LONDON
Horse Guards Parade
Walk along Whitehall to Horse Guards Parade, where London’s royal and ceremonial traditions are on display.
OVERVIEW
Exploring Horse Guards Parade
Whitehall is the historic road that runs from Parliament Square and forms part of the Royal London route toward St. James’s Park.
Just off Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade is where mounted guards stand on duty throughout the day, offering a close-up look at one of London’s most recognizable ceremonial traditions.
EXPERIENCE
Horse Guards Parade Highlights
A closer look at London’s ceremonial guards and one of the city’s most accessible royal viewing spots.
Mounted Guards
Mounted guards stand at the entrance throughout the day. You can walk up close and see the uniforms, horses, and details that are harder to notice at Buckingham Palace.
Close-Up Viewing
There are no barriers here, making it easy to stand near the guards and take photos. It’s a quieter alternative to the crowds at Buckingham Palace.
Open Courtyard
The courtyard, once part of Henry VIII’s Whitehall Palace, opens into a large gravel parade ground behind the Horse Guards building between Whitehall and St. James’s Park. Enter through the central arch beneath the clock tower.
plan your visit
Plan Your Visit to Horse Guards Parade
How to pass through and make the most of this stop along the Royal London route.
Getting There
Horse Guards Parade sits just off Whitehall, a short walk from Big Ben as you head toward St. James’s Park.
What to Expect
Mounted guards stand at the entrance throughout the day, and you can walk up close to see the uniforms and horses. A smaller guard change takes place here daily, offering a quieter alternative to Buckingham Palace.
Best Time to Visit
Pass through in the morning as part of your walk toward Buckingham Palace, when the area is less crowded and the guards are active.
Continue the Route
Walk through the Horse Guards arch to enter the courtyard, then continue toward St. James’s Park on your way to Buckingham Palace.
BUILD YOUR ITINERARY
How This Fits Into Your Day
As you walk along Whitehall, stop at Horse Guards Parade to see the mounted guards, then continue through the courtyard toward St. James’s Park.
FAQ
Horse Guards Parade FAQs
What is Horse Guards Parade?
Horse Guards Parade is a historic ceremonial ground just off Whitehall where mounted guards stand on duty and major royal events take place.
Can you walk through Horse Guards Parade?
Yes, you can walk through the courtyard by passing through the arch in the Horse Guards building from Whitehall, making it an easy stop along the Royal London route.
Do they change the guard at Horse Guards Parade?
Yes, a smaller guard change takes place here daily, usually around the same time as the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, offering a quieter alternative.
Should I watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade?
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is the main ceremony, with a full parade, band, and larger crowds. At Horse Guards Parade, the guard change is smaller and less crowded.
Choose Buckingham Palace for the full experience, or Horse Guards Parade if you prefer a quieter stop or have already seen the main ceremony.
How long should I spend at Horse Guards Parade?
Most visitors spend 10 to 15 minutes here, enough time to see the mounted guards and walk through the courtyard as part of the route.
Where is Horse Guards Parade located?
Horse Guards Parade sits just off Whitehall between Westminster and St. James’s Park, making it an easy stop as you walk between the two.