Coronation procession route: Map and best viewing spots revealed

An estimated 1.2 million people are expected to line the streets of London on Saturday for King Charles III's coronation.

Fans of the Royal Family have been travelling into the UK capital from across the country - and around the world - as they hope to catch a glimpse of the new monarch along the procession route.

One woman camped out on The Mall on Friday, 71-year-old Trisha Hollis from Hull, said she plans to “grin and bear it” through the intermittent torrential downpours as she seeks to claim a prime spot for the procession. “It’s history and I think at my age it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said.

Competition to get a good viewing spot along The Mall or in Whitehall is likely to be fierce, particularly as the route to be taken by Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort is significantly shorter than Queen Elizabeth II's was in 1953.

The government has warned people to expect road closures and large crowds on the day, as it revealed a detailed map of the route, including nearby stations and accessible viewing points.

It has urged people not to arrive at the viewing areas before 6am, when they will open, but it is unclear whether the die-hard devotees who have been camping along the Mall since last week will be asked to move along.

Coronation procession map

The procession route will include first aid points, toilets, water refill stations and welfare points, as well as food and drink stands.

It also shows information stands, accessible viewing areas for disabled spectators and where Victoria and Charring Cross stations are in relation to the route.

What are the best viewing spots?

Viewing spots will be set up along both sides of the coronation procession route, which will see the King and Queen Consort leave from Buckingham Palace, travelling down The Mall via Admiralty Arch.

They will then take the south side of Trafalgar Square, travel along Whitehall and Parliament Street, take the east and south sides of Parliament Square to Broad Sanctuary, before arriving at Westminster Abbey.

Read more: Here's why the coronation is a 'missed opportunity', according to an expert

There, Charles will be officially crowned, while Camilla will be crowned Queen Camilla.

After the coronation they will take the same route back, this time in the much grander 260-year-old Gold State Coach, having opted for the more modern and comfy Diamond Jubilee State Coach for the way there.

Large queues are expected for the viewing spots, and once they reach full capacity they will be closed. If this happens, people will either be directed to another viewing area or a screening site.

There will be big screens set up in Green Park and St James's Park and Hyde Park for those who still want to be among the crowds taking in the atmosphere.

Read more: 'It feels very Game of Thrones': Call to swear allegiance to King branded 'feudal'

For people with disabilities, their carers and companions, there will be accessible viewing areas (marked on the map with a letter "A", but space will be limited and people will be admitted on a first come first serve basis.

When will the processions be held and how long will they be?

The first procession, leaving from Buckingham Palace, will start at 10.20am ahead of the coronation service at Westminster Abbey, which begins at 11am and finishes at 1pm.

After the service, Charles and Camilla will return to Buckingham Palace as part of the much larger and ceremonial coronation procession, which will last for around 30 minutes.

Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to arrive for around 1.30pm, where they will receive a salute from the UK and Commonwealth armed forces in the palace gardens.

Watch: Future of the Monarchy: Why is Charles is underestimating the danger posed by his own family dramas?

Read more: 'Sussex Squad' of Harry and Meghan fans are abhorrent people, says royal expert

They will then appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony for a ceremonial flypast, which is expected to fly over the royal residence at 2.30pm.

The Red Arrows, 16 helicopters and the historic Spitfires from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take part - with the route flying over parts of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex before reaching London.

How to get there

Due to the number of diversions and road closures in place on the day, the best bet of getting to the viewing areas is by train and tube - but prepare for big crowds.

For viewing areas along The Mall, travel to Waterloo, Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus or Green Park stations.

Travellers are advised to plan their routes ahead of time using the Transport for London and National Rail websites.

Those who'd like to view the procession along Whitehall are advised to use Embankment, Westminster or Charing Cross stations.

Major railway stations for those travelling into London include:

• London Blackfriars

• London Cannon Street

• London Charing Cross

• London Euston

• London King’s Cross

• London Liverpool Street

• London Bridge

• London Marylebone

• Farringdon

• London Paddington

• London St Pancras International

• London Victoria

• London Waterloo

• London Waterloo East

People can also keep track of the latest travel information by following National Rail Enquiries on Twitter or by downloading the TfL Go app.

Ahead of the coronation, test your knowledge about Buckingham Palace in this quiz...