Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and home to the British Monarchy- but did you know you can explore the interior?
Book a room in one of the best spa hotels London has to offer, The Montcalm Royal London House, for a stay in the city centre that exudes opulence. Enjoy the royal sights and explore the palace, before heading home to choose from the excellent Finsbury Square restaurants.
Now let’s take a look at everything you need to know before you go.
Getting There
There are many ways to get to the Palace from The Montcalm Hotel London, but using the tube is by far the best option.
Follow these steps for the easiest journey:
- Take the Central line (red line) westbound from Liverpool Street Station to Oxford Circus Station.
- At Oxford Circus Station, transfer to the Victoria line (light blue line) southbound towards Brixton.
- Get off at Victoria Station and take the exit for Buckingham Palace Road.
- Follow Buckingham Palace Road for approximately 10 minutes, and you'll see the palace on your left.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from Liverpool Street Station to Buckingham Palace.
The most direct route is to take the number 11 bus from Liverpool Street Station towards Fulham Broadway. Get off at Buckingham Palace Road (Stop C), which is just a short walk from the palace.
Getting Your Tickets
The easiest and most reliable way to get tickets is to purchase them in advance online through the Royal Collection Trust's website; this will allow you to choose your preferred date and time slot, and avoid long queues at the ticket booth on the day of your visit.
There are several types of tickets available, including standard admission, guided tours, and VIP experiences and the prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the time of day you visit.
Combination tickets that include admission to other popular attractions such as the Tower of London or Kensington Palace are also available.
If you're unable to purchase tickets in advance online, you may be able to purchase them on the day of your visit from the ticket booth located near the entrance to the State Rooms.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that queues can be long, particularly during peak tourist season, so it's recommended to purchase your tickets in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit.
The Top 10 Things to See at Buckingham Palace
There is a lot on offer here, so let’s take a look at the 10 things you simply can’t miss.
The Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial event which takes place outside Buckingham Palace daily during the summer months and every other day during the winter.
It involves a procession of guards, accompanied by a military band, who march from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace to replace the previous guards.
The State Rooms
The State Rooms are the public rooms in Buckingham Palace that are used for official receptions and ceremonies.
Visitors can take a tour of the State Rooms during the summer months, and see the grandeur and opulence of the palace's interiors, which are adorned with priceless works of art, furniture, and decorations.
The Throne Room
The Throne Room is one of the most grandiose and ornate rooms in Buckingham Palace.
It is used for formal state occasions and ceremonies, such as the Queen's Jubilee celebrations and the presentation of honours and awards.
The Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase is a magnificent marble staircase that leads up to the State Rooms, but is arguably more of a feature than a staircase.
It's beautifully decorated with sculptures and paintings, and is a wonderfully grand entrance to the palace.
The Queen's Gallery
The Queen's Gallery is a public art gallery that's located in the palace's southwest wing.
It features changing exhibitions of works of art from the Royal Collection, which is one of the largest and most important art collections in the world.
The Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is a working stable that's located on the palace grounds.
It's responsible for the care and upkeep of the royal family's horses and carriages. Visitors can take a tour of the Mews and see the magnificent state coaches that are used for royal ceremonies with their own eyes- and meet some of the horses that pull them.
The Garden
The garden at Buckingham Palace is one of the largest private gardens in London, and it's open to the public during the summer months.
Visitors can stroll through the beautifully manicured lawns, flower beds, and water features, and see the lake and island that are home to a variety of wildlife.
The Royal Collection
The Royal Collection is one of the largest and most important art collections in the world, and it's housed at Buckingham Palace.
Visitors can see a selection of the collection on display in the State Rooms and the Queen's Gallery, and marvel at the stunning works.
The Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial is a stunning monument that's located outside Buckingham Palace, at the end of The Mall.
It's a tribute to Queen Victoria, and it features a giant bronze statue of her surrounded by allegorical figures representing the arts, sciences, and industries of the British Empire.
It can be found on a plinth in a fountain immediately in front of the stunning palace, and is one of the best photo spots in the city.
The Palace Itself
The facade at the front of the palace is probably one of the most recognisable and iconic buildings in Europe.
It’s a wonderful example of the neoclassical style, and a marvel to enjoy with your own eyes. The gorgeous wrought iron gates and light coloured stone gleam in the sunshine, making this one of the most stunning buildings in the country.
London’s Finest Attraction
So there you have it, everything you need to know about one of the city’s best and most beautiful attractions.
Make the most of your London hotel packages and explore this gorgeous palace, then head back to your hotel and enjoy one of the finest in-house restaurants near Finsbury Square; The Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant- surely there is no better end to a perfect day?
