Buckingham Palace
Ideal: Ideal for royal history, ceremonies, park walks, and classic London routes.
Buckingham Palace is the British monarch's official London residence and the best-known address for royal ceremonies. The square in front of the palace comes alive with Changing of the Guard, while nearby St James's Park offers a calmer walking area. State rooms open to visitors in summer and during selected periods.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1703
- Opened
- 1849
- Architect
- William Winde
- Commissioned by
- John Sheffield, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Normanby
- Architectural style
- Neoclassical architecture
- Area
- 20 hectares
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
How can you tell if the monarch is at the palace?
By the flag: the Royal Standard flies when the sovereign is in residence, the Union Flag when not. Until 1997 no flag flew at all in the monarch's absence — the rule changed after public criticism.
How many rooms does the palace have?
775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms and 188 staff bedrooms. The building also contains its own police post, doctor's surgery and post office.
When is the palace open to the public?
The State Rooms usually open in summer. The practice began in 1993 to fund repairs to Windsor Castle after the 1992 fire, and has continued ever since.
Why go?
- To watch the Changing of the Guard
- To walk through St James's Park and along The Mall
- To see the State Rooms during open seasons
Travel tip
Ceremony days and times can change, so check the official schedule; arrive early for a good view in the crowd.
