How to experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony like a local

Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular attractions in London. Anyone who visits London would go to see this beautiful place, the Palace of the British Royal Family. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is an important event that takes place in front of Buckingham Palace. It’s important to know the vantage points to make sure you experience the ceremony in the best way. Read on to learn how to experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony like a local.

How to experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony like a local

St. James’s Palace

St. James’s Palace is located at Friary Court, Marlborough Road, London SW1A 1BG. The first movement of the guard takes place right here at St. James’s Palace. At 10:25 AM, the St. James’s Palace Detachment of The King’s Guard forms up. This is for the inspection to take place at Friary Court. The Band of St. James’s Palace plays a selection of music during this inspection.

At 10:43 AM, a Regimental Band usually leads The Guards who step off to march down The Mall heading towards Buckingham Palace. Therefore, this is an excellent spot to catch a quick glimpse of the Guard without waiting for a long time. However, it could get crowded as a lot of tour guides bring their groups to this spot.

Capture a few photos here and head over to The Mall. Here you can watch The Guards and Band march past. Another option is to cross The Mall into St. James’s Park and over the bridge towards Birdcage Walk. Here you can watch the New Guard and Band at Wellington Barracks.

The Mall

A good spot to view the Guards up close is between Buckingham Palace and Marlborough Road. An advantage here is that the guards march right past you. This is because there are no barriers on the pavement and road. Moreover, there is nothing to block your view of the Guards from here. Once the parade has passed, you can leave this place easily. Furthermore, you can walk down The Mall with the Guards to Buckingham Palace. You can watch the remaining part of the ceremony from here.

This is a great place to capture photographs. However, if you walk with the Guards, don’t stand in front of them or try to cross the road. They will not stop for you or deviate from their marching line. From here, you can either follow the crowd and head over to the palace or stay back to see the rest of the ceremony.

At 11:10 AM, see the Relief march up The Mall and enter St. James’s Palace to see the relieving of the guard. A short while after, the sentries of the Old Guard leave to march to Buckingham Palace.

Wellington Barracks

Wellington Barracks is located in Birdcage Walk, London SW1E 6HQ. At around 10:15 AM, you can make your way to this locationat the Buckingham Palace end of Birdcage Walk. There, you will witness the New Guard being inspected. While they wait for their Regimental Colours, the band plays some selected music. At 10:57 AM, the Regimental Band leads the New Guard out of Wellington Barracks, turning left to Buckingham Palace.

The New Guard departs, and then you can follow them to Buckingham Palace. If you wish, you can go for a walk in St. James’s Park. Next, you can go to The Mall to see the Household Cavalry ride that passes on its way back to the barracks.

Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial is located just in front of Buckingham Palace. Therefore, the steps of the Victoria Memorial are the ideal spot to catch the Guards and Bands live in action at the parade. This is due to its elevated position, providing a decent view of the ceremony on the forecourt. For better viewing, try to catch a place on the side of the Memorial facing Buckingham Palace. However, any other spot at the Memorial will also provide reasonable views of the proceedings at the palace.

Buckingham Palace Railings (Gate)

Buckingham Palace Railings are the most popular and first spot that people gather to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It would be best if you could grab a spot here by arriving early. You will get the best view of the part of the Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place in the forecourt. However, to get a place here, you need to arrive at least 1.5 hours before the start of the ceremony in summer. Take a bottle of water with you to stay refreshed, as it gets crowded here, and you cannot get to the front once you leave for a drink or break.

Spur Road

Spur Road is situated on the left, facing Buckingham Palace. It is the ideal spot to view the Changing of the Guards if you are late to join. Moreover, it is also the perfect place to view the ceremony if you don’t want to be among the crowds against the railing or the Victoria Memorial. This spot gives you an excellent view of the New Guard marching up the Birdcage Walk and the Band. However, you may not see much of the ceremony on the forecourt.

The Blue Bridge

The Blue Bridge may be the last option you take if you want to catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. As it is located quite far from the palace and the entire scene, you get a distant, but beautiful view of the proceedings. With the palace in the background, it gives you perfect, wide-angle photos of the ceremony taking place, from far away. It may not be the best viewing spot if you want to be an active part of the proceedings, the crowd, and the vibe.

Wheelchair accessibility

It’s easy to navigate in a wheelchair, as the footpaths in front of the palace are paved. However, as these are public footpaths, you may not find dedicated areas for viewing the proceedings in a wheelchair. It’s best to arrive early and catch a place near the railings between the Main Gate and the South Centre Gate. Moreover, you can always ask for help from one of the policemen on duty in front of the palace. They will be ever-willing to help you out and provide wheelchair accessibility and better viewing.

Changing of the Guard ceremony: Tips for a local experience

Check the schedule

It’s best to check the schedule so that you know when and at what time to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the right place. The full ceremony usually takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, at 11:00 AM. Check the official calendar in the morning, as schedules could change due to weather or formal events.

Arrive early & bring essentials

Arriving early will always guarantee you better views and spots in the front rows. For the best view from the front rows, plan to arrive at least 1 to 1.5 hours early. Bring essential items like snacks and water, as you will be standing for over an hour. Moving from your spot for any kind of break will make you lose your place at the front.

Follow the band & Be Patient

Ideally, position yourself to watch the Band march from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace. It could get overcrowded, so be patient always. Moreover, keep your belongings safe and be mindful of pickpockets in the crowds.

Conclusion

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a must-see event in London. There are many places to see the ceremony, with some spots giving you the best views from the front rows. Make sure to arrive early to grab your spot in the front rows for the best viewing.