Buckingham Palace

About

Leaders of a country live in places that are unique to the kind of government that they lead. Like the United States’ Whitehouse, United Kingdom has its own official headquarters and it is also the home of the Royal family – the Buckingham Palace.

The building has a lot of history behind it. During the Middle Ages, the place where the palace stands now was once a marshy ground. When the area went under different ownership from Edward the Confessor to William the Conqueror, it was developed into a manor. 

From a manor, it was converted into a house by Sir William Blake. It was the first official house built in the area, and later, it was named Goring House, after the next owner Lord Goring. He improved the size and designs of the house to fit the kind of people living in it.

Originally known as Buckingham House, it was built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. Additional constructions had been initiated to widen the residence. It was a private place for 150 years and was the official home of Queen Charlotte.

The last major construction happened during the early 20th century. The addition of the East Front included a well-known balcony where the Royal family greets the crowd. 

When World War 2 broke out, a huge part of the Palace chapel was destroyed by the bombings. The incident changed the way we see the palace today. The 19th-century interior was modified under the command of Sir Charles Long.

Now, the Palace is not only the headquarters of Monarchical power, but it is also a tourist destination. It is home to different attractions that continue to gather people from all over the world. 

From royal activities to practical details, a visit to this iconic palace, combined with the convenience of a nearby hotel in central London, promises a memorable experience for tourists from around the world.

Royal Activities at Buckingham Palace

Activities in the area range from historical to leisure and the best part is that all these are deeply rooted down into history. These are the things people can do and see in Buckingham Palace.

  • Changing of the Guards – This activity doesn’t happen regularly, but if you are lucky, your view towards the security of the palace will change forever.
  • Have a Tour around the Palace – Certain parts of Queen Elizabeth’s home are open to the public such as the State Room, Royal Mews, and Queen’s Gallery.
  • Banqueting House – It is the only remaining part of King Henry’s playground that was burned to the ground in the 17th Century. The Palace of Whitehall is the historic execution site of King Charles I. 
  • Be Amazed by Big Ben – A Buckingham Palace trip will not be complete if you skip the magnificent view of Big Ben. It is famous throughout the world because of its various appearances in pop culture.
  • Visit the Churchill War Room – Go to the secret bunkers where the concoction and execution of Sir Winston Churchill’s plan happened. Relive the moment of the great struggle between great powers in this place.

Timings and Practical Details

Buckingham Palace is only open to the public between July and October. Visitors can access the place from 9:30 AM, but the last admissions are different between months. From July 18 until August 31, it closes at 5:15 PM and 4:15 in September.

The Palace is located at Westminster London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom and is just a short walk away from the Park City Grand Plaza Kensington Hotel.