Changing of the Guard

Here is the link to the official schedule:

https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-movements

I like to walk to Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk and watch the troops undergo inspection and hear the band play before they leave to march across the street to Buckingham Palace. They leave the Wellington Barracks area at 10:57 so I've gotten there about 10:30 to watch them form up and get inspected.

https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-details

I've also had an easier time watching them at Windsor Palace if that is on the list of things you want to do. The schedule is listed here. They change the guard at Windsor Palace more frequently in summer so you'd want to check closer to your travel time as to what the timings are.

https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-calendar

There are people who do walking tours which include the changing of the guard but it seems like a lot of money for something you can manage yourself.

Also have a look at this website which has lots of information and advice. The family always enjoy watching them march past along The Mall.

Honestly, IMO the Changing of the Guard (at Buckingham Palace) is such a non-event. Or at least a not-easily-viewable event. The public is behind iron gates, and crowds make it almost impossible to see anything. Two MUCH better options are:

• watch the Guard march from Wellington Barracks to or from Buckingham Palace. There are several places to do this (St James' Palace, St James' Park, Wellington Barracks, the Mall, around the Victoria Memorial). See here for info: https://changing-guard.com/where-to-watch.html
• watch the changing of the Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade, a much better spectacle and much less congested (https://changing-guard.com/Kings-Life-Guard.html).

Another vote for the Horse Guards Parade grounds. I have been twice during the changing of the horses—once simply by stumbling by at the right time. You can walk right up to the horses and guards so close you could touch them (don't actually do this). Great ceremony and photo ops.

I am going to jump on the Horse Guards pile! Your chances of seeing anything at the Changing of the Guard is essentially nil. Horse Guards is flamboyant and magnificent and you will get great views. It’s not even a question for me - Horse Guards every time.

If you do still elect to try the Changing of the Guard, get there RIDICULOUSLY early, so you have a chance to be in the front of the crowd.

I was converted to Horse Guards several years ago. Much smaller crowds, shining gleaming breastplates, and Horses. What's not to love?