ranked #6 out of 10 attractions rated 2.08 out of 5 total 128 votes

Changing of the Guard

Why Changing of the Guard is one of the worst London tourist attractions

This London tourist attraction is entertaining for people who like dudes in red jackets and black fur hats marching around with outstretched legs in front of Buckingham Palace. The funniest thing is that they are not allowed to smile or react to the things people do in front of them - huge fun!

The actual changing of the guard is quite boring. If you want a good view, be early, because you won’t be the only tourist who wants to watch the changing of the guard. But be aware - you will wait much longer in front of the railing than watching the real action.

And if you’re really unlucky, you might get a dose of bad London weather in the bargain! We recommend this London tourist attraction for people with patience.


Changing of the Guard

Address

Buckingham Palace,
London SW1A 1AA

Opening times/Cost

The Changing takes place at 11.30am daily during the summer (May, June, July) and on alternate days in winter (August to April).
No entrance fee.

Related links

Read more about Changing of the Guard
Changing of the Guard - a royal ceremony

Rate this attraction…

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  •  waste of time/money

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19 Comments

  1. January 25, 2005 @ 6:11 pm

    Markus said,

    My god, they make a fuss about that! A little platoon of ridiculously dressed soldiers (you know the kind with a dead wombat as a hat) marches in, acc […] more

  2. January 30, 2005 @ 5:11 pm

    Denise said,

    I was disappointed with the changing of the guard. We got there “early” but evidently, it wasn’t early enough and I couldn’t really see anything, exce […] more

  3. May 20, 2005 @ 8:54 am

    Denise said,

    I recently visited London and waited 1.5 hours for the change. I had a front rail spot and thought this was a wonderful ceremony. It’s not every day i […] more

  4. June 4, 2005 @ 11:25 pm

    Ian Hodge said,

    The Pageantry and the precision of the Guards were outstanding, but the music of the band throughout the ceremony was just to die for.

  5. August 13, 2005 @ 11:55 pm

    Pete said,

    Denise - Next time may I suggest you take a chair with you to stand on then.

  6. October 27, 2005 @ 11:17 pm

    Matt said,

    The changing of the guard is NOT a tourist attraction. It’s a military procedure that has been performed for generations and is not performed so a few […] more

  7. November 10, 2005 @ 7:46 pm

    hanna said,

    i love london!

  8. January 28, 2006 @ 3:01 pm

    Sylvain said,

    I say that who ever doesn’t appreciate the changing of the guard is disrespectful towards his queen and her majesty the queen. You do not even deserve […] more

  9. March 7, 2006 @ 10:51 am

    Melissa said,

    rated 4 out of 5

    It’s great if you’re into that. Just don’t go in January. Standing outside in the cold, damp weather for 2 hours isn’t the most fun.

  10. March 8, 2006 @ 5:25 pm

    M said,

    Thanks for your website. I am a little confused and would love u to explain things better. I will be visiting london with my family and wanted to […] more

  11. May 20, 2006 @ 6:40 am

    rosey said,

    rated 5 out of 5

    Hey just wanted to say I have never been in London and this is one of the main thing I want to see ! I will be in London on friday and I am so excited […] more

  12. July 29, 2006 @ 5:52 am

    Andy said,

    I think the best thing for you to do is just stay at home. You don’t seem to like anything. I’m really glad I don’t know you.

  13. August 11, 2006 @ 10:49 am

    Ellen said,

    To all those using these reviews as a London tourist guide, ignore it! This guy is a total numbskull with no sense of history or heritage. London is a […] more

  14. August 15, 2006 @ 2:57 pm

    jordan said,

    i love london

  15. August 15, 2006 @ 3:01 pm

    JORDAN said,

    SUCK….STAND UNTIL LEG PAIN….JUST waited 1.5 hours for the change…I THINK U MUST BRING UR OWN CHAIR THERE….

  16. February 24, 2007 @ 9:22 pm

    for student said,

    It’s a great website of yours. I surfed by and found it very informative. Bookmarked and check you back in a while

  17. March 1, 2007 @ 3:56 am

    Guides said,

    This is great, look forward to looking into every area. Thanks for being there.

  18. March 30, 2007 @ 10:11 am

    dait pills said,

    Respekt! Ein wirlich gelungene Seite.

  19. August 25, 2007 @ 11:57 am

    CARMEN said,

    Yes it is a long wait. Daughter and I went we had a rail spot so close you could almost touch them as they passed,(but dont as this will get you arres […] more

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