Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: Best Places to Watch, When to Arrive & One of London's Best FREE Attractions
Nothing deflates a London visit quite like arriving at Buckingham Palace at 11 am, camera at the ready, to find a very large crowd and absolutely no soldiers.
The Changing of the Guard is one of London's most famous attractions and one of its best free shows. You don't need tickets! You just need to get three things right: the day, the time and the spot.
Here's how, from a London black cab driver, tour guide and photographer who spends much of his working life driving around these very streets.
When is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace?
The main Changing of the King's Guard ceremony is traditionally scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am, although additional ceremonies may take place on other days.
It doesn't happen at the same time every day, and ceremonies can be changed or cancelled at short notice.
Wet weather can trigger a decision to cancel as late as 10:45 am on the day.
My advice: Always check the official schedule before setting off.
You can also find information about the ceremony on the official Royal Collection Trust website.
What actually happens during the Changing of the Guard?
This isn't just a colourful parade put on for tourists.
The Changing of the Guard is a military ceremony in which the Old Guard hands over responsibility for protecting the royal residences to the New Guard.
The tradition stretches back centuries, and when Queen Victoria moved into Buckingham Palace in 1837, soldiers continued guarding St James's Palace, with a detachment also stationed at Buckingham Palace.
Today, soldiers march between St James's Palace, Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace, accompanied by military bands.
And those famous red tunics and bearskin hats? They belong to serving soldiers, not actors dressed up for the occasion.
What is the best time to see the Changing of the Guard?
Although the main ceremony is scheduled for 11 am on the usual morning ceremony days, the action starts much earlier.
Here's a rough guide:
Time | What happens |
10:00 am | Soldiers begin gathering at St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks |
10:30 am | The Old Guard forms up at St James's Palace |
10:43 am | The Old Guard marches towards Buckingham Palace |
10:57 am | The New Guard leaves Wellington Barracks |
11:00 am | The main ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace |
11:40 am onwards | The Old Guard and other detachments begin leaving |
The ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes, although timings can vary.
For the full details, see the official Household Division ceremony guide.
Where is the best place to watch the Changing of the Guard?
There isn't one perfect viewing spot. It depends on whether you want to watch the ceremony inside the Palace gates or get close to the soldiers as they march through London's streets.
Here are my two favourites.
1. Marlborough Road, St James's Palace: My favourite viewing spot
This is one of my favourite places to watch and photograph the Changing of the Guard.
The Old Guard forms up at St James's Palace before marching along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.
You can see the soldiers at close quarters, photograph the procession and then follow their route towards the Palace.
Aim to be in position by 10:30 am.
It's an excellent alternative for families visiting London with children, particularly if you don't fancy spending an hour standing in a large crowd.
And, as a photographer, I particularly like the opportunity to capture the soldiers marching rather than photographing them through the Palace railings.
2. The main gates of Buckingham Palace: The classic view
This is the famous location for watching the Changing of the Guard.
You'll see the soldiers entering the Palace forecourt, the military bands and the ceremonial handover.
The downside? Everyone else wants the same view!
During the busy summer months, I recommend arriving by 10 am at the latest if you want a good position at the Palace railings.
And here's something guidebooks don't always tell you.
Once you've secured your spot, you're staying there!
Need the toilet? Fancy a coffee? You'll probably lose your place, and there's no guarantee you'll get back to the front.
So have your breakfast, finish your coffee and visit the loo before heading to Buckingham Palace.
Which roads close during the Changing of the Guard?
Several roads around Buckingham Palace close temporarily while the soldiers march and the ceremony takes place.
These include sections of:
The Mall
Constitution Hill
Spur Road and the roads around the Queen Victoria Memorial
Road closures and timings can vary, particularly during other royal events.
As a London taxi driver, I know a thing or two about closed roads. This time, at least, they're closed on purpose.
What is the nearest Tube station to Buckingham Palace?
Green Park is my recommended Underground station for visiting Buckingham Palace and watching the Changing of the Guard.
Served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines, it's a lovely walk through Green Park towards the Palace.
Alternatively, St James's Park station, served by the District and Circle lines, is another convenient option, particularly if you're planning to watch the soldiers near Wellington Barracks.
One practical tip: avoid bringing large luggage or wheeled suitcases to the ceremony. Security restrictions can prevent you from entering some viewing areas.
What to see after the Changing of the Guard
Don't rush off once the soldiers have disappeared.
Take a wander through St James's Park, one of London's prettiest Royal Parks and home to its famous resident pelicans.
It's also a lovely walk towards Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, roughly a mile from Buckingham Palace.
You can easily combine the Changing of the Guard with some of London's most famous attractions, making it an excellent addition to a family sightseeing day in London.
See the Changing of the Guard on a London Photo Taxi Tour
Want to experience the Changing of the Guard without spending your morning trying to work out where to stand?
On a private London Photo Taxi Tour, I can help you plan your visit around the ceremony, show you some of my favourite viewing spots and photograph you along the way.
You'll have your own London black cab driver, qualified tour guide and professional photographer, all rolled into one.
And hopefully, you'll go home with something better than a photograph of the back of someone's head.
The guards don't move, don't smile and don't say a word.
As a married man, I find them deeply relatable.
Don't Just See London — Capture It!
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