Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket

Getting a glimpse of Buckingham Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a highlight for many travelers visiting London. This experience, offered by Urban Saunters Ltd, blends a guided front-row view of the iconic guards changing shifts with a self-guided tour of the palace’s lavish State Rooms. With a focus on authentic Royal traditions, the tour promises a memorable slice of London’s regal life, all for around $97 per person.

What I appreciate about this experience is the combination of guided and independent exploration—you’re not just watching a parade of soldiers, but also getting a detailed backstory from your guide, and then wandering through the palace’s beautifully decorated rooms at your own pace. The guide, whose name isn’t specified but is described as very knowledgeable, helps you find the best angles to see the ceremony without the throngs of travelers blocking your view—definitely a perk in busy London. Plus, the self-guided aspect of the palace tour, with an audio guide, allows flexibility and personal discovery.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’re on foot for most of the experience, and the walking involved can be a lot—so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, as with most royal attractions, tickets are in high demand, especially during the palace’s open months of July, August, and September. So, booking in advance is wise. A possible downside is that no photography or video is allowed inside Buckingham Palace, which might be disappointing if you love snapping shots of grand interiors.

Overall, I think this tour strikes a great balance between education, spectacle, and personal exploration. It’s well-suited for those who want an authentic, well-organized introduction to Royal London without the heavy price tag of full private tours. If you’re a fan of history, pomp, and tradition, and enjoy a mix of guided insights with free time to soak in the surroundings, this experience is worth considering.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Royal Experience: Combines a classic Changing of the Guard with access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms.
• Expert Guidance: Your guide ensures a prime view of the ceremony and shares stories not found in guidebooks.
• Flexible Exploration: Self-guided audio tour of the palace allows you to enjoy the interiors at your own pace.
• High Demand & Timing: Tickets are limited and only available during July, August, and September, so plan early.
• Walking Intensive: Expect a fair amount of walking; good shoes are essential.
• Authentic Inside Look: View treasures, gifts from Heads of State, and spectacular furnishings in the State Rooms.

The Heart of the Experience: Witnessing the Changing of the Guard

The tour begins in the early morning, with you meeting your guide at Waterloo Place near the Equestrian statue of Edward VII. From this vantage point, you’ll get a good view of the ceremony—an event that draws crowds from around the world. Your guide, whose name isn’t given but is described as very knowledgeable, expertly points out key moments, explaining the significance of the Guards’ uniforms, the band, and the intricate movements. What makes this special is the storytelling—learning that the Guards wear traditional bearskin hats and red tunics, and the ceremonial march is steeped in centuries of tradition.

The guide seems particularly adept at spotting the best spots to view the ceremony, helping you avoid the seething crowds that tend to gather. As one reviewer noted, they “got a private tour” because they were the only ones booked, which meant more personal attention and an unhurried experience. Expect about 30-40 minutes of this spectacle, which is enough to savor the pomp without feeling rushed.

Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms: A Royal Treasure Trove

After the ceremony, you’ll have a chance to explore Buckingham Palace on your own. Entrance is included in the ticket, and you’re provided with an audio guide that walks you through the lavish State Rooms—the heart of royal ceremonial life. These rooms are filled with exquisite furnishings, spectacular artworks, and gifts from Heads of State, all arranged in a way that emphasizes the grandeur of royal residence.

One of the highlights, as mentioned in reviews, is the chance to see the Palace Gardens, a sprawling 16-hectare space where Queen Elizabeth often hosted tea parties. During the short three months each year when the Palace opens to visitors, tickets are in high demand. The self-guided format allows you to linger over the details that fascinate you most, whether it’s the historic portraits or the elegant chandeliers.

I love the way the audio tour brings the rooms alive with stories and trivia you won’t find in a guidebook—it’s the kind of detail that makes the experience memorable. However, it’s worth noting that photography and video are not allowed inside, which might be a disappointment if you love capturing every detail.

Logistics, Price, and Practical Tips

The total duration of this experience is around 3.5 hours, combining the guided Changing of the Guard and the self-guided palace tour. The meeting point is convenient—at Waterloo Place near Regent Street—and the tour ends back at the same spot, making it easy to continue exploring London afterward.

At $96.98 per person, this might seem pricey compared to simply watching the Changing of the Guard from the street, but it includes a guided experience and access to the State Rooms—something many cheaper options don’t offer. For lovers of history and those wanting an in-depth look, the value is solid, especially considering the high demand and limited availability during peak months.

Keep in mind that the tour involves a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, no pets, large bags, or weapons are allowed, and photography inside the palace is prohibited. Remember to bring your passport or ID, as it’s often required for entry.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just a quick photo or a distant glimpse of Buckingham Palace. It suits history buffs, royal watchers, and anyone interested in authentic British traditions. It’s also perfect if you prefer a guided element to avoid the chaos of the crowds and appreciate insider stories—one reviewer described their guide as “extremely knowledgeable,” adding a personal touch to the spectacle.

Because the tour involves a lot of walking and standing, those with mobility issues or wheelchair users might find it less suitable. But if you’re comfortable on your feet and eager for a comprehensive royal London experience, this tour is a smart choice.

Final Thoughts

For around $97, you get a well-organized, informative look into British royal pageantry, with the added benefit of visiting Buckingham Palace’s interiors—a rare opportunity outside the summer months. The combination of a guided front-row view of the Changing of the Guard and the freedom to explore the Palace’s opulent State Rooms makes this experience a good value.

The knowledgeable guides, exclusive insights, and flexible self-guided tour elevate this from just another sightseeing trip to a memorable, personal encounter with Royal London. The experience is best suited for those who love history, ceremony, and a touch of British pomp, and who are prepared for a fair amount of walking.

If you’re after a well-rounded, authentic royal experience with expert guidance and a manageable group size, this tour delivers on all counts. Just remember to book early, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for an immersive step into Britain’s royal traditions.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for most ages, keep in mind the walking involved and the focus on detailed history. Children who enjoy history and are comfortable with walking should be fine.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes for walking, and a sense of curiosity. Cameras and phones are fine outside the palace, but no photos inside.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it possible to upgrade or customize the experience?
The tour includes a guided Changing of the Guard and self-guided Palace visit, but no options for upgrades are mentioned.

How long does the entire experience take?
Approximately 3.5 hours, including the ceremony and palace visit.

What’s the best time to book?
During July, August, or September, when Buckingham Palace is open to the public, and tickets are in higher demand.

Is transportation provided?
No, the meeting point is at Waterloo Place, accessible via the Tube (Piccadilly Circus station).

Can I take photos during the palace tour?
No, photography and video inside Buckingham Palace are prohibited.

Is this experience suitable for people with mobility difficulties?
It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the walking involved.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of a guided ceremony experience with a self-guided, audio-enhanced tour of the palace makes it both personal and flexible. Plus, the insights from knowledgeable guides add plenty of local color.

This tour offers a rare, insider-like peek into the world of British royalty, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, well-organized, and memorable London experience.