fodderfodder

ok I have never been to London, but have heard about the changing of the guard all my life, I am going over there to London sometime in the next few months for my first time and would like to see it, and was wondering what all it enatils and is there a schedule, and where it is?

PalenqueBob

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, LondonWelcome to Changing the Guards at Buckingham Palace, London England , one of Britain's main tourist attractions. Here we feature excerpts from our fine ...
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London Schedule for Changing of the Buckingham Palace GuardsWelcome to London England and Changing the Guards web site, one of Britain main tourist attractions featuring excerpts from our fine booklet that documents ...
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LondonTown.com | Changing the Guard | London Hotel and Vacation ...A hugely popular spectacle, find out about times, dates and the best vantage points to see the Changing of the Guard.
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wojazz3

What it entails is standing around for a couple of hours (you'll want to get there early for the best view) to watch a couple of guys get off work and a couple more start. At one point a band comes by. There is so much to do in London, this would be low on my list.

Bill

Michel_Paris

It will eat up a good part of a day (full morning).

Need to get there probably at least an hour early. When I went we stood at the statue in front of B.P., otherwise you need to be at front row of the fence. Be warned...if you do not get there early, you'll see nothing. Horses Guard (another "changing&quot is better with less people.

hdm

They're changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace,
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
Alice is marrying one of the Guards.
A soldier's life is very hard,
Says Alice.

A.A. Milne

Travelnut

If you have a lot to see and not much time, this wouldn't be a priority. You don't get a lot of 'return' for your 'investment' of time. We were there once in late April, got there about 1 hr (maybe 45 minutes) prior to 11am. The security detail comes around to clear the street of spectators. Then there's a horse guard that rides up to the courtyard (coming from beyond the statue of Q. Victoria). The changing of the guard detail within the palace courtyard is like any similar military exercise. Slow, precise movements, very little 'sound' and takes quite a while to execute.

But if, for you, it's worth standing a couple of hours, with hopefully a good view over peoples' heads, then go for it. It used to be every other day, or something like that.

MissZiegfeld

Oh, I DO think it's a must-see for a first time visitor to London, especially if she (or he) already has some interest. I didn't see the Changing of the Guard until my third 4th or 5th trip to London, and I am glad I did. It's a tradition.

Get there about 45 minutes early..I stood on the statue across from the Palace. You get more of a birds eye view from there.

MissZiegfeld

Forgot to add--Enjoy London!! It's a wonderful city.

A_Traveller

When we were in London last September we saw several "Changing of the Guards" at the Tower of London. Obviously they were on a much smaller scale and not as spectacular as the one at Buckingham Palace but even though there was no band they were quite interesting to watch. There were no crowds (less than 15 on-lookers at each ceremony - we got some great photos). To top it off there was no wasted time since there was plenty of other things to see and do at the Tower.

teacher33

I know it is a lot of standing around, but for some reason I find it fascinating and have been every time I have visited London. Lucky me! If you are interested, go for it!

janisj

To get a view in front of the Palace means getting there waaaaay ahead of time and just standing.

But you can still see it w/o devoting that much time. If you approach Buckingham Palace from the south or east along Buckingham Gate or Birdcage Walk, you can stand along the Spur Road and see the troop march away and hear the band.

If you do this you can really just stroll up just after the start time and the crowds are much less. Doing this will let you see more and save probably 90 mins or more.

If I have a friend who "must" see the changing of the Guard, This is how I take them - better photos, less people, and you can get out easier too.

crefloors

The actual changing part is kind of "ho hum" and sometimes depending on where you are standing, you can't see it that well. What I really liked the the Horse Guard parade and the bands. I thought it was really cool and enjoyed seeing it.

janisj

(Just a hint - it is usually better to get info from folks who have actual experience and don't just cut/paste from some websites.)

namaka

After reading many posts on this subject, I decided to bypass the "Changing of the Guard."

I did take the advice of going to the "Ceremony of the Keys" and was glad I did. It is a tradition just like the changing of the guards but requires tickets (free) that are ordered ahead of time. Only around 30 people get in each night for the ceremony. No waiting for hours. This tradition goes back 700+ years.

obxgirl

I'm another who thinks the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is more "wait" than "see." As noted, similar experiences can be had at the Tower and at Windsor Castle. No music but plenty of ceremony.

I can see, however, that for some the big crowd and band music would be as much a part of the experience as the actual ceremony. Good advice here about how to make the best of it.

Since PalenqueBob is the only poster to include websites, I'm assuming janisj's "hint" is meant as a dig at his post. He's a very generous and knowledgeable poster with a lot of "actual experience." The snark attack was unnecessary.

fodderfodder

namaka,
What is the creemony of the keys? Never heard of it

wojazz3

Well, I've seen it and it wasn't the highlight of my trip. I guess it's an interesting tradition, but it didn't do much for me.

Bill

luvlondon

A few years ago someone posted directions/instructions on how to get a great view for the Changing of the Guard. I printed the instructions out to save. I made a BIG mistake. I put the print out and put it in a SAFE place. I have yet to find the safe place. Now I am putting a small group together 6 friends including myself. I used to be a travel agent and although I no longer work at a Travel Agency, I still plan trips for close friends and family...along with my husband and myself.
If anyone has to directions to get a great view for the Changing of the Guard...I'm sure several would want to be able to print out the instructions for them.
luvlondon

amyb

If it is something you have always wanted to do, do it. Don't let the reviews here or anywhere change your mind. I've done it twice over the years and would go again. The first time I stood in front of the statue, the second in front of the center gate. If/when I do it again, I will stand and watch what goes on in the courtyard (where you miss seeing everything but what goes on in there). I enjoyed the last time I saw it as it was the day after I saw Oliver! and the band played an Oliver! medley.

If you like pagentry and the band (I do), then it is interesting and "worth it".

Cholmondley_Warner

Do what the locals do. Sharp elbows.