London City Guide

Parades & Ceremonies

The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is our own personal favourite, but Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace is so popular with tourists that we made it number one in our London Bucket List. There are two more daily parades at Horse Guards: the Dismounting Ceremony and another Changing the Guards.

April 2024Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace Changing the Guard at the palace is one of Londons must-see sights10

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Guided tour to see Changing the Guard at the palace Watch the soldiers marching after forming up outside St Jamess Palace

Dismounting Ceremony at Horse Guards

Dismounting Ceremony (4 OClock Parade) Horse Guards A daily ceremony of Foot Guards and cavalry that takes place in the courtyard at Horse Guards7

Changing the Guard at Horse Guards

Changing the Guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade Changing the Guard at Horse Guards is similar to Buckingham Palace but a lot less crowded4

Ceremony of the Keys

Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London The traditional locking up of the Tower by a Yeoman Warder has been taking place every night for over 700 years6

June 2024Major General's Review

Major Generals Review (Trooping the Colour rehearsal) Two weeks before Trooping the Colour takes place they hold a full rehearsal called the Major Generals Review

The Colonel's Review

The Colonels Review (Trooping the Colour rehearsal) One week before Trooping the Colour they hold a second rehearsal called the Colonels Review on Horse Guards Parade4

Trooping the Colour

Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards with RAF flypast Parade between Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards followed by an RAF flypast6