Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. Originally a townhouse, it’s had several facelifts over the years. It was built by the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, then bought by George III in 1761, later rebuilt by George IV and became Queen Victoria’s London home. It was then refaced in 1913.
While it’s used for many official events and receptions held by The Queen, various areas of the palace are open to visitors on a regular basis. The Queen’s gallery – part of the chapel destroyed in World War II - contains various works of art and masterpieces from the royal art treasure troves. When The Queen is in residence the Royal Standard will fly from the mast.
How much does it cost? (January 2008)
The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace (includes audio guide): -
Adult: £15.50
Over 60/student (with valid ID): £14.00
Under 17s: £8.75
A Royal Day Out (The State Rooms, Royal Mews and The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace): -
Adult: £28.50
Over 60/student (with valid ID): £25.00
Under 17: £16.00
You can buy tickets online for a booking charge of £1.25 per ticket, or purchase them on the day. If you want to go in, check the Palace is open before you visit.
Why should I go there?
The lavishly furnished State Rooms are the main focus for visitors and are open during August and September. They feature paintings by the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer, sculpture by Canova and Chantrey, fine English and French furniture and examples of Sèvres porcelain.
There are a couple of new things for 2008. The Palace Ballroom will be set up for a State Banquet, allowing visitors to experience this royal spectacle for the first time. In March and April, private tours of the Palace will be available – during a period when the royal residence is not normally open to the public. Naturally, it comes at a price - £65.00 – which you probably won’t feel is worth it if you’re on a tight budget.
Of course, you don’t even have to go in – you can see the impressive palace from outside and soak up the atmosphere with a walk along the Mall. You may wish to be there around 11.30am, when Changing the Guard takes place. This is a traditional, precisely choreographed and elaborate ceremony, where a sentry guarding the palace is relieved by a new guard. It takes place daily from May to July and on alternate days the rest of the year.
Where is the Palace?
The Official Residences of The Queen, London SW1A 1AA. The nearest tube stations are Green Park, St. James's Park and Victoria.
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