Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
always prepared for a red carpet entrance by those who need it. It runs along St. James's
Park, which you'll have a chance to explore more of at lunch.
11:00 am -- Changing of the Guard
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Price:
FREE
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Duration:
1 hour
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Address:
Buckingham Palace
*The Mall will lead you right up to Buckingham Palace. Crossing can be tricky here as the
sidewalks around the roundabout are gated off. Use pedestrian crossings just outside the
gates to reach the pedestrian area in front of Buckingham Palace safely.*
A whole lot of fuss over a new set of people coming to work, Changing of the Guard is one
of London's most well-known ceremonies and visitors have the chance to see it every day
during a few months in the summer.
The ceremony includes music, an exchange of duties from the old guard to the new guard
and the mounting of the new guard. Soldiers are traditionally dressed with red coats and
big black, furry hats. The Queen's Guard is in charge of looking after Buckingham Palace.
It's made up of two detachments, Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace.
The ceremony takes about 30 minutes and people who want a good spot should get there at
least 30 minutes early.
The official start time is 11:30am, but guards and bands start arriving at 11:15am. This ce-
remony is offered daily from May to July. Dates vary the rest of the year and can change
