Formerly the headquarters of the British Army, Horse Guards is one of the capital's most historic attractions. The building dates from 1750 and is now home to the Household Cavalry, the Queen's private guard. The Changing of the Guard and dismounting ceremonies take place daily and have remained unchanged for 250 years.
The Household Cavalry, formed in 1661 under the direct command of King Charles II, is made up of two regiments, The Life Guards and the Blues & Royals. They are distinguished by the colour of their tunics. Both are front line regiments when not performing ceremonial duties.
The Household Cavalry Museum is now open and offers the public a unique behind the scenes look at the history  and ceremonial roles of the Household Cavalry.

              A Guardsman from the Blues & Royals stands sentinal

Featuring many shops which still serve the Royal Family today, St James’s Street retains an ambience which is reminiscent of its 17th Century origins. The many gentlemen’s clubs of the area have traditionally been refuges for politicians, artists and royals. White’s is the oldest and perhaps best known and dates back to the late 1600s. It was the haunt of many luminary figures from Regency London and  the venue for Prince Charles's stag night before his wedding to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

Further down the street can be found Lobb’s, regarded as one the world’s greatest bootmakers - celebrities, royals and the legendary Duke of Wellington have all had boots or shoes hand-made here.

Our Royal London Walking Tour also visits this area and by taking it you can find out more about the royal residences and suppliers.

In 1698 the Royal residence of Whitehall Palace was consumed and almost entirely destroyed by fire. Following the blaze all that remained of the great Palace  was the Banqueting House. Built in 1609 for King James I, it was designed by Inigo Jones, perhaps Britain's first architect of real note. This magnificent building stands today as an example of the Renaissance style.
Art loving London tourists should step inside Banqueting House and gaze upwards at Reuben’s magnificent ceiling. Commissioned by King Charles I, Rueben’s work depicts the divine right of Kings, a right which was challenged by Oliver Cromwell who had the King beheaded outside the Banqueting House in 1649. This brought to end the English Civil War and the beginning of a period known as The Commonwealth which lasted until the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660.
Along with the Tower Of London, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court and Kew Palace, the Banqueting House is a former Royal residence and offers a fascinating insight into 17th Century royal life.
A number of Big Bus stops are close by in order for you to continue your London Bus tour.

Banqueting House, Whitehall