Buckingham Palace/Changing of the Guard/Wellington Barracks

Well, the tour inside Buckingham Palace does not give you a view of the Changing of the Guard. It does take you thru the State Rooms, exhibition rooms and usually there is some kind of special exhibit going on. I have done it several times and enjoy it but it might not be on my list of things for folks to do on a first trip.

To me the Changing of the Guard is not that interesting. You can see them getting ready in the forecourt of the Wellington Barracks before they march over to the main gate of Buckingham Palace.

How many days do you have in London?

We really enjoyed the tour inside and feel it is much better than changing of the guard hands down.

We are in London 6 days. So I am not sure this is at the top of the list. Any suggestions welcome. Going to a couple shows, the walks London and thinking Hampton Court. Thoughts?!
Thank you!

We were thrilled to get inside Buckingham Palace. We also toured the gardens. The photos of dignitaries such as US Presidents with the Queen in locations in the Palace were so
interesting to see.
We have seen the Changing of the Guards many times, not a big deal, easy to do. And it’s not hard to get a chance to see them.

I'd do Hampton Court over Buckingham Palace. Hampton Court is older, more fascinating history and the chimney pots are so cool, lol!!

I'd also do Windsor Castle over Buckingham Palace given the choice.

For 6 days you can see a lot. If you want the changing of the guard the change at the Horse Guards is interesting. I have not been to this one in years though so don't know what the set up is there.

If you are going to Windsor you can also see the change there as well. You can position yourself inside for the change or you can position yourself outside along their parade route to see them march in with the New Guard and march back with the retired guard.

For some reason Windsor Castle guard changes have been popping up on my FB feed, lol. This one was interesting because it's the Ghurkas and they are light cavalry and apparently march to a 140 pace instead of 120.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmNsMqcoYD0&t=213s

I'd definitely recommend Windsor Castle over Buck House. More like a castle Americans think of and the grounds and rooms are beautiful. Plus you can tour the town or Eton if you are so inclined.

We were just there. Because of a tiny window for the Jubilee, we ended up on a parade route behind the palace. It was magnificent: very close up (*) to the Ghurkas, brought in for the Jubilee, and the Royal Horseguards.

I'd also recommend just walking by the Royal Horseguards grounds around 11 a.m. on any morning ~ you'll probably enjoy quite the show.

(*) I've watched the Changing of the Guard previously at the Palace. Lots of fun, but the parade behind Buckingham Palace gave us quite a close-up of all of the guards.

"We are in London 6 days. So I am not sure this is at the top of the list. Any suggestions welcome. Going to a couple shows, the walks London and thinking Hampton Court. Thoughts?"

Are you going to Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London?
I would add these to your itinerary.

BP is only open for a limited time each year; if you’re there on a day when it’s open I’d certainly go inside. It’s rather stunning and opulent. You walk through the State Rooms, which are those designed to impress… Throne room, Ball room, etc. And there’s also the art - the Vermeer and Rembrandts are spectacular.

I agree, Hampton Court is very special. The Tudor side is an amazing survivor from the era.

Unless you’re at Guard Change super early it’s very difficult to see anything. If it were me, I’d book BP entry for about 10:15. You won’t see the Guard Change from inside the Palace, but most of the tourists will be scrumming outside and you should have a slightly smaller group entering the Palace with you.

Go and watch the changing of the horse guards instead. No bands, but horses!