When visiting London, don't overlook the Horse Guards Parade.
Located right in the middle of the city, Horse Guards is a great attraction just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace.
Focus on this parade.
Horse Guards Parade: article summary
What is the Horse Guards Parade?
The name "Horse Guards Parade" refers to the large ceremonial parade ground at St James's Park. It is literally an open space for ceremonial troop activities, on the site of one of London's most historic buildings and the headquarters of the Household Division.
It's all about the Trooping the Colour scene, an important part of the official celebrations of the sovereign's birthday in June.
A musical not to be missed
Horse Guards Parade is also the venue for the illuminated musical spectacle of "Beating Retreat" by the massive bands of the Household Division, which takes place over two successive evenings in June.
The imposing 18th-century building that dominates the stage is called the Horse Guards and serves as the official entrance to St. James's and the Buckingham Palace. You can recognize it by its clock tower above a large arcade.
The Trooping the Colour ceremony: an event awaited by all Londoners
During the Trooping the Colour ceremonythe central windows of the Horse Guards building were opened so that members of the royal family could watch the king. review his troops on the parade ground below.
Other buildings you'll see as you face the Horse Guards building are the Old Admiralty building on your left and the Dover House and Cabinet buildings on your right. Also on your right are the gardens behind the 10 Downing Street.
The Horse Guards building is guarded daily by two mounted cavalry soldiers from the King's Life Guard, who are posted outside the Whitehall side of the building, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Changing of the guard at the Horse Guards Parade
The king's bodyguards are mounted guards who are personally responsible for guarding the sovereign.
Just as infantrymen have a changing-of-the-guard ceremony in palaces, so do horse guards.
The change takes place at Horse Guards Parade at 11 a.m. daily and 10 a.m. Sunday.
This is a different type of changing of the guard from that at Buckingham Palace. It's a shorter and shorter ceremony.
But it also makes it easier to get closer to the action without having to arrive an hour early. For anyone who loves horses, it's a fun event to discover.
Visit the Horse Guard Parade
The New Guard arrives on horseback, having toured the Mall from their barracks in Hyde Park Corner, to line up against the Vieille Garde.
After a brief inspection, some of the relieved guards will leave for the guard room, while the others join other soldiers in the courtyard.
The New Guard will follow the arch to the front of the Horse Guards to take up their positions. The rest of the ceremony takes place out front, so you're welcome to come and watch.
The old guard will return to Buckingham Palace, up Constitution Hill and into the Hyde Park barracks
If you're lucky enough to be present when the King is in residence, a trumpeter will also play a royal salute at the beginning and end of the ceremony.
Smaller ceremonies at your disposal
There are also a few other small custodial ceremonies that frequently take place here. So if you're in the area and Big Ben When the time comes, you can discover a different kind of ceremony at any time, without too much planning or worrying about the crowds.
The Horse Guard Parade is a parade event when you visit London. Here you can discover this tradition and enjoy the changing of the guard, an exceptional spectacle.
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