The Changing of the Guard is the most famous military ceremony in London and one of the city’s most iconic free experiences. It takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and involves the formal handover of responsibility from the Old Guard to the New Guard, accompanied by a military band.
The ceremony is completely free to watch and no tickets are required. The crowds can be intense, though, and the sequence can be confusing without context. This guide covers everything you need to know: when it happens, where to stand, and whether a guided tour is worth it.
Changing of the Guard Tickets & Tours
The ceremony itself is free, but guided walking tours add expert commentary and the best viewing positions.
💂 Changing of the Guard: Guided Tour
A 90-minute guided walk with history and ceremony commentary. Your guide positions you at the best viewing spots. Max 20 people.
🚶 Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
A 2-hour walking tour covering the ceremony plus the surrounding royal landmarks. Max 25 people.
Includes a Changing of the Guard walking tour plus Westminster Abbey and the Royal Mews in one discounted pass.
ℹ️ Good to Know
- The ceremony itself is always free to watch, with no ticket needed.
- Guided tours include free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
- Small groups (max 20 to 25 people) with reserve-now, pay-later options.
When Does the Changing of the Guard Happen?
The ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and some Sundays at 11:00. The schedule varies, though, and can be changed or cancelled at short notice for weather, operational duties, or ceremonial commitments.
| Event | Days | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changing of the Guard | Mon, Wed, Fri (and some Sundays) | 11:00 | About 45 minutes |
| Captain’s Inspection | Tue, Thu, Sat | 15:00 | Shorter ceremony |
| Sunday Parade | Sunday | About 09:45 to 10:40 | About 1 hour |
⚠️ Always check before you go. The ceremony is cancelled more often than people expect, usually for wet weather or operational requirements. Check the Household Division website on the morning of your visit. There is no point arriving 90 minutes early for a ceremony that has been called off.
What Happens During the Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard is the formal handover of duty from the Old Guard to the New Guard. Here is what to expect, in order.
The march from Wellington Barracks
The New Guard assembles at Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk with a military band, then marches to Buckingham Palace via Spur Road, arriving at the palace forecourt. A great moment to watch from The Mall or Spur Road, as the band plays while marching.
The handover in the forecourt
The Old Guard and New Guard meet in the forecourt. The captains of the two guards exchange the palace keys, symbolising the formal transfer of responsibility for protecting the palace. The band plays throughout, often mixing traditional military music with modern arrangements.
The departure of the Old Guard
Once the handover is complete, the Old Guard marches back to Wellington Barracks and the New Guard takes up its positions at the palace. The band leads the departure, another good moment for photographs as the guards march past.
The ceremony at St James’s Palace
A smaller detachment also changes guard at St James’s Palace at the same time. If the crowds at Buckingham Palace are too dense, watching at St James’s Palace on Marlborough Road is a quieter alternative with a similar ceremony.
Best Viewing Spots
Where you stand makes a huge difference to your experience. These are the best positions, with what each one is best for.
Best overall
Victoria Memorial steps. The raised steps give an elevated, unobstructed view of the forecourt, the guards, the band, and the handover. The most popular spot, so arrive 60 to 90 minutes early on busy days.
Best close-up
Palace railings, north side. The closest view of the guards: uniforms, instruments, and ceremony detail up close. Less elevated than the Memorial but more intimate.
Best for the march
The Mall or Spur Road. To see the guards and band marching rather than the static ceremony, stand between Wellington Barracks and the palace. Less crowded than the forecourt.
Best for families
Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk. Flat ground, more space, and room for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Watch the guards assemble and march out. The most comfortable option.
Quietest alternative
St James’s Palace, Marlborough Road. A smaller guard change runs at the same time, with far fewer crowds and an easier position. Good if you have seen the main ceremony before.
All the viewing spots are within a few minutes of each other, with the march running between Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk and the palace forecourt.
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA, UK · Google Maps
The Regiments
The guards you see are real soldiers from the Household Division, not performers. Several regiments rotate duty through the year. All five regiments of Foot Guards wear the iconic red tunics and bearskin caps, but each can be identified by the spacing of its buttons and the colour of its plume:
- Grenadier Guards: buttons evenly spaced, white plume on the left
- Coldstream Guards: buttons in pairs, red plume on the right
- Scots Guards: buttons in threes, no plume
- Irish Guards: buttons in fours, blue plume on the right
- Welsh Guards: buttons in fives, white and green plume on the left
Other regiments also perform the ceremony, including the Royal Regiment of Scotland and various bands and pipes-and-drums ensembles.
Is a Guided Tour Worth It?
The ceremony is free, so the real question is whether a guided walking tour adds enough value. In most cases, it does.
Without a guide, the ceremony can feel like 45 minutes of marching, music, and jostling with no context. You will not know which regiment is on duty, what the movements mean, why the band is playing a particular song, or where to stand for the best view.
A guided tour gives you:
- An expert who positions you at the best viewing spots before the crowds arrive
- Commentary on the history of the ceremony, the regiments, and the palace
- Context for what you are watching, in real time
- A small group (max 20 to 25 people) so you are not lost in the crowd
Recommended tours: Changing of the Guard: Guided Tour (90 minutes, the most focused option) | Changing of the Guard Walking Tour (2 hours, covers more of the area) | the London Royal Pass (the tour plus Westminster Abbey and the Royal Mews).
Insider Tips
Practical advice for getting the most from the ceremony.
Check the schedule on the morning of your visit
The Household Division website publishes the confirmed schedule daily. The ceremony can be cancelled for wet weather, state events, or operational reasons, so do not assume it is happening just because it is listed on a general schedule.
Arrive 60 to 90 minutes early for the best spots
The Victoria Memorial steps and palace railings fill up fast, especially in summer and at weekends. For a front-row position, arrive by 09:30. If you are happy with a more distant view, 30 minutes is usually enough.
Weekdays are significantly less crowded
Monday and Wednesday ceremonies are much quieter than Friday or Sunday. If your dates are flexible, aim for a weekday. The winter months are quieter too, though the ceremony happens less often.
Do not try to see the ceremony and the State Rooms on the same morning
The ceremony starts at 11:00 and needs you in position by about 09:30 for a good spot, which clashes with most State Rooms timed-entry slots. Do them on separate days.
The Captain’s Inspection is a quieter alternative
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 15:00, the Captain’s Inspection takes place at Buckingham Palace. It is a shorter, less dramatic ceremony, but with far fewer crowds. A good option if you want to see the guards without the full spectacle.
Bring binoculars if you are further back
If you cannot get a front-row spot, a small pair of binoculars makes a big difference. The ceremony happens inside the forecourt railings, and from the back of the crowd the guards can be hard to see clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Changing of the Guard free?
Yes, completely free. No tickets or booking required. Guided walking tours are optional and add expert commentary and the best viewing positions.
What time is the Changing of the Guard?
The ceremony starts at 11:00, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and some Sundays. The schedule varies, so always check the Household Division website on the morning of your visit.
How long does the Changing of the Guard last?
About 45 minutes from start to finish. Including arrival time for a good viewing spot, budget about 2 hours in total.
What happens if it rains?
The ceremony is often cancelled in wet weather to protect the soldiers and their instruments. A reduced version may take place inside the palace gates with no public viewing. Always check the schedule before making the journey.
Can I see the Changing of the Guard in winter?
Yes, but it happens less frequently outside summer. Check the Household Division website for confirmed dates during the winter months.
Where is the best place to stand?
The Victoria Memorial steps for the best elevated view, the palace railings (north side) for the closest view, or Wellington Barracks for the most comfortable, family-friendly spot. See the Best Viewing Spots section above for the full list.
Is the Changing of the Guard wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The ceremony takes place outdoors on flat ground. Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk is the most accessible spot, and designated areas for wheelchair users are available along the palace railings on a first-come, first-served basis.