Visiting Buckingham Palace: What Every Visitor Should Know

The Changing of the Guard — London's Most Famous Free Spectacle

This is the number one reason most people visit Buckingham Palace. And it’s free.

The Changing of the Guard is an iconic spectacle. This centuries-old military ceremony is held on the courtyard right outside Buckingham Palace. It features precision marching, traditional red tunics, bearskin hats, and a live military band – we’re talking all the royal trimmings!

There’s no need to get a ticket, either. You simply need to turn up and find a space to watch. But remember, as it’s such a popular tourist attraction space is usually limited. It’s essential to get there early to find a good position to watch the pomp and pageantry.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The full ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am.It’s daily during the summer months (June and July).
• It runs from approximately 11am to 11:45am, but the action and anticipation build from around 10:45am.
• There’s a Sunday parade, currently at 10am. It’s a little quieter, but still gets packed.
• The schedule can change at short notice due to weather, state visits or major events. So always check the Household Division website before you go.

If you want to experience the Changing of the Guard in all its splendour, you need to plan in advance. Arrive early and by 10.30am at the very latest, to get a good viewing position for the ceremony. It fills up fast and you’ll struggle to see anything if you’re late.

Londoner’s tip: Most people don’t know that the ceremony actually starts at St James's Palace, a short walk away. The Old Guard forms up here at 10:25am, and it’s a far less crowded spot to watch.

Going Inside Buckingham Palace

For an extra-special treat and a rare opportunity to see inside one of the world’s most famous buildings, you can venture inside the Palace. The Palace opens its doors to the public each summer, with guests offered a glimpse into the lives of the royals.

You can book to see:

What to Do Near Buckingham Palace

The Palace is right at the heart of Central London, amidst one of the city’s most walkable royal neighbourhoods. After you’ve toured the Palace or watched the Changing of the Guard, stroll to:

• St James's Park: You’ll find one of London’s most beautiful Royal Parks directly adjacent to the Palace.Walk across the Blue Bridge for one of the best views in the city, taking in Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye all at once. Keep an eye out for the park's famous pelicans, a London institution since 1664.
• Green Park: Another Royal Park that’s directly adjacent to the Palace. Green Park is quieter and less visited than St James’s Park. It’s the ideal spot for a peaceful stroll through mature trees after the busy Palace forecourt.
• The Mall: This grand ceremonial avenue connects Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. It will take you 10 to 15 minutes to stroll the full length at a leisurely pace, taking in the pageantry of royal London as you go. It’s then on to Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden for a little more sightseeing.
• Westminster Abbey: After a brisk 15-minute walk from the Palace, you’ll arrive at Westminster Abbey. It’s the site of royal coronations and burials since 1066 and is a must-see on your royal tour of London.
• Big Ben and Houses of Parliament: Just 18 minutes away from the Palace on foot, this is London at its very best. You can easily combine a visit to Buckingham Palace and a trip to Parliament into a full day of royal and political London.
• Churchill War Rooms: Walk 14 minutes from the Palace to experience a very different slice of historical London. Here you get to visit the famous underground World War II bunker. It’s one of the city’s most underrated museums and a sobering experience.