Changing of the Guard
 

According to the guide books, the Changing of the Guard is every other day through March. How can I find out what days are "on"? We'll be in London on Friday - Sunday in March.

From the Buckingham Palace website:

Provisional Schedule for 2004 (Subject to change)

January 2004 2, 4, 6, 8 etc.
February 2004 1, 3, 5, 7 etc.
March 2004 2, 4, 6, 8 etc.

My brother lived in London for 1 1/2 years. We are planning a trip to London and he has suggested we NOT see the Changing of the Guards. He said it is cool to see the beginning of it as they march down the street, but to wait around 2 hours to see the Changing of the Guards was not worth the wait- he wished someone had warned him about how boring it was, especially since he had 4 kids with him! Just thought I'd share the advice he gave me.

If you visit the Tower of London or Windsor Castle, (depending on timing) you may by able to see a changing of the guard in combination with your trip to one of these beautiful and historical places. I wouldn't travel to either one or to Buckingham Palace just to see the changing of the guard though, especially if I only had 3 days in London.

People line up hours before to watch two guys get off work. It's sort of cool to watch the band march by, but it certainly isn't worth the wait. There is so much more to do in London than that.

Bill

Thanks for the advice. I'm loosely following a Fodor's and Let's Go itinerary, and this was on the list. Good to know its not that exciting - if we just happen to catch it, great. If not I won't worry too much about it!

If it is handy to your schedule, see the Dismount of the Horse Guard in the afternoon. It is everyday and not nearly as crowded - a nice photo op.

Keith

If you go, try to get a spot on the memorial/statue in front of the palace, I think it's the Queen Victoria memorial? It has a decent view of the parade and you'll be able to hear the band without being pressed up against the fence and you'll be able to leave easier when it's done without waiting for the crowds to thin out. Having been once, I don't think I would ever go see the changing of the guard again. Did anyone else notice the little welcome mats in front of the doors?

I had just got back and did see the changing of the guards on a Thursday (22nd). I didn't wait two hours, got there just 15 minutes before. As I was walking down the street towards Buckingham Palace I saw the guards marching down. That was nice. It wasn't all that exciting, but I'm glad I saw it as it was my first time to London.