The London Buckingham Palace Tour is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to the United Kingdom. As the official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a symbol of the country's rich history and tradition. The palace has been the primary residence of the monarch since 1837 and has played host to numerous state visits, ceremonies, and other important events. Visitors from all over the world flock to the palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily at 11:30 am from April to July and on alternate days the rest of the year.
History of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 18th century. The palace was originally built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 and was later acquired by King George III in 1761. Over the years, the palace has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, including the addition of the famous East Wing, which was designed by architect John Nash. Today, the palace serves as the official residence of the British monarch and is used for a variety of official events and ceremonies.
The State Rooms
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are a must-see for anyone visiting the palace. These rooms are used for official events and receptions and are decorated with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection. The rooms include the Throne Room, the White Drawing Room, and the Picture Gallery, which features works by artists such as Rembrandt and Van Dyck. Visitors can take a guided tour of the State Rooms, which provides a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of the British monarchy.
The State Rooms are open to the public during the summer months, from late July to September, and visitors can purchase tickets online or at the palace. The tour includes the opulent Throne Room, the elegant White Drawing Room, and the impressive Picture Gallery, which features over 150 works of art. Visitors can also see the famous Buckingham Palace gardens, which are home to over 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and a large lake.
| Room | Description |
|---|---|
| Throne Room | The Throne Room is the centerpiece of the State Rooms and features the famous throne used by the monarch during official ceremonies. |
| White Drawing Room | The White Drawing Room is an elegant room that is used for receptions and other official events. |
| Picture Gallery | The Picture Gallery features over 150 works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt and Van Dyck. |
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a time-honored tradition that takes place daily at 11:30 am from April to July and on alternate days the rest of the year. The ceremony involves the Old Guard, who are the soldiers currently on duty, being replaced by the New Guard, who are the soldiers who will be taking over the duty. The ceremony is accompanied by music from the Army’s regimental band and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a must-see event for anyone visiting Buckingham Palace. The ceremony is a testament to the precision and discipline of the British Army and is a great way to experience the history and tradition of the palace. Visitors can watch the ceremony from the palace gates or from the nearby Victoria Memorial, which offers a great view of the proceedings.
Practical Information
Visitors to Buckingham Palace can purchase tickets online or at the palace. The palace is open to the public during the summer months, from late July to September, and visitors can take a guided tour of the State Rooms. The tour includes the opulent Throne Room, the elegant White Drawing Room, and the impressive Picture Gallery, which features over 150 works of art. Visitors can also see the famous Buckingham Palace gardens, which are home to over 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and a large lake.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, as the palace can get very busy during peak season. Visitors can also purchase a combined ticket that includes access to the State Rooms and the gardens. The palace is easily accessible by public transportation, with the nearest tube station being Green Park, which is a short walk from the palace.
- Opening hours: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (summer months)
- Ticket prices: £25-£30 per person (depending on the time of day and season)
- Getting there: The nearest tube station is Green Park, which is a short walk from the palace.
What is the best time to visit Buckingham Palace?
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The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is during the summer months, from late July to September, when the State Rooms are open to the public. Visitors can also watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily at 11:30 am from April to July and on alternate days the rest of the year.
How do I get to Buckingham Palace?
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Buckingham Palace is easily accessible by public transportation, with the nearest tube station being Green Park, which is a short walk from the palace. Visitors can also take a bus or taxi to the palace.
What should I wear to visit Buckingham Palace?
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Visitors to Buckingham Palace should dress modestly and avoid wearing ripped or torn clothing. It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as visitors will be doing a lot of walking during the tour.
