The London Harness Horse Parade is proud and honoured to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO continues to be its Royal Patron.

Join us on Easter Monday, 6^th April 2026 for the London Harness Horse Parade at the South of England Centre in Ardingly, RH17 6TL which will feature transport through the ages.  The magnificent sight of over 100 horse-drawn carriages together with historic, motorised vehicles is a spectacle not to be missed.

First started in 1885, this popular Easter activity allows spectators to see the changes from horse-drawn transport to mechanically propelled vehicles and is excellent value for a family costing just £10.00 per adult, with children and parking free.   The event will also feature classic cars, trade stands, refreshments and horse-drawn wagon rides.

This year there will be a chance to meet a Chelsea Pensioner.  The Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital Chelsea are regular visitors to the Parade, wearing their scarlet coats and black peaked caps, and these revered Army veterans are symbols of a lifetime of duty.  You may even have the opportunity to have a photograph taken with one of them which is a rare privilege.

Any owner of a horse-drawn vehicle or a historic/classic motorised vehicle is welcome to take part in the parade to depict transportation through the ages. The annual event is an amalgamation of The London Cart Horse Parade (started in 1885) and the London Van Horse Parade (started in 1904).  Generations of carriage driving families make the annual Easter pilgrimage to the Parade.

The Parade starts at 9.00 am with car exhibitors providing a static display together with Stationary Engines.   The Veterinary and Farriery inspections of the horse-drawn turnouts start at 10.15 am, followed at 10.30 am by judging of the light and heavy horse turnouts.  The gates open at 8.00 am for spectators to watch the exhibits being prepared, admire the historic and classic vehicles and visit the trade stands to do some Easter shopping as well as enjoy refreshments.   The Main Parade and presentation of prizes will take place following the completion of judging and inspections at approximately 12.30 pm – 1.00 pm.

The London Harness Horse Parade has been a popular Easter spectacle for 137 years, and in 2006 was forced to move from its central London location to the spacious, purpose-built South of England Centre in Ardingly, West Sussex, which provides free parking and easy access.   Now twenty years later it continues to be as popular as ever.  As a registered Charity it strives to improve the general condition and treatment of horses and ponies by encouraging horse users to achieve a high standard of care, management and cleanliness.

“This is a chance for exhibitors to catch up with friends who support this unique event every year and to share the spectacle of their historic carriages with the general public, all coming together for a wonderful day out in the Sussex countryside.   We look set to have over a hundred horse-drawn carriages of all shapes and sizes plus a good cross-section of transport through the ages to entertain all visitors this Easter Monday,” said Jackie Shearman, the Parade Secretary. “I urge anyone who hasn’t taken part before or hasn’t joined us for a few years to come along and see just how much the Parade has expanded whilst still retaining the same family traditions from years gone by.”

Save yourself queuing time at the admission gates and buy your tickets in advance – just visit  https://totaltickets.org/e/100233

Further details may be found at www.lhhp.co.uk or contact contact Jackie Shearman on secretary@lhhp.co.uk

A company Limited by Guarantee – Registered in England

Certificate of Incorporation No. 2878969 Registered Charity  No.1035613