The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is a renowned tradition that showcases the iconic British military pageantry. This event features soldiers in distinctive red tunics and bearskin hats, performing a formal handover of duties. The ceremony typically takes place outside Buckingham Palace, attracting numerous visitors eager to witness this time-honored spectacle. The Changing of the Guard is not only a visual treat but also a cultural experience, reflecting the rich history and traditions of the British monarchy. Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and precision marching, making it a memorable experience. The ceremony is a perfect opportunity for photography and immersing oneself in British culture. If you're planning a visit to London, be sure to check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard and enjoy this unique display of tradition and history. The Changing of the Guard, or Guard Mounting takes place every other day (on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) at 10:45 am. The entire ceremony lasts about 45 minutes. Given its popularity, visitors are advised to arrive as early as possible.
London
Trooping the Colour 2026: the King's Birthday Parade
9.3
Want to get an up-close look at the British royal family? Trooping the Colour—the King’s Birthday Parade held every June—is your golden ticket. You could spot King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and the adorable young princes and princesses. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 250 Foot Guards take part, creating a truly spectacular scene.
💂♂️ key dates
May 30: Major General’s Review (first rehearsal)
June 6: Colonel’s Review (second rehearsal)
June 13: The King’s Birthday Parade
🕰️ june 13 timeline
10:00 AM | Opening ceremony: Troops assemble in front of Buckingham Palace.
10:30 AM | The King’s inspection: King Charles III conducts a formal review along The Mall.
12:00 PM | Inspection ends: The King leads the Household Division back to Buckingham Palace.
12:30 PM | Balcony appearance and gun salute: Royal family members greet the public from the Buckingham Palace balcony; Green Park and the Tower of London fire a 41-gun salute.
1:00 PM | Flypast: The Royal Air Force paints the sky as it soars over Buckingham Palace.
📍 free viewing guide
If you don’t have an inner enclosure ticket, no worries—the public can enter the free viewing areas from 9:00 AM:
- The Mall (both sides): Best proximity—see the Household Cavalry and parade pass right by
- Edge of St. James’s Park: Wide-open views overlooking Horse Guards Parade
- Buckingham Palace forecourt: Prime spot for the balcony moment, but extremely crowded
- Green Park: Top choice if you want to feel the power of the gun salute up close
⚠️ friendly tip: It gets incredibly busy. For a front-row spot on The Mall or outside Buckingham Palace, arrive early in the morning to stake your place
May 30, 2026-Jun 13, 2026
London
Celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter with a special event
8.9
🎬 In 2026, it’s the 25th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and a lineup of major events has been officially announced. ✨
🧙🏻♂️ Summer special exhibition: back to where the magic began
📅 May 7, 2026–Sep 7, 2026
📍 Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
⚡️ This is something different—not a regular studio tour, but a large-scale exhibition that transports you back to year one.
✨ Four reasons you can’t miss it
🔮 First-ever public display: the real Sorcerer’s Stone, the original Golden Snitch prop, and original prop sketches from the film—all never before seen by the public.
🏰 The Great Hall returns in a special limited setup, recreating the emotion of Sorting Day with the Gryffindor banner and a levitating hat—taking you right back to the moment Harry first put on the Sorting Hat.
♟️ Life-size Wizard’s Chess: the knight Ron sacrifices finally stands right in front of you. There’s also a new moving chess-piece installation you can step into for an “I’m on the board” photo.
🎧 Sound effects revealed for the first time: discover how the wind of the wizarding world and the sound of Apparition were created, and experience a behind-the-scenes look at how Quidditch was filmed.
🐶 Fluffy’s paw is here, too—the original-effects-team-restored paw mould—on display alongside the self-playing harp.
🛒 New Diagon Alley experience: with an event passport in hand, hunt for interactive surprises hidden in the shop windows, just like when Harry first stepped into the wizarding world.
⚡️ This 25th anniversary is for every Harry Potter fan—it’s time to go back to Hogwarts!
📌 Important tip: tickets must be booked in advance on the official website. There are no on-site ticket sales, so be sure to plan ahead!
May 7, 2026-Sep 7, 2026
Watford
Enjoy free admission to see the art treasures at the National Gallery
8.8
Explore London's artistic heart – the National Gallery – which gathers masterpieces from the Renaissance to contemporary art. This institution houses innumerable works spanning from the Renaissance to modern art, making it a haven for art enthusiasts. Whether it is Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, or Pablo Picasso, you will find their iconic creations on display here. At this location, visitors can admire world-class artistic treasures free of charge, offering their souls a profound renewal. One may quietly appreciate these masterpieces or share insightful reflections with friends, allowing art to serve as a bridge that unites them.
London
Experience the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich
8.7
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich in the UK is the starting point of time and a sacred place for astronomy! The Royal Observatory, Greenwich is not only the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time, but also the location of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), symbolizing the division between the Earth's Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Here, you can see ancient astronomical instruments, learn about the history of astronomy, and even stand on the Prime Meridian for the unique experience of straddling both hemispheres at once. In addition, the observatory features the modern Peter Harrison Planetarium, offering a wealth of astronomical knowledge and interactive experiences.