LONDON
Horse Guards Parade
A ceremonial courtyard off Whitehall where mounted guards and royal traditions remain part of daily London life.
OVERVIEW
Exploring Horse Guards Parade
Horse Guards Parade sits just off Whitehall between Parliament Square and St. James’s Park, forming part of the Royal London route through Westminster.
Home to the mounted guards of the Household Cavalry, it offers one of the closest and most accessible views of London’s royal ceremonial traditions. The parade ground itself was once part of Henry VIII’s Whitehall Palace and is still used for major ceremonial events today.
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 Whitehall entrance throughout the day, allowing visitors to see the uniforms, horses, and ceremonial details up close.
Close-Up Viewing
The Whitehall entrance is open to pedestrians, making this one of the easiest places in central London to view the guards and take photos.
Open Courtyard
The courtyard, once part of Henry VIII’s Whitehall Palace, opens into a large gravel parade ground between Whitehall and St. James’s Park.
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 between Parliament Square and St. James’s Park, a short walk from Big Ben.
What to Expect
Mounted guards remain on duty throughout the day, and the area is usually less crowded than Buckingham Palace. A smaller guard change also takes place here daily.
Best Time to Visit
Morning is usually the quietest time to visit, especially if you are continuing the Royal London walk toward St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace.
Continue the Route
Walk through the central arch into the parade ground, then continue through St. James’s Park toward Buckingham Palace.
BUILD YOUR ITINERARY
How This Fits Into Your Day
Horse Guards Parade fits naturally between Westminster and Buckingham Palace, offering a quieter ceremonial stop along the Royal London walk.
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.