Buckingham Palace

Epitomising the pageantry and splendour of London, Buckingham Palace has been the primary residence of the British Royal Family since 1837. Facing St. James Park and The Mall, fabulous wrought iron gates and railings enclose a large courtyard where scarlet-coated Guards stand motionless, swords flashing at their sides guarding one of the most famous facades in the world.

Buckingham Palace has its origins in a town house built for the Duke of Buckingham who lived in it until 1761 when 'Mad' King George III acquired it and named it 'The Queen's House'. Over the next 75 years The Queen's House was refurbished and enlarged by the famous Regency architect and designer, John Nash and later Edward Blore who constructed the now famous facade. It was not until Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837, that Buckingham Palace finally became an official Royal Residence.

Of the 775 rooms that make up the palace, it is the 19 staterooms that everyone wants to see. Crammed with priceless art, luxurious fabrics, superb porcelain and ornate furniture, the regal splendour is breathtaking. Used extensively by the Royal Family for ceremonial functions, entertaining dignitaries, fabulous banquets and official functions such as investitures, for a few weeks each summer the rooms are open to the public.

New for 2008, visitors will be able to see the Ballroom laid out just as it would be for a State Banquet. The horseshoe-shaped table traditionally used on such occasions will be dressed with a dazzling display of silver-gilt from the magnificent Grand Service, first used to celebrate the birthday of George III in 1811.

Hidden from public view behind the Palace is a wonderful garden, laid out by Capability Brown and redesigned by William Townsend Aiton from Kew Gardens. Home to thirty different species of bird and more than 350 different wild flowers, many rare, it is indeed an oasis in the heart of London. Now part of a the summer opening, visitors end their tour with a walk along the south side of the garden, with splendid views of the west front of the Palace and the famous lake.

Plan your visit to Buckingham Palace

• A Royal Day - visit the Royal Mews & State Rooms
  Your short break includes a night at a 4* central London hotel & entrance to the Royal Mews and the State Rooms - valid between 1 Aug - 7 Sep 08, conditions apply
  
  
• Discover London Breaks
  Include great value hotel accommodation and a London Pass, the ultimate prepaid entrance pass for visiting over 50 top attractions, including the Royal Mews
  
  
• A private tour of Buckingham Palace
  Your short break includes overnight accommodation at a 4* hotel plus a private guided group tour - valid 14, 20, 21 September 08, conditions apply
  
  
• Hotels convenient for visiting Buckingham Palace
  View and book a wide choice of accommodation convenient for Buckingham Palace
  
  
• For more information check the Official British Monarchy website