Horse Guards Parade in Pictures

Horse Guards Parade

Without a doubt, one of the most heavily subscribed events for ticket applications was the Beach Volleyball competition, which takes place on the Prime Minister's doorstep at the historic Horse Guards Parade right in the heart of London.

Filter by category:

The venue

Around 5,000 tonnes of sand will be brought in to create London's very own 'beach' on which the Volleyball events will be played out in front of eager crowds. There will be one court with a capacity of 15,000 with two tiers and four floodlight towers at each of its corners, two practise courts to the east of the arena, and a further six practice courts at St. James's Park.

Under construction

Horse Guards Parade

The transformation of this iconic British venue to a state-of-the-art modern Olympic arena only began in June 2012, just a month before the Games were scheduled to start. Construction of the temporary venue will at the same time as the works on The Mall. During this time, Horse Guards Road was closed to general traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians. Following the conclusion of the Games, the venue will be removed and Horse Guards Parade will be restored to its original condition.

From an aerial perspective

Horse Guards Parade

Jason Hawkes

Jason Hawkes has specialised in aerial photography since 1991 and has produced over 40 aerial photographic books for publishers such as the BBC, Random House and Harper Collins. He has taken a series of photographs of Olympic and Paralympic venues in London from the air.

Sporting events

Horse Guards Parade

Horse Guards Parade has been transformed from a stately British venue to an artificial beach, solely for the Olympic Beach Volleyball event. There are two medal events - the men's and the women's competitions - and they will take place from the 28th July to the 9th August.

Nearby Food and Drink

Gordon's Wine Bar

Horse Guards Parade is located right in the centre of town so the surrounding area is humming great place to eat and drink:

Restaurants

Albannach
4 minute walk
Scottish themed bar and restaurant
Massimo's Restaurant and Oyster Bar
4 minutes walk
Luxurious Mediterranean restaurant within the 5 star Corinthia Hotel
Inn the Park - St James's Park
4 minutes walk
Seasonal British cuisine in St James's Park

Pubs/Nightlife

The Sherlock Holmes
4 minutes walk
Original Victorian homage to the great detective
Red Lion Pub
5 minutes walk
Directly opposite the Houses of Parliament
Gordon's Wine Bar
6 minutes walk
London's oldest wine bar and family-run underground tavern

Nearby Attractions

EDF London Eye

Attractions

Churchill War Rooms - Next to Horse Guards ParadeEDF London Eye - 7 minutes walk Houses of Parliament - 7 minutes walk London Coliseum - English National Opera - 8 minutes walk

Entertainment

Garrick Theatre - 9 minute walk Wyndham's Theatre - 9 minute walk Comedy Store - 10 minutes walk

Leisure

ESPA Life at Corinthia - 3 minute walk So SPA Sofitel St James - 6 minute walk Jubilee Gardens - 9 minute walk

Travel

Horse Guards Parade is located right in the heart of London and is easily accessible via several travel options. Driving is not advised due to high levels of traffic and restricted parking - limited, pre-booked parking will be available for disabled spectators. Public transport options include:

Underground Stations

Charing Cross - Northern and Bakerloo Lines
Westminster - Jubilee, District and Circle Lines
Embankment - Jubilee, Bakerloo, District and Circle Lines