Watch the famous changing of the guards for free

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the Queen. The palace was originally a large townhouse, built in 1703. The current palace is the result of several enlargements. The adjoining (private) gardens were originally designed by the famous Capability Brown.

During the Queen’s annual visit to Scotland in the summer, it is possible to visit the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. However, this is not cheap, tickets cost £ 14,-.

The changing of the guard is quite an event as well, and this one is for free. The ceremony takes place at 11.30 a.m. There is a ceremony every day from April until the end of July. For the rest of the year, there are ceremonies on alternate days. Please note that you have to be early in order to get a good view!

Address

The Forecourt, at Buckingham Palace
» View on map

How to get there

London Underground

• St. James’s Park (Circle line, District line)
  

More information

• More information about dates of the changing of the guard can be found on the Changing the Guard website.
• More information about visiting the State Rooms can be found on the Royal Collection website.

Last update: February 20th, 2006