The State Rooms (Buckingham Palace)

Name: The State Rooms (Buckingham Palace)
Item: The State Rooms (Buckingham Palace)
Author: Andrew Samson

Buckingham Palace by Josh Hallet / CC BY

Buckingham Palace is arguably the most recognised landmark in London. Buckingham Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II and also the administrative headquarters of the British Royal family.

Originally called Buckingham House, the original building which now stands behind the current facade, was built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. In a private sale, the house was acquired by King George III in 1761 for £21,000 with the intention of providing a private residence for Queen Charlotte. Subsequently, the house became known as The Queen’s House.

During the 19th century, the house was significantly altered based on the design of John Nash and Edward Blore. Three wings were added around a central courtyard with the addition of the current external facade.

Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British monarch after the crowning of Queen Victoria in 1837. The palace has 775 rooms and the garden is the largest private garden in London.

The State Rooms

The State Rooms have traditionally been used for official and state entertaining. The public was allowed to visit the Palace’s State Rooms for the first time in 1993. Given the immense interest from both members of the British public and overseas tourists, the opening of the State Rooms has since become an annual occurrence when the Queen is in Scotland at her Scottish residence (Balmoral).

Since 1993, more and more of the Palace has been opened up to the public. In addition to the State Rooms, visitors are now granted access to the various State Apartments and their priceless collections of paintings, furniture and porcelain.

In addition, visitors are also allowed to visit the Throne Room, the State Dining Room, the Picture Gallery, The Ballroom, the Grand Staircase and also the gardens. You will also be able to look onto the famous balcony on which the Royal Family which the royal family traditionally congregates to greet crowds.

The Palace is only open to the public when the Queen is not in residence; typically when she is visiting her Scottish residence at Balmoral. Much of the Palace, including the Queen’s private apartments, will remain closed however.

Pricing

The State Rooms are typically open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer and on selected dates during winter and spring.

Adult: £24.00
Child: £13.50 (under 5’s are free)
Concessions: £22.00
Family: £61.50 (two adults and three under 17s)

Tickets includes admission to the State Rooms, various special exhibitions and a multimedia tour. Buckingham Palace operates a timed admission system, this is the time you select when purchasing your ticket.

Stay In Britain Tips

When approaching the Palace, we advise you to arrive on foot! We advise you to take a bus or a train to Charing Cross (National Rail but also served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines on the London Underground). Walk towards Admiralty Arch and then down The Mall towards the Palace. The views from The Mall are truly spectacular!

The State Rooms (Buckingham Palace)

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