London Changing of the Guard: Self-Guided Viewing Spots

The Changing of the Guard in London, you see, it’s almost a real spectacle, it’s something that grabs the attention, that’s for certain. This very traditional event, which unfolds outside Buckingham Palace, is that something that a load of tourists put on their to-do list. I mean, if you are thinking of seeing it without any assistance from tour guides, knowing where to stand becomes, in some respects, very helpful. This is, after all, something you’d likely only do once in a lifetime, basically!

Timing Your Visit

First thing’s first, you should probably check the schedule before you even head, sort of, anywhere near Buckingham Palace, that’s for sure. The ceremony typically, it often happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, give or take, but that could actually be dependent on the weather or even special events, as I was saying. To make sure, though, take a look at the official website, it’s typically updated monthly, it seems, or check with visitor information centers to confirm those very details. Get there a little before the start time, arguably around 10:45 AM, if you want a good spot for the actual 11:00 AM start, more or less. The whole process, though, from start to finish, may last about 45 minutes, like your standard sitcom episode!

The Forecourt of Buckingham Palace

I mean, this is actually where a lot of the main action, so to speak, happens, you know. I would say it is, perhaps, the spot that’s the most obvious for most, right. Though you could be fighting with, actually quite a few others for the best views, right, being front and center offers just a bit more in the way of spectacle. Now, just be prepared to stand, and stand still, for what could easily be, actually, over an hour, especially if you are turning up a bit early, very important point to be aware of, for sure. Should you want some, perhaps, slightly less chaotic spots, have a look around the other areas nearby, of course.

The Victoria Memorial

This, seemingly, prominent monument stands right outside Buckingham Palace, you know. Okay, it’s positioned right smack bang in the center of everything, still a slightly elevated view, as a matter of fact, so that’s good. It actually helps, though, to peek over the crowds, and that’s before you mention that it also allows some great photo ops, you see. Yet, you might, typically, need to arrive extremely early, or get ready to just nudge in there to claim any kind of space on the steps, or whatever, that would get you an okay view.

Constitution Hill

Okay, this place runs alongside Buckingham Palace, you see, Constitution Hill offers views as they march to or, as I was saying, even from the palace. It is that little bit away from everything, by the way, which typically means less competition for decent places, to be honest. If, arguably, your priority is just avoiding big hordes of tourists, this could be a useful option. Still, bear in mind, alright, this spot is further back from all of the major happenings, of course.

The Mall

Running from Trafalgar Square, actually leading up to Buckingham Palace, right, this grand avenue provides some quite spacious viewing points, isn’t that right. Okay, getting a spot close to the palace provides good visibility as the guards actually proceed, for example. A little further back, though, will probably afford you the best overall scene, particularly if it’s about taking pictures, you see, like your mom used to do on vacation back in the day.

Wellington Barracks

Wellington Barracks is, more or less, the headquarters, well, very close by anyway, where the guards usually start from. You will almost certainly be able to witness the assembly of the New Guard, for instance, before they proceed to Buckingham Palace. That’s said to be pretty impressive. Still, you would have to, actually, check if public access is even allowed on any particular day, naturally, since there is often tight security for stuff like this!

St. James’s Park

Just a little stroll away, arguably very pleasant too, from Buckingham Palace is St. James’s Park, in fact. Some areas, though, provide you with sightlines to watch parts of the procession as it goes along The Mall, of course. So, too, you can have, arguably, quite a chilled visit, if that’s how you prefer it, by combining some park relaxation, perhaps some wildlife viewing, actually spotting the Changing of the Guard too.

Tips for a Great Viewing Experience

Get there as early as is possible if it’s important to secure a particular vantage spot, and take extra care for belongings as pickpocketing, more or less, is commonplace. Pack yourself, maybe, a light snack, as a matter of fact, plus water, for example, to keep yourself hydrated, more or less. Bear in mind too, though, that there are often barriers and some road closures set up on the day for managing both, well, traffic, and actually the pedestrian flow too, right.

I mean, with some prior planning, you are typically set for witnessing this historic ceremony in a way that works with, well, your plans, right, also your preferences. The very accessibility for London really does allow you just a bit more freedom, very handy, in a way, for actually creating a truly special experience, isn’t that right.