Changing of the Guard Tour at Buckingham Palace
Mobile Ticket
Yes
- Watch the iconic guard change in front of the royal residence in a small group, with an expert English-speaking guide bringing the pomp, precision, and pageantry to life.
- Meet your guide near Buckingham Palace, get a quick briefing, and walk together to prime viewing spots so you are ready when the Changing the Guard begins.
- Enjoy guided access to the Changing the Guard and the Horse Guard ceremonies on their respective days, with your guide ensuring you see key moments and formations.
- Hear stories about royal traditions, uniforms, and marching bands as your guide uses headsets so you catch every detail without missing the spectacle around you.
- Upgrade your experience with a 2-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace, get entry to the State Apartments to explore at your pace, or add a Westminster Abbey guided visit.
Tips
- Ceremony runs daily in summer, alternate days in winter; check the palace calendar.
- Arrive 15 minutes before departure to secure the forecourt position.
- Rain cancels the ceremony; the tour runs anyway but refunds partially.
- The route stops at St James's Palace; photo access is clearer there than at Buckingham.
- Children over six engage with the ceremony; younger ages struggle with the standing wait.
What is Included
- Changing the Foot Guard Ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
- Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
- Expert English-, French-, or German-speaking tour guide
- Small group tour
- Audio headsets
Additional paid upgrades:
- 2-hour walking tour including St James's Park, The Mall and Buckingham Palace from outside
- Private walking tour of St James's Park, The Mall and Buckingham Palace from outside
- Entry to Buckingham Palace State Rooms
- Multimedia guide in 9 languages
- Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
- Guided tour of Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Know before you go
What’s not allowed
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Additional information
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The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the year. However, last-minute cancellations can occur without prior notice due to palace or local authority decisions or bad weather.
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The State Rooms are only open for a few months in the year, typically from July to September.
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The Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
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On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the Sunday Parade.
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If you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you will experience the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony instead.
Ticket / Voucher Information
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellable window is open for 168 hours
