London is a city of rhythm, ritual, and history, but nothing quite captures the imagination like the Changing of the Guard. It is a spectacle of colour, mystery, and magnificence that has drawn visitors to the gates of Buckingham Palace for generations. However, for families travelling with little ones, the dream of seeing the iconic bearskin hats can quickly turn into a stressful shuffle through a sea of selfie sticks.
We know the feeling. You want your children to witness the heritage of the British monarchy, to hear the crash of the drums and the precision of the boots, but you don’t want to spend two hours pinned against a cold iron railing.
The good news? There is a better way. If you are looking for unique things to do in London that won’t leave you exhausted before lunch, we have curated the ultimate guide to navigating this ceremony like a local.
Step 1: Dig Deeper into the Timing (And Arrive Early)
Most people assume the Changing of the Guard is a singular event that happens right at the palace gates at 11:00 am. In reality, it is a choreographed movement of several different groups across multiple locations. To truly unearth the magic, you need to be ahead of the curve.
The official ceremony at Buckingham Palace starts at approximately 10:45 am, but the “Old Guard” actually begins to gather at St. James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks much earlier. If you want to avoid the heaviest congestion, we recommend arriving in the area by 10:00 am.
Arriving early doesn’t mean standing still. It gives you the chance to wander down The Mall, feeling the anticipation in the air. By being early, you can secure a spot where your children can actually see over the shoulders of the crowd… or better yet, a spot where there are no shoulders in the way at all.
Step 2: Skip the Gates and Find a Secret Vantage Point
The biggest mistake most families make is heading straight for the Victoria Memorial (the large gold statue directly in front of Buckingham Palace). While the view is iconic, it is also the most crowded, claustrophobic, and frantic spot in the city during the ceremony.
Instead of fighting for a square inch of pavement, we suggest exploring alternative viewing spots. One of our favourite secrets is to watch the guards as they march between St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace. The crowds here are significantly thinner, and the guards pass by so closely that you can hear the creak of the barked orders and the focused breathing of the soldiers.
If you position yourself along The Mall, you may get a front-row seat to the movement without the crushing weight of thousands of people. It turns a chaotic morning into an intimate encounter with history.
Step 3: Keep the Kids Entertained at the “Secret” Playground
We understand that “waiting” isn’t exactly in a child’s vocabulary. Even with the best planning, there are moments of downtime as the various regiments transition. If the kids are starting to get restless, we have a lifesaver for you.
Located at the corner of Spur Road and Birdcage Walk: right at the southwest corner of St. James’s Park: is a wonderful playground. It’s the perfect tactical retreat. While one parent keeps an eye on the guard movement, the other can let the children burn off some steam.
This is one of those unique things to do in London that makes a world of difference for a family holiday. You can listen for the faint sound of the brass band from the swings, and when you hear the music getting louder, you can walk back towards the action to see the next phase of the parade. It keeps the energy high and the boredom low.
Step 4: Follow the Music Back to the Barracks
Most people think that once the “swap” happens at the palace, the show is over. They immediately disperse, creating a massive bottleneck of people heading toward the tube stations. This is where we recommend you do the opposite.
Stay put, or better yet, move toward Birdcage Walk. Around 11.45 pm, the Old Guard parade back to their barracks while the New Guard march towards St James Palace. They march with their full band or corps of drums, and once again its an incredible sight to behold.
By watching the “march back,” you get all the pomp and pageantry of the main ceremony but with a fraction of the audience. Stand along the Mall, and you’ll have a great view of the soldiers as they pass by. It’s a sensory feast of gleaming brass, rhythmic footfalls, and vibrant red tunics.
Step 5: Consider the Windsor Castle Alternative
If the thought of Central London still feels a bit overwhelming, we have one more trick up our sleeve. The King’s Guard don’t just protect Buckingham Palace; they are also on duty at Windsor Castle.
Seeing the ceremony at Windsor may not be as famous or iconic as the one at Buckingham Palace, it is often a much more relaxed experience for families. The crowds are smaller, and the backdrop of the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world is simply breathtaking. Plus, Windsor offers fantastic family-focused tours that can occupy the rest of your afternoon.
However, understandably for most people our heart is set on seeing the main event in London. And if you do it right, you can see all the action rather than a small subsection of the ceremony on the courtyard. And there is one foolproof way to ensure you see everything perfectly without any of the stress of planning it yourself.
The Most Exciting Way to See the Changing the Guard Ceremony
While these steps will certainly help you navigate the day, there is nothing quite like having an expert companion by your side to reveal the hidden layers of London’s history and more importantly, ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to see this breathtaking ceremony. For us, Changing the Guard is the one bucket list option in London which just has to be done with a guide. Its a once in a lifetime experience, so you should do it properly.
When you join us for a walking tour, you aren’t just following a map; you are stepping into a story. Our guides, like David or Rachel, have spent years perfecting the art of the “guard weave.” We know exactly where to stand at exactly what time to ensure you see every crucial moment of the ceremony without ever being stuck in a crowd.
We call it ‘The most exciting way to see the Changing the Guard ceremony’ because we don’t just stand and watch. We move with the guards. We explain the history of the different regiments, the meaning behind the different plumes in their hats, and the reason why the music choices are often so unexpected.
It is a Changing the guard tour London experience designed specifically for families and tourists who want to maximize their time and minimize their stress. We take care of the logistics, the timing, and the navigation, leaving you free to focus on the look of wonder on your children’s faces.
Why Choose Us?
London is a city best explored on foot, but the quality of that exploration depends entirely on the company you keep. Large, impersonal tours often end up being part of the very “crowd problem” you are trying to avoid. This is why we cap our numbers at 20, and even have a smaller group option.
At Fun London Tours, we have gone that extra mile to ensure you have a great time. Beware other tour companies who advertise a Changing the Guard tour every day as the ceremony is only four times a week (as of 2026). We are professional, dedicated, knowledgeable and FUN.
If you’re ready to see this ceremony with an expert, we invite you to check our tour schedule.
London is waiting, and the guards are ready. Let’s make sure you have the best seat in the house. If you have any questions about accessibility or which tour is right for your age group, our FAQ is a great place to start, or you can get to know our wonderful team of guides like Jess and Nick before you arrive.
We can’t wait to share the magic of the city with you. See you on the Mall!
