The Royal London Walk

Buckingham Palace to Big Ben via St James's Park

3.2 km (2 miles) 2-3 hours Easy

Start

Green Park Station

End

Westminster Station

Best Time

Morning (catch the Changing of the Guard at 11:00)

Stops

5 locations

This walk takes you through the ceremonial heart of London — from the gates of Buckingham Palace, through the elegant St James's Park, past Horse Guards Parade, and finishing at the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. You'll pass more royal landmarks in 2 miles than most cities have in their entire country. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone who wants to understand why London is the world's most regal capital.

Route Map

The Route — 5 Stops

1Stop 1 of 5

Buckingham Palace & The Queen Victoria Memorial

Start at the grand forecourt of Buckingham Palace, the King's official London residence since 1837. The ornate Queen Victoria Memorial sits at the centre of the roundabout, with golden angels and marble sculptures. If you arrive before 11:00 AM, position yourself along the railings for the Changing of the Guard ceremony — a spectacle of precision, music, and bearskin hats.

Insider Tip

The Changing of the Guard happens daily April-July and every other day the rest of the year. Arrive 45 minutes early for a good spot.

2Stop 2 of 5

The Mall & St James's Park

Walk down The Mall, the grand ceremonial avenue lined with Union Jack flags that leads from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. Turn into St James's Park — London's oldest royal park and arguably its most beautiful. Follow the lakeside path where you'll spot pelicans (fed daily at 2:30 PM), black swans, and picture-perfect views of the palace framed by weeping willows.

Insider Tip

The bridge in the centre of the lake offers the best photo opportunity in all of London — Buckingham Palace in one direction, the London Eye in the other.

3Stop 3 of 5

Horse Guards Parade

Exit St James's Park onto Horse Guards Parade, the vast ceremonial ground where Trooping the Colour takes place each June. Walk through the archway to see the mounted Queen's Life Guard — two soldiers on horseback in gleaming breastplates and plumed helmets, standing perfectly still. You can stand right next to them for photos.

Insider Tip

The guard changes at 11:00 AM (10:00 AM Sundays). The dismounted inspection at 4:00 PM is less crowded and equally impressive.

4Stop 4 of 5

Downing Street & The Cenotaph

Continue along Whitehall past the gates of 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's residence since 1735. Further along stands The Cenotaph, Britain's national war memorial. This simple Portland stone monument is the focal point of Remembrance Day each November, when the nation falls silent.

Insider Tip

You can't enter Downing Street, but the famous black door is visible through the security gates. Look for the policeman standing guard.

5Stop 5 of 5

Houses of Parliament, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey

The walk culminates at Parliament Square, surrounded by arguably the most photographed buildings on Earth. The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) stretches along the Thames with its Gothic Revival spires. Big Ben — technically the name of the bell, not the tower (which is the Elizabeth Tower) — chimes on the quarter hour. Across the road, Westminster Abbey has hosted every coronation since 1066.

Insider Tip

Cross Westminster Bridge for the classic postcard shot of Big Ben and Parliament reflected in the Thames. The best light is in the late afternoon.

Premium PDF Guide

Get the Complete The Royal London Walk Guide

Our complete Royal London PDF guide includes an offline map, minute-by-minute timing for the Changing of the Guard, best photography positions, a secret entrance to St James's Park with no queues, and insider tips for skipping the Westminster Abbey line.

Offline map — no internet needed
Best photography positions marked
Restaurant & café recommendations

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The South Bank Cultural Mile

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