Some of Britain’s most iconic architecture – Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace was included in this walk – a snapshot of London history from many angles.
From the Whitehall exit of Westminster station, the route goes up Parliament Street and Whitehall. We pass Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister.
An archway leads into Horse Guards.
Horse Guards was originally a small guardhouse in 1649 in the tilt-yard of the Palace of Whitehall. This was replaced between 1663 and 1665 with a larger building and the present building was
designed by William Kent and constructed between 1750 and 1758. The annual monarch’s birthday parade, or ‘Trooping the Colour’, takes place on Horse Guards Parade.
Follow Horse Guards Road, then turn left onto The Mall. On the other side of The Mall are the Duke of York steps with a statue of Prince Frederick, brother of George IV.
We pass the rear of Carlton House Terrace including the Royal Society, the memorial to King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth. and pass St James’s Palace.
The Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace are in view at the top of the Mall.
We follow Queen’s Walk, skirting Green Park to the station itself.