BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace has served as the Monarch's permanent residence since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. Did you know that before 1702 it was once the site of a notorious brothel?

When the Queen is in residence the palace is closed to the public. During the two months that Her Majesty is not home (August and September), the doors are opened to the public. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a guided tour of 18 of the 661 rooms.

From mid April to end of July the Changing of the Guards takes place at 11:30am every day and from August to April at 11:30am alternate days. This is where the Old Guard marches from St James Palace (home of Prince Charles) down to the Mall to Buckingham Palace where it is met by the New Guard. After an exchange of keys the guard is officially changed.

St James Park/Green Park Tube