Where to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show

Best place to watch the Lord Mayor's Show

It’s time to plan your itinerary for the oldest and grandest civic procession in the world taking place in London  in early November, as usual.   This is the Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London.   Knowing the best place to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show will add to your enjoyment.

The Pikemen of the Honourable Artillery Company
The Pikemen of the Honourable Artillery Company
The Queen's Foot Regiments
Band of the Queen’s Foot Regiments

The show can trace its roots back to 1215.   This was when King John granted the City the privilege of electing its own Mayor – providing the Mayor swore allegiance to the monarch, each year in person.   And, more than 800 years later, this is still happening.   Not even the Blitz of London in 1940 stopped it.

The City of London Livery Companies
The City Livery Companies

The journey used to be from the City to the royal palace at Westminster. Since 1882, the Lord Mayor takes the oath of allegiance to the monarch at the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) in the Strand.

The Paratroop Regiment, City of London
The Paratroop Regiment
The Chelsea Pensioners
The Chelsea Pensioners, former service men and women of the British Army
Remembering the Suffragettes and the struggle for achieving Votes for Women, won in 1918
Remembering the Suffragettes and the struggle for achieving Votes for Women, won in 1918

The procession will leave Mansion House at 11.00am, head west to the RCJ arriving around 12.30pm, before it returns via Victoria Embankment at 1.00pm.  There will be thousands of Londoners watching thousands of participants, twenty bands, 150 horses and many floats – if you’re going to watch a procession in London, this is the one.

Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company
Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company

It’s a free event, so getting a good spot and a clear view is a distinct advantage!   We recommend you stand on the large traffic island just to the west of St Clement Danes Church, Strand, by the Gladstone statue.   This spot is near the RCJ; which means you’ll see the Lord Mayor arrive and have time to explore among the processions carriages, pikemen and musketeers – as they await completion of the proceedings and commence the return route to Mansion House, at 1.00pm.

There is also a full programme of walks and events in the afternoon, including an enormous firework display on the River Thames at 5.30pm – obviously, pace yourself for this extravaganza.  For more information, please see the official website for details, below:

https://lordmayorsshow.london/

2 thoughts on “Where to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show

  1. I love the Lord Mayor’s Show! My hot tip for watching the fireworks is to head up to Sky Garden!! Warmer, no loud fireworks noises, an amazing view over the fireworks and city and a bar complete with delicious cakes to enjoy while you watch 🙂

    1. Hi Jenn. A great idea! I guess booking is a good idea? Another place could be the top of New Change on Cheapside.

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