I have read several places that the Horse Guard Parade is better to watch (less crowded)
than the Changing of the Guard. But I'm confused...what's the difference between the two and which do you recommend?

Totally different - The Change of the Horse Guard is troopers on horseback arriving, standing in formation and relieving the guards who were previously on duty. No Music or marching involved


The Guard change at the Palace is a whole different animal Band playing military or pop or classic music (just about any genre) marching troops etc.


The change of the Horse Guard is a MUCH shorter time commitment

FYI - to get anything like the view in the 2nd video you'd have to get there quite early.

About the Changing of the Royal Horse Guards, below is our experience chronicled in our trip report.. Take it for what it's worth (but you have been warned)

"Once just a swamp near a leper colony, St. James Park is lush with beautiful foliage and full of birds and waterfowl. Squirrels, pelicans, swans and ducks frolicked (not all together). The reason we were in this part of London was because Tracy had been told not to miss the Changing Of The Royal Horse Guards, which takes place across the street from the park. The last time we took time out from our schedule to visit some horses while on vacation was when we visited the Lipica Stud Farm in Slovenia. We witnessed the world famous Lipizzaner stallions prance around and do virtually nothing for an hour. Nothing could be worse than that, we surmised…We were wrong!

At about 9:45 a.m. a bunch of beautiful black horses ridden by guys with red and white uniforms with cool gold helmets appeared from under an arch. The horses and riders stood in front of the Horsey Palace (not the building’s real name). About ten minutes (seemed longer) later, another bunch of horses came from the direction of Buckingham Palace, hoofed it past the crowd and were positioned so they were facing the first group of horses. “This is going to be good,” I thought.

I was wrong.

Half of the horses (as it turned out, the lucky ones) left. The excitement was, well there was yet to be any excitement, but we were sure the pageantry would begin any second, and these beautiful creatures would amaze us as the changing of the horse guards transpired before our very eyes. As we watched intently, the horses stood…and stood…and stood…and stood, doing nothing…and I mean nothing. Fifteen minutes later the horses were still doing nothing, although I think I saw one of them check his iPhone to see what time it was as he pawed at the dirt. “This can’t be it, can it,” Tracy asked?

Oh, yes it was. Looking around at the crowd, that horse was not the only four or two-legged creature checking to see what time it was. By 10:15, the horses had now continued this World Wrestling Federation-like stare-down for nearly 20 minutes. I actually think one of the stallions became cross-eyed due to excessive staring. We don’t know what happened next at this gala event, because the four of us walked away, shaking our heads in bored disbelief; a half hour out of our lives that we will never get back. As we were nearly out of sight from this non-spectacle, we turned around one last time to see if maybe, just maybe, the horses were doing something. Nope…the horses were still just standing there, staring at each other like they were on the worst blind date ever."

If you'd like, here is the morning we went (link with photos). The rest of our day went much better including champagne that night at Buckingham Palace.

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/cha...ingham-palace/

Janis, thanks for the videos. The pomp and ceremony of England is just unequaled!

Maitaitom, I get the feeling you wouldn't recommend the Horse Guards. Any thoughts on the Changing of the Guard?

When are you going to be in London? There are opportunities for something better than changing of the guard several times during the course of the year, if you are lucky enough to be in town on the right dates. The best is Trooping the Colour on a Saturday in early June, which involves a full parade and flyover, but the preceding two Saturdays have full dress rehearsals (except the flyover). I don't know when the next state opening of parliament will be, but that's also an opportunity. Sometimes a state visit will have some special ceremonies worth attending.

Household Division Ceremonial Events

Maitaitom, I cracked up laughing at your description. I remember the horses coming in, then standing still forever. I waited for what seemed like an eternity, then I walked away. I always wondered if I missed something exciting, so thank you for putting that to rest.

I've seen the changing of the guard a couple of times. The only reason I went a second time is that I was out voted by my travel companions. As mentioned above, the only way to get a spot to see anything is if you arrive very early. That said, it's far more interesting than watching horses stare at each other. I wouldn't do it again, but if the changing of the guard is something you want to see, then don't let me talk you out of it. I don't recommend the Great Horse Stare Fest.

From one of your other threads it seems you are only in London 3 days. I actually wouldn't recommend either one unless maybe you are in London for a week or more. And even then it wouldn't be top of my list. The Guard Change at Buckingham Palace would eat up an entire morning. To get a decent view you would need to get there at least 90 minutes prior (earlier if its a weekend) and then just...stand...there... holding your place on the pavement or up on the Wedding Cake (Victoria Memorial) steps.

maitaitom, I laughed out loud at your Changing of the Guards report and totally agree with your sentiments. It got my vote as the least interesting sight of an otherwise wonderful trip. Never again!

This thread has been hilarious! We have 4 days in all in London, and this wouldn't be at the top of my list either. I saw some of the action on a previous tour - we stood on the Mall and had good views of them marching by. But I will defer to my daughters - they haven't seen it. Thanks for a good read everyone!

They could be in the Tate or the V&A.... kids huh

Hilarious description, maitaitom!

ALSO a caution to be OUT of the area before it starts. Well before it starts. I was planning to cut through and was stopped by guards. I had no idea why. It was a LONG walk around to get where I wanted to go.

REALLY consider going to the Royal Mews-
https://www.rct.uk/visit/the-royal-m...kingham-palace
You'll see the gold coach, the queen's cars...and yes some horses.
The shop there was very nice too.
Follow the link to see some short preview videos.

Thanks, Starrs! The Royal Mews is definitely on my list, I can't wait to see the gold carriage!!

Oh, good! I love the Royal Mews.
It's one of my favorite things to see in London.
Since you are traveling with your daughters, I'd recommend seeing what's happening at Kensington Palace.
https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-pa...n/dress-codes/
I was there when Diana's dress exhibit was there. I had seen the traveling show in Houston years before and loved it. The KP exhibit was a lot larger and I adored it. Right now it seems the special exhibit is "Dress Codes" which sounds interesting. It includes some of Diana's dresses.
I liked the Victoria Royal Childhood "tour". Did not see the Royal Jewels but would like to.
You mentioned afternoon tea and it's lovely at The Orangery at KP. The Princess Diana statue is now in the sunken garden. I've not seen it.
A favorite memory of my last trip was just walking past the playground with the pirate ship and listening to the joyful sounds of kids at play.
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/...ial-playground
Another favorite is the Portobello Road Market -
https://www.instagram.com/portobello...fficial/?hl=en
I'd love it even if Hugh Grant walking through the seasons wasn't one of my favorite movies scenes ever.
The expectant mom at the beginning and with the baby at the end is perfection (IMO).
I would choose any of those over the BP Changing of the Guards or Horse Guards ceremony.

The King's Gallery has some good exhibitions. I loved the one a few years ago on dressing the Georgians. The meticulous sewing skills back then were incredible, as well as very fine lacework. The gift shop as you leave is nice too.

Thanks for all the great suggestions, Starrs! The dress codes exhibit at Kensington Palace looks especially interesting. And Notting Hill! Love that movie. In fact, I'll download to watch again on the plane. No matter how many times you go to London, you never run out of things to see and do!