Description:Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. It was originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705, and came into royal hands when it was acquired by George III in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte. It was subsequently enlarged into the building we are familiar with today, and became the official royal palace upon the ascension of Queen Victoria in 1837.
The palace contains 19 state rooms, 52 principal bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. The state rooms, used for official entertaining, are open to the public during the summer months.
Buckingham Palace also holds yearly Garden Parties, where nearly 50,000 guests are invited to enjoy the palace. Also open to the public is The Queen’s Gallery, located in the grounds of the palace. A symbol of the British monarchy, this is the definitive tourist attraction.
Visiting with children: the State Rooms, Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace offers a great day out for children. Here are some ideas to help you plan your visit.
Things to do during your visit
Take the free family audio tour
Explore the Palace with our two reporters, James and Rachel.
(Aimed at children aged 7-11 years)
Relax and have fun in the Activity Room
Open during August for paper-based colouring activities.
Pick up a garden trail
Look out for birds, fish and insects and their different habitats in the Palace garden.
Visit the special exhibition, Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration
See the sparkling stones up close and find out how they have been used by Kings and Queens.
The top five things to look out for
The Throne Room
There are lots of royal thrones in the Throne Room. Can you find the ones used by The Queen and Prince Philip?
The Ballroom
You can’t miss the room where Queen Victoria threw parties for 2,000 people. The Ballroom is the largest room in the Palace - big enough to hold 84 double-decker buses.
The secret door
The Queen arrives in the State Rooms through a hidden door from her private apartments. Can you spot the door in the White Drawing Room?
Signs & symbols
Keep your eyes peeled for hidden royal signs and symbols. Look out for the crowns on doors, lions on furniture and roses on the ceiling.
The garden
The garden at Buckingham Palace is an oasis of calm green space in the busy city and all sorts of birds and insects love to make their home here. Can you find the helipad and the lake that Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, fell in?
Opening times & admission prices
Opening times:
The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace including the special exhibition Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration
30 June - 8 July and 31 July - 7 October 2012
09:45-18:30 (last admission 15:45)
A typical visit lasts between 2 and 2½ hours
Admission prices (all include an audio tour)
The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace including the special exhibition Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration
Adult £18.00
Over 60/ Student (with valid ID) £16.50
Under 17 £10.25
Under 5 Free
Family £47.00 (2 adults and 3 under 17s)
Facilities available:Disabled access,Local station,Shop
Telephone:020 77667300
