The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic traditions in London, drawing in crowds of locals and tourists …
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Sep 14, 2024
It is definitely worth seeing at least once in your life. However, I regret not arriving much earlier—probably at least an hour ahead of time. The crowds are big, especially in the summer, and once t… Full review by ksltravel
Aug 23, 2024
It is amongst Londons leading tourist attractions and a great spectacle. Wonderful to hear the band playing as it marches between St James’s and Buckingham Palace’s. The mounted cavalry are a wonde… Full review by John R
Jul 28, 2024
Sunday in July, good weather. We chose to just view the St James palace portion of the guards change that has been posted about by others. Just a couple of tips: Arrive early, probably before 10… Full review by James A
Hello. We are planning a palace tour after Changing of the Guards. What would be the best time to book tickets for the state room tour afterwards? How much time do we need between the end of the ceremony and getting to start of tour area? Thank you!
A:
Changing of the guards is a must see attraction! Even if you have to be 1-2 hours earlier... You can book tickets at your convenience and you can go around by walking everywhere.
We arrived at 10:30 am on a Monday and bought our tickets ahead of time. Note you need to have a printed copy of the ticket, so I had to figure that out in the hotel, but earlier the …
We arrived at 10:30 am on a Monday and bought our tickets ahead of time. Note you need to have a printed copy of the ticket, so I had to figure that out in the hotel, but earlier the better! We got right in at that time.
Hi, I'd like to see the changing of the guards but I'm going with a little toddler and I'll have my stroller with me. I don't mind not seeing the actual changing of the guards, but I'd like to have a nice view where my little one can actually see some guards and horses marching by. Is there a good spot? Or should I just scrap that off my list? Thanks =D
A:
There are 2 good places - one on the fountain in the middle of the road in front of the palace where the balcony is high and you can see all the marching and horses. Toddler can run …
There are 2 good places - one on the fountain in the middle of the road in front of the palace where the balcony is high and you can see all the marching and horses. Toddler can run around a bit while waiting! Alternative is on the embankment on the side of Spur Road to St James Lake. However with a toddler go to the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade. Can get real close to the mounted guardsmen (and the police let you pat their horses!). Far better and smaller crowds.
Can I go to the Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards on my own? Or joining a tour is recommendable? I know that in order to get good viewing position I must go there early, perhaps, 2-3 hours before the starting of the ceremony. Are tours given certain privilage to have positions reserved so that tour members could still have better viewing positions even arriving just half an hour before the ceremony? Thanks
A:
We went with a tour group and were able to get preferential viewing. I am sure you could go early for a good spot, but our guide had us in position just a few minutes before …
We went with a tour group and were able to get preferential viewing. I am sure you could go early for a good spot, but our guide had us in position just a few minutes before everything started and it was a good location. We chose the changing of the guard walking tour. You can book it on trip advisor.
Sep 14, 2024
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