Beating Retreat

This began as a 16th-century tradition for recalling troops to a castle at sunset before the gates closed. Today, the ceremony has evolved into a military pageant of music and precision drilling, while also serving as practice for military bands. The proceeds from ticket sales go to charity.

• history

Address

Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall

Getting there

tube: Charing Cross or Westminster

Hours

Held on the Wed and Thu evenings before Trooping the Colour

Price

£15–40

Website

royal.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)