Ceremonial Events

Royal ceremonies, parades and processions.

British Ceremonial Events

A great day out, whether you are visiting London on holiday, have an interest in British history and culture, or just love the pomp and pageantry. Watching royal and ceremonial events, state occasions and parades is an unforgettable experience.

London hosts high profile ceremonial events every year, including The Queen’s Birthday Parade, Beating Retreat, The State Opening of Parliament, State Visits.

British State, Royal & Military Ceremonial Events

What is Horse Guards Parade?

Horse Guards Parade is the historic open space in the heart of London, famous for its colorful military ceremonies.

Horse Guards Parade is a large ceremonial ground in central London, located near Whitehall and St. James’s Park. It’s the venue for several significant British military and royal ceremonies throughout the year, including the famous Trooping the Colour and the daily Changing of the Guard.

The parade ground has a long history dating back to the time of Henry VIII, when it was used as a tiltyard for jousting tournaments. Today, Horse Guards Parade is not only a working military parade ground but also a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into British royal and military traditions.

Events take place at Horse Guards Parade throughout the year:

  • Trooping the Colour (June): A big birthday parade for the monarch with lots of soldiers and horses
  • Beating Retreat (Usually in June): An evening show with military bands, music, and fireworks
  • Changing of the Guard (Daily): Soldiers on horseback switch duties in a formal ceremony
  • Other military parades and reviews happen throughout the year

Witness elaborate military pageantry up close, including the precision marching and horsemanship of elite military units.

Horse Guards Parade plays a central role in British royal and military traditions. Hosting ceremonies that have been performed for centuries. Its location in the heart of London, surrounded by historic buildings like the Admiralty Citadel and Cabinet Office, makes it a unique intersection of British politics, royalty, and military heritage.

Horse Guards Parade’s long history, dating back to Tudor times, secures its place in British cultural heritage, connecting modern spectators to centuries of royal and military tradition.

General info

  • Open to the public
  • Can hold about 3,500 spectators for big events
  • Best time to visit: 11:00 AM for the Changing of the Guard (10:00 AM on Sundays)
  • Nearby attractions: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben

Horse Guards Parade offers a unique glimpse into British history and tradition. Whether you’re watching a grand parade or just passing through, it’s a must-see spot for anyone visiting London.

British Commemorative Medals and Their Values
By Christopher Eimer

British Commemorative Medals and their Values is a fabulous gift for anyone interested in coins, tokens and medals. The book was awarded the IAPN Book Prize by the International Association of Professional Numimstists.

Click here to visit Christopher Eimers website to buy a copy.

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