Buckingham Palace opens its doors for tours between 27th July and 1st October
Wednesday 28, July 2010
Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty The Queen, as well as the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.
What there is to see
The State Rooms
The State Rooms form the heart of the working palace and are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto; sculpture by Canova; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture.
The Garden
Described as a 'walled oasis in the middle of London', the Palace's garden is home to thirty different species of bird and more than 350 different wild flowers, some extremely rare. Visitors end their tour with a walk along the south side of the garden, with splendid views of the west front of the Palace and the famous lake.
Special exhibition
The special exhibition at the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace in 2010 will give visitors a lively insight into the principal national and ceremonial events in the royal year.
The Queen’s Year will include displays of ceremonial robes, gifts, uniforms, dresses and jewellery, as well as archive photography and film to evoke the many and varied aspects of the sovereign’s work.
The exhibition will illustrate the pageantry, tradition and ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament, the historic Garter Day ceremony at Windsor Castle and Trooping the Colour, as well as investitures, garden parties and State Visits.
Changing the Guard
Changing the Guard takes place at 11:30 daily from May until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting.
Provisional Schedule for 2010 (please note that this schedule is set by the British Army and is subject to change).
July - daily
August - odd numbered dates (1, 3, 5, etc)
September - even numbered dates (2, 4, 6, etc)
More information about Changing the Guard
The new guards arrive at the forecourt of the Palace at 11:30 from Wellington Barracks. The journey takes about 5 minutes and the soldiers are accompanied by a band. The ceremony is conducted on the Palace forecourt and takes approximately forty minutes to complete.
Latest news
Tourism
World Travel Market voted UKinbound Industry Event of 2011
Scotland announces most creative places
UK’s culture & heritage sector gears up for tourism boost from London 2012 Olympics
Aviation
Iberia moves to Terminal 5 at London-Heathrow Airport
Business as usual for Budapest Airport
Budapest Airport welcomes five new scheduled routes from Ryanair
Hospitality
Starwood shakes up the status quo introducing round-the-clock check-in for most loyal Starwood Preferred Guest members
Neighborhood shopping re-defined
Venetian masked ball to launch at Philippe Starck’s Italian hotel
Find the best deals available today
The grey menu on the right is your best friend. Always check before you travel.
Plan your trips with the help of great resources
More and more travellers think that researching and planning a European city break is half the fun and they're not interested in pre-arranged trips or escorted tours. Self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages but require some guidance and good resources.
Clean, green and very pristine
Top 10 most environmentally pure countries
With the recent wild fires, disrupting flights and increasing air pollution, environmental quality is a growing factor in attracting tourists.
Rooftop
Top 15 most spectacular hotel rooftop views
The hotel price comparison site www.trivago.co.uk has put together a list of the fifteen most spectacular hotel rooftop terraces in the world.
Pro city guides
Places by themes
Latest offers, discounts and more...
Accor “3=2 offer”Why not extend your stay? 3 nights for the price of 2.
ResorthoppaLow-cost shuttle and private transfers in over 70 countries.
Priority passAccess VIP lounges no matter where which airline and class you fly.
European City CardsSee more and pay less! Get your "passport" to European cities.
Rail EuropeComfortable and affordable on European trains.
Lonely Planet MagazinePacked with insider knowledge, hints and tips.
Sandemans New Europe City ToursFree walking tours in 13 cities within 9 countries.
Sol Melia WednesdaysSearch your exclusive special offers now for the coming weekend!
Columbus Direct travel insuranceQuality cover at low prices to customers all around the world.
IMEX Frankfurt 25-27 MayThe essential worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.
