The Changing of the Buckingham Palace Guards in London

Our Experience

London feels familiar.

It is one of the biggest, busiest cities that we have ever been to, but at the same time, it feels like somewhere we have been over and over again.

The culture and personality can be felt in far-flung places all around the globe – in the similar shops, the food, the language, the style. In our first few days there, nothing struck us as compellingly unique or interesting.

We wanted to change that and experience something emphatically British – something that couldn’t be replicated and is a significant part of the London experience.

Rightly or wrongly, we chose to do this by heading to Buckingham Palace to witness the changing of the guard. On second thought, we should have probably considered ferries to France instead.

It started out as expected. I was impressed with the flawless ensembles of the guards that included daggers strapped around waists, and I wondered about the weight of the large fluffy hats each of them wore.

After parking ourselves behind the gates of the new-guard staging area at Wellington Barracks, we watched the meticulous inspection of uniforms and listened to the many commands being barked and feet being stamped.

There were peculiar processions of several guards at a time walking away to nowhere in particular, and then returning immediately from whence they came, with no discernible purpose for their quick jaunt.

The brass band came into view and started to get themselves organized.

I set the camera to video and was excited for all pieces to erupt into a traditional marching or battle song, something uproarious to set the tone for the significant occasion.

That isn’t quite what happened. Instead, we got this…

And then, this…

And finally…

Really? Our foray into something that is supposed to be exclusively British is marred with popular American songs and show tunes?

We laughed and rolled our eyes at the remarkably tacky turn the event took, but continued to follow the procession as the guards made their way from the barracks to Buckingham Palace to orchestrate the “change”.

We didn’t get very far. Piles of tourists, falling over each other to get pictures, blocked our chance of even getting a glimpse beyond the gates of the palace. We stood by as the procession moved beyond our view, only able to experience the rest of it through sound.

We heard more barking, more foot stamping, and more popular tunes (at least this time they stuck with a British band and played the Beatles hit “Hey Jude“). The auditory of the actual event was interrupted constantly with outbursts from the police, yelling at overflowing tourists to get back off the streets and move impossibly closer together.

We waited for it all to end (rather impatiently, on my part), took a couple pictures of the guards and palace once the crowds cleared, and left. It’s a miracle, in all honesty, that I was able to repress my claustrophobic rage enough not to storm away from the mess of people with elbows flying to clear the way.

As we walked away I commented on how the whole experience had peaked at listening to the hilarious opening song by Journey, as cheesy as it was. Not exactly the British experience we were looking for.

We’re still looking.

How To Properly Experience The Changing of the Guards in London

To fully savour the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony in London, it’s essential to arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot.

Station yourself along the Palace’s impressive iron gates or at the Victoria Memorial for an unobstructed view.

The experience truly comes alive with a knowledgeable guide who can provide historical context and insider insights into the ceremony’s traditions.

As the band plays their tunes and the guards in their distinctive red uniforms and bearskin hats perform precision drills, you’ll witness a quintessential piece of British pageantry. Maybe.

Don’t forget your camera (or make sure you have space cleared on your phone) to capture this memorable event.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace

Getting to Buckingham Palace is straightforward, as it’s a prominent landmark in the heart of London.

By Tube (London Underground)

• The nearest tube station to Buckingham Palace is “Victoria Station,” which is served by the District, Circle, and Victoria lines.
• From Victoria Station, it’s just a short walk to the palace.
• Follow the signs within the station for Buckingham Palace, and you’ll emerge near the Victoria Memorial, which is in front of the palace.

By Bus

• Several London bus routes pass near Buckingham Palace.
• Look for buses that stop at “Victoria Station” or “Buckingham Palace Road” for the closest access.
• You can use the Transport for London website or mobile app to plan your bus journey and check for specific routes and schedules.

By Train

• If you’re arriving in London by train, you can disembark at “Victoria Station,” which is conveniently located near Buckingham Palace.
• Simply follow the signs within the station for Buckingham Palace, and you’ll reach your destination in a matter of minutes.

By Foot

• Buckingham Palace is situated in the heart of London, and it’s easily accessible on foot from many central locations, such as Westminster Abbey, St. James’s Park, or The Mall.
• Depending on your starting point, you can enjoy a pleasant walk through some of London’s most iconic areas before reaching the palace.

When To Visit

The ceremony typically takes place daily from April to July and on alternate days the rest of the year, so check the schedule beforehand.

It is during these months that you’ll have the best chance to view the Changing of the Guard, however it is possible all throughout the year.

Weather can also play a role, which tends to cause more problems in the winter wet weather months.

Spring and Autumn may be more preferable, as Summer can be overly busy with tourism.

What Time To Arrive

The Guard ceremony is a daily event that usually occurs at 11:00am.

To secure a good viewing spot and have a clear view of the ceremony, it’s advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Keep in mind that the Changing of the Guard is a highly popular tourist attraction, so arriving early ensures a better vantage point and avoids large crowds that tend to gather as the ceremony approaches.

What To Expect

• The Guard Ceremony typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, so be prepared to stand and wait for the duration of the event.
• It’s wise to check the official schedule in advance, as it can sometimes change due to unforeseen circumstances or special events.
• Unlike some other military ceremonies, the Changing of the Guard is a solemn and silent event. Don’t expect any verbal exchanges or banter among the guards.
• The ceremony takes place outdoors, so be prepared for London’s unpredictable weather. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is in the forecast, and wear layers for warmth if visiting during cooler months.
• Occasionally, there may be special events or performances associated with the Changing of the Guard, such as musical performances or parades. Check for any additional activities happening on the day of your visit.

What Else To Do While in London

After witnessing the iconic Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London offers a plethora of activities to fill your day with excitement and culture. Here’s a detailed list of things to do:

Explore St. James’s Park: Stroll through one of London’s oldest parks, enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens, and spot the resident pelicans, all within view of St. James’s Palace.

Visit Westminster Abbey: A short walk from Buckingham Palace, this historic site is a stunning Gothic church with a rich history, home to coronations and royal weddings.

Tour the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: Take a guided tour to learn about British politics and see the iconic clock tower up close.

Discover the Churchill War Rooms: Delve into the underground bunker that housed Winston Churchill’s wartime government and explore the fascinating museum dedicated to his life.

Enjoy the National Gallery: Located in Trafalgar Square, this world-class art museum features masterpieces by Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Turner.

Take a Thames River Cruise: See London from a different perspective by cruising down the River Thames, offering stunning views of landmarks like the Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum: Explore a vast collection of art and design, from fashion to sculpture, spanning centuries and cultures.

Shop at Covent Garden: Enjoy the bustling market atmosphere with street performers, unique shops, and excellent dining options.

Walk through Hyde Park: Relax in one of London’s largest parks, visit the Serpentine Lake, and see the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

Experience the British Museum: Home to millions of works from all over the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, this museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Ride the London Eye: Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from this iconic Ferris wheel, especially beautiful at sunset.

Explore the Southbank: Walk along the Thames, enjoy street performers, and visit cultural hubs like the Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre.

Discover the Tower of London: Explore the historic castle, see the Crown Jewels, and learn about the tower’s grim history.

Relax at Kew Gardens: Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful landscapes, exotic plants, and stunning glasshouses.

With this list, you’ll have plenty of exciting options to make the most of your time in London after enjoying the Changing of the Guard.

Where To Stay

Our second visit to London started to change our minds on how we feel about the city. And it was mainly due to the location of our flat with CityBase Apartments.

We felt like a local Londoner. We were able to figure out the tube system, visit a few friends, have a few pints in the neighbouring pubs and most of all relax (errr, work) in comfort.

If you are looking for an alternative to a hotel in London look at CityBase apartments. Their prices easily compete with the cost of a hotel, and in our opinion, you get to see what London is really like.