Exploring Buckingham Palace & the Changing of the Guard: An Honest Look
If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see one of the city’s most iconic sights—the royal residence of Buckingham Palace—this tour offers a solid way to do it. It combines watching the traditional Changing of the Guard with access to the palace’s State Rooms, guided by knowledgeable hosts. While it’s not the cheapest experience out there, many find the value in combining these classic sights into a manageable, well-organized package.
What we particularly like about this tour is the chance to witness the precision of the Guards and get an inside look at the lavish interiors of Buckingham Palace. Plus, the added bonus of the new 2025 exhibition, The Kings Tour Artists, provides an exclusive peek at royal art collections personally selected by the King. On the other hand, one consideration is that the Changing of the Guard isn’t guaranteed every day and is subject to weather and official schedules, which can affect the experience if you’re set on seeing it.
This tour is a great fit for travelers who want a structured, informative experience with a good balance of ceremony and palace exploration. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in royal history, art treasures, and traditional ceremonies. Just keep in mind that it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or who require wheelchair access, as stated in the details.
Key Points
- Includes access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, offering a glimpse of royal furnishings and treasures.
- Guided experience with audio commentary, providing historical context and inside stories.
- Opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard, a classic ceremony, though it’s weather-dependent.
- Cost of about $97 per person provides a comprehensive experience, but consider whether it’s worth the price.
- Timing is flexible with checkable start times, lasting around 2.5 hours.
- Meeting point is outside central London, and it doesn’t include hotel pickup, so plan your transport.
The Experience in Detail
Starting at Waterloo Place
Your tour kicks off at the Duke of York Column on Waterloo Place, close to Regent Street and St. James Park. It’s a recognizable spot—a tall column topped with a statue—that makes for an easy meet-up. From here, your guide will give an overview of what’s to come and set the scene for this royal adventure.
Watching the Changing of the Guard
The highlight for many visitors, of course, is the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. This ceremony involves the meticulous handover of guard duties, performed with military precision to the sounds of a marching band. The guide will explain the history and significance behind this tradition, giving you a richer understanding of the ceremony.
However, it’s worth noting that the schedule varies—there’s no Changing of the Guard on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays—and weather can sometimes lead to cancellations. When the ceremony isn’t happening, you’ll be taken on a walking tour of Westminster city, which still offers plenty of sights and stories, but it’s a different experience.
Inside Buckingham Palace
After the guard spectacle, you’ll head inside Buckingham Palace itself. This is where the tour really shines, as you get to explore the lavish State Rooms, showcasing some of the finest English and French furniture, sparkling chandeliers, and treasures from the Royal Collection. This part of the tour allows you to admire the grandeur of royal living—imagine rooms filled with exquisite porcelain, furniture, and family heirlooms.
What sets this apart is the audio commentary, which provides context and stories about the furnishings, the royal family, and the palace’s history. You’ll find many reviews praising the guides for their knowledge and engaging storytelling—”He was very informative and has a great sense of humor,” one reviewer shared.
More Great Tours NearbyThe New 2025 Exhibition
A special feature for 2025 is The Kings Tour Artists Exhibition, hosted in the palace’s Ballroom. This collection includes over 70 masterpieces personally selected by His Majesty The King, offering a rare insight into his artistic tastes. For art lovers, this adds a modern, personal touch to the traditional palace visit.
What Visitors Say
Many reviews highlight the quality of guides—”Our guide, Katarina, was excellent,” “Michael was an amazing tour guide”—and how they enhanced the experience. People often appreciate the up-close views of the Guards and the interesting stories shared throughout. Several mention that they felt they received good value for the price, especially when they saw the splendor of the palace interiors.
However, some note the challenge of crowds and timing, especially during the guard change, which can be very popular and crowded. Having a knowledgeable guide helps navigate this and secure good viewing spots, as several reviewers praised guides like Natalie, Ralph, and Aaron for their efficiency and storytelling skills.
Practical Details & Considerations
- The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable chunk of your day.
- The price of $96.98 per person is reasonable considering it includes entry to the State Rooms, a guided tour, and audio commentary. Comparing this to solo visits or tickets, it offers good value, especially with the guide’s insights.
- The meeting point is easy to find near Waterloo Place, just a short walk from major Underground stations.
- Note that cameras and baby strollers are not allowed inside the palace, which might be a disappointment if you’re hoping to capture the interiors.
- It’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as flagged by the provider.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re interested in royal traditions, historical architecture, and art collections, this tour hits many of those points. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time visitors wanting a structured overview of Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, especially if you enjoy hearing stories and facts from enthusiastic guides.
On the flip side, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer independent exploration, you might find some parts a bit structured or rushed. Also, if you’re sensitive to crowds or have accessibility needs, this tour might not be the best fit.
Overall, it’s an experience that offers a comprehensive look at royal London, with a balance of ceremony, history, and art, all delivered with engaging guides and a comfortable pace.
London: Buckingham Palace Entry & Changing of the Guard Tour
“He was very informative and has a great sense of humor which the group really liked. Highly recommended”
FAQs
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at Waterloo Place, which is easily accessible by Underground.
Is the Changing of the Guard guaranteed?
Not always. The ceremony depends on the schedule and weather conditions. If it’s canceled, the guide will replace it with a walking tour of Westminster city, so you still get to see some key sights.
How long does the tour take?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including the guard change and the palace visit. You can check the specific start times when booking.
What can I expect to see inside Buckingham Palace?
You’ll see the lavish State Rooms, which feature furniture, porcelain, and artworks from the Royal Collection. The tour also includes commentary that enhances your understanding of each room’s significance.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, children who are interested in history and royal stories will likely enjoy it. However, note that cameras and strollers aren’t allowed inside, which may impact families with young kids.
Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography is not allowed inside the State Rooms, in line with Royal Collection policies. You might find plenty of photo opportunities outside or during the guard change.
All in all, this tour is a thoughtful, well-rounded way to experience some of London’s most iconic royal sights. If you enjoy guided storytelling, appreciate art, and want a peek behind the palace doors, it’s worth considering. Just remember to check the guard schedule and prepare for crowds—and you’re likely to walk away with some memorable stories and stunning photos from outside the palace.
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