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
Got there for the 4pm end of duty uniform inspection. Got there 15 minutes before hand and stood by the white line and no crowd until just before 4pm. Worth watching. Takes about 7 minutes with the 2 guards on horses coming in off Whitehall, in tonthe yard, then other guards come out and all are inspected. Worth a visit and watching. No ticket required.
Matt- Fuller-Gmail - 3 months ago
In a word …. Magical
To see these well trained majestic beings and their riders go through their paces - really shows the pomp and ceremony
It’s a not to be missed event and so much easier to see than the changing of the guard.
Also conveniently situated near the Horse Guard Museum and ST James Park
Aim to be there 30 mins before and you are guaranteed a good spot
But take the time to explore the surrounding and appreciate the sacrifice of those before us 🫶
Sian Borrett - 5 months ago
Hidden gem, much cooler and less crowded than the ceremony at buckingham palace. Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early.
Zack Braley - a month ago
(HUMOR)I'd honestly give it a five out of ten because we took the horse guards to the office and met Wellington, who told us to save the colors since the city was in ruins. After that, he gave me the flag of London and then told us to walk across Westminster Bridge. There were some horses there, so we went to the bridge and crossed a bunch of obstacles and zombies that didn't try to stop us, and luckily I managed to get to the other side of the bridge with the flag , here is a picture of me with the flag🔥
rosa maria solis mendoza - 2 months ago
Horse Guards Parade is a must-see in London if you enjoy history and pageantry. The ceremonial grounds are impressive in scale, and standing there you can feel the weight of centuries of tradition. We enjoyed watching the guards on duty, perfectly disciplined and striking in their uniforms, with the backdrop of Whitehall adding to the grandeur. It’s also just a short walk from St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, making it an easy stop during a day of exploring. A beautiful place that captures the spirit of London’s heritage.
Sweat Less Travel - 7 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 -
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Photo Credit: Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Loco Steve - cc license via Flickr
