Touring Buckingham Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a quintessential London experience. This guided tour offers an engaging exploration of the palace’s grandeur and the surrounding historic sites. Participants can expect captivating insights from knowledgeable guides and prime viewing locations for the ceremonial spectacle. With a high customer rating, this two-hour excursion provides a compelling introduction to the city’s royal heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of London’s iconic landmarks.

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Key Points

This guided tour offers a 2-hour exploration of Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and Clarence House, providing insights into London’s royal heritage.
The tour includes witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the Horse Guard Parade on select days, depending on the schedule.
Booking options are available without upfront payment, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 914 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and strategic viewing spots.
The tour begins at Santander Bank in Green Park, London, and culminates near Westminster Station with views of the iconic Big Ben.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Buckingham Palace Experience offers visitors a guided tour of Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard. Priced from $24.60 per person, this 2-hour walking tour is conducted in English.

Participants can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also allows for booking without upfront payment.

Visitors can expect to witness the iconic Changing of the Guards ceremony on select days, as well as the daily Horse Guard Parade, all while exploring the historic sites around Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Santander Bank in Green Park, London.

Visitors will then explore the iconic Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the monarch.

From there, the group will venture to nearby St. James’s Palace, home to King Henry VIII, and Clarence House, the current residence of King Charles III.

The tour also includes a stop at Whitehall and the chance to witness the famous Horse Guard Parade, held daily.

The experience culminates near Westminster Station, offering a stunning view of the iconic Big Ben.

Throughout, the guide provides historical insights and contextualization.

Historical Insights

On the tour, visitors can expect to discover compelling tales of St. James’s Palace, the historic residence of King Henry VIII.

They’ll also explore Buckingham Palace, formerly known as Buckingham House, and learn about its transformation into the iconic royal abode.

The tour uncovers the stories behind Clarence House, the current residence of King Charles III.

Plus, guests will uncover poignant narratives, including the final night of King Charles I.

Through these engaging historical insights, the tour provides a deeper understanding of London’s royal heritage and the evolution of the monarchy.

Changing of the Guard

One of the highlights of the Buckingham Palace tour is witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place on select days throughout the year. This traditional ritual involves the formal handover of responsibility from one regiment to another. Depending on the day, visitors may also see the iconic Horse Guard Parade. To ensure you don’t miss this iconic display, check the schedule below:

| Day | Changing of the Guard |

|—–|———————-|

| Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | Occurs (weather permitting) |

| June & July | Daily |

Arrive early, as the best viewing spots fill up quickly. This captivating event is not to be missed.

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Meeting Point and Logistics

To witness the Changing of the Guard and the other highlights of the Buckingham Palace tour, guests will need to start their journey at the designated meeting point.

The tour departs from outside the Santander Bank, located near Green Park Station. From the station, guests should turn left onto the main road to reach the meeting spot.

Guests are advised to arrive a few minutes early and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates rain or shine.

With comfortable shoes and weather-ready attire, guests will be set to embark on this 2-hour exploration of royal London.

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What to Bring

When embarking on the Buckingham Palace tour, guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress in weather-appropriate attire. A few key essentials to bring along include:

| Item | Reason |

|——|——–|

| Umbrella | Potential rain or wind |

| Water Bottle | Stay hydrated during the 2-hour walk |

| Camera | Capture memorable moments at the palace |

| Small Snacks | Fuel up during the tour |

These simple preparations will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience exploring Buckingham Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Tour Operation Details

The Buckingham Palace tour operates rain or shine, ensuring visitors can experience the iconic landmark and its surrounding sites regardless of the weather.

The Buckingham Palace tour ensures visitors can experience the iconic landmark and surrounding sites regardless of the weather.

To make the most of the tour, there are a few key details to keep in mind:

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, weather permitting, with daily performances in June and July.
The meeting point is outside the Santander Bank, a short walk from Green Park Station.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this 2-hour walking tour.
The tour concludes near Westminster Station, across from the iconic Big Ben.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Buckingham Palace tour, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 914 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the excellence of the tour guides, with a 4.4 rating for their knowledge and accommodation.

Martine from France commended guide Katia for her insightful commentary and helpful tips. Similarly, Arun from India praised Catia’s thoroughness and flexibility after a missed tour.

Gina from the United States noted Katya’s informative nature and strategic viewing spots.

Reviewers also praised the tour’s value for money, rating it 4.2 out of 5.

The Sum Up

The London: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Experience provides an engaging two-hour tour that allows visitors to explore the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and witness the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony. With knowledgeable guides, strategic viewing locations, and a high customer rating, this tour offers a memorable and informative experience for those interested in the majesty of the British monarchy.

You can check availability for your dates here: