The Mall

London's royal avenue leading from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace.

TravelCurious Tip

Begin your journey at Buckingham Palace in the morning and witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, before heading up this regal road towards the bustling city centre for lunch.

Road to somewhere

This royal road has become a popular route for tourists visiting the historic city: there is lots to see along the way besides Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. Wide and tree-lined, it makes for a pleasurable promenade through the heart of historic London.

Right in front of Buckingham Palace you can see the Victoria memorial. This huge and striking marble monument is topped with a golden winged victory, female Roman icon of power and namesake of the Queen; figures of Motherhood, Justice, and Truth are below, and enthroned in the middle is Queen Victoria herself, depicted as the mother of a nation. Its designer, Thomas Brock, aimed to emphasise the ‘qualities which made our Queen so great and so much beloved.’

Flying colours

As you go along the Mall you will find Horse Guards Parade just off to the east. The road then takes you to Admiralty Arch, a ceremonial gateway with five arches, built shortly after the construction of the Victoria Memorial by King Edward VII in honour of his late mother. Following its sale to a Spanish developer in 2012, the Arch is set to become a luxury hotel. This archway leads into the southwest corner of Trafalgar Square in the heart of the city, which is always buzzing with life.

The road is closed to ordinary traffic on Sundays, and for royal celebrations such as the wedding of Prince William and Kate and the Queen’s Jubilee festivities. Indeed, the Mall was originally created as a ceremonial route to and from the Palace; it is also closed during state visits when the road is reserved for exclusive use by the Queen and the visiting diplomat, who will be chauffeured up the Mall, state flags waving, as a matter of ceremony.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in London
St James's Palace
The official home of the sovereign of the United Kingdom, built in Tudor red brick.
St James's Park
A green oasis in royal London that is host to numerous ceremonies - and has a lake complete with pelicans.
Churchill War Rooms
A fascinating underground museum preserving the bunker from which Churchill's government directed the war effort.
Lancaster House
Opened in 1840, this grade 1 listed building has been perfectly designed to suit any occasion... from meetings to dinners and entertainment.
Pall Mall
Home of several famous gentlemen’s clubs - though several are now gender-integrated, such as the Traveller’s Club, The Oxford & Cambridge Club, and the Atheneum.
Clarence House
Clarence House is a British royal residence on The Mall in the City of Westminster, London. It is attached to St James's Palace and shares the palace's garden.

Related Tours

Tower of London & the Heart of Westminster: Private Half-Day Tour
Explore the home of the British Monarchy in the heart of the city and discover some of Royal London’s most popular landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), including a visit to the Tower of London and seeing the exquisite Crown Jewels. 

On your private half-day tour, you will:

  • Meet your professional Blue Badge tour guide to start your journey at the Tower of London, a 900-year-old historic castle and fortress;
  • Marvel at the magnificent Crown Jewels, some of the most important symbols of the Monarchy still used today by the Royal Family;
  • See stunning views of London’s most popular landmarks from the water including Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye;
  • Enjoy a walking tour that will take you to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Parliament and Big Ben;
  • End your tour in Trafalgar Square, where your guide will recommend other must-see sites you don't want to miss.

Your tour will begin at the Tower of London where you will explore this 900-year-old castle and learn about the kings and queens who lived and died in the Tower and its role as a fortress, prison, zoo, and observatory. 

Before entering the Jewel House to see the famous Crown Jewels collection, your guide will tell you all about their religious and cultural significance and the many attempts to steal these beautiful diamonds! Important: Your guide will be accompanying you through the visit but is not allowed to give live commentary while inside the collection.
 
After visiting the Tower of London, you will commute like a true Londoner to Westminster where you will see some of the most popular sights from the water along the way, including Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

Once in Westminster, you will see the Houses of Parliament - the home of the British government, and the magnificent Elizabeth Tower known as "Big Ben". A short walk on, you will come to the exterior of the beautiful Westminster Abbey, where every English king and queen for the last 1000 years has received their coronation, and where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married. 

Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth. 

Your tour finishes in Trafalgar Square, where your guide will show you the best places to spend the rest of your time exploring, dining, and shopping.
London in a Day: Private Walking Tour including the London Eye
This full-day tour is the perfect way to see London's most iconic attractions in a day, making the most of your time in the English capital by the hand of a professional tour guide who will share local stories and the history of the city.

On your full-day walking tour, you will: 

  • Spend a day in London with a Blue Badge tour guide who will share the history behind the most popular landmarks and hidden gems;
  • Get access to the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey and take a ride in the London Eye;
  • Visit the Tower of London and see the impressive Crown Jewels, while learning about the Line of Kings and the Royal Family;
  • Stop for lunch at one of the many options near the Tower of London (Lunch not included);
  • Hop aboard a Thames River bus to see some of the best sites from the water, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Globe Theatre, and Tower Bridge;
  • Explore one of the world’s most famous Gothic cathedrals, Westminster Abbey, and see the place where royal coronations take place;
  • Enjoy a walking tour of the city of Westminster, where you’ll see St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, the Horse Guards, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben;
  • Conclude your tour at the London Eye, where your guide will give you Fast-track tickets to see the city of London from above.

Meet your guide at the Tower of London and explore one of the oldest buildings in the city where some of the greatest events in English history occurred. You will have the opportunity to admire the unmissable and stunning Crown Jewels which are kept here behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House.

On leaving the Tower, enjoy a lunch break before travelling to Westminster by River Bus for a guided visit to Westminster Abbey, London’s royal church, the site of 39 coronations and the venue for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. You will learn about the Coronation ceremony and enjoy the beauty of this 800-year-old treasure. 

Your full-day tour will continue with a walking tour past some of London’s most famous buildings including St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. 

After a day in London filled with history, culture and visits to the most iconic landmarks, it's time for a relaxing ride on the London Eye, one of the world's biggest Ferris Wheels for spectacular views across London that you will enjoy with your group.


Please Note: timing of the itinerary, including lunch and Westminster Abbey, are subject to change.
Horse Guards Parade, Westminster & Tower of London: Full-Day Tour
Experience a full-day private tour of London's spectacular Royal landmarks with a private and knowledgeable Blue Badge guide and discover the most popular sites including the Tower of London, the best of Westminster and the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard. 

On your private full-day tour, you will:

  • Visit  Parliament Square and see the famous Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey (from the outside only);
  • Walk through St James’s Park, see the giant marble memorial to Queen Victoria in front of Buckingham Palace and follow the famous Changing of the Guard parade;
  • See St James's Palace and Horse Guards Parade;
  • Walk along Whitehall to see number 10 Downing Street and through Trafalgar Square;
  • Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames with views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Globe Theatre;
  • Explore the Tower of London, a former royal castle turned traitor's prison;
  • Go round the White Tower, the armoury and mint; 
  • Step inside the dungeons and torture chambers, walk the battlements and visit the Chapel Royal; 
  • Learn about the Princes in the Tower, Henry VIII and the fate of his wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the young Lady Jane Grey, Sir Walter Raleigh, and many others; 
  • Meet the ravens and the Beefeaters or Yeoman Warders who guard the Tower;
  • Admire the dazzling Crown Jewels;
  • End outside the Jewel House where you are free to explore more at your own leisure or exit the Tower with your guide. 

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall.
You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

Enjoy Royal London on this fantastic day tour that begins in the heart of Westminster, follows the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and ends with the sight of the dazzling Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. 

Meet your guide at Westminster for a tour outside the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Learn about the political history of Parliament Square and its relationship to The Crown. Westminster Abbey has been the site of 38 coronations since 1066, and numerous royal weddings and funerals, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Her Majesty The Queen's state funeral. 

From Westminster, wander up Birdcage Walk where you will follow the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Follow the Guardsmen and military band, with their famous red coats and black bearskin hats to Buckingham Palace. Head into Trafalgar Square, via Horseguards Parade, and along Whitehall - the political nerve centre of the UK and the address of 10 Downing Street - home to the British Prime Minister. 

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames to Tower Bridge. You'll get to see London and Waterloo Bridges, the London Eye, the Globe, the skyscrapers, and St Paul’s Cathedral from the boat. 

Your guide will then accompany you to St. Katherine's Docks for lunch (not included), after which you will enjoy an exclusive private tour of the infamous Tower of London, with reserved tickets included. 

Then it's time to enter the Tower of London! Walk past Traitor's Gate and discover the many stories and scandals hidden within the walls of this ancient building.  It was formerly a moated royal palace, that became an armoury, a royal mint, a zoo... and most famously the traitor's prison! You'll meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower and discover the stories behind some of the Tower's most famous prisoners from the young Princes in the Tower to Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey whose graffiti you can still see in her prison cell. 

Explore the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, walk the battlements, enter the torture chambers (if you dare!) and visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, where some very famous queens are buried.  

Best of all, you will be able to admire the dazzling Crown Jewels which are kept behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House. 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strict security measures in place and the moving viewing platform, your guide cannot accompany you but will wait for you at the exit.

End your tour inside the Tower to explore more at your leisure - or return to modern life with your guide! 
Royal London: Private Half-Day Tour with Horse Guards Parade
Explore London’s most popular sites on this Royal London half-day tour, including spectacular parks and royal sites in Westminster.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Experience the Changing of the Guard, one of the most popular attractions in the city;
  • Discover Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister's office;
  • Walk by the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, an iconic symbol of London;
  • Hear fascinating British history and London's incredible past;
  • Walk around the Mall, St. James's Palace, and Horse Guards Parade;
  • Explore St James's Park, the oldest Royal Park created for sport-loving Henry VIII and a once-famous duelling venue;
  • See Buckingham Palace from the outside as you learn more about Royal History;
  • Finish your tour at Trafalgar Square, home to the iconic Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall.
You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

On your tour, your guide will reveal the secrets of the power and politics of Westminster, while seeing some of the most popular landmarks. Learn all about the Houses of Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, and be inspired by its mighty history. 

Amble through the fabulous gardens and sights of St James's Park and have the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard in front of magnificent Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. 

This ceremony, seen by millions every year, is a must-see attraction in London. It takes place every other day between Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks, and is the perfect reminder of the tight relationship between the armed forces and HM the Queen.

Walk along the Mall and learn curious facts about British kings and queens, who turned the British Empire into the most dominant power on Earth. 

Your tour finishes with a walk through Trafalgar Square, where your guide will show you the best places to grab a bite to eat in the area or direct you to some of the world's most famous artwork, located only metres away in the National Gallery. 
Family Friendly Royal London: Full Day Private Tour
Experience the perfect tour of Royal London in a day for families with teens and children, including the Changing of the Guard. Keep even the most easily distracted children entertained on this fabulous, fun, and fascinating tour of Royal London! We know how important it is to inspire all ages and work hard to ensure a perfect match with a family-friendly Blue Badge guide. 

On your private tour, you will:

  • Explore the grand buildings around Westminster, like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey from the outside;
  • Walk down Birdcage Walk to see St James's Park and the Pelicans donated to King Charles II by a Russian ambassador during a visit in 1664;
  • Witness the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard;
  • Walk along the Mall to see St James's Palace, the Horse Guards on Whitehall, and the iconic Trafalgar Square with the mighty Nelson's Column;
  • Enjoy a riverboat ride up the Thames with fabulous views of St. Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe, skyscrapers like the Shard, to Tower Bridge;
  • Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Tower of London with priority access - no waiting in line! 
  • Learn about the Tudors, especially two of the wives of Henry VIII who were imprisoned and beheaded at the Tower: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard;
  • Walk around Tower Green, visit the White Tower, and see the execution site of Anne Boleyn and others;
  • Explore the prison cells - and hear about Lady Jane Grey;
  • Visit the torture chambers and hear the gruesome tales and techniques of medieval torture;
  • Learn all about the magnificent Crown Jewels outside the Jewel House; before going in without your guide (this is due to the strict security measures in place)
  • Your tour ends outside the Jewel House where you are free to explore at your leisure, or your guide will accompany you out and help you on your way.

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall.
You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

Learn all about London's incredible past on this fun, action-packed full-day tour of Royal London. From the Gunpowder Plot at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, a terrifying coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1066, to following the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you and the kids will be hooked all the way! 

Hear about the secret underground tunnels below Buckingham Palace, and the times when thieves and madmen were able to break in - including a 14-year-old cat burglar who was caught stealing Queen Victoria's knickers! 

Head up to Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, and learn about the legends of the lions, before a fantastic riverboat ride down the Thames to Tower Bridge. See if you can spot famous London Landmarks along the way - like Shakespeare's Globe, the Shard, and St Paul's Cathedral. 

After a well-earned lunch break at St Katharine's Docks, reconvene with your guide outside Traitor's Gate! Yes, it's time for your tour of the Tower of London. An ancient fortress built by William the Conqueror, it used to have polar bears in the moat - neither the moat nor the bears have survived! 

Explore the White Tower and the Armoury, the Chapel Royal, and the prison cells... learn about the mystery of the Princes in the Tower and the gruesome executions that took place here. See the burial place of three Queens: Anne Boleyn, Catharine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower, and learn about medieval torture in the dungeons! 

Finally, hear all about the Crown Jewels, before heading into the Jewel House and be dazzled by the priceless collection of royal jewellery and regalia, including the legendary Kohinoor Diamond and King Edward's Crown. 

End your tour inside the Tower to explore more of the cells, dungeons, and medieval torture chambers at your leisure - or return to modern life with your guide! 
The Heart of Royal London: Private Tour with Afternoon Tea
Situated just across Green Park from Buckingham Palace and other royal residences like St James’s Palace and Clarence House, the Sheraton Grand is perfectly positioned to enjoy the many stunning sites of London. The hotel has long enjoyed links with Royal London, and it is even rumoured that the late Queen Elizabeth II had dancing lessons in the Tudor Rose  room when she was still Princess Elizabeth. 

On your private tour, you will:

  • Set out along Piccadilly - famous for its gentlemen's clubs like Whites, iconic shops like Fortnum and Masons, and exclusive hotels including the Ritz; 
  • Walk across pretty Green Park passing famous royal residences like Clarence House and Buckingham Palace, picking up tidbits of royal gossip along the way; 
  • Stop outside St James’s Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard assemble and follow the guards as they play a medley of tunes and march down the Mall towards the majestic Buckingham Palace; 
  • Enjoy this famous spectacle (on days it is running) before walking up through St James’s Park and Birdcage Walk;
  • Admire the mounted Household Cavalry at Horseguards Parade on their black stallions; (Only on morning tours)
  • Walk around Parliament Square to see the magnificent Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben;
  • Learn about the coronations of the Kings and Queens since 1066; 
  • Hear about Guy Fawkes and the infamous Gunpowder Plot;
  • Learn about the House of Commons and House of Lords - and Charles Barry the architect (who also designed Downton Abbey - or Highclere Castle!); 
  • Stroll up Whitehall - the nerve centre of British politics, passing by the Cenotaph, the State Departments, and the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street;
  • End your tour at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane with a delicious Palm Court Afternoon Tea including sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delicate pastries hand-crafted by the talented pastry team.

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from August to May, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. During June and July, the Changing of the Guard occurs daily.

The Sheraton Grand enjoys an unparalleled position in the heart of London, on Piccadilly just across from Green Park and Buckingham Palace. Our prestigious hotel is famous for its magnificent Portland stone façade and its Art Deco style - it's classified as a Grade II listed building.

Walking into the hotel feels like stepping into an episode of Poirot! Indeed the hotel has been used for several films and TV series including The End of the Affair starring Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore, and the Golden Compass starring Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman.  Learn more about the exquisite Ballroom, the Tudor Rose Room - where a young Princess Elizabeth had dancing lessons, and the Palm Court - the beating heart of the hotel (and a wonderful place to enjoy our award-winning Afternoon Tea) after finishing  your tour of royal London. 

You'll first walk across Green Park which connects the hotel to Buckingham Palace and the Mall. You’ll see many royal residences, as well as statues of former monarchs as you walk to the back of St James’s Palace to see the Changing of the Guard assemble. 

The Guardsmen are famous for their red jackets and giant black bearskin hats. You’ll have the chance to see them and follow them as they march along the Mall, accompanied by the military band playing a mixture of regimental and modern tunes, then watch the historic guard change at Buckingham Palace forecourt.  

Next, you'll stroll through Birdcage Walk and St James’s Park to Parliament Square - the heart of royal and political London. 

With your expert guide, you’ll learn all about the history of British politics and royalty in front of Westminster Abbey and the two houses that make up the Palace of Westminster, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. You’ll hear many stories from history - like Guy Fawkes and the infamous Gunpowder Plot, Oliver Cromwell and the Civil War, and the coronations of every monarch in the Abbey since William the Conqueror on Christmas Day, 1066. It is also where many royal weddings have happened, including the Queen Mother and George VI, and William and Kate - the new Prince and Princess of Wales. 

Stroll along Whitehall - the political centre of the UK, learning about the subterranean Churchill Bunker and war rooms. You'll pass the Cenotaph and other war memorials, and Downing Street - home to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister. (You might meet Larry the Cat - who has outlasted the last five prime ministers!)

At Horseguards Parade, you will see the smartly dressed soldiers of the Household Cavalry, with their famously shiny black boots and plumed helmets, sitting on King's Guard on their impressive black stallions. 

After the tour, you will be invited to experience a traditional British afternoon tea in the Palm Court! The Palm Court is just one of the original features of the hotel from when it was completed in 1927, with beautiful Art Deco interiors. 

The afternoon tea includes a selection of delicious pastries, sandwiches and freshly baked plain and golden raisin scones served with a homemade selection of seasonal preserves and clotted cream. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the heart of Mayfair!
Customise Your Own 4-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Customise Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

This tour can only take place within the city of London due to the tour duration.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off  is only included from Central London
The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a London Taxi
The Premier Classic London Experience is the perfect way to discover the marvellous city of London for first-time visitors and for those that have a short time in the city. 

On your private driving tour, you will: 

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up from any central London hotel;
  • Discover the best 6 and most popular attractions that are the essence of the city;
  • Get a taste of the real London with a “cabbie”, a professional driver-guide who knows the city inside out,
  • Visit notable sites and landmarks while your local guide shares interesting stories and history at each locale;
  • Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
  • Catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier (subject to weather and scheduled);
  • Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster;
  • Drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!
  • Enjoy drop-off in any central London location of your hotel.

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

During the Premier Classic London Tour, your knowledgeable guide will warmly greet you at your central London hotel or chosen location. 

Throughout the 4-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the history behind at least 6 popular London landmarks, all while comfortably riding in an iconic London Taxi.

This tour has been designed for those who want to take their time to appreciate the rich and fascinating stories that surround these iconic attractions, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, and our fully customisable to suit your needs and interests.

Your guide will ensure that you have plenty of chances to snap memorable photos and can even recommend the best spots for dining, shopping, or any other of your interests for the rest of your trip.

It's important to note that this tour doesn't include entry to any attractions or requires tickets. 

At the end of the tour, you'll have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or any other central location of your choice.
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