London Drum

The Colonel’s Review (Trooping the Colour rehearsal)

The Colonel's Review
Where? Horse Guards, Whitehall, Westminster When? 7th June 2025 The actual parade on Horse Guards starts at 10.30 AM and ends at 12.25 PM, but you can watch the soldiers marching up the Mall from 9 AM Price? Free to watch from The Mall Horse Guards: £15 (seated); £5 (standing) · See kbp.army.mod.uk for details Parking: Nearby car parks Buses: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 159 Bus fares Trains: The closest station is Westminster Circle District Jubilee Other nearby stations: Charing Cross and Embankment Train fares

Trooping the Colour is one of London's must-see events. But did you know that they're holding a full rehearsal one week before called the Colonel's Review? (The first rehearsal, called the Major General's Review, is being held another two weeks before that.)

Full rehearsal for Trooping the Colour

On display will be 1,400 soldiers from the Household Division and King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, plus another 400 musicians from the Massed Bands. And unlike the Major General's Review, the Colonel's Review also includes 250 Foot Guards lining the processional route up The Mall.

The only parts of the main parade that you miss out on are the RAF flypast and the Royal Family standing on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Welsh Guards during Trooping the ColourPhoto: Jon/Flickr
Welsh Guards during Trooping the Colour

Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall, Regimental Colonel Coldstream Guards will take the salute this year.

Applying for a ticket in Horse Guards

If you don't mind standing then you can watch the soldiers march up the Mall from 9 AM for free. You can also stand on the eastern edge of St. James's Park for a limited view into Horse Guards, but your view of the action will likely be blocked by soldiers from here.

If you'd rather sit down then you'll have to apply for a ticket inside the grandstand. They'll be available to purchase from early March. See kbp.army.mod.uk for more details.

Is there a dress code?

There's a smart casual dress code for sitting in the stands, so dress as if you're attending a wedding. Think suit or jacket, tie and trousers, and equivalent for the ladies. Serving military personnel may wear their Ceremonial Day uniform with medals.

Umbrellas and parasols are not allowed as they might obstruct the view of the people sitting behind.

We also recommend… If you enjoy Horse Guards then you might like to visit Downing Street (you can walk it in less than 3 mins) and Parliament Square (you can walk it in 6 mins)

How to get to Horse Guards

Bus and train fares to Horse Guards
Fare zone Cash Oyster & Contactless Travelcard
Single fare Single fare Daily cap One day
Peak Off-peak Peak Off-peak Any­time Off-peak
Bus (all zones) n/a £1.75 £5.25 £6
Train (zone 1) £7 £2.90 £2.80 £8.90 £8.90 £16.60(zone 1-4) £16.60(zone 1-6)
Train (zone 1-2) £7 £3.50 £2.90 £8.90 £8.90
Train (zone 1-3) £7 £3.80 £3.10 £10.50 £10.50
Train (zone 1-4) £7 £4.60 £3.40 £12.80 £12.80
Train (zone 1-5) £7 £5.20 £3.60 £15.30 £15.30 £23.60(zone 1-6)
Train (zone 1-6) £7 £5.80* £3.80* £16.30 £16.30
* Journeys between zone 1 and Heathrow are always charged at the peak rate. Prices are correct as of
Bus No.3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88 and 159 all stop near Horse Guards. The closest train station is Westminster Circle District Jubilee. Plan your journey from Bank, Charing Cross, Earl’s Court, Euston, King’s Cross St. Pancras, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Marylebone, Paddington, Victoria, Waterloo or another station:

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Search for more free events and parades in London, or look for things to do in Westminster. Check out all the other events on Saturday 7th June and during June 2025

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