Buckingham Palace Guided Tours

4.3(23.6K Ratings)

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Changing of the Guard Buckingham Palace
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Buckingham Palace guards in traditional red uniforms during Changing of the Guard, London.
St. James's Park London
Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau with audio guide, Combo: Changing of the Guards + Tower of London Tickets
Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, with tourists watching.
Westminster Abbey with Changing of the Guard ceremony, London tour combo.
Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms during the Changing of the Guard, London Royal Walking Tour.
Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms during Changing of the Guard, London Royal Walking Tour.
The iconic façade of Westminster Abbey. - St. Margaret’s Church
Changing of the Guard Buckingham Palace
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Buckingham Palace guards in traditional red uniforms during Changing of the Guard, London.
St. James's Park London
Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau with audio guide, Combo: Changing of the Guards + Tower of London Tickets
Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, with tourists watching.
Westminster Abbey with Changing of the Guard ceremony, London tour combo.
Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms during the Changing of the Guard, London Royal Walking Tour.
Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms during Changing of the Guard, London Royal Walking Tour.
The iconic façade of Westminster Abbey. - St. Margaret’s Church
Changing of the Guard Buckingham Palace
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Buckingham Palace guards in traditional red uniforms during Changing of the Guard, London.
St. James's Park London
Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau with audio guide, Combo: Changing of the Guards + Tower of London Tickets
Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, with tourists watching.
Westminster Abbey with Changing of the Guard ceremony, London tour combo.
Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms during the Changing of the Guard, London Royal Walking Tour.
Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms during Changing of the Guard, London Royal Walking Tour.
The iconic façade of Westminster Abbey. - St. Margaret’s Church
Guided Tours
4.2(224)

Changing of the Guard Tour

from
£15
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
  • 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 of 20 people or fewer
  • 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.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
  • 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.
Westminster Abbey in London
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists on a private guided tour in London.
Tour guide in London
Female Tourist exploring westminster during Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour
Sir Isaac Newton's Tomb in the Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists on a private guided tour in London.
View if the Great North Door of the Westminster Abbey
Poet's Corner in Westminster
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists, Big Ben in background, London guided tour.
Double-decker bus on London street near Big Ben during Golden Tours hop-on hop-off tour.
Westminster Abbey in London
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists on a private guided tour in London.
Tour guide in London
Female Tourist exploring westminster during Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour
Sir Isaac Newton's Tomb in the Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists on a private guided tour in London.
View if the Great North Door of the Westminster Abbey
Poet's Corner in Westminster
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists, Big Ben in background, London guided tour.
Double-decker bus on London street near Big Ben during Golden Tours hop-on hop-off tour.
Westminster Abbey in London
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists on a private guided tour in London.
Tour guide in London
Female Tourist exploring westminster during Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour
Sir Isaac Newton's Tomb in the Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists on a private guided tour in London.
View if the Great North Door of the Westminster Abbey
Poet's Corner in Westminster
Westminster Abbey exterior with tourists, Big Ben in background, London guided tour.
Double-decker bus on London street near Big Ben during Golden Tours hop-on hop-off tour.
Guided Tours
4.5(294)

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

from
£85
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
4 hr.
  • 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.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards.
Beefeater, also known as Yeoman Warder, in traditional uniform during an early access guided tour at the Tower of London
Tower of London with Beefeaters, Thames River cruise boat, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau with audio guide, Combo: Changing of the Guards + Tower of London Tickets
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards.
Beefeater, also known as Yeoman Warder, in traditional uniform during an early access guided tour at the Tower of London
Tower of London with Beefeaters, Thames River cruise boat, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau with audio guide, Combo: Changing of the Guards + Tower of London Tickets
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards.
Beefeater, also known as Yeoman Warder, in traditional uniform during an early access guided tour at the Tower of London
Tower of London with Beefeaters, Thames River cruise boat, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau with audio guide, Combo: Changing of the Guards + Tower of London Tickets
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Tower of London with early access, Thames River cruise, and Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Guided Tours
4.1(62)

Tower of London Guided Tour, Thames Cruise, Changing of the Guards and Optional Opening Ceremony

from
£84
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
4 hr.

Skip the lines at the Tower, & watch the Changing of the Guard

  • Save time with early access to the almost 1000-year-old Tower of London and upgrade to witness the opening ceremony before the Tower opens to the public.
  • Glide along the Thames as your expert guide narrates captivating stories while pointing out the city's notable landmarks including Big Ben and the London Eye.
  • Stroll through the Westminster area along with your English-speaking guide and discover iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
  • Visit the outer areas of Buckingham Palace and get the chance to witness the magnificent Changing of the Guards ceremony.
  • Opt to enhance your visit by being among the first to view the splendid Crown Jewels at the opening ceremony held at the Tower of London.

Skip the lines at the Tower, & watch the Changing of the Guard

  • Save time with early access to the almost 1000-year-old Tower of London and upgrade to witness the opening ceremony before the Tower opens to the public.
  • Glide along the Thames as your expert guide narrates captivating stories while pointing out the city's notable landmarks including Big Ben and the London Eye.
  • Stroll through the Westminster area along with your English-speaking guide and discover iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
  • Visit the outer areas of Buckingham Palace and get the chance to witness the magnificent Changing of the Guards ceremony.
  • Opt to enhance your visit by being among the first to view the splendid Crown Jewels at the opening ceremony held at the Tower of London.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Tower of London
  • Skip-the-line early access
  • English-speaking guide
  • Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames
  • Walking tour around Buckingham Palace
  • Changing of the Guards ceremony
  • Opening ceremony at the Tower of London (as per option selected)
  • Tip: Remember to pack some snacks or a picnic. The riverside offers some lovely spots to relax and munch while soaking in the sights of London.
  • The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time, and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities.
  • Some lines may form due to increased security measures.
  • It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
  • 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 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.

Step into the world of British royalty with guided tours of Buckingham Palace. From historic State Rooms to the Queen's Gallery, uncover the stories behind this iconic landmark. Join us for an unforgettable experience in the heart of London.

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

Why book a guided tour of Buckingham Palace?

  • Expert Insight: Gain valuable insights and interesting facts about Buckingham Palace from knowledgeable tour guides.
  • Access to Exclusive Areas: Explore areas of Buckingham Palace not typically accessible to the public, such as the State Rooms and Picture Gallery.
  • Avoid Hassle: Book a guided tour and skip the long lines and logistical challenges of planning your visit independently.
  • Personalized Attention: Benefit from personalized attention and the opportunity to ask questions and engage with your guide.

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.

Visitor Tips

  • Book in Advance: Buckingham Palace tours are popular, especially during peak tourist seasons. Book your guided tour in advance to secure your preferred date and time slot.
  • Check for Tour Inclusions: Confirm what is included in your guided tour package, such as access to specific rooms within Buckingham Palace.
  • Bring ID: Make sure to bring valid identification, such as a passport or driver's license, as you will be required to show it before entering Buckingham Palace.
  • Plan for Security Checks: Be prepared to go through security checks upon entry to Buckingham Palace. To expedite the process, avoid bringing large bags.
  • Consider Accessibility Needs: If you or someone in your group has accessibility needs, inform Buckingham Palace in advance so appropriate accommodations can be arranged. Please note that Buckingham Palace guided tours are not wheelchair accessible.
  • No Photography: Photography is not permitted inside Buckingham Palace.
  • Stay with Your Group: Stay with your guided tour group and follow the designated route as instructed by your tour guide.

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.