Buckingham Palace Overview

If you were one of the people that tuned in to watch the BBC's royal series Monarchy: The Royal Family At Work, then you will have gained some insight into the beauty and grandeur of this royal residence. Not only does it sit prettily in the heart of London as a landmark to all things austere and English, but it is a fully-functioning microcosm of a world where dignitaries dine, politicians converse and decisions are made.

While governments come and go, the monarchy remains and Buckingham Palace has stood as the official London residence of the country's kings and queens since 1837. It began as a town house which was built at the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Now, with a massive 775 rooms it stands as a centrepiece for tourists from all corners of the world.

A number of Britons and dignitaries from around the globe have had the honour of being invited to the palace, whether that is for their investiture where they receive an Honour from the Queen, or for one of the many events that take place within the grounds throughout the year. Many of the 4,000 official engagements that the royal family attend to take place at Buckingham Palace, including the Garden Party Ladies event for with the Queen sends out some 40,000 invitations a year.

Buckingham Palace Location

The Palace is situated within the grounds of St James's Park in the Westminster district of London. It is easily reachable from Victoria, Green Park, St James Park and Hyde Park Corner tube stations.

Why Visit Buckingham Palace

Because more than 50,000 people each year can't be wrong. That's the number of tourists that pass through the royal palace each year. The jaw-dropping grandeur of Buckingham Palace makes it a must-see destination.

With its 19 state rooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms and 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, it's not exactly a small place to visit. Recent years have also seen the palace become more visitor-friendly in a bid to improve the public perception of the Royals.

A must-see are the elaborate State Rooms which are furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rubens, Poussin and Rembrandt. Starting this year, visitors can visit the beautiful Palace Ballroom set up for a State Banquet. These elaborate affairs include the whole family entertaining around 160 special guests on the first night of a State Visit.

If you want to splash out, why not take one of the new private guided tours which will take you ground the beautiful rooms of the palace with a personal guide. These tours are popular, however, and only take place on certain days throughout the year with pre-booking necessary.

And of course, you can experience the pomp and ceremony of British life without setting foot inside the grounds by standing at the gates and watching the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at 11:30 most days.