Whitehall is the broad avenue running through Westminster from Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament, lined with the great departments of British government — the Treasury, the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence — which is why it is often called the heart of UK politics. Off it lies Downing Street, home to the Prime Minister at No. 10; sealed behind iron security gates since 1989, it is closed to the public, and visitors can only glimpse the famous black door through the gates from Whitehall. The street itself is free to walk and packs in the mounted Changing of the Guard, the Cenotaph war memorial and Horse Guards, making it a natural starting point for a Westminster walking route. As of 2026, the fully restored Banqueting House is set to reopen in August, adding to the area's attractions.
The famous black door of 10 Downing Street — the PM's residence, photographed from Whitehall outside the gates (the door only opens from the inside)
Changing of the King's Life Guard at Horse Guards — usually around 11am, with a 4pm dismounted inspection daily; confirm the exact days and times before you go
The Cenotaph — Sir Edwin Lutyens's national war memorial standing in the middle of the Whitehall roadway
Horse Guards Parade and the mounted sentries guarding the Whitehall entrance (on duty 10am–4pm, changed hourly) — a classic photo spot
Banqueting House — the sole survivor of Inigo Jones's Whitehall Palace, famed for its Rubens ceiling, reopening in 2026 after a major restoration
Churchill War Rooms (about a 5-minute walk) — the preserved WWII underground bunker, one of London's most popular museums
Good to know
RulesDowning Street has been a closed security zone since 1989. Do not try to pass the gates or cross the armed-police cordon — view and photograph only from outside the gates on Whitehall.
SafetyWestminster is a crowded tourist area where pickpocketing is common. Wear bags in front, keep phone and wallet in an inside pocket, and mind your belongings while taking photos in the crowd.
SeasonOn Remembrance Sunday every November, the Cenotaph service closes off the whole of Whitehall. Check your route in advance if visiting around that time.
SeasonBanqueting House has limited opening days (e.g. summer 2026, 1 Aug–20 Sep, Thursday–Monday). Confirm open days and prices on the official site before you go.
MannersThe mounted guards and their horses are on duty. Do not touch them, block their path or speak to the soldiers, and stay behind the marked viewing line.
CautionAvoid anyone offering 'free' bracelets, flowers, petitions or cup-and-ball (shell) games on the street; accepting them is a common prelude to a demand for money.
Practical info
The closest Underground station is Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle lines), with Charing Cross and Embankment also nearby and frequent buses running along Whitehall. The street itself is free and open at all times (except inside the Downing Street gates), but the Churchill War Rooms and Banqueting House require separate paid tickets — check current prices, opening hours and whether advance booking is needed on each official website. An Oyster card or an overseas contactless card makes using public transport easy.
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