Buckingham Palace Tours, Info and History

-- Buckingham Palace Tours --

If you, like me, dreamed of being a princess when you grew up, then a visit to Buckingham Palace when you’re in London should definitely be on your itinerary!

It’s interesting to see how real royalty lives. It’s amazing to think that famous people, like Princess Diana, Prince Charles, the Queen, and William and Harry have walked on these same floors.

Then again, maybe you’re just a little bit nosy, and want to get a firsthand look into how the royal family, and the Queen of England herself, actually live! Thanks to the tours of her official residence, now you can snoop, alongside thousand of other tourists who make the trip every year!

The Queens Gallery

Yet another confirmation that it’s good to be the Queen! If you like art, then the Queen’s Gallery, a recent addition to the palace, opened in 2002 to the public, is a great place to visit. It houses items and pieces from the Queen’s own collection, and it changes all the time, with new items being added, and older ones removed.

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The Royal Mews

Almost like visiting Jay Leno’s garage, the Royal Mews tour is a chance to see how the Queen’s stables run, and get a look at the state vehicles, like the gold State Coach, otherwise only on view during coronations!

One of the state motor vehicles is also usually on display, and around thirty coach horses!

The State Rooms

If you’re lucky enough to visit Buckingham Palace when the Queen is not in residence - when she takes her annual trip to Scotland, you’ll get the chance to see the state rooms where the royal family entertain guests, and which also contain priceless pieces of art.

Pretend you’re a VIP, attending a ceremonial dinner, or just let your jaw drop at the opulence. It’s an insight into the lives of the Windsor’s. You can almost imagine them going about their daily lives.

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Wander in the Gardens

Buckingham Palace is set on forty two acres of parkland, where you can stroll in the gardens, and view the variety of wildlife that lives in the garden.

You’ll also get a great view of the palace from the gardens and a look at the 19th century Lake on the property. Whether you go for nosiness, a chance to perhaps spot one of the royals, or to pretend that you’re royalty yourself, a trip to Buckingham Palace gives you a unique view into the lives of the world’s most important monarchy.

The palace itself has a fascinating history, with damage by fires, the Second World War and other events, and having grown over the years. It’s a little like the rings of a tree – different parts of different ages, all showing off the architectural styles of the time.

A little bit voyeuristic, definitely interesting, and if you are in England, something you shouldn’t miss. After all, how many times are you likely to be allowed to go poking around in the home of people this famous any other time? Without being called a stalker that is!

-- Buckingham Palace Tours --

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