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seeing PARTS of the trooping he color-- any advice?

Posted by on

Hello all,

just by a fluke--I mean, we did not plan it that way--we will be in London Sat 9 June... and we do not have tickets, nor do we want any.
But we'd love to see the "public" parts, if possible-- the Guards "march in" perhaps, along the mall, or after the main ceremony-- the "march back" (so to speak) the fly over, etc it's not "life and death" but if we could see some parts of it, it would be nice...
any advice on this, including rough times and possible locations to be at, would be very helpful.
we are not even sure where the "public free" viewing (before and after the main ceremony) would be, or where the ticket only portions would be-- perhaps even bigger than the immediate Horse Guards parade itself?
many thanks
Eric

Posted by
2776 posts

People will start queuing up along The Mall by 8am, if not earlier. The Trooping the Colors begins at 10am. It will be crowded, 6-7 rows deep.

Posted by
8683 posts

From my POV it’s a once in a life time opportunity.

Go early, take some coffee and munchies, grab a spot, converse with those around you as you wait.

Will be a wonderful way to experience British pomp and circumstance and tradition, meet locals and have fun.

Go early, make a morning of it.

Museums, cathedrals, markets, etc aren’t going anywhere so you can visit those sites later.

As far as where exactly I’d see if you can nab a spot where Horse Guards Road intersects the Mall. There’s a nice spot at the foot of the steps leading up to the Duke of York column. Easy stroll from Charing Cross Underground Station.

I have not seen the Trooping of Colour only watched the Horse Guards travel up the Mall for the Changing of the Guard. So not 100% certain this spot will provide a stellar viewpoint but I think it’s worth the effort.

Have fun! Totally jealous.

Posted by
893 posts

Many, many, many years ago my mother and I went to the Trooping. As Claudia said, we had a great view of the procession from our spot On Horseguards Rd. It’s not just the parade but also a chance to see the Royal family en masse as they all turn out for it and of course the British are past masters at ceremonial.

I imagine security will be quite high, mainly lots of Police lining the route, facing the crowd. What’s nice is you are right in front of St James’s Park so you can easily get away from the crowds when you are done. It’s a pleasant walk through the park to Buckingham Palace.

Posted by
992 posts

Do not miss your chance to see this!!!! As others have said, head towards the Mall around 8:00 am. I would try to get closer to the Palace as you possibly can - Its great background for the many photos you are sure to take. Wait until the parade comes back up the Mall (if you stand on the right side of the Victoria Memorial that stands in front of Buckingham Palace, the carriages and horses on their return will turn right in front of you). Yes its crowded but its not as bad as you think. Do not miss this! I have never been into Horse Guards for the actual parade. You don't have to - you will get all the pomp and circumstance at the Mall for free.

margaret

Posted by
239 posts

You'll see more of it if you watch it on television.

Posted by
1039 posts

One year I took the London Walks Trooping the Colour walk. Our guide managed to get us a prime spot near St James's Palace with very little trouble or early waiting. After the parade went past we walked to Green Park to watch the artillery salutes and RAF flypast. It was amazing.

Not sure what magic the London Walks guide used to get us such a good viewing point. Unfortunately, I don't see it on their 2016 calendar YET, but check back regularly. No need to book in advance. http://www.walks.com/

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