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.

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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.