Horse Guards Parade

A trip to London isn't complete without seeing the Horse Guards Parade

East facade of Horse Guards Building and Parade
East facade of Horse Guards Building and 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: No

Horse 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 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Surprise visit to the Horse Guards Parade. This wasn’t on our list but we happened to walk past it and had to take a quick stop to check it out. I had seen many videos on YouTube about the horse guards and their routines and all and was excited to visit it one day, so it was really nice that we had to walk past it so we could take a quick look. We were lucky enough to catch a guard change the moment we arrived so that was a great experience to witness. Unfortunately, the horses were not there so that was very unfortunate but nonetheless our quick visit was enjoyable and we will hopefully be back again to visit the whole place and see the horses and garden as well.
乇Ⱡ Ꭾคɬróռ - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The Royal horse guard parade/Inspection is at 4 PM daily. The Royal Horse guard is one thing that tourists must consider to find time for a visit! The Royal horse guard may not be at display due to the hot weather or too cold! It is maleficent to watch the such beautiful animal creature or specimen with a Royal guard on top!
Steven Cheng - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating We came to see the Trooping of the Colour. You have to book ahead online whether you choose seating £15p.p or £5 p.p for standing. There are three times in June to watch this event. It's really worth a visit. I highly recommend this. Buy a brochure for £10 which explains the history and explanation of the procession.
Wendy Leung - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating We attended The Colonel's Review of the rehearsal of The Trooping of the Colour. The Irish Guards were on duty. Colourful, spectacular, impressive and lots of music. Other troops were the Life Guards and the Royal Artillery, so there were plenty of horses, too. It's the place to enjoy some great British tradition and culture.
Sheridan Lynch - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Stunning location, was here for trooping of the colour. Amazing event, showcasing the ceremonial side of the kings guard, once a year celebration of the kings birthday. Lot's of soldiers and horses. Great pageantry.
Tim Husain - 3 months ago

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Circle, District and Jubilee LineWestminster7 Minutes
Northern and Bakerloo LineCharing Cross7 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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