Witnessing the changing of the Royal Guards is one of the activities to do near Buckingham Palace. This activity is one of the oldest Royal rituals and has been taking place since 1660. This prestigious ceremony marks the replacement of the old guards with new guards. It is strongly suggested that you arrive at least half an hour early to acquire a decent viewing spot. The changing of the guards of Buckingham Palace takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 am and takes around 45 minutes to complete!
Located on the West side of Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s Gallery. Touring this public athenaeum of art is one of the unmissable activities to do near Buckingham Palace. This tourist site is an art connoisseur's dream and is a home to around 450 artworks belonging to the Royal Collection. The gallery also displays some of the most immaculate art collections of Britain. A number of shows on artists like Michaelangelo and Canaletto and exhibitions are held here. The other contents of this magnificent ga Guests can also buy souvenirs from the in - house gift shop for their loved ones back home.
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Based on the concept of navigation, this monument was set up by King Edward VII in the remembrance of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901. It took 2300 tonnes of white Carrara marble to build this 25 metre high structure. This Memorial is located at the front of the Palace and acts as a symbol of victory, consistency, courage, truth and motherhood. Taking a walk here while admiring the beauty of this construction is one of the top things to do near Buckingham Palace.
Once a part of the Royal Gardens, the Green Park presents a soothing view of lush greenery right across the Buckingham Palace. This 40 acre park is the smallest among all the royal parks of Britain and is well known for its scenic beauty. It is also said that this was King Charles II’s favourite walking area which he visited daily. Walking and relaxing amidst this plush greenery is one of the top things to do near Buckingham Palace. This park is also popular for having no flower beds inspite of being a park, it is just grass and trees everywhere.
Stopping by and admiring the Royal Mews is one of the best things to do near Buckingham Palace. This hall in Buckingham Palace is a storehouse of the carriages, coaches and cars used for travelling by the Royals. Some of the carriages and coaches are still used occasionally for imperial ceremonies held by the royal family of Britain. The most exquisite of all coaches is the Gold State Coach which was built in 1762 and had to be led by eight Windsor horses. This gallery also exhibits expensive cars like Rolls Royce limousines, Jaguars and Bentleys.
The Bomber Command Memorial was built in the rememberance of the RAF Bomber Command Squad who fought during the Second World War. This memorial also commemorates the air crew of other countries like - Canada, Australia, Poland and New Zealand. Paying your respects to the memorial of these brave fighters is one of the many things to do near Buckingham Palace. This entire structure, made up of Portland stone and designed by Liam O’ Connor, was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth on 28 June, 2012. Sadly, it was vandalised a few years ago but was restored back to its original state later.
The St. James’ Palace is the oldest royal palace of the United Kingdom and the meeting point of several councils. This palace is of great historical importance and visiting this site is one of the interesting things to do near Buckingham Palace. It is also the residential home of many royal family members. Although it was built in 1530, the Buckingham Palace registered it as a building dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the unusual facts about this historical gem is that it is the formal Royal Court, despite the monarch not living here.
Exploring the Clarence House is one of the popular things to do near Buckingham Palace. It is considered to be the royal London residence of the Prince of Wales and sits behind the Palace. Although this residence is publicly accessible, not all rooms are available for touring. Guests can explore and enjoy the views of the beautiful gardens and five of the ground floor rooms. These five rooms include- The Morning room, the Library, The Lancaster room, the Garden room and the Dining room. The Queen’s art collection can also be found here on display, which includes works of John Piper and Graham Sutherland.
Taking a stroll near the Memorial Gates is another one of the many things to do near Buckingham Palace. This gate was built to pay homage to the Carribeans, Africans and Indians who lost their lives or served during the two World Wars. These pillars also mention the sacrifices of the people belonging to other ethnicities. The tops of these pillars are adorned by bronze gas flames that are lit on special days. The Wellington arch of the Memorial gates once welcomed the visitors on the northern gate of Buckingham Palace.
What are the best things to do near Buckingham Palace?
The best things to do near Buckingham Palace are exploring the prominent attractions of London, shopping, trying various activities and indulging in local cuisines at some of the best restaurants of the world. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Royal Mews, Memorial Gates, Clarence House and St.James' Palace.
How long does it take to get around Buckingham Palace?
With an array of top things to do near Buckingham Palace, it will take guests 2 - 3 days to complete a tour around. During this time, guests will visit major highlights like gardens, palaces, churches and museums of London.
Why is Buckingham Palace so famous?
Buckingham Palace has been the residential home of the Royals since 1837 with Queen Victoria being the first monarch to live there. Besides admiring the architecture, the public can view the wonderful art pieces and intricate interiors while taking the tour inside. A lot of important ceremonies have also been held here in the past.
What is special about Queen Victoria Memorial?
The humongous 18 ft Carrara marble statue of Queen Victoria in Buckingham Palace stands for Victory, Justice and Motherhood. It shows the monarch wearing a robe and carrying an orb and spectra with the angels of Justice and Truth on each side. Paying a visit to Queen Victoria’s memorial is one of the things to do near Buckingham Palace.
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How many days are enough in London?
Guests generally take up to 5 - 6 days to explore prominent attractions of London and partake in top things to do near Buckingham Palace.
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