British Royalty Changing of the Guard: a Visitor’s Top Review

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace? It’s quite a sight, more or less something you almost have to see when you visit London. As a ceremonial dance steeped way down in tradition, it gives a real sense, at least in some respects, of British history. Here’s, kind of, a breakdown of my time seeing it, peppered with things you might like to know should you plan to swing by, too, while you’re wandering this really large city.

What Is the Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

So, first things first, it might be beneficial to chat about what exactly happens. The Changing of the Guard, that is sometimes known as Guard Mounting, just means the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. But very much like the handover at any job, instead of swapping passwords and logins, these soldiers are doing it with very specific marching drills and very shiny equipment. It’s, arguably, a display of pomp and circumstance more than a plain-old changing of shifts.

The guards in their red tunics and bear skin hats are quite the sight. You may find, for instance, they are part of the British Army and are protecting the Sovereign. The “changing” bit is actually a formal ceremony. You, basically, get the new guard marching from either Wellington Barracks or St James’s Palace to Buckingham Palace, then, they do their bit with the old guard out front of Buckingham Palace. Throw in some music from military bands and it does make it quite a spectacle that’s fun, sort of, to behold.

Timing is Everything: When to See It

Timing is, obviously, something to consider. Usually, it occurs at 11:00 AM, but it is not, really, every day. The schedule tends to be different depending, really, on the time of the year and what day of the week it is. So you might want to look at the official website, the one for the British Army, you know, to see when it will occur. I’d say that checking a day or two before you are figuring to see it would be the best idea.

Very unlike some things that will occur whether rain or shine, this particular event will not occur in terrible weather. Also, the entire scene draws a sizable crowd, so, maybe get there very early—like really early. A prime spot is, actually, near the Victoria Memorial, that is just outside the front gates. It’s really something to experience if you don’t mind staking out your spot pretty far in advance. I, definitely, showed up hours beforehand to get a very okay spot, very much in the middle of the crowd.

Getting There and Getting Around

Getting there? That is quite simple. The closest tube stations, apparently, are Victoria, Green Park, and St James’s Park. All are in easy walking distance to the palace, arguably no more than 10 minutes. London’s public transportation, actually, is pretty efficient, which makes this place easily available from all over. Also, lots of bus routes go there, as a matter of fact, if you are just trying to see the sights while in route to see the changing of the guard.

One really small tip, the area around Buckingham Palace can be really busy, more or less during the changing of the guard. So I, typically, advise anyone going there to plan their transportation and arrival well in advance. This way, maybe you can dodge the most horrible of the thronging masses that fill up the streets nearby.

What to Look For: The Ceremony’s Key Moments

Alright, here are a couple things I figure you, very much like your average person, would think is really great to keep watch for during the ceremony:

• The March: See, the New Guard parades from either Wellington Barracks or St James’s Palace to Buckingham Palace. Getting to watch this procession alone is very much worth getting there a little before it starts.
• The Inspection: Upon arrival, so, there’s a quick inspection. It’s just a chance, really, to appreciate just how the guards look while decked out in their garb.
• The Music: You might even hear military bands doing their music thing, playing both classic martial pieces or some contemporary music, actually.
• The Exchange: At long last, watch how the Old Guard hands over the duties to the New Guard. This portion is, really, the meat of the whole ordeal, that gives people a look at historical practices.

Maximizing Your Experience

Okay, you, almost like me, could probably like to make the very most of your experience, correct? I mean who wouldn’t? Here’s what I, kind of, figure is what should be taken into consideration.

• Arrive Early: You, honestly, will probably need to secure a very great viewing location; reaching the place well in advance, arguably hours beforehand, is, definitely, a great idea.
• Check the Schedule: Now, before your day out, you, maybe, should look at the official schedule to double-check the timing, too it’s almost going to change without notice, seemingly.
• Stay Alert: Being in sizable gatherings means you will need to really keep watch of your possessions. And stay alert to what is occurring around you. This way you, also, do not get hit by a marching band.
• Consider a Tour: Thinking of getting to see a tour guide? I actually believe a walking tour, just to give a look into the history and context of what you are witnessing, may greatly improve just how into it you might get.

Other Things to Do Around Buckingham Palace

While you’re right there at Buckingham Palace, it may be a great time to do other touristy type activities.

• Buckingham Palace State Rooms: At some times of the year, anyway, the State Rooms are available to the visiting public. Peeking in the halls gives just a peek into royal history and, really, splendor.
• St. James’s Park: Needing, perhaps, just to unwind after all the pomp and pageantry? Go stroll around this picturesque park. It may be a welcome, much-needed repose right in the heart of London.
• The Royal Mews: I do figure the Royal Mews are, actually, something of great interest. See all the coaches and carriages employed for royal events. The craftsmanship is definitely very cool.
• Churchill War Rooms: Somewhat a ways off, yet available by way of a tube ride. Explore this bunker complex used during World War II. Very historically cool if, maybe, you dig wartime artifacts.

Accessibility Information

Just so everyone gets just as good a look at the proceedings. Buckingham Palace tends to attempt to cater to everybody, in some respects. To accommodate the many visitors, now, they do a number of things to attempt to make sure everyone gets the very most from what is going on.

For visitors who may have mobility issues, there, naturally, are designated spots, to boot. You are, very much, able to contact the palace for ways that accommodations are often granted to others and how they very likely can assist. Confirming just what amenities can assist you will, very much, enhance your complete experience, so it seems.

Is the Changing of the Guard Worth It?

Do I really figure seeing the Changing of the Guard is a good use of a visitor’s time? That, certainly, depends. But also yes, if, anyway, you love just a tiny bit of British tradition, shiny military hardware and free pageantry, too, it’s almost mandatory. So, be okay with large gatherings and being required to plan. I suppose it should give some really good, photo opportunities, at least.

For me, anyway, seeing the ceremony gave a great peek into British culture. Also, it might very well be something which should go on every traveler’s things-to-see list. Just plan in advance and prepare to spend a fair amount of your time being where loads of folks may also be. However, you get a peep at what exactly helps make London unique.