Lord Mayor’s Show 2026 : Best Drop-off Points and Roads to Avoid

Quick Summary : 
The Lord Mayor’s Show returns to London on Saturday 14th November 2026, bringing a spectacular parade through the City of London. With road closures expected from around 7am to 4pm, travelling by taxi requires careful planning. This guide covers the parade route, timings, affected roads, recommended taxi drop-off points around Farringdon, Blackfriars, Temple and Embankment, and alternative public transport options. It also explains how to pre-book a minicab with MiniCabRide, arrange a convenient pickup location and avoid unnecessary delays during the event.

The Lord Mayor’s Show will take place on Saturday 14th November 2026. The Lord Mayor’s Show parade will begin leaving Mansion House at 11 am. Most roads within the City of London will be closed from 7 am to 4 pm, meaning taxis will not be able to access the route. We recommend you book a minicab to drop you off on an open road close to the closure. For example, on the Farringdon side.
If you are going into the city on Saturday 14th November, it’s important to plan ahead. Most of the Square Mile will be a pedestrian zone. Buses will be diverted, and you won’t be able to get a taxi into the closure. Planning ahead means a stress-free drop-off. Below, we have outlined everything you need to know, including timings, the route, closures, the best places to get dropped off by taxi, and how to book with MiniCabRide.

What Is The Lord Mayor’s Show 2026?

The Lord Mayor’s Show is a free parade to celebrate the installation of the new Lord Mayor. Over 7,000 people take part in the parade, which includes marching bands, floats, horses and a beautiful gilded State Coach built in 1757. This will last for 3 miles.
The parade will take place this year on Saturday 14th November 2026. It will begin leaving Mansion House at 11 am. The entire parade will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to go past a single point. The Lord Mayor will arrive at the Royal Courts of Justice around 11.30 am. The Lord Mayor will then come back down the river and arrive back at Mansion House around 2.30 pm. The parade is free to watch, and no tickets are required.

Lord Mayor’s Show Route and Key Viewing Locations

The Lord Mayor’s Show parade is a loop, starting at Mansion House and going along St Paul’s, Ludgate Hill, Fleet Street and ending at the Royal Courts of Justice. The return is along Temple Place, Victoria Embankment & Queen Victoria Street.
Best places to view:

• Mansion House & Bank – The starting point of the parade and will be very busy at 11 am.
• St Paul’s Cathedral – The front of the parade will arrive around 11.13 am, and the State Coach will arrive for a blessing around 12.11 pm.
• Fleet Street – Long straight road with great views of the parade heading West.
• Temple/Victoria Embankment – The return of the parade will be along this route. The parade will be passing around 1.10 pm.

Once the parade is underway, you will not be able to cross, so pick a side.

Road Closures During the Lord Mayor’s Show

There will be many road closures. Almost all roads within the City of London will be closed from Kingsway to Bishopsgate and along the River to Holborn. This will start around 7 am and finish around 4 pm. There may be some road closures around the Bank earlier. There will be no vehicle access in or out after 7 am. Other things to note:

• Some bus routes will be diverted. These will be published by TfL in the week before.
• Parking bays near the route will be suspended from Friday afternoon.
• Most roads will reopen around 4 pm. However, it depends on how quickly the parade finishes.

The official road closure list is available on the organiser’s website (lordmayorsshow.london). Please check this before you travel.

Best Taxi Drop-Off Points Near the Lord Mayor’s Show

As no vehicles are allowed into the closure, the best drop-off points will be on an open road around the closure. Double-check the official closure list to see whether the road is open.

• Farringdon – A popular choice for getting to the Fleet Street/St Paul’s side. With a mainline & Elizabeth line station, it’s a step-free option. Tell your driver to come from the north and walk South.
• Blackfriars – A great location to watch the parade return. Also close to the river bus stop. The roads will likely be restricted around the junction, so you will be dropped off a short walk away.
• Temple – Close to Temple Place, where the Lord Mayor’s Show parade turns around at 1:10 pm. The roads will be part of the route, so you may have better luck being dropped off on the Western side and walking along the river.
• Embankment – One of the best places to watch the parade return along the river. However, Victoria Embankment is part of the route. Get dropped off on the Charing Cross or Northumberland Avenue side and walk along the river.

Allow 10-20 mins walking. Wear comfortable shoes as the pavements will be busy.

Roads and Areas to Avoid on 14 November

Avoid any journeys on these roads on Saturday. Especially before 4 pm.

• Cheapside, Poultry & Princes Street (around Mansion House).
• Bank Junction & Streets leading to Bishopsgate.
• St Paul’s Churchyard & Ludgate Hill.
• Fleet Street & West End of the Strand.
• Victoria Embankment, Temple Place & Queen Victoria Street.
• Blackfriars Bridge & Approaches.
• Generally, roads between Kingsway & Bishopsgate.

If you’re going somewhere inside the city (office/hotel) from Lord Mayor’sShow, please let your driver know so they can plan to pick you up from the nearest open road.

How to Plan Your Taxi Journey Around the Event

It’s important to book your taxi in advance for Event Day. On event days, taxi demand increases, and road restrictions apply. With MiniCabRide, we require 2 hours’ notice. We can be booked up to 12 months in advance, so book as early as you can. With set prices, you won’t have to pay any surge pricing.
Pick a sensible route for the Lord Mayor’s Show. Ask your driver to pick you up outside the closure. If you’re coming from an airport, please plan the last part of your journey with your driver. Airport transfers to places like Heathrow, Gatwick & London City will go through busy roads which will be diverted.
Pick a meeting point. Just like drop-offs, you should pick a meeting point. Pick a meeting point on an open road. With MiniCabRide, we have set meeting points for stations/airports. Once you’ve confirmed with your driver, you’ll receive the details by email and SMS.
Keep your phone on. Roads may be busy, and addresses can be hard to find. Make sure to check messages from your driver. We have a 24-hour support team on 0044 207 0050 090.
Allow extra time. Most roads will be opened at around 4 pm. However, traffic will increase once the crowds start to clear.

Public Transport Alternatives for Reaching the Lord Mayor’s Show

Public transport is often the easiest option to get to the start of the Lord Mayor’s Show parade. However, there will be an increase in traffic and diversions:

• Train & Tube – Bank & St Paul’s stations will be serving the start of the parade. However, they will be very busy in the mornings. City Thameslink & Farringdon stations are step-free. Temple & Blackfriars are great for the return of the parade around 1.15 pm.
• Buses – Routes through the city will be diverted. Check TfL for the latest information.
• River – Blackfriars River bus stop will be closed due to the route.

A great option is to book a minicab to the edge of the closure and walk the final few minutes. This avoids the busiest times on the Underground, and you’ll have a seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Lord Mayor’s Show Start?

The parade will leave Mansion House at 11 am on Saturday 14th November 2026. The Lord Mayor is expected back at Mansion House around 2.30 pm.

Which roads will be closed?

Almost all roads within the city of London will be closed from around Kingsway to Bishopsgate and along the river to Holborn. Please check the official closure list (lordmayorsshow.london).

Will taxis be able to get to the parade route?

No. As no vehicles are allowed into the closure, you’ll only be able to be dropped off on open roads around the closure.

Where is the best place to get dropped off by taxi?

Around Farringdon, Blackfriars, Temple & Embankment on open roads. Check with your driver to make sure the road is open.

When will the roads be opened?

Most roads will be opened around 4 pm. However, this may vary.

London Taxi Booking With MiniCabRide

Make your journey to the Lord Mayor’s Show easy by booking a pre-booked minicab with fixed prices. You’ll get instant confirmation via email & SMS. We’ll also agree on a drop-off point on the way. Discover our station & airport transfers or book your taxi today.