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Buckingham Palace
4.4(31,151)

Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats perform at Changing of the Guard, London.

From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+
Beatriz Selene Vargas Carmona

Beatriz

Aug 2025
5/5
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I love our tour lady, the best guide that i ever have in Europe, the most kind, knows a lot of the history, i enjoy every story that she told us. Was our best day in London!! The best tour ♥️!! Very complete, we learn a lot from the history that she told us.
Laura hallifax

Laura

Aug 2025
5/5
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Having done a different walking tour previously, I had a certain expectation, this tour blew it out of the water!! We hit specific spots at specific times and had such good views!! It was fast paced in places but the guide was kind enough to make sure everyone in the group kept up at all points! Absolutely brilliant, and Brendan the guide was just fantastic, I couldn't recommend this tour highly enough, it was worth every penny!!
Trisha Coelho

Trisha

Jul 2025
5/5
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Great tour guide and great tour. I would 100% recommend doing this tour, I had a blast and it's complete value for money.
Heinz Katharina

Heinz

Jun 2025
5/5
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+1 more

The guide who knew the best vantage points at the right moment
Xiaohua Wei

Xiaohua

Jun 2025
5/5
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Thanks to Nelson's professional ,interesting and humorous guide, we had a wonderful experience and learned a lot.
Alexander Nelson

Alexander

Sep 2025
5/5
Great tour! We got to see different parts of the changing of the guard, moving to see each from the best vantage point. Our guide was knowledgeable and witty.
Kerstin Walter

Kerstin

Sep 2025
3/5
Changing of The Guard was only on the side...had booked this especially for my daughter...but this experience was missing...we could have seen what we saw in public without an expensive ticket.
Stacie Adjaye-Mims

Stacie

Aug 2025
4/5
It was great to see inside the palace and the audio guide was great. However, it was far too crowded. The traffic flow should be managed better.

What is the Changing the Guard ceremony?

Ever seen soldiers in bright red tunics and towering bearskin hats as the Old Guard hand over duties to the New Guard in a perfectly choreographed tradition, complete with a military band? That's the Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace! This historic 45-min ceremony dates back to King Charles II—pure British pageantry!

​Plan your visit

Changing the Guard in a nutshell

Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace
  • Must-see highlights: The Changing the Guard is a display of British pageantry. The highlight is the meticulous precision of the soldiers' movements, their red tunics and bearskin hats, and the accompanying military band.
  • Current purpose: While it remains a practical handover of duty for the security of Buckingham Palace, the Changing the Guard has evolved into one of London's most iconic and popular tourist attractions. Its modern purpose is to serve as both a functional military exercise and a public display of royal tradition.
  • Unique facts:
    • The military band doesn't just play traditional marches. They often entertain the crowds with popular music, including show tunes, film themes, and even well-known pop songs.
    • The soldiers performing the duty are not just ceremonial; they are fully operational, active-duty members of the Household Division, responsible for guarding the royal residences.
About Buckingham Palace

Why go to the Changing the Guard ceremony?

Buckingham Palace Guard Military outfit
  • Celebrate British traditions: The Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace features the ceremonial exchange between the Old Guard and the New Guard. This event, accentuated by musical accompaniment, showcases the rich pageantry of the United Kingdom.
  • See the guard's bright ceremonial outfits: The guards, adorned in their traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, embody a quintessential symbol of British heritage and culture.
  • It's free to watch: The Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is free of charge, thus offering tourists and locals an affordable glimpse into a storied British tradition without cost.

Things to know before booking a Changing the Guard tour

  • Access: The Changing the Guard is a free, public ceremony, and therefore does not require a ticket for entry. However, you can book exclusive tickets for a guided tour that enhances your experience by securing a good viewing spot and providing insightful commentary on the history and traditions of the ceremony.
  • Combo ticket: To make the most of your day, consider upgrading to a combo ticket. You can pair your guided tour of the Changing the Guard with visits to nearby attractions like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, or a relaxing Thames River cruise.
  • Limitations & restrictions: The ceremony is a highly popular public event, and standing spaces are limited. There is no seating available, and you will be standing for the duration of the 45-min ceremony. It is essential to arrive at your designated meeting point early to secure the best vantage point.
  • Timings & schedule: The schedule for Changing the Guard is subject to change and does not occur every day. The ceremony usually takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, but the schedule can be altered due to royal events or adverse weather. Always check the official schedule online before planning your visit.
  • Rules: You must follow the instructions of the police and event marshals. Stay behind the barriers at all times and be mindful of the large crowds to ensure your safety and that of the marching guards.

Your Changing the Guard ticket types explained

Experience nameBuckingham Palace accessIncludesWhy go for itStarting priceRecommended tour

Changing the Guard & Walking Tour around Buckingham Palace

No

A guided 1.5-hour walking tour around the exterior of Buckingham Palace and its surrounding areas, with a prime viewing spot to watch the ceremony

A knowledgeable guide will provide historical context and help navigate the best viewing locations in the crowd

From £20

Book now

Changing the Guard Tour & Buckingham Palace State Rooms Access

Yes

A guided walking tour to the Changing the Guard ceremony, followed by timed entry to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms

A comprehensive visit that combines the public spectacle of the ceremony with access to the palace's opulent interiors

From £72

Book now

Changing the Guard & Westminster Abbey Tour

No

A guided tour of Westminster Abbey and a walking tour that includes a guided viewing of the Changing the Guard ceremony

A full day of guided sightseeing, combining two of London's most famous attractions into a single, organized itinerary

From £82.33

Book now

Changing the Guard Tour & Thames River Afternoon Tea Cruise

No

A guided tour of the Changing the Guard ceremony, followed by an afternoon tea cruise on the River Thames.

A unique and curated experience that combines the historic royal tradition with a relaxing and scenic river cruise with Afternoon Tea

From £59.85

Book now

The Changing the Guard ceremony highlights

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.
Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats perform at Changing of the Guard, London.
Buckingham Palace guard in red uniform and bearskin hat.
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Military march

The military march is like watching perfection in motion! Picture this: guards in spotless uniforms marching in sync so precise it's almost hypnotic, with the steady beat of drums setting the pace. Add a military band to the mix, and you've got a mesmerizing spectacle that's pure British tradition.

Military band

What's a royal ceremony without some epic music? The Household Division's State Ceremonial Musicians, seven Regimental Bands and even a string orchestra, bring the whole ceremony to life. They mix classic military marches with modern tunes. And if you're lucky, you might even catch regimental pipers or the Corps of Drums in action.

Military outfit

The guards at the ceremony are hard to miss in their bold red tunics and towering bearskin hats (not real bearskin!)—so classic, so British. Known as The King's Guard, they're from the Household Division's Foot Guards, and their uniforms aren't just for show; they're steeped in centuries of royal tradition and history.

Origin of the ceremony

Changing of the Guards ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, London.
  • Did you know the Changing the Guard goes back over 520 years? It started with Henry VII, who created the Yeomen of the Guard as his personal bodyguard in 1485. 
  • His successor, King Henry VIII, also established his own bodyguard unit, the Gentlemen at Arms, in 1509. 
  • While in exile in Bruges in 1656, King Charles II formed a regiment of foot guards to serve as his personal bodyguard. This regiment, originally known as the First Regiment of Foot Guards, later became the senior infantry regiment of the British Army, the Grenadier Guards. 
  • Fast forward a few centuries, and these soldiers are now some of the oldest and most battle-hardened in the British Army. 

How to watch the ceremony

The ceremony itself starts at Whitehall, stops by St James's Palace, and ends at Buckingham Palace. Here's the game plan: get there by 10:30am since the good spots fill up fast! The ceremony starts at 11:00am, lasts about 45 mins, and happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Grab a spot near the palace gates or the Victoria Memorial for the best view. You'll see soldiers marching in from St. James's Palace with a full-on band! Don't forget to check the Household Division website for any last-minute changes (thanks to unpredictable British weather).

Plan your visit to the Changing the Guard ceremony

Changing of the Guard in Buckingham Palace, London, UK

The ceremony, which lasts 45 mins, is held at 11am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at the Buckingham Palace Forecourt.

Address: Buckingham Palace Forecourt, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By bus: Bus routes 11, 211, C1, and C10 
    Nearest stops: Buckingham Palace Road or Victoria Coach Station

  • By train: Southern
    Nearest stations: London Victoria or Charing Cross

  • By tube: Victoria
    Nearest stations: Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park, or Hyde Park Corner

Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard ceremony, London.
  • For the best views, head to the Buckingham Palace Forecourt for the main action, or try Wellington Barracks and St. James's Palace if you prefer a less crowded experience.
  • If you're arriving early or find it hard to stand for long, bring along a lightweight folding chair to relax comfortably while you wait.
  • After the guard changes, don't rush off. Instead, stick around to watch them march back or take some time to explore the nearby attractions!
  • Stay mindful of your belongings: crowded spots can be a magnet for pickpockets!
  • If you're watching from a distance, binoculars are a great way to see the finer details, such as the guards' uniforms and ceremonial movements.
  • Silence your phone during the ceremony to keep things peaceful for everyone, but feel free to snap photos or record videos once it's over!
  • There are no public restrooms near Buckingham Palace, so it's a good idea to use the facilities at nearby cafes or hotels before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions about Changing the Guard

Is the Changing the Guard ceremony included in the Buckingham Palace State Rooms ticket?

No, a ticket for the Buckingham Palace State Rooms is separate. It grants you access inside the palace building, but does not provide any special or reserved access to a viewing area for the Changing the Guard ceremony.

Where is the best place to view the Changing the Guard Ceremony?

Good viewing spots include the fences in front of Buckingham Palace, the steps of the Victoria Memorial, and along The Mall.

Is there a fee to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony?

No, the Changing the Guard is a free public event. You do not need a ticket to watch the ceremony from the public viewing areas around the palace gates and along The Mall.

How early should I arrive to get a good spot?

Arriving at least 30-45 mins before the ceremony starts is recommended to secure a good viewing position, as the event is quite popular.

What happens if it rains on the day of the ceremony?

The ceremony may be canceled in the event of terrible weather. Cancellations can be confirmed on the morning of the ceremony via the Household Division's official website.

Can I take photographs during the ceremony?

Yes, photography is allowed during the ceremony, but using large tripods might be restricted due to the crowd.

How can I get the best photos of the Guard change?

Arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot, use a camera with a zoom lens, and experiment with different angles. Maintaining a low profile and being patient are key to capturing the perfect shot of the guards in action.

Are there any security restrictions for attending the ceremony?

As with any public event, you will likely undergo security checks. Large bags and backpacks are typically discouraged.

Is the Changing the Guard ceremony accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible viewing areas. To arrange accommodations, you should contact the Palace's visitor services in advance.

Can children watch the ceremony?

Yes, the Changing the Guard is a family-friendly event. However, due to crowds, it's advisable to keep children close.

Can I bring my pet to watch the ceremony?

Pets are generally not recommended at the ceremony due to the large crowds and the nature of the event.

What should I wear to the ceremony?

There is no dress code for watching the ceremony, but it's recommended to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for being outdoors.

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About Buckingham Palace

About Buckingham Palace

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The King's Gallery

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