When it comes to London, few experiences are as iconic as the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
It’s got tradition, spectacle, and let’s be honest, a kind of pomp that makes you feel like you’re standing right in the middle of history. 😲
Visitors from around the world flock to see the King’s Guard in action, and who can blame them? Sure, it’s a bit ‘touristy’, but it’s marvellous and a must see when visiting London!
Below, I’ll give you all the details—dates, times, the best viewing spots, and a few insider tips to make your day extra special.
And because we love a good adventure, I’ll even show you how to combine the highlights of the ceremony with our Landmarks & Gems bike tour—so you can catch the best of the Guard change and discover London’s hidden gems, all in one go.
Hi, I’m Jack 👋—founder of Tally Ho. As a local London tour operator, my team and I guide thousands of visitors to see the best bits of the Changing of the Guard each year.
Guard Change Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.
10:43 – Departure of the Old Guard from St James’s Palace.
10:57 – The New Guard exits Wellington Barrack, eager to take the helm!
11:00 – Official fanfare begins! Let the spectacle commence!
11:10 – St James’s Palace relief strides out from Buckingham Palace.
11:25 – Relieved sentries bid adieu to St James’s Palace.
11:40 – The Old Guard bids Buckingham Palace farewell.
11:45 – St James’s Palace Guard vacates Buckingham Palace.
The Changing of the Guard is a centuries-old military tradition where one regiment takes over the duty of guarding Buckingham Palace from another. The soldiers of the King’s Guard, a regiment from the British Army’s Household Division, don’t just walk in and out—they march with precision, accompanied by a band, and perform ceremonies honed over hundreds of years.
Here’s something most tourists don’t know: the ceremony actually kicks off at Wellington Barracks, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the palace.
It’s here that the new guard assembles and gets ready for their big march towards Buckingham Palace. With the military band playing, it’s quite the sight—and it’s far less crowded than the palace gates. For those wanting a sneak peek and a chance to snap some great photos without elbowing through the crowds, Wellington Barracks is a hidden gem.
Each guard change is a snapshot of British history, and it’s been captivating audiences for generations with its precision and pageantry.
Let’s take a quick trip back in time. The Changing of the Guard began during the reign of King Charles II in the 1600s, when soldiers were tasked with protecting royal residences like St. James’s Palace and the Tower of London. However, when Queen Victoria moved into Buckingham Palace in 1837, the ceremony shifted to its current location.
Today, the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, and Welsh Guards all take part in this ceremonial handover. Throw in the Household Cavalry—the impressive soldiers with the fancy hats and horses—and you’ve got yourself a front-row seat to centuries of British tradition.
To remember the Guards’ names, use the acronym ‘Guards Charge Straight Into War’ (GCSIW): Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh. This is the order they appear, left to right, on the Memorial opposite Horse Guards Parade.
It’s here that the new guard assembles and gets ready for their big march towards Buckingham Palace. With the military band playing, it’s quite the sight—and it’s far less crowded than the palace gates. For those wanting a sneak peek and a chance to snap some great photos without elbowing through the crowds, Wellington Barracks is a hidden gem.
Each guard change is a snapshot of British history, and it’s been captivating audiences for generations with its precision and pageantry.
The Changing of the Guard happens regularly but not every day. Typically, it takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—but make sure to double check here before you head out. London’s weather and state events can sometimes effect the schedule.
Time: The ceremonial handover happens at 11:00 AM, but if you want the best view, aim to get there by 10:30 AM. The King’s Guard will march from Wellington Barracks to the palace gates, where the official exchange takes place in all its glory.
Location: While the main event happens at Buckingham Palace, for a fuller experience, don’t miss watching the guard prepare at Wellington Barracks. You’ll also catch a piece of the action at St. James’s Palace, giving you multiple vantage points to enjoy the spectacle.
Finding the perfect spot to watch the Changing of the Guard can make all the difference. Here are my top picks:
Buckingham Palace Forecourt: This is the heart of the action—where the guard change happens. It’s the most popular spot, so get there early to secure your place. Expect a crowd, but that’s part of the fun!
Wellington Barracks: If you’re after a more laid-back experience, head to Wellington Barracks. You’ll see the new guard getting ready to march, and it’s far less crowded. Plus, it’s a fantastic spot for photos.
St. James’s Palace: Want to avoid the hustle? St. James’s Palace is where the guards begin their march, and it’s a much quieter spot. You’ll still catch the procession, but with fewer tourists around.
The Mall: This iconic avenue runs from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace and provides plenty of room to watch the guards as they march. It’s a beautiful spot with a classic British backdrop.
My wife and I cycling up the Mall past the Guard Change on a sunny Sunday
Want to make the most of your Changing of the Guard experience? Here are my top tips:
Arrive Early: You’ll want to get there at least 45 minutes early, especially if you’re aiming for a prime spot at the palace gates. No one enjoys watching the ceremony through a sea of phone screens, right?
Choose Your Spot: While Buckingham Palace is the main attraction, Wellington Barracks and St. James’s Palace offer more relaxed, less crowded viewing. For a quieter experience, pick one of these.
Check the Weather: London weather likes to keep us on our toes, so pack an umbrella just in case. Whether it’s a light drizzle or full-blown sunshine, you’ll want to be prepared.
Use Public Transport: Skip the car—take the Tube to Green Park or St James’s Park stations, which are just a short walk from the action. You’ll avoid traffic and save yourself some stress.
Plan Your Day: You’re in one of London’s most iconic areas, so why not make the most of it? After the ceremony, enjoy a stroll through St. James’s Park, Churchil War Rooms or pop by The Queen’s Gallery. Feeling peckish? There are plenty of great spots for a tea and scones nearby.
While most visitors rush to Buckingham Palace, the real magic starts at Wellington Barracks. Just a few minutes away, this is where the new King’s Guard assembles before they march towards the palace.
The military band begins its performance here, giving you a front-row seat to some brilliant tunes before the guards even reach the palace. You can even follow them as they march through the streets, snapping photos along the way. It’s a fantastic spot to catch the ceremony without the crowds, and it’s often overlooked by tourists.
The Changing of the Guard is free and open to everyone, but it’s important to be mindful of security. Police officers are on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly, so if you need help or notice anything suspicious, they’re there to assist.
For visitors with mobility issues, the ceremony takes place on flat ground, but it can get crowded. Arrive early to secure a good spot and watch out for uneven terrain around Buckingham Palace.
Why stop at just the ceremony? Combine the Changing of the Guard with our very own Landmarks & Gems Bike Tour for a full day of adventure. Our tour is perfectly timed to let you see the highlights of the ceremony before exploring some of London’s hidden treasures on two wheels.
You’ll ride past iconic spots like St. James’s Palace, Horse Guards Parade, and of course, Buckingham Palace. Led by local guides who know the city inside and out, you’ll hear fascinating stories, uncover hidden gems, and avoid the foot traffic—all while cruising around on a vintage-style bike.
Tally Ho!
Q: How long does the ceremony last?
The entire event takes around 45 minutes, with the new guard marching from Wellington Barracks at 10:45 AM and the official handover at Buckingham Palace wrapping up around 11:30 AM.
Q: Is the Changing of the Guard free?
Yes! The ceremony is completely free and open to the public.
Q: Is the Changing of the Guard on every day?
No, it’s typically held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, but it’s always worth checking the official schedule before you go. State events and bad weather can occasionally cause changes or cancellations.
Q: What should I bring?
Bring a camera to capture the action, water to stay hydrated, and an umbrella (because, well, it’s London). Don’t forget comfortable shoes—you’ll be on your feet for a bit!
Q: Can I watch from more than one spot?
Definitely! You can catch different parts of the ceremony from Wellington Barracks, St. James’s Palace, and along The Mall. Each spot offers a unique view, and if you’re up for a bit of a walk, you can even follow the guards as they march from one location to the next.
Q: What time should I arrive to get a good view?
Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before the ceremony starts, especially if you want a prime spot near Buckingham Palace. For less crowded locations like Wellington Barracks or St. James’s Palace, you can usually arrive a bit closer to the start time and still find a great view.
Q: What time should I arrive to get a good view?
Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before the ceremony starts, especially if you want a prime spot near Buckingham Palace. For less crowded locations like Wellington Barracks or St. James’s Palace, you can usually arrive a bit closer to the start time and still find a great view.
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