The Mall London
London's grand ceremonial route leading to Buckingham Palace, perfect for royal processions and scenic walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pedestrian-only access
The Mall London
Best Time
Pedestrian-only access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
London's grand ceremonial route leading to Buckingham Palace, perfect for royal processions and scenic walks.
"A majestic walk to Buckingham Palace, especially vibrant on car-free weekends."
🚶♀️ Weekend Strolls
Enjoy The Mall car-free on weekends for a relaxed walk and great photo ops.
💂♂️ Trooping the Colour Views
Arrive by 7:20 AM for the best spots to see the procession and flypast.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Buckingham Palace
End of The Mall
The official London residence of the monarch. Witness the grandeur and perhaps catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
St. James's Park
Adjacent to The Mall
A beautiful royal park offering serene walks, stunning lake views, and a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
Admiralty Arch
Near Trafalgar Square
An impressive landmark connecting The Mall to Trafalgar Square, offering a grand entrance and historical significance.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Trooping the Colour
Weekend Pedestrian Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Weekend Strolls
Enjoy The Mall car-free on weekends for a relaxed walk and great photo ops.
💂♂️ Trooping the Colour Views
Arrive by 7:20 AM for the best spots to see the procession and flypast.
👑 Palace Approach
Walk up The Mall from Admiralty Arch for a grand approach to Buckingham Palace.
🌳 Park Serenity
Combine your visit with a peaceful walk through St. James's Park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Weekend Strolls
Enjoy The Mall car-free on weekends for a relaxed walk and great photo ops.
💂♂️ Trooping the Colour Views
Arrive by 7:20 AM for the best spots to see the procession and flypast.
👑 Palace Approach
Walk up The Mall from Admiralty Arch for a grand approach to Buckingham Palace.
🌳 Park Serenity
Combine your visit with a peaceful walk through St. James's Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate The Mall for its grandeur and its role as a ceremonial route to Buckingham Palace. The weekend pedestrian access is a major plus, offering a more relaxed experience. However, some find it lacks specific attractions directly on the route itself, serving more as a passage than a destination.
"Picturesque views aplenty down this street. We were fortunate enough to have caught the Changing of the Guard and it did not disappoint. The street always had a lively atmosphere, with tourists milling about left and right, but it was a fun place to visit and soak in the surroundings while in town."
Matt Grimaldi
"Of course when you are in London and visit Buckingham castle, you will also walk along the Mall. We were lucky enough to see a military parade which was well worth it. Surprisingly enough, there were hardly any people around."
Stephan Klinger
"Wonderful VE Day show"
Rebecca Greville
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mall is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines). Several bus routes also stop nearby.
The Mall is often closed to traffic on weekends, allowing for pedestrian-only access. It can also be closed for special events like Trooping the Colour. Always check local advisories before your visit.
Driving on The Mall is generally restricted, especially during peak times and weekends. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk to access the area.
For the most enjoyable experience, walk The Mall from Admiralty Arch towards Buckingham Palace, or vice versa. Consider combining it with a stroll through St. James's Park.
Public toilets are not abundant directly on The Mall itself. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby attractions like Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park cafes, or public restrooms in Trafalgar Square before or after your walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking on The Mall is free and open to the public. There are no tickets required for general access.
While walking on The Mall is free, entry into Buckingham Palace itself requires a ticket and is usually only available during specific times of the year when the State Rooms are open to the public.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony typically takes place on select days outside Buckingham Palace. Check the official schedule for dates and times, as it's a popular event.
The Mall hosts significant events like Trooping the Colour and is sometimes used for processions and celebrations. These events often require advance planning and can lead to closures.
Many London walking tours and bus tours incorporate a visit to The Mall and Buckingham Palace. Booking a guided tour can provide historical context and logistical ease.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture iconic shots of Buckingham Palace at the end of The Mall, the grand Admiralty Arch, and the picturesque St. James's Park. The wide expanse of The Mall itself offers great perspectives.
During major events like Trooping the Colour, crowds can be significant, making photography challenging. Weekends, when it's pedestrian-only, offer better opportunities for unobstructed shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light for photography. Consider the direction of the sun when planning your shots of Buckingham Palace.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in central London, especially around royal residences and public spaces like The Mall, due to security and privacy regulations.
Explore St. James's Park for wildlife photography or capture the grandeur of Admiralty Arch. The surrounding streets also offer charming architectural details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a trip to St. James's Park, where children can enjoy feeding the ducks, spotting pelicans, and playing in the open green spaces. The vastness of the park provides ample room for little ones to burn off energy. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as facilities directly on The Mall are limited.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekend when The Mall is closed to traffic, offering a more pleasant and safe walking experience. Pack a picnic to enjoy in St. James's Park, saving money on dining out. Many of London's top attractions, like the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, are also free to enter.
👑 Royal Enthusiasts
Understanding the historical significance of The Mall as a processional route for royal events adds depth to the experience. Consider visiting during Trooping the Colour for a truly immersive royal spectacle, though be prepared for large crowds and an early start.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of The Mall
Its design emphasizes grandeur and perspective, drawing the eye towards the palace. The surrounding areas, including St. James's Park and Green Park, offer a beautiful natural contrast to the imposing architecture. Walking The Mall provides a tangible connection to British history and royal tradition, making it a must-see for many visitors.
While its primary function is ceremonial, The Mall also serves as a vital pedestrian artery, especially on weekends when it's closed to traffic. This transformation allows for a more immersive experience, enabling visitors to appreciate its scale and beauty without the interruption of vehicles.
Experiencing Trooping the Colour
To witness this event, visitors are advised to arrive extremely early, often by 7:20 AM, to secure a good vantage point along The Mall. While direct viewing of the parade on The Mall itself might be limited, the processions before and after, as well as the iconic flypast by the Royal Air Force, are spectacular.
Due to its popularity, expect significant crowds. Planning your visit well in advance, understanding the viewing areas, and being prepared for an early start are crucial for a memorable experience of this historic event.
Beyond The Mall: Nearby Attractions
At one end of The Mall lies Admiralty Arch, a magnificent structure that leads to Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar Square itself is a vibrant hub, home to Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, and numerous street performers.
Further afield, but easily reachable, are other royal parks like Green Park and Hyde Park, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. This central location makes The Mall an excellent starting point for exploring much of what London has to offer.
![Parliament Square, London - Caption reads, "[Big Ben, London, in background. Recovering U.S. Soldiers taken to see sights around London]." Original glass plate by the American Red Cross. Taken c.1918, London, United Kingdom (@libraryofcongress). Remastered by Jordan J. Lloyd (@unseenhistories). Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA https://www.loc.gov/item/2017666952/ – See a colorized version of this photograph on Unseen Histories at https://www.unseenhistories.com/parliament-square-1918](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1636625305308-4284384ebc4d%3Fcrop%3Dentropy%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26fit%3Dmax%26fm%3Djpg%26ixid%3DM3w3ODc2Nzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxQYXJsaWFtZW50JTIwU3F1YXJlJTJDJTIwTG9uZG9ufGVufDB8MHx8fDE3NTcwNjA2OTF8MA%26ixlib%3Drb-4.1.0%26q%3D80%26w%3D1080&w=3840&q=75)
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit