Buckingham Palace
白金汉宫 · Westminster, London, UK
The official London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch, whose east-front balcony is the classic scene of the royal family greeting crowds; the palace has 775 rooms, and its garden is the largest private garden in London.
Know before you go
- Climbing over fences or entering restricted areas
- blocking passageways
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The River Tyburn below
In the Middle Ages the site belonged to the Manor of Ebury. The River Tyburn still flows beneath the palace courtyard and south wing.
Source: Wikipedia: Buckingham Palace
History
James I's mulberry garden
James VI and I laid out a 4-acre mulberry garden at what is now the north-west corner of the palace, an early record of how the site was used.
Source: Wikipedia: Buckingham Palace
History
Almost the Houses of Parliament
After the 1834 fire at the Palace of Westminster, William IV proposed turning Buckingham Palace into the new Houses of Parliament, but the offer was not taken up. William IV himself never lived at Buckingham Palace and remained at Clarence House.
Source: Wikipedia: Buckingham Palace
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Buckingham Palace stands in the City of Westminster, London, at the west end of The Mall. It is often the centre for state occasions and royal receptions; the State Rooms are lavishly furnished, and the King's Gallery shows works from the Royal Collection. The core building was originally Buckingham House, a large terraced house built in 1703 for the first Duke of Buckingham and Normanby, on a site that had been privately owned for at least 150 years. In 1761 George III bought it as a private residence for Queen Charlotte, and it was called the Queen's House. In the early 19th century John Nash and Edward Blore extended it, with three wings enclosing a central courtyard; after Victoria came to the throne in June 1837 it became the monarch's London residence. In 1847–1849 a new wing designed by Blore and built by Thomas Cubitt enclosed the central quadrangle, and its east front facing The Mall became the public face seen today; in 1913 Aston Webb refaced the east front in Portland stone as a backdrop to the Victoria Memorial. During the Second World War German bombs destroyed the palace chapel, and the King's Gallery was built on its site, opening to the public in 1962.
Local customs
- View the east front and balcony from The Mall and the Victoria Memorial
- during opening periods, visit the State Rooms and the King's Gallery
- watch the regularly held Changing the Guard outside the palace, with arrangements as officially announced
- walk on to St James's Park and the Parliament Square area.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Climbing over fences or entering restricted areas
- blocking passageways
Locals appreciate DO
- Follow on-site controls during royal events
- inside the palace, follow the photography, luggage and security rules as posted on site
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The State Rooms and gallery have limited opening periods, with indoor opening concentrated in certain summer periods, so check official announcements before you go
- security is strict, so allow plenty of time. The exterior can be viewed all year
- winter days are short, so plan to visit in daylight.
- The palace is in central London and reachable by Underground and bus, with routes and stops as officially announced
- nearby sights are concentrated, and you can walk on to the Trafalgar Square area, so it pairs well with a walking tour of Westminster.
Sources & verification notes
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