Buckingham Palace
The British monarchy may well be one of the most famous in the world and what better way to soak up some traditional English culture than with a visit to the home of the Royal Family.
Buckingham House was a town house owned by the Dukes of Buckingham back in the 18th century. George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a family home near to St James’s Palace, where many court functions were held. This Palace was enlarged over the next 75 years forming three wings around a central courtyard.
Today Buckingham Palace is Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence. It has been home to the monarchy since 1873 and has 755 rooms, some of which are open on a regular basis for tourists to experience a little bit of royal living.
For the Annual Summer opening the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace have been open to the public since 1993, in August and September, after the fire at Windsor Castle in November 1992.
Originally the Summer Opening was considered a way to pay for the damage at Windsor Castle, but it became so popular The Queen has continued to allow visitors every summer. During these public openings The Queen is not at Buckingham Palace, she goes to one of her country residences.
Many of the treasures of the Royal Collection can be seen at The State Rooms: paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto; and beautiful examples of English and French furniture.
One of the main attractions is the Changing of the Guard that takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11am approximately. For schedule information click here.
Practical Information
Nearest Tube Station: Green Park/St James’s Park
Cost: Prices vary (see Visitor Information and Ticket bookings)
Official Website: The British Monarchy
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