Changing of the Guard, London: Address, Phone Number, Changing of the Guard Reviews: 4/5
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
Suggested 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
Best nearby
Restaurants
10Â 000 within 5 kms

Bon Gusto
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The Quilon Restaurant
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Attractions
2Â 147 within 10 kms

Graspan Royal Marines Memorial
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Royal Artillery Memorial
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Buckingham Palace
29Â 407
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Canada Gate
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The Guards Museum
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Lancaster House
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Wellington Barracks
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London Underground
44Â 970
0.6 kmPublic Transportation Systems
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2Â 233 reviews
Excellent
741
Very good
706
Average
508
Poor
182
Terrible
96
JRMADA
United States870 contributions
We watched the changing of the guard today and what a show! truly spectacular. The bands stole the show. During summer it starts at 11AM Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday weather permitting. The best place to watch it from is the steps of the Queen Victoria memorial facing Buckingham Palace. From there you can see the whole show. This is a must see. We absolutely loved it….
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jesse.lodge
Charlotte, NC597 contributions
I've seen the Changing of the Guard before at Buckingham Palace which is really something everyone should see at least once. However, this past visit to London had the time shortened to ~10 minutes given the temperature was over 100 degrees. But I understand as this is tough for the guard. So if you are looking to visit at a time with really extreme temperatures you may be to rethink it. But on normal days this is well worth the visit.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leaveworktotravel
Northumberland, UK649 contributions
Friends
Excellent tour by Mike - knowledgeable and passionate about the Monarchy. We would have missed so much if we’d tried to do it ourselves - this trip puts The Crown and Parliament into perspective and is excellent value - top class thank you - made me proud to be British
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
scott
Pennsylvania5 contributions
Family
Saw the changing at Buckingham. Read online where and when to go and we arrived there at 9:15 with plenty of time and ahead of the crowds. We elected for dead center at the top of stairs at the Victoria Monument. It was the perfect place to see the old and new guards march in and out, and to capture photos and videos with the gate and palace in the background. You can easily see everything. In hindsight however, I think a spot at the fence to either side of the gate would’ve been better for an up close view of the bands playing their numbers, as it was hard to see well through the closed gate. Beware: once you’ve chosen your spot, you can’t really go anywhere as the police don’t let you back onto the roads until the whole thing is done.
The police warned us several times to be aware of pickpockets and to keep tabs on personal belongings, but didn’t see any trouble.
The guard bands were truly a treat and this was a highlight of our stay in London.
The police warned us several times to be aware of pickpockets and to keep tabs on personal belongings, but didn’t see any trouble.
The guard bands were truly a treat and this was a highlight of our stay in London.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ivan Z
Casorate Sempione49 contributions
Been there with a 10 year child, at her first London visit.
She loved it, first following the playing band on the side of the street and then on my shoulders close to the gates.
After the cerimony, you can move from Buckingham Palace visit some of the Royal Parks, for examlpe, walking trough Green Park and St. James Park.
She loved it, first following the playing band on the side of the street and then on my shoulders close to the gates.
After the cerimony, you can move from Buckingham Palace visit some of the Royal Parks, for examlpe, walking trough Green Park and St. James Park.
Written 11 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Garrett S
Durham, North Carolina, United States82 contributions
I went to this with a tour group, which may have been a mistake. Admittedly, we were running a bit late, so by the time we got there, the many, many, many people who had come to watch had already gathered. We managed to get a spot and see the guards marching down the street. It was a nice mini-parade but not sure it was worth the craziness and the crowd.
A caveat, this was the week after the jubilee and Buckingham access was closed off, so it certainly impacted things.
A caveat, this was the week after the jubilee and Buckingham access was closed off, so it certainly impacted things.
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MAP12
New Orleans, LA494 contributions
We had read that for a closer/non-crowded view of the guard to go to Marlborough Road in front the the St. James palace gate to see them. We did this - well we came early, walked around the gardens and then headed here about 45 minutes before the changing. The guards come out a gate here and make a couple turns, so are marching a bit slower - and there are low barriers, so you get a good view. Crowd was maybe 1-2 deep - so even kids could see. We'd "seen" the ceremony itself, so tried for something a little different this time and it was great!
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ronnie faucher
3 contributions
Family
The highlight of the trip was being able to see the changing of the guard in full with complete explanations.Everthing was fully explained in a funny,informative and engaging way by my guide Robert.
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vanessa P
Calgary, Canada1Â 253 contributions
Read review to find out how to see the change of guards without having to PAY for tours or Stand for hours:
1. To find out the days and times of the change access the website: change of guards dot com
2. Then, on the day for change go to the Marlborough Road in front the the St. James palace gate. Arrive 20 minutes for this first stop as they will close the road a few minutes before the band starts to walk.
3. The band will warm up with lovely songs.
4. Once they start walking, you walk to the street beside the park (Royal Mile) and wait 5 minutes until the guard band catch up with you. Then, you can walk along side the band. They will go the straight to the palace.
5. Then, You have a few choices :
-go to the gate to see it close
-Cross the bridge in front of the pantheon to the left and wait in the corner of the street to see the new groups of guards leaving their headquarters.
That is it! Enjoy!
1. To find out the days and times of the change access the website: change of guards dot com
2. Then, on the day for change go to the Marlborough Road in front the the St. James palace gate. Arrive 20 minutes for this first stop as they will close the road a few minutes before the band starts to walk.
3. The band will warm up with lovely songs.
4. Once they start walking, you walk to the street beside the park (Royal Mile) and wait 5 minutes until the guard band catch up with you. Then, you can walk along side the band. They will go the straight to the palace.
5. Then, You have a few choices :
-go to the gate to see it close
-Cross the bridge in front of the pantheon to the left and wait in the corner of the street to see the new groups of guards leaving their headquarters.
That is it! Enjoy!
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elvene Janet S
Lancashire115 contributions
We made sure we got to the Palace in plenty of time and got a good view from the front of the Victoria statue so we were able to sit down. Once the troops started to come we could see and hear everything. It is a sight not to be missed.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
linus7
Ellicott City, MD54 contributions
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!
220nancy
Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
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.
Penny W
Sydney, Australia
What time to arrive for a good view
dsthomp
Green Bay, WI26 contributions
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.
Shi Yi N
3 contributions
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
shelly
23 contributions
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......
sk009
Malaysia205 contributions
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
Anthony_Chien
Toronto, Canada275 contributions
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.
Margaret S
16 contributions
Are tickets needed to watch the changing of the guards?
Hitesh G
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India18 contributions
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.
MiamiMar
Miami, FL145 contributions
Hi, MiamiMar. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Io vado venerdi 26 gennaio per tre giorni, posso sperare in venerdi o domenica per il cambio guardie? E inizia a st james park alle ore 11 oppure direttamente a bucknghampalace?
lulipi
Turin, Italy1Â 360 contributions
ciao, ti consiglio di verificare sempre sul sito web per essere sicuro che ci sia
Frequently Asked Questions about Changing of the Guard
- We recommend booking Changing of the Guard tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 75 Changing of the Guard tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Changing of the Guard:
- Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London (From RÂ 408,25)
- Changing of the Guard Small-Group Walking Tour (From RÂ 367,43)
- Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade (From RÂ 2Â 306,79)
- Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise with Optional London Eye (From RÂ 753,27)
- The Changing of the Guard: Private and family tour (From RÂ 3Â 599,42)
- Hotels near Changing of the Guard:
- (0.34 km) The Resident Victoria
- (0.44 km) Hotel 41
- (0.41 km) Taj 51 Buckingham Gates Suites and Residences
- (0.43 km) The Rubens at the Palace
- (0.47 km) The Stafford London
- Restaurants near Changing of the Guard:
- (0.09 km) Nero
- (0.33 km) Bon Gusto
- (0.22 km) The Garden Cafe
- (0.34 km) Le Signore
- (0.42 km) Kona