Changing of the Guards and Buckingham Palace Tour

Posted by drthetford1 on 08/26/18 01:27 AM

We are wanting to go the see the Changing of the Guard followed by the Buckingham Palace Tour. I have looked on line and seen different sites that say the Changing of the Guard starts at 10:45, 11:00 and 11:30. Don't know what time it really starts at or what time we should get there to get up front. Anyone know the correct times for September 21st?

Also, wanting to go from that to the tour of the Palace. What time would be safe to book our tour to begin? My parents are older and walk a little slower and will probably need a bathroom break in between the Guard and the palace tour. Suggestions?

Lastly, is there a difference between booking the palace tour at the London Pass vs on other sites? If there is, do you recommend one over another?

Posted by Dick

Olympia, WA, USA

08/26/18 02:28 AM

6502 posts

This is the best site for booking your visit to Buckingham Palace. It's a timed entry, and I can't help you with coordinating it with the changing of the guard. But note that the changing draws very big crowds, and just getting from wherever you're watching to the south side of the palace, where the visits start, may take some time and crowd-navigating.

The tour is self-guided but the audio guide is very good and the docents in each room are very helpful if you ask them. It takes awhile. I think there are restrooms at the start, where you show your ticket and wait for your entry time, but not along the tour route till you exit the palace. They're in the garden to the left off the terrace. You can get something to eat at the terrace too.

I found the palace fascinating but I've never bothered with the changing, except the time when my taxi got stuck waiting for it all to be over.

Posted by Kathy

Minnesota 🎒

08/26/18 03:33 AM

15808 posts

Just a reminder that if you're going to Windsor Castle (unless the plan has changed it appears that you are), Pam had earlier advised seeing the Changing of the Guard there as it's easier to manage than Buckingham's. This was the thread:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/windsor-castle-and-the-london-pass

We chose to see it there versus London as well. A backup plan if Buckingham proves to be a bit much for your parents?

Posted by Kristen

New York

08/26/18 07:37 AM

521 posts

I would agree wholeheartedly with the suggestion to see the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle. It’s a beautiful ceremony and much easier to see. At Buckingham palace, you have to find your spot at least an hour in advance, it’s hard to see, the crowds are massive and you are standing for a very long time. I’ve done balls and I much prefer Windsor. In fact, I took my mom to Windsor a few days ago so that she could enjoy the changing of the guard more comfortably. Plus, the castle is lovely and the town is charming. This site is included on the London pass, as well as transportation from Paddington station via train to Windsor . It’s a lovely day trip. I took mom to see the state rooms at Buckingham palace yesterday. Depending on how long you linger, it took us approximately two hours. Be aware that the restrooms are at the very end of the tour. There is also a lovely little café at the end of the tour.

Posted by csolinda

08/26/18 05:07 PM

89 posts

We skipped the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and chose to see it at Windsor Castle as others on here did too. We really enjoyed seeing it at Windsor. I’m sure we had a way better view than we would of had at Buckingham. I would recommend seeing it there. On a different date we toured Buckingham Palace. Really enjoyed it!