LONDON
Royal London
A continuous walk through Westminster, St. James’s Park, and Buckingham Palace.
OVERVIEW
Explore Royal London
The Royal London route connects Westminster, St. James’s Park, and Buckingham Palace through some of the city’s most historic and ceremonial areas.
Starting at Big Ben, the walk follows Whitehall past Horse Guards Parade, continues through St. James’s Park, and along The Mall to Buckingham Palace before finishing at Westminster Abbey.
The route works best when taken slowly, with time for the key landmarks, parks, and ceremonial areas along the way.
THE ROUTE
Follow the Royal London Route
This route is designed as a continuous walk through Westminster and Central London, with each stop flowing naturally into the next.
While it begins and ends in Westminster, the route is timed to pass Buckingham Palace at the right moment and allow time to explore Westminster Abbey without rushing.
Big Ben → Horse Guards Parade (via Whitehall)
THE WALK
Start at Big Ben before 8:00 AM to enjoy morning light, fewer crowds, and unobstructed views of Westminster.
For one of the best views of Big Ben and the Thames, take a short walk onto Westminster Bridge before continuing to Parliament Square.
Continue to Parliament Square, where the red phone booths along Great George Street create one of Westminster’s classic photo spots.
- From Parliament Square, walk up Whitehall toward Horse Guards Parade.
THE EXPERIENCE
The route begins in Westminster, surrounded by views of Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thames, before shifting into the ceremonial atmosphere of Whitehall.
Horse Guards Parade → St. James's Park
THE WALK
Walk through the Horse Guards Arch and cross the courtyard to enter St. James’s Park.
Follow the path along the left side of the lake.
Cross The Blue Bridge toward The Mall for one of the best views of Buckingham Palace.
Continue to the end of the path and exit onto The Mall.
THE EXPERIENCE
Passing through Horse Guards Parade, the route opens into St. James’s Park, where the pace slows into quieter paths, open green space, and water views.
St. James's Park → Buckingham Palace (via The Mall)
THE WALK
Walk along The Mall toward Buckingham Palace, following the ceremonial stretch of The Mall.
Arrive by around 10:30 AM to secure a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard (11:00 AM).
Stand near the Victoria Memorial or along the palace gates for the best views.
THE EXPERIENCE
Leaving St. James’s Park, the route opens onto The Mall, where the approach to Buckingham Palace gradually comes into full view.
Buckingham Palace → Westminster Abbey
THE WALK
Leave Buckingham Palace and head toward St. James’s Park.
Follow the path along the right side of the park toward Westminster.
Continue to the end of the path and exit onto Birdcage Walk.
Walk along Birdcage Walk to Westminster Abbey.
optional extensions
- After Buckingham Palace, visit the Royal Mews to see royal carriages, historic coaches, and the working stables connected to the palace. This works best after the Changing of the Guard if you plan to watch the ceremony.
- Visit the Churchill War Rooms near St. James’s Park for an underground museum focused on Britain’s wartime leadership during World War II. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours if you choose to visit.
- From Westminster Abbey, cross Westminster Bridge for views of Big Ben and the Thames, with the option to visit the London Eye nearby.
- Alternatively, from Westminster Abbey, continue into Green Park and Hyde Park for a longer walk through some of London’s largest green spaces.
Optional Evening
- From Westminster Abbey, head toward Covent Garden via Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square. Explore the area, enjoy dinner, and continue into the evening with the option to see a show in the West End.
THE experience
From Buckingham Palace, the route heads back toward Westminster along the edge of St. James’s Park. It’s a quieter stretch before reaching Westminster Abbey.
experience
Along the Route
A closer look at the landmarks and ceremonial stops along the route.
Views of Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thames from the center of Westminster, with some of the area’s best photo spots nearby.
A ceremonial courtyard along Whitehall where mounted guards stand throughout the day, offering one of London’s most recognizable ceremonial traditions.
One of London’s most scenic parks, with open green space, a central lake, and one of the best viewpoints toward Buckingham Palace from the bridge.
A wide, tree-lined avenue leading directly to Buckingham Palace, offering a clear and iconic approach framed by flags and royal landmarks.
The ceremonial centerpiece of the route, best experienced during the Changing of the Guard.
A historic and architectural landmark at the heart of Westminster, surrounded by some of London’s most recognizable sights.
nearby
Near the Route
Additional landmarks and museums near the route.
An underground wartime bunker near Westminster where Winston Churchill and his team directed operations during World War II.
Home to the royal collection of carriages and horses, including the Gold State Coach used during coronations and major ceremonial events.
plan your visit
Plan Your Royal London Walk
Key details for planning and timing the route.
Best Time to Start
Start at Big Ben before 8:00 AM for quieter streets, better photo conditions, and enough time to move through the route at a relaxed pace.
Timing the Route
Aim to reach Buckingham Palace by around 10:30 AM to secure a good viewing spot for the 11:00 AM Changing of the Guard.
Getting Around
The entire route is walkable, with Underground access available throughout Westminster, St. James’s Park, and Green Park.
What to Know
Crowds increase significantly around Buckingham Palace and Westminster later in the morning, especially during the Changing of the Guard.
BUILD YOUR ITINERARY
How This Fits Into Your Day
This route works best as a half-day walk timed around the Changing of the Guard, but can easily become a full day when combined with nearby museums, neighborhoods, or additional stops along the way.
FAQ
Royal London FAQs
What is considered Royal London?
Royal London refers to the area surrounding Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and St. James’s Park, home to many of London’s royal and ceremonial landmarks.
When is the Changing of the Guard?
The ceremony typically takes place at 11:00 AM, but it is not held every day. Check the official schedule before your visit, as dates can vary depending on events and weather.
Where is the best place to watch the Changing of the Guard?
The gates at Buckingham Palace are the most popular viewing spot, but they also get the most crowded.
St James’s Palace on Marlborough Road is a one of the best places to watch the guards assemble before the ceremony, especially if you arrive around 10:00 AM.
The Mall offers one of the best views of the marching band and the full procession as it moves toward Buckingham Palace.
Victoria Memorial provides elevated views of the palace and ceremony, though it also becomes extremely crowded later in the morning.
Wellington Barracks is a good option if you want to watch the guards prepare before marching toward the palace around 10:00 AM.
Which Royal London landmarks can you visit inside?
Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, and the Royal Mews are open to visitors, and Big Ben can also be toured. Buckingham Palace is open seasonally during the summer months.
All of these require tickets and are best booked in advance. If you plan to go inside, allow extra time and adjust the timing of your walk accordingly.
How long does the Royal London walk take?
The full route takes about 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace without stopping inside attractions. It can easily extend to a full day if you choose to visit landmarks along the way.
Where does the Royal London route start and end?
The route starts at Big Ben in Westminster and continues through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace before returning toward Westminster Abbey. From there, you can continue across Westminster Bridge for views of Big Ben and the Thames, with the option to visit the London Eye nearby.
Do I need tickets for any of the stops?
The outdoor landmarks along the route are free to visit, but attractions like Westminster Abbey, the Royal Mews, and the Churchill War Rooms require tickets. Buckingham Palace is also ticketed during its seasonal opening, and Big Ben tours are available with advance booking.
If you plan to go inside, it’s best to book in advance to secure your preferred time.
Can I do this route in reverse?
Yes, the route can easily be walked in reverse. However, it is designed to begin in Westminster early in the morning and arrive at Buckingham Palace in time for the Changing of the Guard, so reversing the route can make the timing less ideal.
The route is flexible overall and can easily be adjusted based on your interests, timing, or nearby stops you want to include.