Horse Guards Parade
A trip to London isn't complete without seeing the Horse Guards Parade
The Horse Guards Building is a large Palladian style building located on Whitehall Street at the east edge of Saint James's Park. It was completed in 1753, replacing the Guard House of the Whitehall Palace after its destruction by a fire in 1698. The building is currently headquarters to London District and Household Cavalry Army commands.
In addition to the interesting architecture, you will enjoy viewing and photographing the guards. The Horse Guards is guarded by both mounted and foot troopers from the Household Cavalry. There are 2 mounted troopers on post daily between 10am and 4pm. These troopers are relieved every hour. In addition two unmounted troopers posted from 10 am until 8 pm get relieved every 2 hours.
If you arrive just before 11am (10am on Sundays) you can view the popular changing of the guard. There is also an inspection of the the guard everyday at 4pm. This was started over 130 years ago when Queen Victoria came through the gate and found no guards. Upon investigating, she discovered they where intoxicated with ale. She then ordered that the Household Cavalry must parade every day at 4 pm for 100 years, to ensure it would not happen again. While the 100 years has long passed the tradition continues.
Kids and adults will all enjoy watching the guards. It is amazing to watch how still they stand at their posts, seemingly oblivious to everyone around them. This is one of the many things you can do in London for free - great when travelling on a budget.
There are many other attractions within easy walking distance of the Horse Guards Parade. Some of these include Saint James's Park, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. These attractions can be nicely combined into a memorable one or two day walking tour.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoHorse Guards Parade Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: Whitehall, London SW1A 2ET, UK
Horse Guards Parade Reviews
Rated out of 5
Incredible views. I've never seen horse guard before I came here. There were many tourists from everywhere. I recommended from a friend one of mine to track course. So I first visited Horse Guards Parade at 10:45am. It started at 11 am. I looked almost 5 minutes, and I moved into The Mall Street to see the military band they passed the road at 11:35am. After that, I looked around Buckingham palace.
이재훈 - a month ago
A must to see in London. It’s all part of the great British history. The horses are amazing and very well behaved, although they do on occasions get upset about a few things. Lovely to see. Always venture through the archway and see the main parade area and gardens.
Simon Round - 3 months ago
One of this days is going to happen one accident because the people touch the horses. There are an informative sing but nobody reading. I didn't see the museum yet maybe one of this days. But I love the change horse guard and is wonderful
Pickygranavenida Picky - 3 weeks ago
Amazing spot to watch the King's Guard horse detachment parade through!
(We got a super helpful Metropolitan Police mounted policewoman whom told us to wait 2mins and where best to stand for Horse Guards Parade. 💚🤗)
Jason Pinto - a month ago
So pleased we were able to make a stop here and see the Horse Guards in action.
Two were stationed outside, whilst two Guards were inside on foot. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to see them, and to grab a quick photo alongside them too!
Emily Kapllani - 2 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Circle, District and Jubilee Line | Westminster | 7 Minutes |
| Northern and Bakerloo Line | Charing Cross | 7 MInutes |
How to get to Horse Guards Parade by Tube
From Charing Cross Station exit to Trafalger Square and exit the roundabout onto The Mall and then go south (left) on Horse Guards Road.
From Westminster Station take Exit 6 and go left out of the underpass, then go right on Great George Street and right onto Horse Guards Road.
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Accommodations near Horse Guards Parade:
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: string_bass_dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: string_bass_dave - cc license via Flickr -
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