Buckingham Palace and Whitehall are where you can see the famous ceremony - the Changing of the Guard. This is where you can see the guards dressed in the bright red uniforms and bearskin hats of picture postcard London and where you can experience the music, marching and shouting that characterises the whole ceremony.

The Queen is colonel-in-chief of seven regiments, which are collectively known as the Household Regiments. Out of these, three Foot Guards regiments take it in turn to guard Buckingham Palace, whilst two Cavalry regiments guard the Horse Guards Building on Whitehall.

The Changing of the Guards ceremony dates back to 1660, and essentially it is when the old guard comes off duty and the new guard begins its shift (as the name of the ceremony suggests!).

Technically the name includes both the guards of Buckingham Palace and those at the Horse Guards Building, but in more common usage the name Changing of the Guard refers to the ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, whilst the ceremony that involves the Horse Guards is known as the Horse Guards Parade.

The Changing of the Guard happens daily at 11.30am from 3rd April until 3rd August, and every other day at 11.30 am from 3rd August until 3rd April. It remains one of the most popular events in the city so if you want a good view make sure you arrive early. (Please note that sometimes the ceremony is cancelled so do check first to avoid disappointment).

Other well known military ceremonies to be seen in London are the Trooping of the Colour and the Beating of the Retreat, but these only take place on a few dates during the year.