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.
At Buckingham Palace, the King’s Guard ceremony features soldiers on foot, usually accompanied by a military band. The mounted King’s Life Guard ceremony takes place separately at Horse Guards Parade. Check the official schedule before you travel because the palace does not hold a full guard change every day.
What is the Changing of the Guard in London?
The King’s Guard protects Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. On a scheduled guard-change day, the Old Guard is relieved by the New Guard, which marches from Wellington Barracks towards Buckingham Palace. You can watch without a ticket; choose whether you would rather see the guards marching or the handover outside the palace.
Do not confuse the two ceremonies: the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace is the focus of this guide. The mounted King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade has a separate schedule and location.
Route and timings at Buckingham Palace
On a confirmed Guard Change day, soldiers gather at St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks from around 10 am; the ceremony at Buckingham Palace is listed for 11 am and typically takes about 45 minutes. Arrive early if you want a place near the palace gates. The march and the handover are in different locations, so you cannot see every part from one viewpoint.
Step-by-step route on a Guard Change day
The timings below help you choose a viewing position. They describe the normal Buckingham Palace ceremony and may shift for operational reasons.
- 10.30 am, St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks: the Old Guard forms up at Friary Court near Marlborough Road, while the New Guard assembles at Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk. A band often plays while the soldiers are inspected. Marlborough Road is a good choice if you particularly want to see the march rather than the handover at the palace gates.
- 10.43 am: the Old Guard detachment leaves St James’s Palace and reaches the Buckingham Palace forecourt. You can watch the march from the Mall and Marlborough Road.
- 10.57–11 am: the New Guard leaves Wellington Barracks and reaches Buckingham Palace for the handover. Choose Birdcage Walk for the procession or the palace gates for a view into the forecourt.
- About 11.10–11.45 am: a relief heads to St James’s Palace; later the Old Guard marches back towards Wellington Barracks and another detachment heads to St James’s. From a spot on the Mall you may see guards both before and after the main handover.
If you are watching with children or prefer a little more space, a procession viewpoint can be more comfortable than waiting against the palace railings. The Household Cavalry horses you may see nearby are part of a separate guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.
Other entries on the official calendar mean different events: a Captain’s Inspection at Buckingham Palace is generally listed for 3 pm on a non-guard-change day, while a Sunday Parade, when scheduled, is at 10 am. Neither is a full Guard Change. Check the Household Division’s live calendar on the day you visit because the programme can change at short notice.
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 may not see the marching route in full.
- 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 may see the guards marching nearby.
- 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.
Changing of the Guard dates at Buckingham Palace: September and October 2026
Last checked 29 September 2026. The dates below are confirmed Buckingham Palace entries in the Household Division calendar. They describe the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, not the separate mounted ceremony at Horse Guards or the programme at Windsor Castle. Recheck the official calendar on the day, particularly in wet weather.
Remaining September 2026 dates
- Full Guard Change at 11 am: Wednesday 30 September.
- Captain’s Inspection at 3 pm: Tuesday 29 September. This is not a full Guard Change.
Confirmed October 2026 dates
- Full Guard Change at 11 am: Friday 2, Monday 5, Wednesday 7, Friday 9, Monday 12, Wednesday 14, Friday 16, Monday 19, Wednesday 21, Friday 23, Monday 26, Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 October.
- Captain’s Inspection at 3 pm: 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31 October.
- Sunday Parade at 10 am: Sunday 18 and Sunday 25 October. This is not the full Guard Change.
November 2026: dates to be confirmed
The official calendar has not published confirmed Buckingham Palace dates for November. Do not rely on a projected list of Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: special events can change the programme. Consult the official schedule closer to your visit. You may also like our Christmas lights guide.
December 2026: dates to be confirmed
The official calendar has not published confirmed Buckingham Palace dates for December. Check it nearer your visit, especially around Christmas and New Year. For other ideas, see Christmas in London and New Year’s Eve cruises.
Cancellation due to rain
Ceremonial activity can be changed or cancelled at very short notice, especially in wet weather. The Household Division says a decision can be made as late as 10.45 am on the day. Check the official calendar before setting out and have a nearby alternative in mind.
Walking tours of the Changing of the Guard in London
A guided walk can help you follow the marching route and understand the ceremony, but it cannot guarantee a particular view or access to the palace forecourt. Check the operator’s meeting point, route and cancellation terms for your date.
⇒ 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 have seasonal opening dates; for 2026 the Royal Collection Trust lists 5 March to 1 November. Check its current calendar before visiting.
The 2026 summer opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace ran from 9 July to 27 September. Selected guided tours are offered on other dates, but they are separate products with limited availability. Check the official ticket calendar before planning an interior visit.
The King’s Gallery hosts changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Its exhibition and opening dates vary; check the official page before visiting.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.
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 =)