Buckingham Palace State Rooms Entry and Changing of the Guard - Half-Day Tour
Buckingham Palace State Rooms Entry and Changing of the Guard - Half-Day Tour
Buckingham Palace opens its doors only two months of the year! Come on this tour and get your hands on much coveted tickets as well as prime position for the Changing of the Guard.
Explore the many marvels of Buckingham Palace and experience the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony alongside an expert host so that no sight goes unnoticed.
Time to learn about two very British royal traditions in one morning: get your hands on hard-to-come-by tickets to Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guards in prime position. Learn all about the Royal Family in limited tours of Buckingham Palace, as it opens its doors for only two months of the year.
Your royal London experience begins with the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. This world-famous ceremony is the oldest tradition at Buckingham Palace and is held either here or at Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day.
Once inside the official residence of the King, you will be able to admire the lavish rooms that are used by the royals for State and ceremonial events, as you discover the palace’s history from the audio guide. Breathtakingly beautiful surroundings rich in history and traditions, Buckingham Palace is a must on everybody’s list, and with this tour, you get the unique chance of pre-booked guaranteed entry.
Enjoy commentary regarding the history and pageantry behind the ceremony – where the King’s easy-to-spot Foot Guards, with their red tunics and unmistakable bearskin hats, march to Buckingham Palace together with the military band, or enjoy the Household Cavalry change the guard at Horse Guards Parade, with their unmistakeable silver plumed helmets and mounted on their magnificent horses. (Please note that in heavy rain the guard’s parade will not take place).
Ticket options
• Foot Guard option - The Changing of the Foot Guard at Buckingham Palace involves foot soldiers from the Household Division and occurs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
• Horse Guard option - The Changing of the Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade features mounted cavalry from the Household Cavalry and takes place daily, this is what you will see if you book a tour on Tuesday and Thursday.
• On Saturday, the show that takes place is known as the Guard Mounting or Inspection of the New Guard at House Guards Parade. The inspection involves the Captain of the New Guard inspecting the soldiers to ensure they are in proper order with their uniforms and equipment in pristine condition, before they take over their duties from the Old Guard.
Inclusions
Half day morning tour with pre-booked guaranteed entry into Buckingham Palace & the best view for the Changing of the Guard.
Operating details
Meeting point: Duke of York column at Waterloo Place, 9, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ.
Meeting point instructions: Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Please note that the duration of the tour may vary from 2.5 hours to 4 hours, depending on the entry time at Buckingham Palace.
Included: Guide, ticket, audioguide (to Buckingham Palace), headsets (when appropriate during Changing of the Guard).
Mandatory instructions: Please ensure you have answered the mandatory questions during the booking process to ensure the correct provision of the service.
Remember to bring a valid photo ID with you.
Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either footguards or horse guards. If you book on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, enjoy the Household Cavalry change the guard at Horse Guards Parade.
The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities.
Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, customers will still see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music or parade.
Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. We may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, we strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour.
Photography is not permitted within Buckingham Palace but is allowed within the gardens.
Recommendations: Appropriate clothing for the weather. Please ensure you have rainproof clothing.
Voucher type: Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.
Supplier name: City Wonders.
Supplier emergency phone: +44 800 098 8019.
Operated by
Booked and payable by Hotelbeds. It is imperative that you take the Hotelbeds voucher with you as you will need to show this to the supplier. This will be emailed to you separately.
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Important information
Please note that you won't be able to make changes to your hotel or car booking. If you want to change your booking you will have to cancel your current booking and make a new booking. This can be done on ba.com.
We cannot guarantee that the same hotel room or car rental option will still be available if you have to cancel and make a new booking.
