Changing Guard

Your complete guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

Plus details of the spectacular State, Royal and Military Ceremonial Events taking place and other things to see and do while you're in London.

 

The King's Guard

Grenadier Guards Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is free to watch.

The King's Life Guard

Changing The Queen's Life Guard on Horse Guards Parade

See The King's Life Guard change on Horse Guards Parade

Windsor Castle Guard

Musical support for the Windsor Castle Guard

The Windsor Castle Guard change in the precincts of Windsor Castle

Tower of London Guard

Tower of London Guard

Three military ceremonies take place in the Tower of London daily.

 

Ceremonial Events

The Queen's Birthday Parade is the highlight of the ceremonial calendar

Trooping the Colour, also known as 'The King's Birthday Parade', Beating Retreat, State Opening of Parliament, State Visits and the Garter Ceremony are some of the ceremonial events that take place annually.

Learn more about ceremonial events where and when they take place and how to get tickets or the best places to watch from the sidelines.

Ceremonial Highlights 2024

Major General's Review - Sat 01 June 2024

The Colonel s Review - Sat 08 June 2024

King's Birthday Parade - Sat 15 June 2024

Beating Retreat - 16, 17 & 18 July 2024

EVENT CALENDAR
Find Concerts, Gun Salutes, Parades, Pageantry and more.

Royal Palaces & Castles

Grand Staircase Buckingham Palace

Britain's Royal Palaces and Castles attract visitors from around the world.

A visit to the magnificent Palaces and Castles, used by Royalty through the centuries, always makes for an excellent day out.

 

Things To Do In London

Things to do ans see in London

With so many unique and amazing things to do in London deciding which attractions and must-see sights can prove a challenge.

We hope these, the top paid and free, attractions will help you plan your trip to London and make it an unforgettable experience.

 

Hidden Gems

Yeoman Warder at the Ceremony of the Keys in the Tower of London

Every night, for about 700 years, the Yeoman Warders, often called Beefeater's, have performed a gate-closing ritual known as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.

Book early if you want to visit the Ceremony of the Keys!

 

The Devil is in the Detail

Most first time visitors, to the Changing of the Guard, check the dates and times then head for Buckingham Palace to join the huge crowd struggling to find a spot close to the Palace railings.

Alternatively you can spend a little bit of time exploring our website to discover how to see all the elements of the Changing of the Guard ceremony and see more than most visitors.

 

Pictures & Videos

Check out our media pages for a rich collection of photographs and videos reflecting the pomp, ceremony and uniquely British flavour of Changing of the Guard and the State, Royal and Military Ceremonial Events captured by our photographers and visitors.

 

We hope our website helps you enjoy your visit to the Changing of the Guard and provides answers to your questions.

Our FAQ pages address common questions, but if you can't find an answer then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Main Menu