|
Buckingham Palace is the Queens official residence (a flag bearing the Royal Standard flies above the Palace whenever she is home), and is a definite must for those visiting London for the first time. It is a statement of 19th century grandeur, but if your expecting a Disney style fair-tale palace you'll be disappointed as it is impressive for its scale rather than any external extravagance. Queen Victoria was the first member of the Royals to reside permanently at the Palace moving in when she accented the throne in 1837. The Palace contains some 600 rooms, including the State Ballroom and of course the Throne Room, of these 17 are open to the public in August and September. The best and most dramatic time to visit the Palace is between 11 am and 11.30am each day for the changing of the guard. This takes place in the forecourt of the Palace and is as the name suggests the New Guard relieving the Sovereign's Old Guard.
Underground: Piccadilly/Victoria/Jubilee Lines
Bus Routes: 2, 8, 11, 16, 24, 36, 38, 52, 73, 82, 211, 239, 507
| |
USD ($)
EUR (€)
UKP (£)
London guide