My wife and I have been to London before and have seen the Changing of the Guards. We are returning with our 2 teenage children and are torn between taking them to see the Changing of the Guard and the Horse Guards Ceremony. We only have time to see one. We know that the Changing is an unabashed mob scene and Horse Guards is not, but we feel that the Changing is something they should see on their first trip. Any insights would be appreciated! <BR>

Years ago I took my two teenage (13 and 15 years) sons to London, and we saw the Changing of the Horse Guards. They loved it! When my husband and I were again in London three years ago, we saw the ceremony at Buckingham Palace; it was a zoo, extremely crowded and hard to see. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were again in London and observed the Horse Guard ceremony which was not crowded. Of course, that may have been the time of year. I would definitely take your children to see the Horse Guards -- unless your children are more patient and like crowds better than mine did! Whatever you decide to do, it should be a great trip for kids.

Jim, <BR>Unless you're teenagers are seven feet tall with impending careers as LA Lakers centers, don't bother with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace; they won't see a thing other than the backsides of other tourists. Go instead to the Horse Guards ceremony where you can get unobstructed views and close enough to the "action" to get swished by a horse's tail. After the Horse Guards walk across Whitehall and point out the window in the Banqueting Hall that led to the scaffold where King Charles I was taken to be beheaded. Wander back through Horse Guards to St. James Park, one of London's loveliest.

If you go to the changing of the guard and get there early enough choose to stand to the left of the gate along the fence for the best view. We were there the first weekend in June and happened to see the full dress rehersal for the Queen's birthday which was quite impressive. Be sure to visit the Cabinet War rooms which are right by Whitehall

I have seen the changing of the Guard as a child and as an adult, and just saw Horse Guards for the first time last week. I'd recommend the Horse Guards Parade. Getting so close makes all the difference in the world. And no crowd issue! (It has been suggested to me that the Birdcage is another place to see the Changing without dealing with the crowds.)

Jim, <BR> <BR>One more vote for the Horse Guards ceremony...much easier to see and very impressive. If I had to pick one, this would be it. <BR> <BR>If the Palace guards are on your "must see" list, you can avoid the crush of the Buckingham Palace guard ceremony entirely by walking down the Mall and turning left on Marlborourgh Road. After shift change at Buckingham, the relieved guard troop marches away from the Palace following this route to St. James’s Palace. Here you can see the retreat ceremony where the guard retires to its barracks. This is not as elaborate as the changing ceremony at Buckingham Palace, but it is a lot less crowded, you are closer to the action, and there’s no fence to block your view. <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR> <BR>David White <BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com <BR>[email protected]

Before the guards change, the relief guards form up down the street on the left side of the palace. They play several songs and parade a little before they march over. There were at most 2 deep to watch. Then when they march over, if you go up the mall, you will come across the horse guards coming up to the palace.

I suggest you consider the changing of the guards at Windsor Castle, particularly if this locale is on your agenda. It is a quick train ride from London and once at the town of Windsor it is a short walk to the castle. Additionally the town of Windsor is a lovely town. We went last August, right in the middle of the tourist season and had a splendid view of the ceremony. It has all the pomp that Buckingham has albeit a bit smaller. You will get up close and personal with the guards and band.

You can watch the Horse Guards then after 15 or 20 minutes go over to St. James and watch the bands etc... come out a march down to the palace. This way you see both up close. The idea above of seeing them return to their barracks is very good, wish we had done it.

topping

Where are the uncrowded Horse Guards? Is this near Buckingham Palace?