Royal London: palaces, parades and parks, the back story

About Royal London: palaces, parades and parks, the back story

By the ULTIMATE London Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

For a thousand years the monarchy has shaped London, from the abbey where kings and queens are crowned to the parks that were once royal hunting grounds.

Abbey and palace

Westminster Abbey has seen every coronation since 1066, while Buckingham Palace has been the monarch’s London home since 1837. The palace’s State Rooms open to visitors in summer.

The guards

Changing the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace on set days, and mounted troopers of the Household Cavalry stand sentry at Horse Guards on Whitehall every day. Check schedules before you go, as they vary.

Much of royal London can be seen in a single walk from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

The Royal Parks

St James’s Park, Green Park and Hyde Park were once royal land and are now among London’s most loved open spaces, linking the palaces in a chain of green.

Ceremonies

The great ceremonies of the year include Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade in June, for the King’s official birthday, and the State Opening of Parliament.

Our advice: arrive early for Changing the Guard, stand by the Victoria Memorial for a clear view, and then walk through St James’s Park to Horse Guards.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Royal London: palaces, parades and parks, the back story before you go.