Meeting Point

Trafalgar Square

Changing of the Guard

We'll make our way down the Mall towards St James' Palace, King Henry VIII's former hunting lodge, to witness the old Guard leaving.

Changing of the Guard, Wellington Barracks

We'll make our way towards nearby Wellington Barracks to witness the new Guard leaving, with its accompanying band.

Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace

We'll stop in front of Buckingham Palace to witness the new Guard enter, and learn about this Royal home.

Changing of the Guard, St James' Palace

We'll make our way back down the Mall in order to this ancient palace built in the 16th century Here you'll have the best view of the guards and the band, as well the centuries' old ceremony.

St James' Park

We'll make our way through the royal park, St James', laid out in the 17th century and home to many exotic birds.

Horseguards Parade

It's then onto the royal parade ground, where King Henry VIII liked to watch jousting and play tennis. You'll hear about the Admiralty and its role in Britain's 21st century wars. This is also where the Trooping of the Colour ceremony takes place each year, on the monarch's birthday. We'll then head through the arch to see the famous mounted horseguards guarding the entrance.

Whitehall

We'll head east down Whitehall, passing the last remains of King Henry VIII's Whitehall Palace built in the17th century, the Prime Minister's home at Downing Street, the Cenotaph and other war memorials.

Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey

At Parliament Square I'll talk about the "mother of parliaments" as the Palace of Westminster is known, with its iconic Big Ben tower, as well as Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned for some thousand years. I'll talk about the famous people buried there or who have memorials.

Ending Point

Parliament Square, near Westminster underground station