Buckingham Palace: Royal London and the Changing of the Guard
What to see at Buckingham Palace, from the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the Victoria Memorial to the State Rooms and nearby St James's Park.
Buckingham Palace: The Monarch's London Home
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch, and it is the building most people picture when they think of royal London. It was bought by George III in 1761 as a private house and expanded into a palace in the 19th century, and the famous east front, with its balcony, has been the backdrop for royal weddings, jubilees and wartime appearances. It sits at the end of The Mall, with the Victoria Memorial and St James's Park in front of it.
Most visitors see the palace from outside, and that is a perfectly good visit. The big ceremonial moment is the Changing of the Guard, when soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats march to the palace with a band and take over guard duties. The ceremony does not happen every day and can be cancelled for bad weather or state events, so check the official schedule before you go. Behind the railings, the palace's 775 rooms include the State Rooms, which open to visitors for a limited season each year, usually in summer and at selected times in winter.
Visiting Buckingham Palace
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning for photographs, or the Changing of the Guard if it is running on your day |
| Cost | Viewing the palace and ceremony from outside is free; State Rooms tickets are separate and need booking in advance |
| Nearest Stations | Victoria, Green Park or St James's Park, then a short walk through the parks |
| How Long | One hour for the exterior and ceremony; half a day with the State Rooms, the Royal Mews or the Queen's Gallery |
Making the Most of the Visit
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard, arrive at least 45 minutes before it starts to claim a spot at the railings or near the Victoria Memorial, since crowds build quickly. A better view of the procession is sometimes available from The Mall or along the route from Wellington Barracks, where you can see the soldiers marching with the band. If the crowd is too big, you can see the guards at other points along the route and enjoy a calmer experience.
The surrounding area is excellent for walking. St James's Park, the oldest of London's Royal Parks, is just in front, with its lake, pelicans and views toward the palace and Horse Guards. From there, you can walk along The Mall to Trafalgar Square, or cross the park to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The Royal Mews, where the royal carriages are kept, and the Queen's Gallery, which shows works from the Royal Collection, are both close by and open on selected days.
Check the Royal Household website for the Changing of the Guard schedule on the day you plan to visit, since it varies and is sometimes cancelled. Arrive early and pair the visit with a walk through St James's Park.
