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Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard, London: Address, Phone Number, Changing of the Guard Reviews: 4/5

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Changing of the Guard

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Changing of the Guard
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#132 of 481 Theatre & Concerts in London
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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
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Attractions
2 147 within 10 kms
Graspan Royal Marines Memorial
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476
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Buckingham Palace
29 407
91 mHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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801
0.2 kmArt Galleries • Art Museums
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251
0.2 kmSpeciality Museums
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0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
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London Underground
44 970
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
2 233 reviews
Excellent
741
Very good
706
Average
508
Poor
182
Terrible
96
JRMADA
United States870 contributions
Spectacular!!!
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
Shortened due to the heat
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
Spectacular Pomp and Pageantry: Unmissable
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
Changing of the Guards was truly the most memorable experience of my stay in London.
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.
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
The best for families and children
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.
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
Pomp, circumstance and chaos
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.
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
Great view of the Guard
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
The experience was excellent and has made a lasting impression.
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, Canada1 253 contributions
No need to pay for Tours or stand Hours! Read review! FREE activity!
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!
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
Be prepared to stand for a long time.
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.
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