Insider Guide
Changing of the Guard Self-Guided Tour
A complete self-guided route through the full ceremony, with exact spots to stand, a minute-by-minute timeline, and a numbered Google Maps route built on years of running tours along this route.
Most visitors see almost nothing
The Changing of the Guard is free to attend. It is also one of the most frustrating experiences in London if you do not know where to stand. Most visitors head straight to the gates of Buckingham Palace and wait. By the time the ceremony begins, they are ten rows back behind a wall of phone screens, pressed against railings with no clear view of anything.
The ceremony itself is extraordinary, covering five distinct locations, two separate processions, a military band, the King's Life Guard on horseback, and a handover at St James's Palace where there are no barriers, no crowds ten deep, and nothing between you and the soldiers. Most visitors never see any of it.
What's inside
- Every public ceremony in London at a glance, including the ones most visitors never find
- The full history of the ceremony, from Henry VII's bodyguard in 1485 to the ceremony you are watching today
- A field guide to all seven regiments, how to tell them apart at a glance using plumes, buttons and collar badges
- A six-stop self-guided route with exact arrival times, where to stand at each location, and photo tips for every stop
- The St James's Palace handover at Stop 6, the best stop of the morning, with no barriers, no crowds, and the soldiers marching directly towards you
- The Household Cavalry and the Changing of the King's Life Guard at Horse Guards, one of London's most underrated free experiences
- The 4 O'Clock Parade, a daily inspection that almost nobody knows about, where you can stand feet from the horses with almost no crowds
What people say
“Saw parts of the ceremony I didn't even know existed. The St James's Palace tip alone was worth it — we were right at the front with a perfect view.”
Tom W.
“Did this with our two kids. The route kept everyone moving and engaged the whole time. Completely different experience to just standing at the palace gates.”
Claire B.
Frequently asked questions
Is the changing of the guard self-guided tour really free?
Yes. The guide is free to access with support-based pricing. You choose the amount that feels fair (minimum £1 to cover processing and hosting). It works the same way as our free walking tours: value first, support if it helps.
How do I access the guide after unlocking it?
As soon as you unlock the guide, you will receive an email with a direct access link. The guide opens instantly in your browser on your phone, tablet or desktop. No app, no account, no login required.
Does the guide work on mobile?
Yes, and that is exactly how it is designed to be used. You follow the route on your phone in real time as the ceremony unfolds. The guide loads quickly and works offline once opened, which matters when signal is patchy around the Palace.
What are the best spots to watch the changing of the guard?
The guide covers every key viewing position in detail. The short answer: St James's Palace at 11:35am gives you an open-street handover with no barriers and almost no crowds. Most visitors never go there.
What if the ceremony is cancelled on the day?
The guide includes instructions on how to check the official Household Division schedule before you leave. The ceremony runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Buckingham Palace, but can be cancelled for state events. We also cover what to do if it is cancelled, including the daily ceremony at Horse Guards Parade which almost never is.
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