Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the most famous residence of the British monarchy and is an unmissable landmark. The palace has specific rooms open to the public for most of August and September while The Queen makes her annual visit to Balmoral. The palace which is located between three Royal Parks (Hyde Park, (St. James' Park and The Green Park) was originlly built in 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham.  Now the centrepiece of Britain's monarchy, Buckingham Palace houses the offices of the teams which support the day to day activities of The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and thier immediate family. The Palace is used to receive and entertain guests on state, ceremonial and official occasions for the Royal Family.

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. The New Guard leaves Wellington Barracks and marches to the Palace where the Old Guard hands over, the sentries are changed and the Old Guard returns to the barracks. The whole ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes.

State Rooms

There are 19 State Rooms in Buckingham Palace and these are used extensively by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. The State Rooms are extravagantly furnished with wonderful paintings by Canaletto, Poussin,Rembrandt, Rubens and Vermeer; sculpture by Canova; superb examples of Sèvres porcelain, as well as some of the very finest English and French furniture in the world. These State Rooms are open to the public when the Queen is on her annual visit to Balmoral.

The Garden

The 42 acre garden at Buckingham Palace is an oasis and sanctuary in the middle of London. It is home to 30 different species of bird and over 350 different varieties of wild flowers, several of which are very rare. From the south side of the garden you are presented with impressive views of the west front of Buckingham Palace and, of course, the famous lake.

Queen's Gallery

The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is home to a changing selection of exhibits from the Royal Collection of art and treasures which are held in trust by The Queen for the Nation. The exhibits are changes regularly so it is always worth a repeat visit!

Royal Mews

The Royal Mews is a fine example of a working stables and home to the working horses that play an important role in The Queen's official and ceremonial duties. The Royal Mews provides a unique insight into the department of the Royal Household that provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family. The magnificent Gold State Coach used for Coronations and those carriages used for Royal and State occasions, State Visits, weddings and the State Opening of Parliament form part of a permanent display of State Vehicles at the Royal mews.