Verdict
Destinations

Is Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard worth it in a day?

DependsIn a day

Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.

Allow 1 hr (ceremony).

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. The State Rooms (gilded, grand) only open ~10 weeks in summer and cost a fair bit.

Price
Free (State Rooms ~£32, summer only)
Time
1 hr (ceremony)
Last verified
2026-06-17
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Is Buckingham Palace & Changing the Guard worth it…
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How we verified
  • 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
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