If you’re planning a visit to London and want a well-rounded experience of royal splendor, this Buckingham Palace tour offers a solid mix of tradition, history, and exclusive access. It’s designed to give you a glimpse into the life of Britain’s monarchy, with some notable highlights that make it stand out.
What we love about this tour is how it combines the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard—a vibrant, colorful military ceremony—with the chance to explore the opulent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, which are only open to the public for a short window each year. Plus, the added bonus of a knowledgeable guide enriches the experience with historical context.
A possible consideration is that the tour can be affected by weather, especially since part of it is outdoor. Heavy rain might mean a change in schedule, and if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled or canceled, you’ll spend more time on a walking tour elsewhere in Westminster. Also, note that inside the palace, photography isn’t permitted, which might disappoint those hoping to capture their visit.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate a balance of guided storytelling, picturesque outdoor moments, and the opportunity to see inside a truly historic royal residence. It’s well-suited for those who want more than just a quick glance, but who also value the structured convenience of a guided experience.
Key Points
- Balanced Experience: Combines outdoor ceremony viewing with self-guided palace interior exploration.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary, especially during outdoor parts.
- Limited Inside Access: The State Rooms are only open for two months each year, making this a rare opportunity.
- Weather Dependency: The outdoor Changing of the Guard can be canceled or rescheduled, which affects the itinerary.
- Value for Money: At around $99, it’s a reasonable spend for a comprehensive experience, especially considering exclusive access.
- Group Size: Limited to 30 travelers, maintaining a more intimate and manageable tour.
Exploring the Itinerary in Detail
The tour kicks off at Duke of York Column near St. James’s Park, a pleasant starting point where your guide will meet you and set the scene. From there, it’s about a 20-minute stroll through this well-kept park, which alone is worth a visit for its lush greenery and views of the palace. This peaceful walk also provides a good chance to chat with your guide about the royal residence and its surroundings.
Next comes the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony is a highlight for many visitors, with soldiers dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, marching rhythmically accompanied by drums. You’ll stop at an ideal vantage point to see this colorful tradition unfold. According to reviews, the spectacle is both vibrant and precise, showcasing Britain’s military pageantry. One reviewer appreciated how the guide’s commentary enhanced the experience, noting, “This was a magnificent tour, it started several blocks from Buckingham Palace and everyone was given headsets so we could hear the guide.”
However, weather can be unpredictable. When heavy rain or schedule fluctuations mean the ceremony is canceled or moved, the tour replaces this outdoor event with a walk around Westminster. While less dramatic, it still offers a good look at key sights, and your guide’s commentary will keep the history lively.
The main attraction is the interior visit to Buckingham Palace. Only available during two months of the year, these State Rooms are the palace’s most luxurious spaces, filled with chandeliers, artworks, and furniture that scream royal wealth. You’ll use an audio guide to explore at your own pace, which many reviewers found enjoyable. One said, “It was amazing and everything we wanted it to be,” appreciating the opportunity to see inside such an iconic building.
A recent addition for 2025 is The Kings Tour Artists Exhibition in the ballroom. This collection, personally selected by King Charles III, features over 70 artworks from the Royal Collection, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic interests of the current monarch. This special exhibit enhances the palace visit, making it even more memorable.
The entire interior exploration lasts about an hour, after which you’ll return outside, where your guide will bid farewell. The overall experience allows for a good balance of guided insights and independent viewing, thanks to the audio guide and the relaxed pace.
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The Value of the Experience
At $99.38 per person, this tour offers quite a bit for the price. You’re getting a guided outdoor experience with expert commentary, a self-guided tour of the palace’s State Rooms, and access to a special art exhibition. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and their ability to enhance the experience, noting that “Katarina was an amazing guide! She made sure the entire group stayed together and took great pictures.”
The inclusion of headsets ensures everyone can hear the guides clearly, which is a plus in a bustling environment. The small group limit of 30 also helps make the experience more personal and manageable, avoiding the feeling of being lost in a crowd.
Some travelers mentioned that the guides’ walking pace can be brisk, especially during outdoor segments, so if you have mobility concerns or prefer a slower stroll, it’s worth mentioning. Also, since the palace interior is closed most of the year, this is a rare chance to see inside, adding to the tour’s value—especially if you’re visiting during the limited months it’s open.
What You Should Know Before Booking
- Weather can impact the outdoor segments; rain may cancel or reschedule the Changing of the Guard, replaced with a walking tour.
- The interior visit is self-guided using an audio guide, which many travelers find intuitive and informative.
- No photography inside the palace, so don’t expect to snap photos of the lavish rooms.
- The tour begins at 10:15 am from a central London meeting point, so arriving on time is essential.
- The duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including outdoor viewing, walking, and palace exploration.
- No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so plan your transportation accordingly.
- The Changing of the Guard schedule varies; on some days, it might not occur, meaning you’ll have a different experience.
- The exhibition in 2025 is a new feature, promising a special insight into royal art collections.
Authentic Perspectives From Travelers
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and humor of the guides, calling out guides like Katarina and Aaron for making the experience lively and engaging. One said, “Our guide Kevin did a fantastic job getting us around, giving us history lessons, and securing great views. It’s worth having someone who knows where to go.”
Many appreciate the stunning architecture and interiors of Buckingham Palace, describing it as “magnificent” and “beautiful in all aspects.” While the palace’s interior isn’t open most of the year, this tour’s limited access makes it a coveted chance to peek inside.
Some travelers mention the outdoor ceremony as the highlight, with one noting, “Getting into Buckingham Palace was worthwhile, but the Changing of the Guard was the most colorful and traditional performance I’ve seen.” Still, a few found the experience rushed and the crowds overwhelming, emphasizing the importance of early arrival and patience.
Weather issues have received mixed reviews; some found the rain cancellations disappointing but appreciated the alternative walking tour. One reviewer said, “It was a bit chaotic, especially in the rain, but the guide was full of information and made the most of it.”
Final Thoughts
This tour is a strong choice for visitors who want a comprehensive look at one of London’s most iconic sites without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. The combination of outdoor spectacle, expert narration, and insider access makes it an engaging experience that appeals to history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike.
The price reflects the value of the limited-time access to the State Rooms and the chance to see the Changing of the Guard in person. It’s a well-organized, manageable way to experience the monarchy’s grandeur in a span of a few hours.
If you appreciate guided insights and want to see inside the palace during the short window it’s open, this tour is a smart pick. Just be prepared for the weather and crowds, and plan your logistics accordingly.
FAQ
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this tour is quite popular and is typically booked about 60 days ahead. Advance booking ensures you secure your spot, especially during peak months.
What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers a meetup with a guide, outdoor viewing of the Changing of the Guard, entrance to Buckingham Palace, an audio guide for the State Rooms, and access to the 2025 Artist Exhibition.
Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the palace is not permitted, so bring your camera to capture the exterior and the beautiful gardens outside.
What happens if the Changing of the Guard is canceled?
Heavy rain or scheduling changes might mean the ceremony is replaced with a walking tour of Westminster. The guide will give commentary throughout, so you still get a rich experience.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as there is walking involved. If you have specific mobility needs, check with the provider beforehand to clarify arrangements.
What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, including outdoor viewing, walking between stops, and the palace interior exploration.
Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but due to walking and outdoor exposure, very young children should be prepared for a somewhat active morning.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially since there’s walking involved. If rain is forecast, bring an umbrella or raincoat.
Final Words
For anyone eager to experience the pageantry of Britain’s royal family firsthand, this tour offers a well-rounded look at Buckingham Palace and its surroundings. The knowledgeable guides, the chance to see the State Rooms, and the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard make for a memorable excursion.
While weather can influence the day’s flow, the overall value and the opportunity to explore inside the palace during its brief public opening window make this a worthwhile choice. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate guided narratives, historic sights, and a touch of royal elegance—without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves.
In the end, this tour strikes a good balance between structured sightseeing and personal discovery, making it a practical and enjoyable way to connect with London’s regal heart.