When is the Changing of the Guard?
The Guard Change at Buckingham Palace normally takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00. On Sundays there is a separate Sunday Parade at 10:00. On the other days there is a Captain's Inspection at 15:00. It is not a daily show.
Watching costs nothing. You do not need a ticket or a reservation, whether you stand at the palace or along the route. Paid walks are an extra service. This is an independent guide, and the soldiers set their own timetable, so check the monthly guard calendar for the actual days before you go.
Three ceremonies, three days
Do not mix them up when you plan.
| Ceremony | Normal day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Guard Change | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 |
| Sunday Parade | Sunday | 10:00 |
| Captain's Inspection | Other days | 15:00 |
The pattern is the normal one, not a promise for every week of the year. The guard change is set for 11:00, but the ceremony runs for about 45 minutes from around 10:45, so plan to be in place before 10:45. The King's Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade is a separate mounted ceremony with its own schedule. Trooping the Colour is a June event at Horse Guards Parade, not at the palace forecourt.
Our picks: Changing of the Guard tours
Guided ways to watch the ceremony, with or without palace entry.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Changing of the Guard tour with State Rooms entry
An English-speaking guide for the ceremony, foot or mounted guard as per the official schedule, plus State Rooms entry with audio guide. The ceremony is not guaranteed, and the rooms are open in the summer season only.
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Guided walk around the palace and the guard change
A guide and a walk around the palace area. Entry fees are not included, and the ceremony can be cancelled, for example in bad weather.
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Changing of the Guard guided experience
A guide takes you to watch the ceremony; a private tour only if you choose that option. No palace entry, and the ceremony is not guaranteed.
Check availability →Changing of the Guard walks and palace tours
Guided walks around the guard change and royal London tours, with live prices and availability. Check which options include State Rooms entry.
The route of the guard
Approximate times of the troop movements.
About 10:43
The Old Guard leaves St James's Palace.
About 10:57
The New Guard leaves the Wellington Barracks.
About 11:40
The Old Guard marches away from Buckingham Palace.
About 11:45
The St James's detachment leaves.
These are guide times, not a traffic guarantee. A band can be part of the ceremony, but no music is promised on any given day.
Where to stand
No spot guarantees a clear view, and there is no universal best place. These are the usual choices:
At the palace railings you look into the forecourt. Arrive early, because the front row fills first. At the Victoria Memorial you get a wider overview and room to move. At the Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk you see the guard form up and set off. On Spur Road you see the march, but your view of the forecourt ceremony is limited.
Police are present. Crowds are dense, and pickpockets work them, so keep your phone and wallet in a closed bag.
Weather and cancellations
The ceremony can be changed or cancelled at short notice, especially when it is wet. The decision can still be made at 10:45. Bring a rain jacket and a plan B, such as the park nearby.
After the ceremony you can walk on along The Mall or through St James's Park, or head to Westminster, where Big Ben has its own guide.
If you also want to see the inside of the palace, remember that the State Rooms open in summer only. The opening times page has the dates, and the getting there page lists the stations.
Plan your morning
A simple order of the day.
Arrive before 10:30
Green Park station is about 9 minutes on foot from the palace, and St James's Park station is on the Circle and District lines. Victoria is about 10 minutes away.
Getting there →Pick a spot
Railings for the closest view, the Victoria Memorial for space, the Wellington Barracks to see the guard set off.
Watch your bag
Keep valuables in a closed bag. Police are present, but crowds attract pickpockets.
Plan the afternoon
Walk through the park, or book a State Rooms visit for another day. The summer opening has its own dates.
Opening times →Changing of the Guard: frequently asked questions
What time is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace?
Normally 11:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The ceremony runs for about 45 minutes from around 10:45, so arrive well before. On Sundays the Sunday Parade is at 10:00.
Is the Changing of the Guard free?
Yes. No ticket or reservation is needed to watch from the street. Paid guided walks are an extra service.
Does it happen every day?
No. The Guard Change is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the Sunday Parade on Sunday, and a Captain's Inspection on other days. Check the monthly calendar for the day you plan.
Is it cancelled when it rains?
It can be shortened or cancelled, especially in wet weather, and the decision can be made as late as 10:45.
Where is the best place to watch?
There is no guaranteed best spot. The railings give the closest view of the forecourt, the Victoria Memorial gives an overview, and the Wellington Barracks show the guard setting off.