What days and times does the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace take place?

The Changing of the Guard usually takes place at 11:00 AM on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Unless there is heavy rain, it proceeds as scheduled. You can check the exact schedule on the relevant website.

Where is the best spot to get the closest view of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace?

The inner fences or the square of the palace are usually crowded and far away, which limits your view. It is highly recommended to watch from near the building on the left side of Buckingham Palace, where the guards with instruments depart, as this offers the closest view.

Buckingham Palace Guard Change: Top Viewing Spot 2026

After a comfortable night at our accommodation, we set out today with one goal: to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony!

Typically, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 11:00 AM on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Unless there's exceptionally heavy rain, you can usually expect the ceremony to proceed on these days.

For the most precise and up-to-date schedule, always check the official website:

Changing of the Guard Dates & Times

It had rained quite a bit in the early morning, and I was worried sick, thinking, "What if it's canceled today?"

But thankfully, it seems a little drizzle is no match for the British Guards, and the ceremony went on as planned! What a relief!

The Guards with their musical instruments typically emerge from the building to the left of Buckingham Palace as you face it. This is a key detail for getting a great view!

I practically followed them in real-time as they marched! They looked absolutely immaculate, like life-sized toy soldiers.

I can confidently say that the section I was in offered the absolute best view!

Why, you ask? Because if you try to get too close, inside the palace gates, your view will be heavily obstructed by fences, overwhelming crowds, and a considerable distance. This spot, however, truly offers an unobstructed and memorable experience.

The area highlighted in yellow is where you can get the closest view.

They march by, playing their instruments with incredible precision.

While it's a relatively short spectacle, I highly recommend catching this part and then heading straight for lunch! You'll beat the crowds and enjoy a great meal.

Those folks crammed against the fence... definitely not my cup of tea!

Many people also choose to watch from the main square, but even from there, it's quite a distance, so you don't get the best view.