We've already purchased tickets in advance for Buckingham Palace ("A Royal Day Out"), which gives us the flexibility to visit any day we wish. In my trip planning, I thought we would visit on a day when the Changing of the Guard was occurring - since we'd already be there, we could kill two birds. (We're going in Sept., so the Change is every other day). Is this a good idea, or would you do them on separate days? Once our visit to the Palace commences, can you view the Change from "inside"? How would you do both? (And yes, we want to see the Change even though some recommend against it - I have my 80 yr. old mom in tow and it's a definite "do".) Thanks!
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
To see the changing of the guard you need to arrive early so that you ae in front of the mob (preferably against the fence/rails around the palace so you can look in and see the guard and the courtyard). And then you wait until its over. Could presumably then visit the Palace (Ive never done it ). Cant try and do it the other way round. Problem is that by the time the Changing is over you have been standing at least one hour
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32764 posts
Just "one" hour? I have heard of people getting there >3< hours ahead to be sure they were in front. Roy, can't you convince your Mom to go to Horseguards parade and see the same thing without the crowds and without the iron railings, and with shiny breastplates and with beautiful horses? (Of course, minus a Buckingham Palace, but you are getting into that anyway...)
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
personally, I much prefer Horse Guards, much better viewing, usually no crowd. go there every time we are in London. Much more "scenic"
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2776 posts
I agree with Nigel...you should be at Buckingham Palace more then an hour before the changing starts, that where you can get right up to the fence and able to see. I would plan to see the Palace after the changing.
Posted by
Maryland, USA
18 posts
We did the palace tour of the state rooms one morning last September. As people were lining up they announced if you planned on seeing the changing of the guard that you would not be finished in time. So, you might be better to see the changing of the guard first, but then perhaps the lines will be long to get into the state rooms. It might be a better decision to do them on different days. You cannot see the changing from inside the palace. After you visit the state rooms, the tour ends at the gardens which is quite a distance from the front of the palace where the changing of the guard takes place.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
I would agree with Horseguards, especially since you are visiting the palace as it is. Enjoy the palace, it is breathtaking.