Lord Mayor' show horse and carriage

Lord Mayor's Show London 2025

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South Western Railway October 29, 2025 7 min read
In this article, you'll learn the following:
The Lord Mayor’s Show London 2025 is a highlight on the city’s autumn calendar, drawing thousands to the streets for a colourful celebration of London’s heritage. The event blends centuries-old traditions with lively processions, community performances, and festive entertainment that showcase the best of London’s culture and spirit 

Whether you are a regular attendee, visiting with family, or hoping to witness one of London’s great traditions, this guide covers all you need for a memorable experience at the Lord Mayor’s Show London 2025.  

All photo credits in this article, including article picture, banners and promos courtesy of the City of London Corporation.

The lord mayor

What is the Lord Mayor Parade? 

The Lord Mayor’s Parade is a historic annual procession celebrating the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of London. Dating back more than 800 years, it is one of the world’s longest-running civic celebrations. The parade features more than 7,000 participants, including military bands, ceremonial carriages, decorated floats, hundreds of horses, performers, community groups, and historic vehicles, all moving through the heart of the City of London in one grand spectacle. 

A highlight of the parade is the newly elected Lord Mayor’s journey in the golden State Coach, a tradition that dates back to the eighteenth century. This grand procession combines local heritage with city-wide energy, offering an unmissable experience for visitors of all ages. 

Who is the Lord Mayor of London? 

The Lord Mayor of London is the elected head of the City of London Corporation, focused on supporting businesses and financial services within the “Square Mile.” This role is distinct from the Mayor of Greater London, who oversees the broader city. Each year a new Lord Mayor is elected, and the Lord Mayor’s Show marks the beginning of their term 

When is the Lord Mayor's Show 2025 

The Lord Mayor’s Show 2025 takes place on Saturday, 8 November 2025. The main parade runs from about 11am to 2pm. Arriving early ensures a good spot along the route, and the city offers family-friendly activities and attractions throughout the day. 

The Lord Mayor’s Show programme is available on Show day from the event’s Scout and Guide volunteers.   

Where is the Lord Mayor’s Show  

The parade procession begins at Mansion House, the Lord Mayor’s residence, and travels past landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Courts of Justice before looping back via Embankment and Victoria Street. Spectators line the streets for a festive atmosphere and spectacular views of the parade’s highlights. 

How to get to the Lord Mayor's in London  

The streets and transport networks of London will be extremely busy on the day of the Lord Mayor’s Show, especially in and around the city where the parade takes place. Details vary slightly each year, but essentially the whole city area is closed for most of the day, admitting no traffic.  

Buses are diverted and parking spaces are suspended from the Friday afternoon before the Show. Roads generally reopen as early as possible, usually before 4pm. Cars and buses are not allowed into the city on the day of the show, so travelling to London by train is the most practical and stress-free option. 

South Western Railway runs frequent services directly to London Waterloo, which connects well with London Underground and bus services into the city. From Waterloo, the parade route and nearby landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral can be reached with a short Tube journey or a scenic walk. 

If you plan to attend events or explore central London before or after the Show, use the London Underground from Waterloo with stations such as Bank, Mansion House, St Paul’s, and Blackfriars providing gateways to the heart of the festivities. 

Travelling by train   


For those travelling from stations like Basingstoke, Farnborough, or Alton, train travel is the most convenient and dependable way to reach the Lord Mayor’s Show. South Western Railway offers frequent direct services to London Waterloo, placing you just minutes from the city’s main celebration venues. 

Make the most of flexible ticket types to suit your plans. Book off-peak tickets to save money and see if you qualify for Railcards and discounts. Travelling in a group? Take advantage of GroupSave to reduce ticket costs further. 

Travelling within London

  
South Western Railway serves several stations within Greater London that provide convenient starting points for your journey to the Lord Mayor’s Show. These include key hubs such as Clapham Junction, Wimbledon, and Richmond, making it easy to plan your trip from wherever you are in London. 

Once in London, travel easily between viewing points, attractions, and celebrations using a London Travelcard, an Oyster card, or contactless payment methods. Many key Underground stations are within walking distance of the parade route, so you will never be far from the action. 

Lord Mayor's Show Tickets and dress code

Attendance is free with no ticket or specific dress code required. While ticketed grandstand seating was available in previous years, it is not expected for 2025. Spectators should wear comfortable shoes and warm November clothing to enjoy the outdoor festivities. 

Places to stay near the Lord Mayor's Show

For easy access to the Lord Mayor’s Show parade route and surrounding attractions, here are some recommended accommodation options: 

The Ned — Situated in the City of London, this luxury hotel is just a short walk from Mansion House, the starting point of the parade. It offers elegant rooms, multiple restaurants, and rooftop bars for a sophisticated stay. 

CitizenM London Bankside — A modern and tech-savvy hotel located near London Bridge and Blackfriars stations, ideal for visitors wanting quick access to the parade route and the vibrant South Bank area. 

The Hoxton, Shoreditch — Perfect for those who want to explore the artistic side of London as well as enjoy the historic City sights. Shoreditch offers trendy bars, restaurants, and easy Tube links to the parade vicinity. 

London Lord Mayor Show accessibility  

The Lord Mayor’s Show is committed to making the event welcoming and accessible to all visitors. Here are some key tips and information to help you have the best experience: 

Accessible viewing areas - Available along the parade route, with step-free access at stations such as Blackfriars and Cannon Street. Quiet, reserved Blue Badge zones offer extra space for those needing more room. 

Accessible toilets - Located throughout the parade route, including Blackfriars Bridge, Old Bailey, New Change, and Queen Victoria Street. These facilities are marked on the official one-page map. 

Blue Badge parking permits - Disabled visitors can request special parking permits for Victoria Embankment, the only car access allowed within the Show area on the day. Applications are available on the official access page. 

Coach parking and access - Space is set aside on Queen Victoria Street for coaches bringing elderly or disabled spectators to the return leg of the procession to Mansion House. Coach access requires a Q Pass, applied for in advance and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Crowd considerations - The busiest viewing areas near St Paul’s and Mansion House may be challenging for mobility or crowd concerns. Quieter locations like Fleet Street and Victoria Embankment offer more space and allow folding chairs. 

Event staff assistance - Staff and volunteers will be available throughout the event to assist with accessibility needs. 

Preparation advice - Visitors are encouraged to bring waterproof clothing as seating is not provided, but folding chairs are allowed. 

Book your train tickets with SWR 

Make your trip to the Lord Mayor’s Show 2025 hassle-free by booking train tickets in advance with South Western Railway. For the best value, we recommend booking in advance to secure cheap train tickets.  
 
South Western Railway offers a variety of ticket types, including flexible options such as Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets, so you can find the perfect ticket to suit your plans for attending the event. 

Travelling with friends or family? Take advantage of our GroupSave discounts to save up to one third on off-peak tickets for groups of 3 to 9 people. 

While planning your visit, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly travel inspiration, exclusive offers, and competitions. 

Also, explore SWR Rewards to unlock exclusive deals on London dining, attractions, and entertainment to make your experience even more memorable. 

All photo credits in this article, including article picture, banners and promos courtesy of the City of London Corporation.

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