Changing of The King's Guard

The Changing of The King's Guard is one of London's most popular tourist attractions it takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 10:45 am and it lasts about 45 minutes.

TravelCurious Tip

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there. With the London traffic and the event's popularity, you will want a good spot to avoid missing a thing. The kids will also love this one!

A serious spectacle

The Changing of the King's Guard at Buckingham Palace, formally known as Guard Mounting, is a tradition going back to the beginning of the 17th century. It is an elaborately choreographed military ceremony in which troops of the King's personal guard march out, accompanied by a traditional band, and exchange posts as well as the palace keys with a royal degree of pomp and formality.

While the King or Queen has always had their own troops, a household guard has only protected the sovereign and their palaces since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 under Charles II. This was deemed necessary after the brief revolution of Cromwell saw Charles’ predecessor and father King Charles I deposed and killed.

When Queen Victoria made Buckingham Palace her London residence in 1837 she took a detachment of the Guard with her for protection and left the remainder to guard St. James’s Palace in Westminster - still the oldest palace of the monarchy, though it is no longer the primary residence.

Out with the old?

The Changing of the Guard takes place at 11.15 am every day in summer and every second day in winter. Two detachments of the ‘Old Guard’ form into tight groups at St. James’s and at Buckingham Palace. After a thorough inspection, the ‘Old Guard’ at St. James’s and the ‘New Guard’ which forms at Wellington Square with the band march out towards the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, regimental banners flying.

Both groups present their arms and then the commanders solemnly exchange the palace keys. Today, the Changing of the Guard ceremony appears to be a piece of military theatre; a spectacle for the crowds of tourists outside the palace gates. The Guard Band even depart from traditional music sometimes and play contemporary pop songs. Yet the King's Guard performs the ceremony with a deep sense of pride, exerting the same focus and precision each day, and sees it as an honour to keep this tradition alive.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in London
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence for HM Queen Elizabeth II and it's one of London’s most popular attractions.
St James's Palace
The official home of the sovereign of the United Kingdom, built in Tudor red brick.
St James's Park
A green oasis in royal London that is host to numerous ceremonies - and has a lake complete with pelicans.
St Ermin's Hotel
The St. Ermin's hotel is a converted grade-II listed Victorian mansion block and legendary landmark in British spy history in the city of Westminster.
Clarence House
Clarence House is a British royal residence on The Mall in the City of Westminster, London. It is attached to St James's Palace and shares the palace's garden.
Lancaster House
Opened in 1840, this grade 1 listed building has been perfectly designed to suit any occasion... from meetings to dinners and entertainment.

Related Tours

Horse Guards Parade, Westminster & Tower of London: Full-Day Tour
Experience a full-day private tour of London's spectacular Royal landmarks with a private and knowledgeable Blue Badge guide and discover the most popular sites including the Tower of London, the best of Westminster and the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard.

On your private full-day tour, you will:

  • Visit Parliament Square and see the famous Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey (from the outside only);
  • Walk through St James’s Park, see the giant marble memorial to Queen Victoria in front of Buckingham Palace and follow the famous Changing of the Guard parade;
  • See St James's Palace and Horse Guards Parade;
  • Walk along Whitehall to see number 10 Downing Street and through Trafalgar Square;
  • Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames with views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Globe Theatre;
  • Explore the Tower of London, a former royal castle turned traitor's prison;
  • Go round the White Tower, the armoury and mint;
  • Step inside the dungeons and torture chambers, walk the battlements and visit the Chapel Royal;
  • Learn about the Princes in the Tower, Henry VIII and the fate of his wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the young Lady Jane Grey, Sir Walter Raleigh, and many others;
  • Meet the ravens and the Beefeaters or Yeoman Warders who guard the Tower;
  • Admire the dazzling Crown Jewels;
  • End outside the Jewel House where you are free to explore more at your own leisure or exit the Tower with your guide.

Please note:

that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html


Enjoy Royal London on this fantastic day tour that begins in the heart of Westminster, follows the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and ends with the sight of the dazzling Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

Meet your guide at Westminster for a tour outside the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Learn about the political history of Parliament Square and its relationship to The Crown. Westminster Abbey has been the site of 38 coronations since 1066, and numerous royal weddings and funerals, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Her Majesty The Queen's state funeral.

From Westminster, wander up Birdcage Walk where you will follow the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Follow the Guardsmen and military band, with their famous red coats and black bearskin hats to Buckingham Palace. Head into Trafalgar Square, via Horseguards Parade, and along Whitehall - the political nerve centre of the UK and the address of 10 Downing Street - home to the British Prime Minister.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames to Tower Bridge. You'll get to see London and Waterloo Bridges, the London Eye, the Globe, the skyscrapers, and St Paul’s Cathedral from the boat.

Your guide will then accompany you to St. Katherine's Docks for lunch (not included), after which you will enjoy an exclusive private tour of the infamous Tower of London, with reserved tickets included.

Then it's time to enter the Tower of London! Walk past Traitor's Gate and discover the many stories and scandals hidden within the walls of this ancient building. It was formerly a moated royal palace, that became an armoury, a royal mint, a zoo... and most famously the traitor's prison! You'll meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower and discover the stories behind some of the Tower's most famous prisoners from the young Princes in the Tower to Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey whose graffiti you can still see in her prison cell.

Explore the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, walk the battlements, enter the torture chambers (if you dare!) and visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, where some very famous queens are buried.

Best of all, you will be able to admire the dazzling Crown Jewels which are kept behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House.

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the strict security measures in place and the moving viewing platform, your guide cannot accompany you but will wait for you at the exit.


End your tour inside the Tower to explore more at your leisure - or return to modern life with your guide!
Royal London: Private Half-Day Tour with Horse Guards Parade
Explore London’s most popular sites on this Royal London half-day tour, including spectacular parks and royal sites in Westminster.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Experience the Changing of the Guard, one of the most popular attractions in the city;
  • Discover Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister's office;
  • Walk by the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, an iconic symbol of London;
  • Hear fascinating British history and London's incredible past;
  • Walk around the Mall, St. James's Palace, and Horse Guards Parade;
  • Explore St James's Park, the oldest Royal Park created for sport-loving Henry VIII and a once-famous duelling venue;
  • See Buckingham Palace from the outside as you learn more about Royal History;
  • Finish your tour at Trafalgar Square, home to the iconic Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Please note:

that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html


On your tour, your guide will reveal the secrets of the power and politics of Westminster, while seeing some of the most popular landmarks. Learn all about the Houses of Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, and be inspired by its mighty history.

Amble through the fabulous gardens and sights of St James's Park and have the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard in front of magnificent Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837.

This ceremony, seen by millions every year, is a must-see attraction in London. It takes place every other day between Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks, and is the perfect reminder of the tight relationship between the armed forces and HM the Queen.

Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth.

Your tour finishes with a walk through Trafalgar Square, where your guide will show you the best places to grab a bite to eat in the area or direct you to some of the world's most famous artwork, located only metres away in the National Gallery.
Build Your Own 6-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London
Build Your Own 10-hour Private Tour in a London
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up and drop-off are only included from Central London
Build Your Own 8-hour Private Tour in a London Taxi
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London
Build Your Own 4-hour Private Tour in a London Taxi
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

This tour can only take place within the city of London due to the tour duration.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London
The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a London Taxi

The Premier Classic London Experience is the perfect way to discover the marvellous city of London for first-time visitors and for those that have a short time in the city.

On your private driving tour, you will:

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up from any central London hotel;
  • Discover the best 6 and most popular attractions that are the essence of the city;
  • Get a taste of the real London with a “cabbie”, a professional driver-guide who knows the city inside out,
  • Visit notable sites and landmarks while your local guide shares interesting stories and history at each locale;
  • Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
  • Catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier (subject to weather and scheduled);
  • Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster;
  • Drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!
  • Enjoy drop-off in any central London location of your hotel.


Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html


During the Premier Classic London Tour, your knowledgeable guide will warmly greet you at your central London hotel or chosen location.

Throughout the 4-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the history behind at least 6 popular London landmarks, all while comfortably riding in an iconic London Taxi.

This tour has been designed for those who want to take their time to appreciate the rich and fascinating stories that surround these iconic attractions, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, and our fully customisable to suit your needs and interests.

Your guide will ensure that you have plenty of chances to snap memorable photos and can even recommend the best spots for dining, shopping, or any other of your interests for the rest of your trip.

It's important to note that this tour doesn't include entry to any attractions or requires tickets. 


At the end of the tour, you'll have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or any other central location of your choice.
Build Your Own 11-hour Private Tour in a London Taxi
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up and drop-off are only included from Central London
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