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Horse Guards Parade

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Horse Guards Parade

KidRated’s Horse Guards Parade Top Tips:

  • Best for kids & teens: Must see for horse lovers and tourists
  • Best for parents: Pop into the nearby Household Cavalry Museum to learn more
  • Top tip: Check the times to ensure you don’t miss the Changing of the Guard

Planning a family day out in London? Don’t miss Horse Guards Parade and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! These iconic ceremonies are a hit with kids and teens, offering a glimpse into British tradition and royal pageantry.

 

Start your adventure at Horse Guards Parade. This historic site is home to the Household Cavalry, and you can watch the Changing of the Guard here every morning. The ceremony, with its soldiers in their striking uniforms and mounted on impressive horses, is a spectacle your kids will love. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to London’s rich history in a fun and engaging way.

 

Afterwards, head to Buckingham Palace for the famous Changing of the Guard. Held at 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, this ceremony is a must-see. Arrive early to get a good spot and watch as the Queen’s Guard, dressed in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, march to the palace accompanied by a band.

 

Both events are free, making them perfect for a budget-friendly day out. Plus, they provide excellent photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera! Just make sure to arrive early.

 

After the ceremonies, take a stroll through St. James’s Park – featured in our guide to military London. It’s a great place for a picnic and to let the kids run around.

 

Visiting Horse Guards Parade and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a great way to immerse in British culture and enjoy a day out in London!

Booking Advice:

  • The Horse Guards Parade & Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is FREE
  • No booking required
  • Arrive at least half an hour early to get a good viewing spot
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VISITOR INFORMATION

Where:

The Household Division
Horse Guards
Whitehall
London SW1A 2AX

Phone number:

+44 (0)20 7930 3070

Website:

www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/484414-horse-guards-parade?_gl=1*cwgqm0*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjkwMDY2NTgzLjE3MTYzNzk5NzA.*_ga_BDFPSHTGM0*MTcxNjU2NTU5Mi4zLjAuMTcxNjU2NTU5Mi4wLjAuMA..

Opening hours:

Horse Guards Parade Changing of the Guards: 11am Mon-Sat, 10am Sun.
Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard: 11am Mon, Weds, Fri, Sun.

How to get there:

Nearest Tubes: Embankment, Charing Cross, Westminster and St James’s Park.

Teen Verdict

Family days out, attractions and things to do in London and beyond for kids, older kids and teenagers rated by kids and teens with KidRated

Stanley

Pretty cool to see once in person. I feel accomplished that it’s off my “bucket list”. It doesn’t take too long so it was good to add in as part of my day. I brought a breakfast snack with me which I recommend to keep you going and then we had brunch afterwards. The whole show was quite impressive but it’s definitely something you only need to see once.

Parent Point of View

Things to do, places to go for kids and teenagers - cool, academic, fun and entertaining in London and beyond with KidRated

Laura Porter

  • Be aware if bringing a buggy that it’s a gravel surface.
  • Watch the Changing of the Guard then get a selfie with a sentry guard. (There are two between the parade ground and Whitehall so you can avoid the crowds taking pics with the mounted guards there.)
  • Do remember the guards are working so don’t try and strike up a conversation and always ask before taking a photo and thank them afterwards.

You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com 

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