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Buckingham Palace

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Harris
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Buckingham Palace

  • July 27, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Tolik from Tampa, Florida
Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world (not very impressive though). The palace was built in the 18th century for the Duke of Buckingham, later taken by George IV and became Britain’s royal residence in 1837. Changing of the Guard takes place at 11:30.

From journal London During the Golden Jubilee Celebration

Buckingham Palace

  • January 27, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by hayward68 from Toronto, Ontario
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. You are able to tell when she is in residence by her personal standard on the flagpole which flies when she is home.

Originally this building was the London home of the Duke of Buckingham, hence the name, but it was bought by King George III and Queen Charlotte in 1762. It has been renovated several times over the past centuries with the East Front being built in 1847. That's the area which you would most likely see, being the side which faces the Mall.
Several areas are open to the public including the Royal Mews which houses the state carriages. One such one being the gold state coach used for coronations.
You might want to see the Changing of the Guard which takes place from April to July at 11:30 and on alternate days from August to March.

From journal It's All Relative

Editor Pick

Buckingham Palace

  • October 6, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Sergey from Boston, Massachusetts
Buckingham Palace

Admission is included in the London Pass and is something like L11 otherwise. There is a discount for seniors (60+). The Palace is only open to visitors at a certain time during the year, since the Queen actually lives here. The 2001 opening was 8/4 through 9/30. You have to get your tickets in advance, because they are sold for a certain date and time (15-minute entry window). Sometimes that means that you get your ticket and go right in, and other times it means you have to come back the next day. Here you can see the gorgeous furniture, graceful statues, staircases, paintings and other things. You get to walk through rooms that are used for official functions. This is a fascinating place to visit. Photography and videotaping is not allowed inside. The Changing of the Guard ceremony also takes place here, at around 11 AM. There is a sign in front of the Palace that tells you when the next ceremony is going to be (they're usually held either daily or every other day). The ceremony is fun to watch, and includes a marching band and cavalry in full dress uniforms. Be sure to come early if you want to watch this, as huge crows gather around the fence and make it rather difficult to see. The plaza in front of the Palace has a large statue of Queen Victoria. There are beautiful flower beds all around the area. Go to http://www.royalresidences.com for more information.

From journal London and Vicinity

Buckingham Palace

  • January 15, 2001
  • Rated 2 of 5 by Steve S. from Kansas City, Missouri
Buckingham Palace

Unless you're fortunate to be in London in the summer months when the royal family is away and the palace is open to the public, or you're there on a day when the changing of the guard is taking place (every other day in the off season), the palace is a reasonably boring place to visit. If you do make it on a day when the guard changing is taking place, go early to get a good spot otherwise the crowds are horrendous (even in December when we were last there).

On your way back to the Underground stop, this area has several little pubs and restaurants that are excellent. Wander in and try one!

From journal A week visit to London

Buckingham Palace

  • December 1, 2000
  • Rated 3 of 5 by lisanti from Houston, Texas
Buckingham Palace

The changing of the guards was like watching a parade... there are people lining the streets and it's a march-in of the guards. It reminded us of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Fish Drill Team... They do it in unison and silence and it's amazing to watch.

From journal Backpacking in London

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