FeaturedGet ready to explore the City of London’s rich array of ancient and modern buildings for free during Open House Festival 2026.
12.09.2026
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20.09.2026
Experience the City's 800-year history with the Lord Mayor's Show
Visit the City on Saturday 14 November and watch the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Show, one of the biggest days in the City of London each year.
2026 will see the election of the 698th Lord Mayor, with a show history of over 800-years, you can expect hundreds of thousands of visitors to line the streets of the Square Mile to celebrate the world's oldest civic celebration.
You can join in and enjoy the spectacle by welcoming in the new Lord Mayor, travelling in the gleaming State Coach. There are plenty of places to watch from along the route from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice and back! Note that there's a different route in each direction.
How to watch the Lord Mayor's Show
In the morning the Lord Mayor’s Procession goes from Mansion House to the Royal Courts via St Pauls. At 11am the parade begins to leave Mansion House, the Lord Mayor's official residence. In the early afternoon it comes back by way of the Embankment and Victoria Street.
The dedicated Lord Mayor's Show website has some fantastic recommendations on some of the best places to watch the show from.
What to expect on the day
The Lord Mayor's Show is an annual event that dates back over 800 years. The original purpose of this historic event was to welcome the new Lord Mayor, and to "show" them to the people of the City. During the procession, the Lord Mayor will swear an oath of allegiance to the sovereign at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The Show will be a lively spectacle of sights and sounds, showcasing the unique blend of elements that define the Square Mile. You'll experience marching bands, City livery companies in traditional attire, alongside modern businesses, community groups, schools, and charities.
Over 7,000 participants, 200 horses, and approximately 150 groups and floats are expected to come together in a three-mile-long procession to celebrate the Lord Mayor’s first full day in office.
More information about the show itself can be found on the Lord Mayor's Show website.
The Lord Mayors Show - 14 November 2026 - The City of London Corporation
Why not make a full day of it with plenty of other things to see & do in the City after the show
Free guided walking tours of the City
Leaving at regular intervals between 3–3.45pm from No. 1 Poultry (Bucklersbury Passage), qualified City of London Guides will lead you through some of the City's historic streets, packed with tales and traditions. Guided walks last about 60 minutes and are wheelchair friendly (but some surfaces are uneven). Tours are free but a donation to the Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal is always welcome.
City Information Centre
Pop into the City Information Centre near St Paul's Cathedral for advice on things to do and to pick up the City Visitor Trail.
Guildhall Art Gallery (Open 11am to 5pm, Free Entry)
Visit the Guildhall Art Gallery and look out for the artworks of the Lady Mayor's Show in previous years, and see a wide range of paintings depicting London over 350 years! There will also be family-friendly crafts and activities happening inside. Don't miss the free guided tours of the Guildhall Art Gallery at 12:15pm and 1:15pm.
London's Roman Amphitheatre (Open 11am to 5pm, Free Entry)
Discover London's Roman Amphitheatre and step into Roman ruins where crowds once gathered to watch wild animal fights, public executions and gladiatorial combat.
Self-Guided Walking Trails
Explore the City with free self-guided walking trails like the City Visitor Trail, or Sculpture in the City Art Trail (children's map also available). Free printed maps are available from the City Information Centre.
Museums, Attractions and Galleries
Enjoy a wide range of attractions, museums and galleries across the City.
Cafes and Restaurants in the City
Find places to eat and drink, with a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars for all tastes.
Explore the shops in the City
Take the opportunity to explore the area and do a bit of shopping.
Getting there
The City has plenty of transport links but check with TfL for service changes on the day. We have a dedicated page on visiting the City which can assist in your travel plans.
There will be significant road closures and restrictions in place to accommodate the procession - so drivers should check their route - buses services will be severely impacted travelling through the City of London or along the Embankment on the day.
