Buckingham Palace

About Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837, when Queen Victoria became the first sovereign to live there. What started as a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in the early 18th century was expanded over the years into the palace you see today, with its famous east front, the balcony where the royal family appears on big national occasions, and more than 700 rooms behind it. It sits at the end of The Mall in central London, with St James's Park on one side and Green Park on the other, so it's easy to reach on foot from much of the West End.

The part visitors usually come to see is the State Rooms, the grand reception spaces still used by the monarch for official entertaining. These open to the public only for a limited season, normally during the summer and some weeks around Christmas and Easter, when the royal household is away. Inside you'll find the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery hung with works from the Royal Collection, and the ballroom, all richly furnished. The State Rooms are a separate, paid ticket, and because the opening dates change from year to year, it's worth checking the current arrangements before you plan a visit.

Even outside the State Rooms season, plenty of people come just for the forecourt and the Changing of the Guard, the ceremony where the King's Guard hand over duty in their red tunics and bearskin hats. It runs on set days rather than daily, and the schedule can shift with weather and events, so check ahead if it's the main reason you're going. Arrive early for a decent spot at the railings. The palace pairs well with a walk through the surrounding parks and the nearby sights of Westminster.