Situated in the heart of the West End of London and surrounded by two royal parks; Green Park and St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace is considered to be the most recognizable building in Great Britain.
It is the official London residence of Queen Elizabeth II who also uses it for important events, meetings and receptions and is a place where over the years the masses gravitate towards.
It didn’t start its life out as a royal palace. It was originally called Buckingham House and started as a private house that was built in 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham.
The building has grown over its 300+ years and now boasts of having 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. Selected parts of the palace are open for visitors in August and September every year.
If you would like to see more of the interior of Buckingham Palace, then I can certainly recommend this virtual tour where you will be shown the palace’s State Rooms with highlights from the numerous works of art from the Royal Collection. The tour starts at the Grand entrance to the palace.
–
Hazel Baker is an award-winning London Tour Guide and qualified CIGA guide who delivers guided walks and private tours in London. View all of Hazel’s walking tours.
