Buckingham Palace Tours

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Buckingham Palace Guided Tours
No live guided tours inside the Palace!

There are no guided tours inside Buckingham Palace during the Summer Opening. However, you can still learn a lot about the palace and its history with these guided tours before you explore inside on your own.

























































Hear from our guests

Loved by 51 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Charlotte K

United Kingdom
Family
2 weeks ago
A brilliant experience, interactive for all ages and great for toddlers too! Well worth the money! Definitely would come again

Yasser G

United States
Family
2 weeks ago
We had a great time, the tea was great and the sweets were delicious, we had some champagne and after the tea a walk on the dek to enjoy the view.

Angelo P

Couple
2 weeks ago

+3 more

No problems getting in, and a spectacular tour of the tower overlooking the river and the bridge—seeing it from above, the machine room, the historical narrative, and the video were all great. The only downside is that, unfortunately, too many people linger on the glass walkway, taking photos and selfies nonstop for far too long, getting in the way of those who just want to snap a photo or two and move on. We really need a staff member to limit how long people can stay there.

Betelihem G

United Kingdom
Group
2 weeks ago

+2 more

We booked 2 hours before and glad to find available tickets enjoyed the visit on Tower Bridge even though a bit scary walking on the glass bridge for me I enjoyed it my friends enjoyed it as well they came all the way from Italy and learn about the bridge of great history totally recommend it and I will definitely go back again. Thank you very much

Flordeliza H

United Kingdom
Couple
2 weeks ago
The Guide Lady, called Christina, if we were right was absolutely excellent. From her A - Z history knowledge was so impressive. Every detail was explained with precision. Thank you @ Christina 11:00 Guided Tour slot 5th May 2026 .

Veronique P

Belgium
Couple
2 weeks ago

+1 more

It was a really fun and interesting tour, but unfortunately we couldn't see everything because we had a ticket for London Bridge afterward, so we'll be back to see the rest

Nadir C

United Kingdom
Family
2 weeks ago

+1 more

Tour guides along the Thames were fantastic and the ride was amazing as you saw parts of London you can't get to see at once. Greenwich had plenty of history and the walk to the observatory gave you great views of London. Kids had a great day out full of memories.

Anna K

Poland
Couple
2 weeks ago

+5 more

The time allocated to the attractions was very well planned - we didn't feel rushed and saw everything we wanted to. The guide was very friendly and spoke clearly, which made us feel comfortable and cared for. We highly recommend this tour.

Top things to do in London

A Buckingham Palace tour is…

With a Royal London expert

Your experience begins with a licensed local guide, an expert in royal history and London's key landmarks. Before you enter the Palace, your guide will lead a small-group walking tour, providing fascinating stories and historical context that you would not get from an audio guide alone.

Without the crowds (and with the facts)

The guided portion ensures you arrive at the Palace with pre-booked, timed-entry tickets, allowing you to skip the long lines at the ticket office and enter without delay. While you are inside the Palace, your tour is self-guided, but the information you received from your guide beforehand provides context and deeper meaning to everything you see.

Efficient and comprehensive

This tour is designed to maximize your time. Your guide will provide a concise and engaging overview of the Palace's exterior, the Royal Mews, and the surrounding area. After this, you will proceed to the State Rooms, where a free multilingual audio guide will take you through the official interior route at your own pace.

Enriching and interactive

Your guide will lead you through London's royal landmarks, from St. James's Park to the gates of the Palace. This is your chance to ask questions and engage in a dialogue about the royal family and their history, making the experience more personal and memorable than a standard ticket alone

Note: Buckingham Palace tours do not take place inside the State Rooms, but they provide essential context and an efficient entry process that elevates your entire visit. It combines the benefits of an expert-led walking tour with the flexibility of a self-guided interior experience.

What to expect on a Buckingham Palace tour

Tour guide with City Wonders flag in front of Buckingham Palace, London.
  • Meet your expert guide & begin your royal walk: Your journey begins at a designated meeting point near the palace. Here, your licensed local guide awaits to provide a lively introduction to the history and traditions of the royal family. This is the start of your live guided tour experience.
  • Explore the royal landmarks: Your guide will lead you on a short walking tour to the gates of Buckingham Palace. Along the way, you’ll discover the history of the surrounding royal landmarks, from St. James’s Park to the iconic East Front of the Palace itself, learning stories that bring the royal family's past to life.
  • Skip the ticketing line & enter the palace: With pre-booked timed-entry tickets, you will bypass the long general admission queue. After a security check, your guide will hand you a free multilingual audio guide for the internal tour. Please note: The live guide will not enter the Palace with you.
  • Tour the State Rooms at your own pace: Inside, the audio guide will be your companion, leading you through the State Rooms, including the Throne Room and the Picture Gallery. You are free to explore these spaces at your own pace, taking as much time as you like to admire the royal collections.

Which Buckingham Palace tour is best for you?

Official self-guided tours

Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
Languages: Multimedia guide in 9 languages

This is the only way to get inside Buckingham Palace. You will receive a multimedia guide and tour the State Rooms, The King's Gallery, or the Royal Mews at your own pace based on the ticket you purchase. This tour is perfect for those who want to see the interiors or the priceless Royal Collection and have the flexibility to take their time.

Live-guided walking tours

Duration: 1–4 hours
Languages: English-speaking guide

Ideal for those who want an in-depth, interactive experience with a local expert. The guide provides historical commentary and stories as you walk through the royal landmarks of Westminster, witness the Changing the Guard, or explore the surrounding area. Please note that these tours do not include entry to the Palace.

Combined tours

Duration: 3–5 hours
Languages: English-speaking guide

Get the best of both worlds with a live-guided walking tour that includes a Changing the Guard tour. Your guide will provide an engaging tour of the exterior of the palace as well as the military ceremony, in addition to the Tower of London, a Thames River cruise, or a royal coach tour based on the ticket you choose.

Highlights covered on a Buckingham Palace tour

Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.
Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace with chandeliers, ornate columns, and regal portraits.
Throne Room at Buckingham Palace with ornate chandeliers and red decor.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms banquet hall with chandeliers and long dining tables.
Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery with ornate paintings and elegant decor.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms with ornate chandeliers and gilded decor.
Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace with ornate carriage and horses, guide explaining to visitors.
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Changing the Guard

Witness the iconic military ceremony, a spectacular display of music and pageantry at the palace gates.

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State Rooms

Explore lavishly decorated public rooms where The King hosts official ceremonies and guests.

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Throne Room

Step inside the heart of the palace to see the thrones used for coronations and royal weddings.

Grand Ballroom

Walk through the largest room in the palace, used for state banquets and official investitures.

Picture Gallery

Admire a changing display of masterpieces by renowned artists from the priceless Royal Collection.

White Drawing Room

Discover a secret passage in this intimate reception room, discreetly hidden by a piece of furniture.

Royal Mews

Get up close with the royal carriages, including the famous Gold State Coach, and see the horses that pull them.

Things to keep in mind when you go on a Buckingham Palace tour

Facilities

  • Restrooms and cloakrooms are available at designated areas inside the palace, at the end of the visitor route.
  • Small cafés in the Palace Gardens offer light refreshments during your break.

What to bring

  • A valid ID
  • Comfortable footwear, as you will be walking through large rooms and corridors.
  • A small water bottle (keep it in your bag) and a light jacket in cooler weather.

Tips

  • Book your tour in advance during the Summer Opening (July–September) to secure your spot.
  • Arrive 15 mins early for check-in and security screening.
  • Engage with the guide and ask questions to enrich your experience.
  • Respect the palace’s rules: no flash photography inside the palace, and maintain low noise levels in the rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buckingham Palace tours

The Buckingham Palace tours are available in English.