The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony in which the Old Guard in charge of the security of Buckingham Palace is relieved of their duties by the New Guard. This spectacular parade is a free event that takes place in the morning and is one of London’s most important and famous tourist attractions.
During the Changing of the Guard, you will see regiments of guards on horseback and on foot guards. They will be wearing the traditional red robes and the famous bearskin hats. The military musical band performs alongside the Changing of the Guard ceremony. They play both military music and more contemporary hits – which often surprises visitors when they play songs you wouldn’t expect!
What is the Changing of the Guard in London?
The King´s Guard is responsible for securing two palaces in central London: Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. St James’s Palace is just 5 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace. So, the ceremony of the changing of the Guard in London can be seen from these two places: Wellington Barracks (at Buckingham Palace) and St James’s Palace.
The official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace is Horse Guards, which is situated between the beautiful park of St. James’s and Whitehall. This road takes us from Trafalgar Square to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Horse Guards is where you will see Mounted Guards, and these guards also switch over at 11 am. This means that we will see mounted guards passing by Buckingham Palace twice – first at 10.45 am, when the new mounted guard passes by towards Horse Guards, and then at 11.37 am when the old mounted Guard go back towards Buckingham Palace.
At 4 pm every day, there is a dismounting ceremony at Horse Guards. This is known as the four o’clock parade. The mounted Guard guarding Horse Guards from 11 am is then relieved from duty at 4 pm by guards on foot. An officer will inspect the incoming Royal Guard, and after a long day of guarding the King´s Palace, the horses are taken to the stables to rest.
So when we talk about the Changing of the Guard, we have to cover the following four key places:
1. Buckingham Palace
2. Wellington Barracks
3. Palace of St James
4. Horse Guards
Route and detailed schedule of the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace in London
The Changing of the Guard in London is held on specific days of the month, and the exact dates are typically confirmed the previous month. We advise you to check the dates of the changing of the Guard a few days before you travel to London.
Top tip: Many people think the Changing of the Guard ceremony is held daily at Buckingham Palace, but this is not true. Some days, you’ll find people waiting even if the Changing of the Guard is not scheduled.
Timings of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace
10.30 am: The new Guard of both detachments (Wellington Barracks and Palace of St James) get ready. At Wellington Barracks, the new Guard forms up in the square of the barracks for inspection. They are accompanied by a military band that starts playing a selection of music. A musical band does not always accompany the Royal Guard from the Palace of St James, but when there is a musical band, you can hear it very clearly from Marlborough Road when the procession starts heading towards Buckingham Palace.
10.43 am: St James’s Palace detachment of the Old Guard steps off for Buckingham Palace. Sentries remain at the Palace of St. James.
10.45 am: The mounted Guard (Household Cavalry) rides past Buckingham Palace on their way to Horse Guards.
10.57 am: The new Guard leave Wellington barracks for Buckingham Palace.
11:00 am: Official start time for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
11:10 am: The new guards leave Buckingham Palace for the Palace of St James’s.
11:25 am: St. James’s Palace contingent of the Old Guard, leaves St. James’s Palace and heads towards Buckingham Palace.
11:37 am: The old Guard that was on duty at Horse Guards rides past Buckingham Palace.
11:40 am: Old Guard on duty at Buckingham Palace leaves Buckingham Palace towards Wellington Barracks.
11:45 am: St. James’s Palace Detachment of The King’s Guard leaves Buckingham Palace.
Troop Movements: Map
Where to watch the Changing of the Guard in London
This is one of the attractions in London that tourists flock to see. To ensure you don’t miss a thing during the Changing of the Guards, we recommend arriving early and knowing the best spots to stand.
Most people will crowd right in front of Buckingham Palace at the gates to see the changing of the Guard. There are more places where the ceremony can be seen, but remember that the whole ceremony cannot be seen from just one spot.
The most popular spots to watch the Changing of the Guard in London
- Gates at Buckingham Palace: If you can get to the front row, just in front of Buckingham Palace at the gates, you’ll have a great view of the ceremony, but you won’t probably see the Household Cavalry very well.
- Victoria Memorial: Just in front of Buckingham Palace, you’ll see the Victoria Memorial, and standing on these steps will offer great views of the ceremony. The steps on the Victoria Memorial are probably one of our favourite spots to see the Changing of the Guard in London.
- Green Park entrance: You could stand at the Green Park entrance, which is on the right of the main entrance of the Palace – but we wouldn’t say that this is the best option, to be honest, as you won’t see the actual changing of the Guard, but you will get to see the household cavalry as they go by.
- The Mall: This is the main road that leads up to the main entrance of Buckingham Palace. We would recommend standing at the junction with Marlborough Road. You’ll be able to take brilliant photos from here.
- Wellington Barracks
If you are not interested in seeing the relay itself but want to take some cool pictures of the Guard walking or riding towards Buckingham Palace, we recommend waiting at The Mall.
More specifically, we recommend that you stand at the entrance of Marlborough Road.
The Changing of the Guard Calendar in London: 2025 dates
The Changing of the Guard ceremony in London begins at 10.30 am. The guards’ relief takes place at 11 am at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.
The Changing of the Guard generally occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It used to take place every day of the week during the summer months, but we don’t know if this will be the case in 2024. Although this is generally the schedule, there can always be exceptions and exact dates are only confirmed the previous month.
Below is a list of confirmed dates and the provisional dates for each month. This information is updated monthly, and the exact dates of the Changing of the Guard are only available the previous month (sometimes only a few days in advance!). This is why checking the dates just before visiting London is essential.
> January
> February
> March
> April
> May
> June
> July
> August
> September
> October
> November
> December
Changing of the Guard in London January 2025 ✓ Confirmed dates
The Changing of the Guard in London will take place on the following days in January: 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 and 31st of January at Buckingham Palace. Confirmed dates.
Changing of the Guard in London February 2025 ✓ Confirmed dates
The Changing of the Guard in London will be held on the following days in February: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, and 28th February at Buckingham Palace. These are confirmed dates.
Also in February: Valentine´s Day
Changing of the Guard in London March 2025 ✓ Confirmed dates
The Changing of the Guard in London will be held on the following days in March: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31st of March at Buckingham Palace. These are confirmed dates.
Changing of the Guard in London April 2025 ✓ Confirmed dates
As part of a new trial this April The Army will offer visitors the chance to enjoy additional spectacles at Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace in London, so that the public can enjoy a spectacle every day at each location.
“The Captain’s Inspection” will be an additional ceremony that will take place at Buckingham Palace at 3 pm, on days when the Changing of the Guard does not take place, with some exceptions.
⇒ The Changing of the Guard in London will take place on the 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 28 and 30th of April at Buckingham Palace at 11 am. These are confirmed dates.
⇒ The Captain´s Inspection will take place on the 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24 and the 29th of April at Buckingham Palace at 3 pm. These are confirmed dates.
* Exceptions: London Marathon takes place on the 27th of April, so the changing of the guard on this day will take place at 8 am with no music or ceremony.
In April, we will also be celebrating Easter in London.
Changing of the Guard in London May 2025 X Provisional dates
The Changing of the Guard in London will take place on the following days in May: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28 and 30th May at Buckingham Palace. Provisional dates.
* Exceptions: Some days the changing of the guard may take at 8 am with no music or ceremony.
Changing of the Guard in London June 2025 X Provisional dates
The Changing of the Guard in London will take place on the following days in June: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 30th of June at Buckingham Palace. Provisional dates.
* Exceptions: Trooping The Colour takes place in June. Rehearsals will take place before the event. Tickets to attend this rehearsal can be bought through the official website.
Changing of the Guard in London July 2025 X Provisional dates
The Changing of the Guard in London will take place on the following days in July: 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 30th of July at Buckingham Palace. Provisional dates.
Changing of the Guard in London August 2025 X Provisional dates
The Changing of the Guard in August will be held on days 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31st of August at Buckingham Palace. Provisional dates.
Changing of the Guard in London September 2025 X Provisional dates
The Changing of the Guard in September will be held on days 1, 3, 5, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 29th of September at Buckingham Palace. Provisional dates.
Changing of the Guard in London October 2025 X Provisional dates
The changing of the Guard in October will be held on days 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 and 31st of October at Buckingham Palace. Provisional dates.
Changing of the Guard in London November 2025 X Provisional dates
The changing of the Guard in November will be held on days 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28 and 30th of November at Buckingham Palace. Provisional dates.
Exceptions: Some days the Changing of the Guard may take place at 8 a.m., with no musical support expected on these days. London celebrates Remembrance Sunday in November.
Changing of the Guard in London December 2025 X Provisional dates
The Changing of the Guard in London will be held at Buckingham Palace on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29 and 31st of December 2025 at Buckingham Palace. Provisional dates.
Other December events include Christmas in London and the most important night of the year: New Year’s Eve in London.
Cancellation due to rain
You’ve probably heard the rumours; it does occasionally rain in London… The bad news is that the Changing of the Guard ceremony can be cancelled at the last minute due to bad weather. If the ceremony is cancelled, it will not be rescheduled for a later time or date. However, in our experience, it has to rain a lot for it to be cancelled! A few raindrops won’t stop it from happening!
Walking tours of the Changing of the Guard in London
A great option is to join one of the Changing of the Guard walking tours. A tour guide will go over the history and curiosities of this fantastic ceremony, and you may even get to walk alongside the King’s soldiers. There is also access to a platform where you will get a perfect view of the whole thing.
⇒ Find out more: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
What to do after the ceremony
Once the ceremony is over, we suggest you explore the nearby areas on foot. You will be near tourist spots like St James’s Park and Trafalgar Square. Our Itinerary 1 is a walking route that starts at Buckingham Palace:
See our London Itinerary 1: From Buckingham Palace to Covent Garden
Visit Buckingham Palace
Not many people know this, but you can visit different parts of Buckingham Palace. The spectacular Royal Mews is one of the finest working stables in existence. Here you will see the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, the Gold State Coach, and the carriage horses. The Royal Mews are open all year round to the public.
The state rooms at Buckingham Palace are open during the summer. We highly recommend doing this if you want to do something special during your visit to London.
The Queen’s Gallery has been a gallery for the Royal Collection since 1962. It hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. It is open to the public all year round.
17 Comments
Hello,
Sunday the 22 of December we would like to see the changing of the guard, is there one schedule for this date.
Thank you.
Hello!
Yes, the changing of the guard is scheduled for the 22nd of December: https://plantriplondon.com/changing-of-the-guard-london/#Changing_of_the_Guard_in_London_December_2024_Confirmed_dates =)
Hi there,
We’re planning (hopefully!) to catch the Changing of the Guard on Friday, 20th December.
My initial thought is to stand at The Mall, right at the junction with Marlborough Road. If the ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m., do you know what time we’d see something pass by from that spot?
I’ve looked through the breakdown of timings in the article, but I’m a little confused about how it all lines up from where we’ll be standing.
Thanks so much!
Skye
Hello,
Would you happen to know when the confirmed dates for October 2024 be released?
Thanks
Hello! They normally release dates a week or so before the end of the previous month…
On October 8, 2023, the exception lists that “no music or ceremony” will take place. Since it is still listed as a confirmed changing of the guard day, what part is being referred to as “no ceremony”? Will there be something for visitors to witness?
Hi,
you´ll be able to see the guards go by, but it just won´t be as good as the normal changing of the guard if that makes sense, I´d suggest you go another day if at all possible!
When will the dates for the end of August be released? At the beginning of July, or only at the end of July (i.e. exactly one month before)?
Hi, it does vary but in theory we should have confirmed dates before mid July hopefully!
It says here Changing of Guards is on Mondays and Wednesdays, but that there is a provisional date for Aug 22, which is a Tuesday?
Hi! During the summer months the Changing of the guard used to take place every day, but it doesn´t look like this is going to be the case for 2023 unfortunately… I have updated the provisional dates to Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in August but they won´t be confirmed for a few weeks yet. Hope that helps!
Do i need to book a tour for the changing of the guards or can i just see it by myself without purchasing a tour?
Hi Paola,
You don’t need to book a tour to enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Usually, some of those tours include a visit to other places with a professional guide, but you don’t really need to book a tour.
Hope you enjoy your trip!
hi! changing of the guard @ buckingham. You don’t have Sunday, may 21st, 2023 listed, why not? Is it a holiday in the uk?
Hi Sandra, the reason is that the dates and times for May 2023 haven’t been officially announced yet. We will update the article as soon as the new dates are available.
I thought Changing of the Guard only takes place each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in November?
Some of these dates do not match such days?
Hello Daniel,
As we mention in the article, those are just “provisional dates”. The House Hold Division announces the schedule at the end of the previous month, and that’s when we update the content with the final dates and add “Confirmed dates” to the month in question.
So, the schedule for November will be available around the end of October.
Hope this helps =)