Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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
About
Built in 1745 to house the old palace guards, this is London's largest single open space that is used for the changing of the guards.
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The area

Address
Neighborhood: Westminster
If you only had an afternoon to experience London on a grand scale, Westminster would be a wise place to start. The ornate Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey sit adjacent at a corner of Parliament Square, and a short stroll along The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column are just up the road as well. As captivating as the architecture is, the wonders of Mother Nature are highlights of the area too. St James's Park (arguably London's loveliest), the expansive Green Park, and pedestrian friendly tree lined paths along the river showcase the exquisite manicure provided by English gardeners. Just beyond the landmarks and the gorgeous outdoor spaces, quiet residential squares and age old local pubs offer a more subdued take on this global seat of power in the heart of London.
How to get there
  • Charing Cross • 5 min walk
  • Embankment • 6 min walk
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Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,869 within 6 miles

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,026 reviews
Excellent
527
Very good
361
Average
108
Poor
22
Terrible
8

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The Codnor Traveller
Codnor, UK214 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nationally important
Jul 2024 • Couples
Horse Guards Parade is a large ceremonial parade ground right next to St James Park.

The parade ground is named after Hirse Guard, which is the large building that looms over it, which also serves as the official entrance to St James and Buckingham Palace.

The parade ground is where you can see the world famous Trooping of the Colour which now takes place on the King's official birthday in June. It also plays host to the occasional musical event.

On a day when no such event is taking place, it is on all honesty a large sandy/gravelled space over which one walks tonaccess other things. This was the case when I was here, and so I can't wax too lyrical about it.

It is, however, a place of huge national significance and is therefore a place you must visit when in London.
Written July 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Karrempje
Vleuten, The Netherlands3,188 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nice to take a look.
Aug 2023 • Solo
There are 2 horse guards on horseback in front of the gates. You can get very close, although they keep a very close eye on you because a horse really does what it wants. You really have to be careful when petting a horse. When you walk through the gates there is another guard but without a horse. It's busy but nice to see. We did not experience the change.
Google
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

HINA W
Islamabad, Pakistan7,328 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Where horses prance!
Aug 2022 • Family
This is the formal parade ground in St James's Park. It is where Trooping the Colour takes place. This ceremony is the celebration of the Birthday of the king or queen. The window of the Horse Guards Building are opened and the Royal Family family views the Trooping Parade and the Monarch’s inspection from there. The Horse Guards is the 18th century building with a clocktower over its main arch. It was designed by William Kent during the reign of King George II. The building is constantly guarded by two of these equestrian guards called King’s Lifeguards. We saw the Changing of the Life Guard’s outside this building. It was a very impressive demonstration.
Written July 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zenzi
Zeitlarn108 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nothing is known for sure…
Apr 2024 • Couples
You don't get any precise information about when exactly something is happening.
At 9:00, everything is still empty.
Somehow nobody really knows anything specific...
The only thing we saw at the gate around 12:00 was two guards on horses, that was all.
Google
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

karenpammy2016
San Francisco, CA1,315 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feels like you are in England!
Jul 2022
We were just walking over to see the two White Hall Horse Guards sitting on duty along Whitehall St., a major stop for pedestrians and bus tours. A great sight to see if you do not have time to see the actual Change of Guard ceremony. We had a London Pass purchased prior to Covid and did not have a chance to utilize it until this year. Initially we did not realize that the attached Household Calvary Museum is located in back . Our London Passes along entrance in without an advance scheduled time. It is a great place to see all the different regiments of the Horse Guards and their uniforms up close. A bit of history on the routines and regulations for the Horse Guards is also on display. It gave us a clearer understanding of the the intricate details on the Horse Guards for the Royal Family of England.
At the same time, we did not realize that the 11a.m. Change of Guards ceremony was in the process of heading in the White Hall Horse Guard Ceremony grounds. With the procession on the way, exactly at 11a.m., we were able to witness and enjoy the routine of this ceremony. I understand it is not held on a daily basis, but we were fortunate enough to visit on a day that they were scheduled. Definitely left us feeling like we were in England!!
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,707 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Impressive display of horsemanship
Jan 2023
The Horse Guards Parade is an impressive display of horsemanship. The Household Cavalry is a group of Royal regiments, which are responsible to the Crown. The Parade takes place at St James Park. The Guard changes every day. Get there early if you want to see the changing of the guard, which is usually held at 10:00am. It is a colorful display of precision horsemanship.
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jayem76
Leeds, UK139 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Be sure to see Changing of the Guard!
Jul 2023
We (me and my Mum) were in London for 4 days and had booked a visit to Westminster Abbey, and got off our bus from our hotel in Kings Cross in Trafalgar Square, so decided to walk down Whitehall past Horse Guards in order to get to the Abbey. Our timing was just right for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place here at 11am Monday to Saturday, and 10am on Sundays, so we got to see more of what are my Mum's favourite regiment of guards. The guards look so impressive in their uniforms and gold plumed helmets, and the horses are beautiful
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael M
Ipswich, UK726 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Typically British.
Sep 2022
This is the ceremonial parade ground on the edge of St James Park where the Trooping The Colour parade takes place each year on the second Saturday of June. Walk through the arch to Whitehall and see guards on horse back in full ceremonial uniform. Good for tourist photos.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dr Tony M
London, UK910 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A great photo opportunity
Aug 2021
Stopped to see the changing of the Guards here. Its guarded by the Blues and Royals or the Life Guards. Both mounted, so an interesting spectical.
Make sure you get the timing right. Also on site is the Guards Museum and close by the Cabnet War room
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Goannas
Comet, Qld1,682 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My favourite London change
Apr 2019
I love this more than its better known cousin. It feels like a more intimate experience and it's much easier to get a good view. Still get there early to get the best vantage point but don't expect the crowds you'll see in front of the Palace.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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