Horse Guards Parade London
Witness the stoic Household Cavalry guards and their magnificent horses at the historic Horse Guards Parade, a symbol of British tradition.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the guards on duty
Horse Guards Parade London
Best Time
See the guards on duty

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the stoic Household Cavalry guards and their magnificent horses at the historic Horse Guards Parade, a symbol of British tradition.
"A truly iconic London experience, the guards and horses are a sight to behold!"
🚫 Keep Your Distance from Horses
These are working horses! Do not approach or touch them; they can bite. Admire from afar. :noentrysign:
⏰ Arrive Early for Events
For Trooping the Colour, aim for 7:20 AM or earlier to secure a good spot. :alarm_clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mounted Sentries
Horse Guards Building
Witness the stoic, immaculately dressed Household Cavalry guards on their powerful steeds. A quintessential London photo opportunity.

Changing of the Guard
Horse Guards Parade
Experience the precise, ceremonial transfer of duties between the Blues and Royals and The Life Guards. A display of British tradition.

The Horses Themselves
Horse Guards Parade
Marvel at the sheer size and beauty of the horses. These are working animals, trained to perfection for ceremonial duties.
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Working Horses
Timing is Key for Spectacle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Keep Your Distance from Horses
These are working horses! Do not approach or touch them; they can bite. Admire from afar.
:noentrysign:⏰ Arrive Early for Events
For Trooping the Colour, aim for 7:20 AM or earlier to secure a good spot.
:alarm_clock:📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture iconic shots of the guards and horses. Early morning or late afternoon light is often best.
:camerawithflash:🚶♂️ Walk, Don't Touch
The soldiers won't let you touch the horses. Best to admire their presence and the ceremony.
:walking:Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Keep Your Distance from Horses
These are working horses! Do not approach or touch them; they can bite. Admire from afar.
:noentrysign:⏰ Arrive Early for Events
For Trooping the Colour, aim for 7:20 AM or earlier to secure a good spot.
:alarm_clock:📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture iconic shots of the guards and horses. Early morning or late afternoon light is often best.
:camerawithflash:🚶♂️ Walk, Don't Touch
The soldiers won't let you touch the horses. Best to admire their presence and the ceremony.
:walking:📣 Avoid Loud Noises
Sudden shouts or loud noises can spook the horses, causing distress.
:speakerwiththree_speakers:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the majestic presence of the Household Cavalry and their horses, calling it a quintessential London experience. The ceremonial aspects are highly praised, though some find the waiting times for events long and the strict rules about approaching the horses a bit disappointing. Overall, it's a highly recommended, albeit sometimes crowded, spectacle of British tradition.
"Trooping of the colour, major generals review, great experience, recommended.
Interestingly the acceptable dress for the occasion is not enforced, flip flops, shorts, baseball caps, casual wear all allowed. The vast majority however came appropriately dressed."
weary feladunder
"Love seeing these beautiful horses,watched the guards change over and visited the museum. Always recommend a visit but please be respectful to the guards as they are working"
Cheryl Jackson
"The changing of the guard ceremony was a beautiful experience. The museum is good too, it was really interesting and the people working there were very friendly and polite, and were happy to tell us everything about the exhibition.
The only problem was, that it was very crowded during the changing of the guard."
Angéla Herbert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Horse Guards Parade is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines). Several bus routes also stop nearby. Walking from Trafalgar Square or Buckingham Palace is also a pleasant option.
Yes, Horse Guards Parade is generally accessible for wheelchair users. Paved pathways allow for movement around the main areas. However, specific viewing spots for events might have limitations, so it's advisable to check event-specific accessibility information. :wheelchair:
For Trooping the Colour, public transport is highly recommended as roads will be closed. Tube stations like Westminster and Charing Cross will be busy. Consider arriving very early and walking from a slightly further station to avoid the densest crowds.
:train:Driving is not recommended due to congestion and potential road closures, especially during events. Parking in central London is also expensive and limited. Public transport is the most convenient option. :red_car:
Horse Guards Parade is an open public space. You can enter from Whitehall or through St. James's Park. For specific events like Trooping the Colour, designated viewing areas will be marked. :door:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to Horse Guards Parade is free. However, for special events like Trooping the Colour, tickets are required for seating on the parade ground itself. These are typically allocated via a ballot system well in advance.
:ticket:Horse Guards Parade is an open public space and is accessible at all times. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is usually on duty from approximately 10 AM to 4 PM daily, with the Changing of the Guard ceremony occurring at specific times. :clock10:
Viewing the guards on duty and the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade is free of charge. You only need to pay if you wish to attend special ticketed events held on the parade ground. :moneybag:
The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade typically takes place daily at 11:00 AM, though this can vary. It's always best to check the official Household Cavalry website for the most up-to-date schedule, as it can be affected by weather or other events. :calendar:
While you can get relatively close to observe the guards and horses, direct physical contact is strictly prohibited. The soldiers are on duty and the horses are working animals. Maintain a respectful distance.
:camerawithflash:🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is witnessing the immaculately dressed Household Cavalry guards on their magnificent horses, and the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. It's a prime spot for photography and experiencing a piece of British tradition.
:star2:The horses are highly trained working animals. While generally calm, they can be unpredictable if startled. Tourists are warned not to approach them, as they can bite or kick if they feel threatened.
:warning:Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to stand for a while or arrive early for an event. Dress for the weather, as much of the experience is outdoors. :sneakers:
Yes, photography is permitted and encouraged! It's a very photogenic location. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing views or getting too close to the horses for a shot.
:iphone:The area directly in front of the Horse Guards building offers a clear view. Arriving early will secure a better vantage point. For Trooping the Colour, viewing from the edge of St. James's Park can also be an option.
:binoculars:🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Horse Guards Parade is located in a prime central London area with numerous dining options. You'll find pubs, cafes, and restaurants along Whitehall and in the surrounding streets of Westminster and St. James's. :forkandknife:
You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy while waiting, especially if attending an event. However, be sure to dispose of your rubbish responsibly in designated bins. :sandwich:
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors directly on Horse Guards Parade itself. However, during major events like Trooping the Colour, temporary stalls might be present. It's best to plan to eat before or after your visit at nearby establishments. :ice_cream:
You can find a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional British pub fare to international options. Many cafes offer quick bites like sandwiches and pastries, while restaurants cater to more formal dining experiences. :pizza:
Prices can vary significantly. You can find budget-friendly cafes and sandwich shops, as well as more upscale restaurants. Dining in central London generally comes with a higher price tag. :pound:
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric glow. Midday sun can be harsh.
:sunriseovermountains:A telephoto lens is useful for capturing details of the guards and horses from a distance. A wider lens can be good for capturing the grandeur of the parade ground and the surrounding architecture. :camera:
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, professional photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of the guards and other visitors. :noentrysign:
Arrive early to secure a good position. Try to frame your shot with the Horse Guards building or the London skyline in the background. Be patient and capture the moments of interaction between the guards and horses.
:camerawithflash:The gleaming helmets and uniforms of the Household Cavalry, the powerful physique of the horses, the ceremonial movements, and the historic architecture of the Horse Guards building itself are all highly photogenic.
:sparkles:For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed experience, look into booking tickets for practice sessions of the Changing of the Guard, which can be less crowded and more manageable for families. The sheer scale of the horses and the uniforms can be captivating for kids, making it a memorable part of a London visit if planned thoughtfully. :child:
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be patient during the Changing of the Guard ceremony to capture the perfect moment. Remember to be respectful of the guards and other visitors, and never approach the horses for a photo, as they are working animals and can be dangerous if startled. The architectural details of the building also offer great framing opportunities. :camerawithflash:
💂♂️ History Buffs
Learn about the roles of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals, the two regiments that make up the Household Cavalry. Understanding their historical significance and their ceremonial duties adds a deeper layer of appreciation to the spectacle. The very ground of Horse Guards Parade has witnessed countless historical events, making it a place where history truly comes alive. :scroll:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Household Cavalry: More Than Just a Spectacle
Visitors often marvel at the stoic demeanor of the guards, but it's important to remember they are highly trained soldiers performing a vital duty. They are trained to remain impassive, even when faced with tourists attempting to interact with them or the horses. The horses, too, are accustomed to crowds but can be spooked by sudden movements or loud noises, hence the warnings about approaching them.
Experiencing the Changing of the Guard ceremony offers a glimpse into the precision and tradition that defines the Household Cavalry. It's a display of military heritage that has been maintained for centuries, making Horse Guards Parade a living piece of British history. The sheer presence of these guards and their magnificent horses is a powerful reminder of the UK's enduring traditions.
Navigating Crowds and Events
Reddit discussions highlight that while the main event is spectacular, the sheer volume of people can be overwhelming, particularly for families with young children. Some suggest booking tickets for practice sessions or alternative viewing locations within St. James's Park for a more manageable experience. The advice is to have a 'Plan B' if the crowds become too much, as children can get bored with extensive waiting.
Even outside of major events, the Changing of the Guard ceremony can draw a crowd. To avoid disappointment, check the official schedule beforehand, as it can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Being prepared for crowds and having realistic expectations will enhance your visit to this iconic London landmark.
Horse Guards Parade: A Photographer's Dream
When photographing the Changing of the Guard, patience is key. Try to capture the precise movements, the interaction between the guards and their horses, and the overall ceremonial grandeur. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details from a distance, while a wider lens can encompass the entire scene, including the historic surroundings. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing their views or getting too close to the horses for a shot, as this can startle them.
Beyond the guards, the horses themselves are a major subject. Their sheer size, musculature, and the intricate tack they wear are fascinating. Capturing their calm demeanor amidst the bustle of London is a testament to their training. The architectural details of the Horse Guards building also provide a strong backdrop, adding depth and context to your photographs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit