London's Buckingham Palace, the Royal London Residence
Buckingham Palace
Take any picture postcard of London and you are more than likely to see Buckingham Palace’s regal frontage staring back at you. It is the Queen’s official London residence and certainly one of the most famous palaces in the world.
The Palace
In many ways, the palace isn’t much to look at from the outside- but the approach and surroundings more than make up for it. You can approach down The Mall or from the beautiful St. James’ Park for a great view.
From outside peering through the railings, you can see the fur-hatted Queen’s Guards standing motionless in front and if you’re lucky (which 100% of the time you won’t be) you may catch a glimpse of the Queen writing a letter or doing some press-ups….
Inside though, and the full enormity and lavishness of the place takes hold.
The Queen’s Gallery is a permanent exhibition of some of the artistic treasures held in the Royal Collection, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck and more. Heading into the palace itself, the main pieces of interest at the stupendous State Rooms, entered up the dazzling Grand Staircase. The Dining Room and Throne Room give a glimpse of the trappings of Royal life and ceremony and throughout the rooms the opulence and dazzling array of artefacts on display will either, probably, make you proud (if British) or deeply envious.
Tips for visiting Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is slap bang in the centre of London, near Green Park tube station and at the end of St. James’ Park and Green Park. It is open only on about 60 days a year only- check on the website below for details.
For more information: www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/BuckinghamPalace/BuckinghamPalace.aspx
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