A complete guide to every Buckingham Palace tour option, from self-guided State Rooms visits to expert-led Changing of the Guard walking tours and royal Westminster experiences.
Buckingham Palace is unusual among London attractions because the main visit, the State Rooms, is already structured as a self-guided tour with a multimedia guide. So the question is not whether to take a tour, but which experience suits you best. Some visitors prefer the flexibility of going at their own pace; others want an expert guide for context, especially for the Changing of the Guard, where knowing where to stand makes all the difference.
Buckingham Palace Tours at a Glance
| Feature | State Rooms (Self-Guided) | Changing of the Guard Walking Tour | Entry & Royal Walking Tour | Palaces & Parliament Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours | 1.5 hours | 2.5 hours | Half day |
| Group size | Self-paced | Max 20 | Small group | Small group |
| Expert guide | Audio guide (9 languages) | Yes (English) | Yes (English) | Yes (English) |
| Palace entry included | Yes (State Rooms and gardens) | No | Yes (State Rooms and gardens) | No |
| Changing of the Guard | Not included | Yes (best viewing spots) | Not included | Not included |
| Available | Summer only (Jul to Sep) | Year-round | Summer only (Jul to Sep) | Year-round |
| Best for | Seeing the palace interior at your own pace | Understanding the ceremony with expert commentary | Palace visit plus guided royal Westminster context | A broad royal London overview taking in 20+ sights, without palace entry |
Types of Buckingham Palace Tours
Each tour offers a different experience. Here is what makes each one worth considering, with the best options on Tiqets and GetYourGuide.
Self-Guided State Rooms Tour
What makes it special
The core Buckingham Palace experience. You walk through 19 State Rooms at your own pace with a multimedia guide, from the Grand Staircase and Throne Room to the 47-metre Picture Gallery, the Ballroom, and the White Drawing Room. These are the working rooms where the King receives ambassadors and hosts State Banquets, not museum recreations, and they open only during the summer.
Why choose it
- See inside the palace at your own pace, with no fixed group
- Excellent multimedia guide included, in nine languages
- Garden access after the indoor route
Recommended tickets
Changing of the Guard Tours
What makes it special
The ceremony is free to watch, but without context it can be a confusing wall of marching and crowds. A guided tour gives you an expert who explains the regiments and the movements and, crucially, positions you at the best viewing spots before the crowds build. These run year-round and do not require palace entry, so they are easy to combine with other plans.
Why choose it
- Understand what you are watching, not just see it from afar
- The guide secures the best viewing positions, worth it on busy days
- Small groups, and available year-round
Recommended tours
Palace Entry with a Guided Tour
What makes it special
These combine State Rooms entry with an expert guide who covers the wider royal Westminster area, so you get the palace interior plus context for the surrounding royal quarter. A good fit if it is your first time in London and you want more than the self-guided route. Summer only, as they include State Rooms entry.
Why choose it
- Palace entry plus expert commentary on the wider royal quarter
- Indoor and outdoor variety in one booking
- Ideal for first-time visitors who want context
Recommended tours
Wider Royal London Walking Tours
What makes it special
An exterior walking tour that takes in Buckingham Palace alongside other landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and St James’s Palace. There is no palace entry, but the guide gives you a deeper understanding of the monarchy and government, and it runs year-round, which makes it a strong option if the State Rooms are sold out or closed for the season.
Why choose it
- A broader royal and political London overview
- Available year-round, not tied to the summer opening
- Good for visitors who cannot get State Rooms tickets
Recommended tours
What’s Included in Buckingham Palace Tours
What you get depends on which tour you choose. Here is a breakdown of the key components.
State Rooms Access
Multimedia Guide
Expert Guide
Palace Gardens
How to Choose the Right Tour
Not sure which option is right for you? These questions will help you decide.
Do you want to go inside the palace?
If yes, you need either the self-guided State Rooms ticket or a palace-entry guided tour. Both include full State Rooms access, the gardens, and the multimedia guide. The Changing of the Guard and wider Westminster walking tours are exterior only and do not include palace entry.
Is the Changing of the Guard your priority?
If the ceremony is the main event for you, book a dedicated Changing of the Guard tour. The guide’s ability to position you at the best spots and explain what is happening in real time is the biggest value-add. You can always visit the State Rooms separately on another day if you also want to go inside.
Are you visiting outside the summer opening?
The State Rooms are only open from mid-July to late September. Outside that window, your options are a Changing of the Guard tour (year-round), a wider royal London walking tour (year-round), or the Royal Mews and the King’s Gallery when open, which have their own tickets. See our tickets guide for details.
How much time do you have?
If you only have 1.5 to 2 hours, a Changing of the Guard tour is the most efficient option. For a half day, the self-guided State Rooms tour (about 2 to 2.5 hours including the gardens) is ideal. For a full day, pair a State Rooms visit with a Changing of the Guard tour on a different day, since the ceremony clashes with most morning State Rooms slots.
How to Book Buckingham Palace Tours
Practical advice on when, where, and how to book.
When to book
State Rooms tickets go on sale months before the summer opening and popular dates sell out fast, so book as soon as they are released if your travel dates are fixed. Changing of the Guard and walking tours are less time-pressured, but busy days such as weekends and school holidays still fill up, so aim to book at least a week ahead.
Where to book
- Tiqets (recommended): State Rooms, the Royal Mews, and the guided and walking tours, with instant confirmation and mobile tickets.
- GetYourGuide: State Rooms entry plus a wide range of Changing of the Guard and royal Westminster tours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before most experiences.
- Royal Collection Trust (official): direct tickets, including combination options. Non-refundable but exchangeable for another date.
What you will need
- A smartphone to show your mobile ticket, or a printed confirmation
- Valid ID for any age-based discounts
- Comfortable walking shoes, especially for walking tours and the palace gardens
- Light baggage, as large bags are not permitted inside the palace
Cancellation policies
Tiqets and GetYourGuide generally offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit. Royal Collection Trust tickets bought directly are non-refundable but can be exchanged for a different date, subject to availability. Always check the specific policy on the product page when you book.
Plan Your Visit
Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms open for a limited summer season, while The King’s Gallery and the Royal Mews open across more of the year. Hours change seasonally, so confirm before booking.
- State Rooms: mid-July to late September
- The King’s Gallery and Royal Mews: open across more of the year
- Changing of the Guard: year-round on selected days (check the schedule)
Always check the official site for exact dates and seasonal schedules before you book.
Buckingham Palace sits at the western end of The Mall in St James’s. Here are your best options for getting there:
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, at the western end of The Mall.
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA, UK · Google Maps
Meeting points vary by tour. Common locations include:
- State Rooms visitor entrance, Buckingham Palace Road (self-guided State Rooms entry)
- The main gates on The Mall (many Changing of the Guard tours gather nearby)
- Victoria or Green Park station (some walking tours)
Check your specific tour confirmation for the exact meeting point and arrive about 10 minutes early.
Wheelchair access to the State Rooms must be arranged in advance, as the route includes a lift and some steps. The gardens and ground-floor rooms are largely step-free. Walking tours cover uneven ground and varying distances, so contact the tour provider about specific access needs before you book.
Tour Booking Tips
Practical advice to get the most from your Buckingham Palace tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a guided tour inside Buckingham Palace?
The standard visit is self-guided with a multimedia audio guide. There is no traditional guided tour inside the State Rooms during the public summer opening. Limited guided tours of the State Rooms do run on selected dates from October to May, outside the main summer window.
Is a Changing of the Guard tour worth it?
If you want to understand the ceremony rather than just watch from a distance, yes. The guide positions you at the best spots and explains everything in real time. Without a guide, many visitors find the experience confusing and crowded.
Can I combine a palace visit with a Changing of the Guard tour?
Yes, but ideally on separate days. The ceremony starts at 11:00 and the best viewing means arriving by 09:30, which clashes with most State Rooms time slots. If you only have one day, book an early State Rooms slot and skip the ceremony, or watch the ceremony in the morning and visit The King’s Gallery or the Royal Mews in the afternoon.
Are Buckingham Palace tours suitable for children?
The self-guided State Rooms tour works for older children, though it is a lot of walking through ornate rooms. The Royal Mews, with its horses and carriages, is the most child-friendly experience. The Changing of the Guard walking tour suits children who can walk for 90 minutes and handle crowds.
What if the Changing of the Guard is cancelled?
The ceremony can be cancelled at short notice due to wet weather or operational reasons. If you have booked a guided walking tour, most providers will notify you and offer a reschedule or refund. Always check the Household Division website on the morning of your visit.