Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard
The monarch's London residence; free Changing the Guard ceremony, paid summer State Rooms.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling with kids and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard worth it?
Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard deserves a place on most first itineraries. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Changing the Guard is free, ceremonial and very British — but you'll stand in a big crowd straining to see over heads, and it doesn't run daily.
- 02
The State Rooms (gilded, grand) only open ~10 weeks in summer and cost a fair bit.
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to London
A free box-tick of royal ceremony, best combined with a stroll through St James's Park.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard is an easy yes.
History and culture matter to you
Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard rewards a trip built around history & culture.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard needs the right timing and tolerance.
You care about the visual experience
Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard offers some beauty & photography, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free (State Rooms ~£32, summer only)
- Timing
- Arrive about 45 minutes before the ceremony; check the official schedule as days vary.
- Booking
- Free to watch the guard; summer State Rooms are separately ticketed and should be booked ahead.
- Allow
- 1 hr (ceremony)
- Getting there
- Green Park, St James's Park or Victoria Tube, all a short walk.
Consider instead
Sources and method (3)
- State Rooms open to ticketed visitors 9 July–27 September 2026; adult tickets £33 and must be pre-booked. rct.uk ↗
- Changing the Guard is free with no booking, typically Mon/Wed/Fri at 11:00 (schedule varies and can be cancelled at short notice). householddivision.org.uk ↗
- royal.uk ↗