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!
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.
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 name
Buckingham Palace access
Includes
Why go for it
Starting price
Recommended 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
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
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
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
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
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.
Good viewing spots include the fences in front of Buckingham Palace, the steps of the Victoria Memorial, and along The Mall.
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.
Arriving at least 30-45 mins before the ceremony starts is recommended to secure a good viewing position, as the event is quite popular.
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.
Yes, photography is allowed during the ceremony, but using large tripods might be restricted due to the crowd.
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.
As with any public event, you will likely undergo security checks. Large bags and backpacks are typically discouraged.
Yes, there are accessible viewing areas. To arrange accommodations, you should contact the Palace's visitor services in advance.
Yes, the Changing the Guard is a family-friendly event. However, due to crowds, it's advisable to keep children close.
Pets are generally not recommended at the ceremony due to the large crowds and the nature of the event.
There is no dress code for watching the ceremony, but it's recommended to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for being outdoors.
On a cloudy, gloomy day, the walking tour was just so enriching and informative. Jeremy, my guide, was experienced and knowledgeable and his dash of Brit... err Scottish humour... made the tour so entertaining. He knew the right spots and right timings which made the tour fruitful and memorable!
Anthony
Mar 2026
5/5
Natalie was an excellent guide, rushing us from place to place so we got the best views of the whole ceremony. And she imparted lots of knowledge and interesting anecdotes. Highly recommended.
John
Mar 2026
5/5
Our guide Mary was amazing. Very informative, answered every question our group had. There was one difficult person in our group and she handled everything gracefully. 10 stars for Mary.
Nohen
Mar 2026
5/5
Kevin is a great and very friendly London guide.
Ana
Feb 2026
5/5
+1 more
Jeremy was such a great guide, we had the best views without being trampled by the eager crowds.
This is definitely a must do when you are in London!
Loved the banter too
Thank you
Valentina
Feb 2026
5/5
This event was absolutely amazing. The changing of the guard was fascinating to see and the guide ( unfortunately I forgot the name I think it was Alex tho) he was very kind, funny and gave us so much insight. I would really recommend this if you have children that like that type of stuff it I'd really cool.
Thank you so much for this nice experience!
Vasiliki
Jan 2026
5/5
Changing the guard was a memorable experience. The guiding by Aaron was excellent, very pleasant and very interesting, we learnt many things about UK history and tradition. Everything was fantastic !!!
Fernando
Jan 2026
5/5
Our tour guide was fantastic! We learn a lot and stayed at the best spots for seeying the parade!
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Experience the world-famous Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace with expert commentary.
Everything you get: Witness the Changing the Foot Guard ceremony on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, or the Changing the Horse Guard ceremony on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in an intimate small-group setting, with a 1.5-hour guided walking tour around the palace.
Why choose this: With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide and small group size, you'll gain insights, enjoy the best vantage points, and ask questions.
Upgrades: Choose to upgrade your experience with a guided tour of Westminster Abbey with insights from an expert guide.
Inclusions
#
Changing the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Expert English-speaking tour guide
Small group tour
Audio headsets
Additional paid upgrades:
1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace
Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
What's not allowed
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Additional information
The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the year. However, last-minute cancellations can occur without prior notice due to decisions made by the palace or local authorities, or because of bad weather.
Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
On Sundays, a slightly different version of the ceremony takes place, known as the "Sunday Parade."
Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’ll experience the Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony instead.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Experience the best of British tradition: witness the Changing the Guard and unwind with an afternoon tea cruise.
Everything you get at Buckingham Palace: Watch the time-honored Changing the Guard ceremony during a 1.5-hour live English-guided walking tour that takes you past royal landmarks like The Mall and St. James’s Palace.
Everything you get on the Afternoon Tea cruise: Enjoy a 90-min cruise along the River Thames with live or audio commentary, featuring traditional afternoon tea with freshly baked scones, pastries, and a selection of British teas as you sail past Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Why choose this combo: Immerse yourself in British culture through two quintessential experiences in one seamless package while saving time and money.
Inclusions
#
Changing the Guard Ceremony
Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace
1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace
Expert English-speaking tour guide
Small group tour at Buckingham Palace grounds
Audio headsets for the Changing the Guard ceremony
Afternoon Tea Cruise
1.5-hour Thames River cruise with British afternoon tea
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
#
Additional information
Changing the Guard
Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’ll see the Changing the Household Cavalry Ceremony instead.
Afternoon Tea Cruise
Infants under the age of 2 will be charged the child rate.
Some tables are situated in close proximity to other diners and are pre-allocated before boarding. All tables are fixed to the floor and cannot be moved. Window tables are available, which seats up to two people only.
The boat can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free people, but is unable to offer menus that are both vegan and gluten-free. Please get in touch with City Cruises on 0207 7400 400 at the time of booking to provide your dietary preferences.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combos
Combo (Save 5%): Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace + Tower of London Tickets
See a historic ceremony and visit the iconic Tower with one ticket.
Say yes to savings with this combo ticket! Witness the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace and explore the historic Tower of London.
Experience the Changing the Guard on a 1.5-hour guided walking tour in a small group setting.
Gain unique insights into the guards' traditions with expert commentary and audio headsets.
Visit the Tower of London to view the Crown Jewels, including regalia used in coronation ceremonies, and delve into their rich history.
Explore The White Tower, the Medieval Palace, and the Bloody Tower, uncovering their historical significance and dark tales.
Inclusions
#
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Changing the Guard Ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
Changing the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
1.5-hour walking tour around Buckingham Palace
Expert English-speaking tour guide
Audio headsets
Small group tour of 20 people or fewer
Tower of London
Entry to the Tower of London
Access to The Crown Jewels
Entry to:
- The White Tower
- Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula
- Battlements
- Medieval Palace
- Bloody Tower
- Torture at the Tower exhibition
- Fusiliers Museum
- Royal Mint exhibition
- Access to the children's activity trails and live historical re-enactments
What's not allowedTower of London
Keep in mind luggage, large bags, tripods, selfie sticks, and other photographic or recording equipment; smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
AccessibilityTower of London
Not all areas are accessible to wheelchair users.
Trained assistance dogs are welcome.
Additional informationTower of London
The Crown Jewels are a working collection and as a consequence, the display is subject to change without prior notice due to security reasons.
Changing the Guard
Changing the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you’ll experience the Changing the Horse Guard ceremony.
This is a walking tour with a fair amount of walking. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Walking Tours
Guided Tour of Westminster with Westminster Abbey Entry and Changing of the Guard
Join an intimate group tour covering Westminster landmarks plus enjoy Abbey access at your own pace.
Everything you need: Participate in a guided exploration of Westminster landmarks, entry to the Abbey, two hour self guided visit with audio support, access to the Guard ceremony and a relaxed group limited to fifteen participants.
Why choose this: Cover Westminster’s top attractions in one organized tour that blends guidance, independence, and live viewing of the country's celebrated Guard ceremony.
Inclusions
#
3-hour guided walking tour of Westminster
English-speaking guide
Entry to Westminster Abbey
2-hour self-guided tour of Westminster Abbey
Audio guide for Westminster Abbey
Changing of the Guard ceremony
Small group of 15 people or less
Exclusions
#
Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
What to bring
Ensure your entry tickets and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
Pack earphones for your audio guide experience.
Additional information
The guide will not accompany you inside Westminster Abbey. You can explore at your own pace with an audio guide.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is subject to changes in date, time, and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities.
Cancellation due to bad weather is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. On such occasions, see a ‘wet change’ during which the guards march but without the usual music or parade.
Westminster Abbey is subject to last-minute, unforeseen closures.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
City Tours
Royal London Coach Tour with Changing of the Guard
See London's famous sights and the Changing of the Guard ceremony from a comfortable coach
Enjoy a luxury coach ride through London, led by an expert guide who provides insightful stories and anecdotes about the city's landmarks along the way.
Benefit from an audio headset that lets you listen to your guide's engaging commentary about the ceremony and the rich history behind it.
Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, a quintessential display of British tradition and pageantry.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to observe the guards wearing their vibrant uniforms and bearskin hats as they march and take on the responsibility of guarding the palace.
Elevate your experience with the option of a tranquil Thames River cruise or a delightful afternoon tea at the Rubens, overlooking Buckingham Palace.
Inclusions
#
Guided coach tour to Buckingham Palace
Changing of the Guard Ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
Changing of the Horse Guard Ceremony (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Experienced guide
WiFi and USB charging on board
Personal audio headset
Thames River cruise (as per option selected)
Afternoon tea at the Rubens overlooking Buckingham Palace. See menu here (as per option selected)
The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (subject to availability).
The Changing of the Foot Guards Ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Please note that if you book your tour on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’ll see the Changing of the Horse Guard Ceremony instead.
River cruise is independent and is a one-way trip from Westminster Pier to Tower Pier.
Children aged between 3 to 16 years will be served the children's afternoon tea menu.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
