Highlights
Experience London’s royal heritage and pageantry on a 2.5-hour experience that combines a visit to Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy the colorful spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and then enter the magnificent palace with a tour host for an independent audio tour of the State Rooms, an experience only available for two months of the year. Admire the lavish rooms that are used by the royals for State and ceremonial events, as you discover the palace’s history from the audio guide. Please note: Buckingham Palace is only open to the public for approx. eight weeks each year. Tickets sell out fast, so book now to avoid disappointment
About This Deal
Departure Point
- By the Duke of York Column, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ. This is the tall column with a statue on top.
Return Details
- Inside Buckingham Palace
Duration
2 hours and 30 minutes
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: St. James's Park
Horse Guards Road, The Storeyard, London
Greet your courteous guide at a central London location and stroll near the verdant splendor of St. James’ Park to Buckingham Palace, the majestic official residence of several monarchs including the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Changing of the Guard
Constitution Hill, Buckingham Palace, London
Stop at a prime position before the gates to behold the impressive Changing of the Guards Ceremony, a colorful and traditional performance that combines vibrantly dressed soldiers with rhythmic drum beats. Depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards in London. These events are renowned for showcasing British tradition and military precision, further adding to London's fame. Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning (as on some Sundays) — the ceremony will be replaced with a walking tour.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Buckingham Palace
Spur Road, London
Listen to illuminating commentary from your guide as you stroll to the entrance of the regal residence, only open for two months of the year. Pop in your audio guide and embark on independent exploration of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla's luxurious State Apartments. Delight in opulent ornaments like sparkling chandeliers, classic artworks and elegantly upholstered furniture as you discover the historical rooms. Return to the outside of Buckingham Palace and bid your guide farewell at this central location.
Duration: 1 hour
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Depending on the day you will see either the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade.
- Changing of the Foot Guards run Mondays, Fridays, Sundays
- Changing of the Horse Guards run Thursdays, Saturdays
- On occasional Sundays may be rescheduled to early morning, this will then be replaced with an extended walking tour.
- The Changing of the Guards is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead
- Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.
- Audio guided Buckingham Palace Tour
- Changing of the Guard ceremony
- English Speaking Expert Guide for Changing of the Guard
- Entrance ticket for Buckingham Palace
- Headsets when appropriate
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Redemption Instructions
• Please be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure.
• Our City Wonders guides will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate baby carriages.
• We may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue.
• Only very small bags are allowed.
• To change the date or time of your tour, please contact your travel agent at Viator customer care: 1-866-648-5873 (Toll Free) / +1 (702) 648-5873 (International).
• Gratuities for your guide that provided excellent service are appreciated!
• The Changing of the Guards is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.
• Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.
• Depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards:
- Changing of the Foot Guards involves foot soldiers from the Household Division and occurs Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.
- Changing of the Horse Guards features mounted cavalry from the Household Cavalry and takes place daily, this is what you will see if you book a tour on Tuesday and Thursday.
- On Saturday, the show that takes place is known as the "Guard Mounting" or "Inspection of the New Guard" at House Guards Parade. The inspection involves the Captain of the New Guard inspecting the soldiers to ensure they are in proper order with their uniforms and equipment in pristine condition, before they take over their duties from the Old Guard.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the City Wonders UK in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Fine Print
14-day cancellation rights do not apply; no refunds or exchanges permitted. Voucher valid only for date and time listed; may not be exchanged or redeemed for other dates. Purchaser name and phone number must be provided at checkout; this information will be shared with Viator and the tour operator for purposes of order fulfillment. Groupon promo codes may not be used for this offer. Groupon voucher Terms of Sale do not apply. See the tour operator's terms and conditions for this offer here.
Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts.