Changing of the Guard

The Guard Mounting ceremony begins with the New Guard marching from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace with a marching band, while the mounted Horse Guards Parade leaves from the Hyde Park barracks and crosses The Mall to St. James's Palace. The official guard change then takes place in the palace forecourt. Some London walking tours include a timed stop at the palace to see the event, while other tours combine a viewing with a visit to the Tower of London or a whirl on the London Eye.

• Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony takes place daily at 11:30am and lasts about 45 minutes.

• Crowds are frequent, especially at the palace, but you'll find quieter spots elsewhere along the route.

• The ceremony is free to watch, and no tickets are required.

The procession begins at Wellington Barracks and continues on to Buckingham Palace in central London. The nearest tube stations are St. James Park, Green Park, and Victoria.

To get a good view, it's best to arrive early—as early as 9:30am for a good view in the summer months. Some tours are timed specifically for the ceremony, guaranteeing the best viewpoints and insight from an expert tour guide. Note that the ceremony may be canceled in bad weather.

Travelers can pair the show with stops at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Windsor Castle, or even with afternoon tea, a classic London experience. The nearby Tower of London also has an entertaining guards tour that complements Buckingham's Changing of the Guard ceremony.

The Changing of the Guard (also known as Guard Mounting) is a formal ceremony during which the soldiers who guard Buckingham Palace are relieved of their posts and replaced by a fresh round of soldiers. It originated in the 17th century and is now one of London’s key tourist attractions.

The Changing of the Guard is usually held at Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The ceremony typically begins at 10:45am and lasts for around 45 minutes. It’s a popular sight, so get to the palace well in advance of the start time to secure a good spot.

Yes. While it’s best-associated with Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard takes place across three locations, including the Wellington Barracks and St. James’s Palace. The ceremony also is held separately every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at Windsor Castle, which is located just a short trip from London.

Yes. The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace may not always occur and can be canceled at short notice due to inclement weather. The ceremony also is canceled for major events, such as state visits, the London Marathon, and Trooping the Colour (an event celebrating the sovereign’s birthday).

No. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is always free to attend, and you do not need to book tickets to see it. However, many tours of London’s major royal and historic monuments visit the Changing of the Guard and offer a good way to learn about its history.

Two of the most popular places to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony are in front of the Buckingham Palace gates and from the steps of the Victoria Memorial. Alternatively, you can watch from The Mall, which is on the procession route. Just stay clear of the soldiers’ path.