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Buckingham Palace
The Palace has been the home of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 - King George III first purchased Buckingham House (as it was originally known) in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a family home, in fact it was so much of a family home that 14 of her 15 children were born there. It was one of George III's sons, George IV that turned the house into a Palace with the help of architect John Nash and a budget of £450,000 from Parliament.
Buckingham Palace has had over ten centuries of royal occupancy and to this day the Queen resides within the gates when in London - marked by four sentries on guard outside the Palace dressed in the familiar red tunics and bearskins. Just two sentries stand guard when the Queen is absent from Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace - Changing of the Guard
The changing of the Guard is the ceremony Buckingham Palace is most famous for and occurs daily during the Summer months and every alternate day during the Winter. The event is free of charge and has been a part of British life since 1660. As the name suggests the ceremony revolves around the exchange of duty between a new and old guard. The process is usually accompanied by traditional marching to the Guards band.
Ensure you don't miss out on the Changing of the Guard. The ceremony is free of charge and begins at 11.30 am. A provisional schedule for the event can be found below, but please be aware that dates are subject to change;
- May - Daily
- June - Daily
- July - Daily
- August - Even numbered dates (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc)
- September - Odd numbered dates (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc)
- October - Odd numbered dates (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc)
For the first time in history, the general public will be able to experience the glittering splendor of the Palace's ballroom set up for a State Banquet. For hundreds of years sumptuous banquets have been an intrinsic part of royal ceremony and a traditional way of marking significant events.
One of the most important and opulently celebrated of these events is the State Banquet, held in honour of a visiting Head of State. On these occasions Her Majesty and other members of the Royal household entertain around 160 specially selected guests including political and religious figures on the first evening of a State Visit. During her reign Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has held 94 State Banquets.
Traditionally a horseshoe-shaped table is used for State Banquets and it is this arrangement, used countless times by the Royal Family, that visitors will be able to see. Bedecked with an enthralling display of royal finery, the table will be laid with silver-gilt from the beautiful Grand Service which has been in use since 1811 when it was used in George III's birthday celebrations. Exquisite buffet arrangements of ivory tankards, jewelled cups and all manner of other sparkling tableware and ornamentation will be on display along each side of the room.
You can visit Buckingham Palace from just £15.50 adult and £8.75 child when booked as part of a London Theatre Breaks package.
Buckingham Palace Address and Directions
Buckingham Palace
London
SW1A 1AA
The closest tube stations to Buckingham Palace are Victoria (Circle/District and Victoria Lines) or Green Park (Victoria, Northern and Piccadilly Lines) stations. The Palace is easily located from either tube station and is clearly visible from Green Park.
Buckingham Palace Opening Hours
Buckingham Palace is open to the public between 31st July - 24th September, during these months the Palace is open daily from 9.45 am - 6 pm.
London Attractions
Afternoon Tea
Take a break from the sightseeing and shopping of London, escape the crowds and wind down with pre-theatre Afternoon Tea. Relax in the elegant and beautiful surroundings of the dining room of St James's Restaurant in Fortnum and Mason
London Eye
One of the most recognisable landmarks in London, the British Airways London Eye has proved not only stylish in design but popular with visitors to London. Brainchild of David and Julia Barfield, the London Eye is the largest observation wheel
Lunch and Dinner Cruises
Pure elegance and luxury onboard with Bateaux London lunch and dinner cruises. Sail the River Thames either by the light of day or by twilight - sample the exquisite food prepared freshly onboard, served in a professional manner by helpful staff
Duck Tours
London Duck Tours is the sightseeing tour with a difference - a guided tour of both the City of Wesminster by road and a trip along the River Thames, all without ever leaving the comfort of your seat!
Globe Theatre Tour
The Globe Theatre tour offers visitors the unique opportunity to step back in time to the days of the bard. Friendly, knowledgeable tour guides will share the secrets of the world's most famous theatre with you.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace has been closely tied to the royal family since the fifteenth century. Take a break from the buzz of London and take a turn around one of the most beautiful palaces England has to offer
Jack the Ripper Tour
Experience the dark side of London with this three stage tour through the dim lit streets of London, see the capital city in a whole new way
Ian Fleming and James Bond Exhibition
To mark one hundred years since the birth of British writer Ian Fleming, a display of memorabilia from the Bond films to manuscripts and notes spanning his career will be on display at the Imperial War Museum
Kensington Palace
Visit Kensington Palace and enjoy the beautiful gardens that have been the home of the Royal family for three centuries. With fantastic original decor and wonderful tapestries, Kensington Palace is a wonderful day out.
London Aquarium
Dive deep into the exciting world of underwater life at the London Aquarium, one of Europe's largest collections of marine life.
The London Bridge Experience
Explore nearly two thousand years of history at The London Bridge Experience, one of London's newest and scariest attractions.
London Dungeon
Take a ride through Hell, experience the Great Fire of London and see all the grisly sights at London Dungeon. This amazing London attraction is the perfect add-on to your London theatre break.
London Zoo
London Zoo is one of London's most visited and popular attractions, with an assortment of wild and wonderful animals. London Zoo is a hive of activity - stimulate your mind and indulge your senses as you explore the many species of animals
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds houses the most famous faces from recent times, as well as the biggest historical figures from times gone. The museum has been enthralling people all over the world for two hundred years with their wax work models
Original Bus Tour
This hop on, hop off service allows you the freedom to explore London and the many attractions at your leisure. You can use this service to transport you around the streets of London at the same time as learning a little of the capitals history
Planet Cruise
Planet Cruise is the exciting new way to enjoy a sight seeing cruise on the Thames with lunch at one of London's best-known restaurants. This offer provides a great opportunity to see some of London's most famous sights
River Pass
The London River Pass is a great way to pass the time crusing down the Thames. This way of travel allows you to stop and start your journey at your leisure, there are many London stops with the River Pass. The River pass is a cheap way of viewing London!
St Paul's Cathedral
Experience the majesty and awe-inspring beauty of St Paul's Cathedral from it's magnificent mosaic-covered dome to the Crypt containing Nelson, Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren's tombs. Add on a visit to St Pauls Cathedral to your theatre break today.
Tower of London
From the 11th century to the present day the Tower of London has been the site for the Royal Mint, a fortress, a place of execution and imprisonment, a palace, a menagerie and an arsenal. Book your London theatre break with us and add on a visit
Tutankhamun And The Golden Age Of The Pharaohs
The O2 Arena has a brand new exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Age of the Golden Pharaohs has arrived at the o2 Bubble area - add this attraction to your Holiday Extras Theatre Break for a fantastic day out for all the family.
Attractions News
Chester Zoo charitable trust award
The charitable trust that runs Chester Zoo receive The Queens Award for Enterprise: sustainable development 2006
Gorilla Kingdom Opens at London Zoo
The new Gorilla Kingdom at ZSL London Zoo has been opened to the public, book ZSL London Zoo with Holiday Extras as part of your Theatre Break package to see this fantastic new enclosure.
London Zoo Breed 'Extinct' Dove
Bird keepers at London Zoo are celebrating the successful breeding of a Socorro Dove, extinct in the wild since 1972.
New Sweeney Todd feature
Visit The London Dungeons for a close shave of nightmare proportions with the new Sweeney Todd feature.
Rhinos are let loose
Port Lympne's two rare black rhinos were let loose in the newest attraction at the zoo: the African Safari Experience.
Baby Komodo Dragons at London Zoo
There are four new arrivals at London Zoo. The baby Komodo Dragons could almost be seen as household pets without the knowledge they will grow to be 100kg giants!
Il Divo at Warwick Castle
Il Divo, the dynamic quartet who combine opera and popular music are to perform at Warwick Castle on the 14th July.
London Theatre News
London Aquarium tickets now available.
From July 24th Holiday Extras will be offering yet another way for you to make the most of your trip to London. A trip to the London Aquarium is a perfect way to spend your spare time while in the capital
Marguerite now open.
Marguerite, an all new musical extravaganza brought to the stage by the makers of Les Miserables is now showing at the prestigious Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Jodie's performance schedule | I'd Do Anything winner to appear in six of eight weekly shows
Jodie Prenger, winner of the BBC's latest West End casting television programme I'd Do Anything may only be appearing in six of the eight weekly performances of Cameron Mackintosh's eagerly awaited revival of Oliver!
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Choose from 20 TOP London Attractions to make your London Theatre Break one to remember! Attractions available when booked as part of a London Theatre Break
