Horse Guards
Whitehall, London SW1

Horse Guards stands on the site of Henry VIII's tournament ground or 'tiltyard'.  Nearby is a remnant of the 'real tennis' court where Henry is said to have played the forerunner of modern lawn tennis.  

The elegant buildings of Horse Guards were designed by William Kent and completed in 1755. 

Horse Guards originally was the main entrance to Buckingham Palace and royal processions travelling through Whitehall still pass under the arches of the building. 

The Old Treasury, and the back of the Dover House, dating from 1758, are also by Kent. 

The parade ground of Horse Guards is dominated by the ivy-covered Citade, a.bomb-proof structure built beside the Admiralty in 1940.  During World War II it was used as a communications headquarters by the Navy. 

The Household Cavalry mounts the guard here (10.00 - 4.00 pm daily).  The Changing of the Guard takes place everyday, when the Household Cavalry rides from Hyde Park, via The Mall, to Whitehall for the 11.00 am changeover.  

Note: This is not the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, for details of that, see Buckingham Palace     

Admission free

Opening Times