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Highlights
- Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace within a small group. An expert English-speaking guide will bring the pomp and pageantry to life.
- Meet your guide near Buckingham Palace for a quick briefing before walking together to prime viewing spots, ensuring you're ready when the ceremony begins.
- Experience guided access to both the Changing the Guard Ceremony and Horse Guards on their respective days with an expert guide who highlights key moments and formations.
- Listen to stories about royal traditions, uniforms, and marching bands as your English-speaking guide uses headsets so you catch every detail without missing a moment of the spectacle.
- Enhance your visit by upgrading to a 2-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace. Options include entry to explore the State Apartments on your own schedule or adding a guided Westminster Abbey visit.
Your Experience
Experience the iconic Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace through an expert-led small-group tour. With optional audio headsets for clear commentary, explore this British tradition with insightful guidance.
Getting started
Gather your group near Buckingham Palace where you'll meet your English-speaking guide. If included in your package, pick up the audio headset at this point to ensure you catch every detail of the ceremony's commentary as you proceed. Your guide will provide context for what lies ahead and inform you whether today features the Foot Guards or Horse Guards.
Witness Britain’s most iconic royal tradition up close outside Buckingham Palace, with a knowledgeable guide who explains every detail of the Changing the Guard Ceremony.
- An expert-guided experience: Learn about the history and military precision behind the Foot Guards during the ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
- A small group tour: Stay together as your English-speaking guide leads you to prime viewing spots, sharing stories of the palace, monarchy, and nearby royal landmarks.
- Clear commentary: Use optional audio headsets for uninterrupted live commentary amidst crowds and music.
Extras
- (Optional) State Rooms entry: After the tour, enjoy exclusive access to Buckingham Palace interiors on your own schedule.
- (Upgrade) Walking tour: Extend your visit with a 2-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace and its royal surroundings led by your guide.
- (Optional) Westminster Abbey tour: Enhance your experience with an additional guided exploration of the historic site known for royal coronations and burials.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Changing the Foot Guard Ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
- Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Small group tour
- Audio headsetsAdditional paid upgrades:
- 2-hour walking tour including 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
- Personal expenses
This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.
Must Know
- Pets are not permitted for this experience due to venue restrictions.
- The Changing the Guard ceremony is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the year. Note that last-minute cancellations may occur without prior notice because of palace or local authority decisions or adverse weather conditions.
- On Sundays, a different version known as the Sunday Parade takes place instead of the regular Changing the Guard ceremony.
- The Horse Guards Ceremony is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you book your tour on these days, expect to witness this unique event.
Ticket Delivery
- 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
Free cancellation up to 168 hours before the experience starts.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.
12 answered
Booking FAQs
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
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. The Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the Sunday Parade. If you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you will experience the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony instead.
Yes, it's a small-group guided tour with an expert English-speaking guide.
Mandatory security checks cannot be skipped; they are required before entering Buckingham Palace grounds.
Pets are not allowed due to venue restrictions.
The ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Yes, you can upgrade with a 2-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace or add entry to the State Apartments.
Bring your voucher/photo ID as it is necessary for participation in this experience.
There are no specific dress code requirements mentioned, but comfortable attire suitable for walking is recommended.
Bag rules aren't specified, so it's best to carry only essentials and check with your guide upon arrival.
Yes, you will receive an audio headset for clear commentary throughout the tour if included in your selected option.
The Changing the Guard Ceremony may be subject to last-minute cancellations due to various factors, so it's advisable to check for updates closer to your visit date.
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