Buckingham Palace tour tickets that include State Rooms entry are only useful for about two months a year, because the palace itself opens to the public just July through September. This tour covers that rare window: a guided walk to the Changing of the Guard, then self-guided entry to the State Rooms. From $84 per person, with palace admission included.
Buckingham Palace Tour Details and Price (2026)
Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour
- From $84 per person (discounted rates for kids)
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Pre-reserved entry to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms (open July to September only)
- Official Buckingham Palace audio guide in 9 languages
- Expert guide for the walking tour and Changing of the Guard
- Guided viewing of the Changing of the Guard from a good vantage point
- Walk through St. James’s Park with royal history commentary
- Free time to explore the palace at your own pace
- Maximum 30 travelers
- 4.1 stars from 1,879 reviews
- Booked an average of 57 days in advance
The State Rooms open to the public only during the summer, and tickets sell out. This tour secures your palace entry and pairs it with a guided Changing of the Guard, so the timing and tickets are handled in one booking.
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What Your Day Looks Like
Meet at the Duke of York Column. Your guide gathers the group at this landmark in central London, the gateway to Royal London.
Walk through St. James’s Park (20 min). Stroll through London’s oldest Royal Park with lake views and some of the best views of Buckingham Palace, passing St. James’s Palace, Clarence House (King Charles III’s official London residence), and Lancaster House along the way.
Changing of the Guard (30 min). Your guide takes you to a prime viewing spot for one of London’s most famous ceremonies, explaining the history and traditions as it unfolds. A good guide makes the difference between seeing the ceremony clearly and being stuck behind the crowds.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms (self-guided). Enter the palace and explore the State Apartments at your own pace with the official audio guide. See the throne room, the Picture Gallery with its Rembrandts and Vermeers, the Ballroom, and the collection of art and antiques. This is the part that makes the tour special, and it’s only possible in summer.
Important: What to Know Before You Book
State Rooms open July to September only. The palace interior is only open to the public for about two months in summer. Outside that window, this specific tour with palace entry isn’t available.
Changing of the Guard isn’t guaranteed. The ceremony is a free public event run by British authorities and can be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice, often not announced until the morning, usually due to weather. If it’s cancelled, you get an extended walking tour of Westminster instead.
- Foot Guards days. The full Changing of the Foot Guards happens Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday there’s no Foot Guards ceremony, so you get a Westminster walking tour and may see the Horse Guards instead (not guaranteed). Check the day you book.
- Expect crowds and security lines at the palace. Entry involves airport-style security managed by the palace, which can be slow at peak times. Build in patience, and don’t schedule tight commitments right after the tour.
- Lots of walking and standing. Moderate fitness needed. Not wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for those with serious heart or medical conditions.
- Cancellation: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What Travelers Say
“Amazing! Our tour guide Christopher was incredible. He moved at a good pace and would always check in with us (my niece was on crutches). Once we got inside it was self-guided with audio. Really cool to see the inside of the palace. A must see!” (Bernadette G., July 2026)
“Jo was amazing. With her expertise she got us to all the right spots at the right time to get the best experience. We saw so much more than just the one changing in front of the palace, and she made sure we were safely into the palace entrance.” (Bridget J., July 2026)
“We were fortunate enough to visit when the State Rooms and Garden were open. The furnishings, artwork, and history were amazing. Our guide Robert knew exactly where to position us for the changing of the guards.” (Rasheda J., August 2026)
Book Your Buckingham Palace Tour
The State Rooms, the Changing of the Guard, and a guided walk through Royal London, all in one summer-only tour with palace entry included. From $84 per person.
👉 Check availability and book your tickets
Prices based on 2026 rates. State Rooms are open July to September only. The Changing of the Guard is a free public event subject to cancellation by British authorities. Confirm details at checkout.
