Whitehall

The Basics

With Trafalgar Square at one end and the Houses of Parliament at the other, Whitehall connects many of the British capital’s top landmarks. Stroll the thoroughfare to see government buildings, including the Horse Guards and the Ministry of Defence. The Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street is within view. Whitehall also features several significant monuments, including the Cenotaph World War I memorial and a statue dedicated to the women of World War II.

Due to its central location and historic importance, Whitehall features on a wide range of London tours, from hop-on hop-off bus tours and cycling excursions to private, history-themed walking itineraries.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Soak in some of that English pomp at the Four O’Clock Parade at Horse Guards on Whitehall.

• On Remembrance Sunday in November, poppy wreaths are ceremonially placed in front of the Cenotaph to commemorate those who died in WWI.

• Whitehall is sometimes part of central London parade routes, including for the London New Year’s Day Parade and London Pride.

How to Get There

To visit Whitehall, take National Rail services to Charing Cross Station; the Northern, Bakerloo, Circle, and District lines to Embankment Station; or the Circle, District, and Jubilee lines to Westminster Station. Whitehall is also served by numerous bus lines, including the 3, 6, 11, 12, 24, 87, 88, 91, 139, and 159, and it can be reached by foot, by car, and by bike.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Whitehall is during the day, alongside other London visitors. Daytime offers excellent views of the street's main landmarks and allows you to pose in front of the Life Guards who stand watch outside of Horse Guards. Many government buildings are off-limits to visitors, though Open House London—held every September—offers the rare chance to peek inside.

Trafalgar Studios

Official buildings aren’t the only Whitehall highlights. The historic Trafalgar Studios—formerly the Whitehall Theatre—has been a local landmark since 1930. Early in its history the venue hosted controversial cabaret-style revues, but today it puts on a range of musicals, plays, and other performances.

What historic landmarks can I visit on Whitehall?

On this important London avenue, visitors can see the Cenotaph war memorial, the World War II Memorial for Women, and Banqueting House—the remains of the fire-destroyed Whitehall Palace. Whitehall also leads to Downing Street, where passers-by can peek at the entrance of Number 10—the seat of the British Prime Minister.

Are there entrance fees for attractions on Whitehall?

There aren’t many visitor attractions on Whitehall that the public can enter, as most sites of interest are government buildings or war memorials. However, nearby attractions such as the Household Cavalry Museum and Churchill War Museums (part of the Imperial War Museum) are open to visitors and charge entrance fees.

Are there any special events or ceremonies on Whitehall?

The annual National Service of Remembrance is held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). Here, visitors can pay their respects to Britain’s war dead alongside the British Royal Family, politicians, and soldiers. Otherwise, there are the State Ceremonial Events at Horse Guards.

Are there guided tours of Whitehall?

Yes, there are guided tours that pass along Whitehall, offering curious visitors a glimpse at Horse Guards, Number 10 Downing Street, and the Cenotaph. The commentary focuses on the British Royal Family and politics in these parts, with walking routes passing between Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square, and Westminster.

What is the best time to visit Whitehall?

To skip crowds and traffic congestion, the best time to visit Whitehall is early morning; take the first tube to Embankment, Charing Cross, or Westminster. Otherwise, visit between 10am and 4pm to snap a photo of the impeccably uniformed King’s Life Guard (soldiers on horseback) who guard the entry to Horse Guards.

Are there guided tours focused on the history of Whitehall?

Whitehall is all about political power and royal life, so this grand London boulevard is steeped in history. Look for World War II walking tours or Royal London tours focusing on Whitehall’s key historical events. Commentary often covers the execution of King Charles I or the Whitehall Fire of 1698.

Ways to explore

With Trafalgar Square at one end and the Houses of Parliament at the other, Whitehall connects many of London’s top landmarks. Stroll the thoroughfare to see government buildings, including the Royal Horse Guards and the Ministry of Defence. The Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street is within view. Whitehall also features several significant monuments, including the Cenotaph, a memorial to World War I, and a statue dedicated to the women of World War II.

Due to its central location and historic importance, Whitehall features on many London tours, from hop-on hop-off bus tours and cycling excursions to private, history-themed walking itineraries.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users should use the Westminster underground station to access Whitehall as it has ramps for step-free access.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Umbrella or raincoat, reusable water bottle and coffee cup

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers, hat (for sun or cold, depending on the season)

Not allowed

Visiting Downing Street, off Whitehall, where the British Prime Minister resides: there’s no public access, and no tours.

Amenities

Public restrooms are available at Westminster Pier, near the southern end of Whitehall.

Address

Whitehall is in central London with Trafalgar Square to its north and the Houses of Parliament to its south. It’s also between the River Thames and St. James’ Park. Get there on foot, on a tour, or by public transport.

Driving

Driving in central London isn’t recommended as the traffic can be heavy, and parking is difficult and expensive. If you must drive, there are plenty of iconic landmarks nearby, including Big Ben. Head north or south of the road to find parking garages.

Public transportation

The underground stations at Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines), Embankment (Bakerloo and Circle lines), and Westminster (Circle and District lines) are all within easy walking distance of Whitehall. Buses 12, 24, 26, and 159 stop along Whitehall. You can also take the RB1 river ferry to Westminster Pier.

Best times to visit

Come early in the morning for a leisurely stroll, before the crowds descend.

Best days to visit

Whitehall can be especially crowded on the weekends, but it’s always a busy thoroughfare.

Best months to visit

London is busiest with tourists between May and August, when the weather is most likely to be fine. If you visit in other months or during inclement weather, there are plenty of indoor attractions around Whitehall.

Special events

The New Year’s Day Parade travels down Whitehall, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 16th) ends here.