Rehearsing The Trooping of the Colours

Next Saturday is the real thing. The Trooping of the colours is an annual event held on the official birthday of the monarch. Unlike the rest of us she gets two birthdays. Her real one is 26 April, then the official one when she checks out her troops in this spectacular parade.

These big events have to be perfect. So there are a couple of trial runs. Yesterday was rehearsal number two. If you don't mind the carriages being empty, then these days are a great way to get a good view of proceedings. In fact you can apply to get a ringside ticket. It is done by ballot each year.

Monopoly - White-Hall

Monopoly pink square. £140.

Whitehall is the road that runs from Westminster (houses of Parliament) to Trafalgar Square. Lined with government departments and ministries.

The horse guards about half way along Whitehall. Headquarters to the British Army's general staff since 1751, built on the site of the old Whitehall Palace that was destroyed by fire in 1698.

Thousands of tourists come to see the daily ceremony of changing horse guards, but not so many know about the museum here. Worth a visit, next time you are in town.

Resting at the Horse Guards

You'll find lots of tourists on the Whitehall side of the horse guards but the museum around the back has less visitors. Maybe add it to your next visit.
Hope you are enjoying tourist tips while I am away.