with impaired movement.
- Photography and filming are allowed for private use only and only in the Palace Gardens.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in London
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Which Buckingham Palace guided tour is best for you?
Small-Group Guided Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Suited for: History enthusiasts
Why go for it?
- With a small-group format limited to 20 guests, you can have a more intimate and personalized experience.
- The expert English-speaking guide will provide in-depth narration, offering historical insights about the Changing of the Guard ceremony, Buckingham Palace, and more.
- Learn all about the rich royal heritage of London, with visits to iconic sites like Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. The tour also includes stops at unique highlights such as The Queen's preferred alcohol shop and Prince Philip's barber.
Recommended Tours:
Small-Group Guided Tour Around Buckingham Palace with Changing of the Guard
Standard Guided Tour
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Suited for: Tourists seeking cultural experiences
Why go for it?
- This ticket provides the unique opportunity to observe the centuries-old Changing of the Guard ritual firsthand. It is a quintessential cultural experience of British history and tradition.
- Having an English-speaking tour guide will enhance the cultural experience, as they will provide you with valuable insights and interesting facts. You can learn about the palace's history, architecture, and significance within the context of British culture.
Recommended Tours:
Guided Tour of Buckingham Palace Interiors with Changing of the Guard
Buckingham Palace guided tour highlights
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Witness the world-famous ceremony where the Old Guard, wearing red coats and bearskin hats, hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace to the New Guard, accompanied by music from the regimental band. The bands play stirring melodies while the guards execute precise marching maneuvers, marking the transition between detachments.
Picture Gallery
See the illustrious Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery, spanning an impressive 47 meters and showcasing some of the most esteemed paintings from the Royal Collection. With The Queen often loaning out artworks for exhibitions both within the UK and abroad, the gallery's collection sees regular rotation. Admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, Claude and Canaletto.
White Drawing Room
The White Drawing Room stands as a pinnacle among Buckingham Palace's State Rooms, where esteemed guests are received by The Queen and members of the Royal Family. As one of the palace's principal reception areas, it boasts opulent English and French furnishings and delicate porcelain.
Tip: For a fun exercise, try finding the hidden entrance through which the Queen enters the room during official receptions.
Throne Room
In contrast to the White Drawing Room the Throne Room commands attention with its vibrant scarlet decor. Within, you will find a pair of throne chairs, known as the Chairs of Estate, utilized during The Queen's coronation in 1953. You can also see chairs crafted for King George VI's coronation and a throne chair commissioned for Queen Victoria in 1837. Designed by architect John Nash, this room reflects seventeenth-century opulence, showcasing his background in stage set design.
Frequently asked questions about Buckingham Palace guided tours
What languages are available for the Buckingham Palace guided tours?
The Buckingham Palace guided tours are available in English.
How long is the average Buckingham Palace guided tour?
The average guided tour of Buckingham Palace typically lasts around 1 to 3 hours, depending on the itinerary and specific rooms visited during the tour.
How many people are typically in a Buckingham Palace tour group?
Buckingham Palace tour group sizes usually range from 15 to 25 people. However if you prefer a group with less than 20 people, you can choose the small group guided tour option.
Are there any age restrictions for the Buckingham Palace guided tours?
There are no age restrictions for guided tours of Buckingham Palace, but children under 16 require adult supervision.
What is the cancellation policy for Buckingham Palace guided tours?
That would depend on the ticket chosen, some guided tours cannot be cancelled or rescheduled. However for the standard guided tour you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Are there additional facilities or amenities included with the Buckingham Palace guided tour?
Yes, you can witness the historic changing of the guard ceremony with a guided tour. You can also view the change of the household cavalry ceremony and visit the picture gallery.
Do the guides have professional training or certifications related to Buckingham Palace?
Yes, tour guides leading guided tours of Buckingham Palace have professional training or certifications related to the palace's history, architecture, and significance. They are knowledgeable experts who provide informative commentary throughout the tour.
Can I take photographs during the guided tour?
No, photography is not permitted inside Buckingham Palace. However your tour guide will provide further guidance if needed.