Changing of the Guard
Changing of the Guard
4
About
A must see in London, outside Buckingham Palace, but check out the schedule as it only happens daily from May to July, otherwise on alternate days
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Westminster
If you only had an afternoon to experience London on a grand scale, Westminster would be a wise place to start. The ornate Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey sit adjacent at a corner of Parliament Square, and a short stroll along The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column are just up the road as well. As captivating as the architecture is, the wonders of Mother Nature are highlights of the area too. St James's Park (arguably London's loveliest), the expansive Green Park, and pedestrian friendly tree lined paths along the river showcase the exquisite manicure provided by English gardeners. Just beyond the landmarks and the gorgeous outdoor spaces, quiet residential squares and age old local pubs offer a more subdued take on this global seat of power in the heart of London.
How to get there
- Green Park • 8 min walk
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Best nearby
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See what travellers are saying
- Hockeydad900La Canada Flintridge, California378 contributionsA Great Ceremony - Worth the Time and the CrowdsAnother classic experience for a visitor to London. We have been before but it is always worth seeing. There are multiple places to see parts of the ceremony but it is impossible for one person to see everything. I waited on the Mall and saw the guard marching to the Palace and the horse guard marching away - all within a few feet of me and with few other people around. My family went to the Palace and saw more of the ceremony but the area was very crowded even in November and it was difficult to see much (other than everyone else's cell phones taking pictures) unless you are right up front at the Palace fence. There are several other places to see parts of the ceremony. The ceremony seemed longer and more elaborate than in the past, perhaps because the Korean President was visiting and the King was in residence at Clarence House nearby. Best to get there really are stake out a position with a good view over an hour ahead.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 November 2023
- Azmil Z4 contributionsGood experienceBrought my kids to watch this. It’s a spectacle to watch. Although in all honesty, it’s nothing too spectacular, it was a unique experience for the kids. Make sure to check the website before going, as days of the event may change. Also check for weather, as it’s completely outdoors and there’s no cover.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 January 2024
- RichUK20242 contributionsHighly recommend going to watchI've been to London many times but this is the first time I was able to see Changing of the Guard. Even though it was on a cold January day, I very much enjoyed watching. I saw the change from Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards to Number 9 Company Irish Guards. it was interesting to see their uniforms. One of the aspects I enjoyed most was watching and listening to music from the Band of the Coldstream Guard, the Band of the Irish Guards and Pipes of Number 12 Company Irish Guards.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 5 May 2024
- John RPenrith, United Kingdom29 contributionsChanging of the guardIt is amongst Londons leading tourist attractions and a great spectacle. Wonderful to hear the band playing as it marches between St James’s and Buckingham Palace’s. The mounted cavalry are a wonderful sight too.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 August 2024
- Kiana LAtlanta, Georgia551 contributionsWorth seeing but plan aheadIt is definitely worth seeing at least once in your life. However, I regret not arriving much earlier—probably at least an hour ahead of time. The crowds are big, especially in the summer, and once the roads are closed off, it becomes difficult to move around or find a good spot. From what I could tell, the best view of the ceremony seemed to be from The Victoria Memorial right in front of Buckingham Palace. If you're planning to go, get there early and stake out a good spot!Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
2,267 reviews
Excellent
752
Very good
715
Average
514
Poor
185
Terrible
101
Don Wright
Vancouver, Canada1,460 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
There is so much hype surrounding the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, you are led to believe you have not visited London if you have not included this “exciting historic activity”. So we lined the plaza along with thousands of others from around the world. Oh look, waaaay over there, the band and guards are marching into the fenced compound. Oh look, there are some guards marching out of the far gate and down the road in the other direction. Faint sounds of the band playing inside the Palace compound, visible only to those pressed up against the fence. 40 minutes of standing in the sun, and finally the band and guards leave out the middle gate and march away from us. This was the least satisfying thing we did during our four days in London. Even the ducks and geese in nearby St. James Park were more interesting and entertaining than this impossible to see presentation.
Written 2 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip R
30 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
If you are in London check when the changing of the guard takes place as it is not every day. The crowds are huge and if you are not in the front row by the road viewing is limited. Be prepared for selfie sticks! A good position is right against the fence to Buckingham Palace you want see the marching in but will have a great view of the changing of the guard and the band playing.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flosadventures
Italy11 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I went to this Changing of the guards tour led by Francis.
What a lovely morning has been.
From the beginning he greeted everyone with cortesy and professionality, making all of us feel welcome, he was punctual and we started the tour on time 10:30 a.m..
His knowledge was impressive and his English humour was no less entertaining.
He knew the best spots and the timing in order for us to see best the guards passing.
Two notes: as suggested on the booking platform, it is better and advised to arrive 15 minutes prior the starting of the tour, in this way, as we all experienced, the guide had the time to "break the ice".
At the end of the tour ask Francis to tell you his personal encounter with The Queen.
Strongly recommended
What a lovely morning has been.
From the beginning he greeted everyone with cortesy and professionality, making all of us feel welcome, he was punctual and we started the tour on time 10:30 a.m..
His knowledge was impressive and his English humour was no less entertaining.
He knew the best spots and the timing in order for us to see best the guards passing.
Two notes: as suggested on the booking platform, it is better and advised to arrive 15 minutes prior the starting of the tour, in this way, as we all experienced, the guide had the time to "break the ice".
At the end of the tour ask Francis to tell you his personal encounter with The Queen.
Strongly recommended
Written 26 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asuka S
8 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
This experience was good as I could see something which is very traditional in the UK. And, I think it was worth going to the place. But, there were so many people waiting for changing of the guard to start, and it was so hard to find the spot where I can really see what is going on. So, I recommend to find the right spot to see them by going there by 30 minutes or 1 hour before the event starts.
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthEastMe999
North East England, UK705 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
If you want to be right by the palace and see the action in the palace forecourt you need to be there early. "An hour before it starts" early, or maybe even earlier. Alternatively you can walk a few minutes to Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk and see the New Guard forming up and the regimental band practising, before they both march off to the palace. Plenty of places to stand and see as they pass.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J K
San Antonio, TX215 contributions
Oct 2022
We’ve been to London countless times but for some reason we never had the chance to see this before, so we made a point to include it in our schedule. As expected, the event was filled with pomp and circumstance. Although we arrived early, the crowd of people was already rather extreme so getting a decent view was difficult. Once the guard formation (and band) entered Buckingham Palace courtyard, it was challenging to see anything, and we could only listen to the music being played. After about 30 minutes, we’d seen enough and decided to leave. It was worth seeing once but I wouldn’t describe it as the highlight we had previously envisioned.
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA17,368 contributions
Aug 2022
You can’t really see it all in one visit. There is so much pageantry, and so many moving parts, it is impossible to take it all in in just one visit.
We have been to this event several times. We went with friends who are London natives the first time. They suggested we stand right at the fence, to the left of the center gate. From there we had an up close view of the ceremonial exchange. We could hear what was said.
We returned later in our trip and stood on the Victoria Monument, on the highest level, to the left. From there we had a better perspective of the overall event. From there we could better observe the arrival and departure of the Guards, the Band, and the Cavalry.
Arrive early if you want a good spot.
Don’t be in a hurry to leave. Some of the units leave a little later and you can get closer to them when the crowd disperses.
We have been to this event several times. We went with friends who are London natives the first time. They suggested we stand right at the fence, to the left of the center gate. From there we had an up close view of the ceremonial exchange. We could hear what was said.
We returned later in our trip and stood on the Victoria Monument, on the highest level, to the left. From there we had a better perspective of the overall event. From there we could better observe the arrival and departure of the Guards, the Band, and the Cavalry.
Arrive early if you want a good spot.
Don’t be in a hurry to leave. Some of the units leave a little later and you can get closer to them when the crowd disperses.
Written 11 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony L
18 contributions
July 2023
Went on the Fun London Tours today to watch the Changing of the Guard, with our tour guide Alex B. It certainly was a great experience, he kept our family (and the whole group) engaged and humoured with anecdotes along the way, we learnt the origin of the Georgy Porgy nursery rhyme and how it was related to royalty, the significance of the statues along the tour route, the historical information about the formation of the 5 regiments (Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish & Welsh Guards) of the Household Division was especially interesting, and he took us to the best vantage spots to observe the Changing of the Guard. His catch phrase of "Alex's Group, Fun London Tour, Fun March, MARCH!" was a great way for us to follow him quickly to those viewing vantage points. He introduced himself as "Ordinary Alex" but our family agreed he should be nicknamed "Awesome Alex" for his superb tour! Thanks for an incredible experience!!!
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DvrDawg
Cork, Ireland214 contributions
Mar 2022
I would say that you have to do this since it is London. But, be prepared for a large crowd and a repetitive and somewhat boring ceremony. You'll want to get there early to be near the gate or fence so you can actually see what is happening. You either want to be on the fence looking into the courtyard or on the barricade so you can see the guards march in and out. But, you will have to get there early to have a good spot. We arrived about 1 hr early and there were already people crowded along the front gate. The process starts with the new guard marching into the courtyard from the barracks. They will pass in front of the palace. Then, the guards enter and position in the courtyard. The band plays a bit while the guards stand and a few guards march around. The new guards march into the palace and the old guards march out of the courtyard toward the barracks. I felt like we had to go see it and would do it even if I knew everything I know now. But, it wasn't as cool as I was expecting.
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hockeydad900
La Canada Flintridge, CA378 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Another classic experience for a visitor to London. We have been before but it is always worth seeing. There are multiple places to see parts of the ceremony but it is impossible for one person to see everything. I waited on the Mall and saw the guard marching to the Palace and the horse guard marching away - all within a few feet of me and with few other people around. My family went to the Palace and saw more of the ceremony but the area was very crowded even in November and it was difficult to see much (other than everyone else's cell phones taking pictures) unless you are right up front at the Palace fence. There are several other places to see parts of the ceremony. The ceremony seemed longer and more elaborate than in the past, perhaps because the Korean President was visiting and the King was in residence at Clarence House nearby. Best to get there really are stake out a position with a good view over an hour ahead.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. We are planning a palace tour after Changing of the Guards. What would be the best time to book tickets for the state room tour afterwards? How much time do we need between the end of the ceremony and getting to start of tour area? Thank you!
Written 8 January 2020
I watched them get ready at the army barracks around the corner, got there quite early to get a clear spot, then watched them march up to the Palace, then went back to the Mall and watched smaller processions. I loved the pomp and ceremony, something we don't have in Australia. Didn't do the state rooms, I had done a tour of the Palace the day before. Go and enjoy it.
Written 9 January 2020
We arrived at 10:30 am on a Monday and bought our tickets ahead of time. Note you need to have a printed copy of the ticket, so I had to figure that out in the hotel, but earlier the better! We got right in at that time.
Written 10 April 2019
Hi, I'd like to see the changing of the guards but I'm going with a little toddler and I'll have my stroller with me. I don't mind not seeing the actual changing of the guards, but I'd like to have a nice view where my little one can actually see some guards and horses marching by. Is there a good spot? Or should I just scrap that off my list? Thanks =D
Written 8 April 2019
I have nothing more to add to the excellent responses that have already been stated. Everyone has hit it spot on. The fountain is great - and good for kids running around! The winter schedule is different than summer - so if you check with any hotel concierge they can tell you exactly what is taking place each day for any particular given time - but usually not too much farther than the current month. Have a great time - and it is definitely worth doing for sure! great photos. The horseguards are always so friendly to children......
Written 11 April 2019
Roxane L
Leysin, Switzerland
When is it happening exactly ? Every day? What time ?
Written 9 October 2018
Can I go to the Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards on my own? Or joining a tour is recommendable?
I know that in order to get good viewing position I must go there early, perhaps, 2-3 hours before the starting of the ceremony. Are tours given certain privilage to have positions reserved so that tour members could still have better viewing positions even arriving just half an hour before the ceremony?
Thanks
Written 17 June 2018
No, you don't need to join the tour. You can go on your own. The best view is actually from the Victoria Memorial. You are on high ground, therefore, you get the view when the guards marches in to the palace, as well the entire changing of the guards.
Don't gather around the fence, like a lot of people do. You either only see the guards marching in/out (but not the changing of the guard), or you only see the changing of the guard, but not the guards marching in/out.
Written 14 July 2018
Are tickets needed to watch the changing of the guards?
Written 13 June 2018
No tickets are required to watch COG. you just need to reach on time and find an ideal place to watch. Tip :- carry your binoculars and find a central location at a height.
Written 29 June 2018
Hi, MiamiMar. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Written 10 May 2018
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