One of the most  prominent landmarks in the entirety of London, Buckingham Palace represents the monarchic traditions, history and grandeur of the city. Guests of hotels near Buckingham Palace will know the sight well, royal guards patrolling behind the grand gates and maybe a sighting of a royal through their car’s window. The excitement of Buckingham Palace lies in the very fact that it is still a working palace and the headquarters of the Royal Family.

If you’re a first time visitor to London, you may want to see this beautiful palace for yourself. Whether staying at hotels in London with triple rooms for business or for sightseeing, Buckingham Palace represents a working, royal tradition and adds a vibrancy to the tourist landscape. But can you tour the palace, and what should you know about the history, rules and traditions of this Georgian jewel of London?

From Townhouse To Icon

Dating back to 1703, Buckingham Palace was originally intended to be a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham, hence its name. When it was bought by King George III in 1761, it was intended to be a private home for Queen Charlotte. Expanded and built upon during the 19th century by John Nash, Buckingham Palace became the preferred residence of Queen Victoria, ultimately leading to its prominence as a palace for the monarchy in the modern day.

Gardens Of Buckingham Palace

The large gardens to the rear of Buckingham Palace consist of a lake and about 40 acres of green space. During the summer, guests of Bayswater Hotels can apply to attend the Queen’s annual garden parties, whilst functions are often held in these pristine gardens for royal family anniversaries and milestone events.

Processions And Festivals

And on the subject of events, it’s not just private functions in the garden that utilise the palace as a focal point. The outer gates, leading onto Green Park, Hyde Park and St James’s Park are all used for music festivals and parades. The parades that sprawl down the Mall, a large road that acts as the setting for annual cavalcades such as the Trooping of the Colour and Jubilee events.

Changing Of The Guard

The Changing of the Guard usually takes place every other day and acts as a ceremonial handover of guard duties for the Royal Palace troupe. Iconic for their red jackets and tall, furry hats, the Changing of the Guard is a well attended event in the Buckingham Palace courtyard that can be watched from outside the palace gates. 

Tours Of Buckingham Palace

Every summer, the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace open up for tours during the months of July to the beginning of October. Over 10 weeks, you can book tours of these lavish halls as well as on selected dates in the winter months. The State Rooms are known for being the area of the palace where the Royal Family entertain guests to the palace. With 19 different rooms, visitors will see reflected in these chambers the interior design tastes of George IV who oversaw John Nash’s development of the beautiful rooms. During a tour, guests of hotels near Oxford Street and other visitors to London can see works by Master European painter Van Dyck as well as sculptures by Canova and the White Room, possibly the grandest of the lot, hosts the Royal Family before they embark on special occasions.

FAQs

1. When was Buckingham Palace built and by whom?

Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 by William Winde and John Fitch.

2. Who lives in Buckingham Palace?

The Queen spends the majority of her time living in private quarters in Buckingham Palace.

3. How many rooms are in Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms which include 19 Staterooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.

4. How much is Buckingham palace worth?

Buckingham Palace is worth £1.3 Billion.

5. What is the price of Buckingham Palace?