Custom Walk in London, England by mickeymilward_5262d created on 2025-06-29
Guide Location: England » London
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Share Key: T4VVE
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Share Key: T4VVE
How It Works
Please retrieve this walk in the 911±¬ÁĎÍř app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.
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Step 1. Download the app "911±¬ÁĎÍř: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2. In the 911±¬ÁĎÍř app, download(or launch) the guide "London Map and Walking Tours".
Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: T4VVE
1) Buckingham Palace (must see)
The postcard-perfect face of the British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is possibly the world’s fanciest “office.” What began in 1703 as a cozy townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham (hence the name) ended up becoming royal property in 1761 when King George III bought it for his wife, Queen Charlotte. By 1837, Queen Victoria had officially moved in, setting up camp and turning it into the headquarters of royal business and the heart of Britain's ceremonial life ever since.
Today, the palace packs a whopping 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 78 bathrooms (because clearly, you never know when you’ll need a backup loo), and countless other rooms fit for everything from crown-polishing to state banquets. While most of these royal spaces are strictly off-limits, commoners—like us, the curious public—can sneak a peek during special visiting seasons, mainly August and September, plus select days in winter and spring.
Step inside the palace’s 19 State Rooms and prepare to have your jaw royally dropped. Here, we’re talking chandeliers that could double as UFOs, lavish gold trim, and masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens just casually hanging around. You’ll stroll through the Throne Room (cue the imaginary fanfare), the Ballroom where knighthoods are handed out like royal gold stars, the Grand Staircase, and a variety of drawing rooms, each with its own personality—from the Blue Drawing Room’s stately charm to the Music Room’s lapis columns and the gleaming White Drawing Room. Don’t skip the State Dining Room either—this is where the portraits watch you more than you watch them.
Outside, the Changing of the Guard steals the show with its precision marching, bearskin hats, and musical flair. It’s essentially a military ballet, free of charge—but do arrive early for the best view, as everyone and their selfie stick wants in.
Right next door, the Queen’s Gallery serves up rotating exhibits from the Royal Collection, including priceless paintings, sparkling jewels, and historic treasures galore. A few steps away, the Royal Mews stables show off the royal horses and carriages, because royalty of all people needs a stylish ride.
Tip:
Snag a timed-entry ticket (they’re released in 15-minute waves), and if you’ve got time, tack on a garden tour for some fresh air and manicured perfection. Give yourself two hours—minimum—because once you step into Buckingham Palace, you’ll want to soak up every royal second.
Today, the palace packs a whopping 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 78 bathrooms (because clearly, you never know when you’ll need a backup loo), and countless other rooms fit for everything from crown-polishing to state banquets. While most of these royal spaces are strictly off-limits, commoners—like us, the curious public—can sneak a peek during special visiting seasons, mainly August and September, plus select days in winter and spring.
Step inside the palace’s 19 State Rooms and prepare to have your jaw royally dropped. Here, we’re talking chandeliers that could double as UFOs, lavish gold trim, and masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens just casually hanging around. You’ll stroll through the Throne Room (cue the imaginary fanfare), the Ballroom where knighthoods are handed out like royal gold stars, the Grand Staircase, and a variety of drawing rooms, each with its own personality—from the Blue Drawing Room’s stately charm to the Music Room’s lapis columns and the gleaming White Drawing Room. Don’t skip the State Dining Room either—this is where the portraits watch you more than you watch them.
Outside, the Changing of the Guard steals the show with its precision marching, bearskin hats, and musical flair. It’s essentially a military ballet, free of charge—but do arrive early for the best view, as everyone and their selfie stick wants in.
Right next door, the Queen’s Gallery serves up rotating exhibits from the Royal Collection, including priceless paintings, sparkling jewels, and historic treasures galore. A few steps away, the Royal Mews stables show off the royal horses and carriages, because royalty of all people needs a stylish ride.
Tip:
Snag a timed-entry ticket (they’re released in 15-minute waves), and if you’ve got time, tack on a garden tour for some fresh air and manicured perfection. Give yourself two hours—minimum—because once you step into Buckingham Palace, you’ll want to soak up every royal second.
2) Westminster Abbey (must see)
Westminster Abbey—the Gothic heavyweight champion of British heritage, parked squarely in the City of Westminster. Back in the day, Westminster wasn’t even part of London proper. It was its own thing.
The roots of this holy site stretch all the way back to the late 10th century. But it wasn’t until King Edward the Confessor decided to go full Romanesque here, in the 11th century, that things got serious. He turned the abbey into one of Europe’s top-tier religious mega-structures. Edward didn’t live to see it fully materialize, though, but history appreciates his effort.
In 1245, Henry III kicked off construction of the Gothic version we see today. He also commissioned the fancy Cosmati pavement near the High Altar—because kings of all people do appreciate custom flooring. Most of what we admire here now was wrapped up under Richard II, and in 1519, Henry VII added a gorgeous chapel to the Virgin Mary for good measure. As for the iconic west towers, Early Gothic Revival, they were built between 1722 and 1745.
But Westminster Abbey is not just a church. No. It’s the spiritual VIP lounge of the UK. Monarchs have been crowned here since 1066, starting with William the Conqueror. It’s also the final resting place for legends: Queen Elizabeth I, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, Laurence Olivier… Basically, if you’ve made Britain proud, there’s a plot here waiting for you.
And don’t forget the emotional landmarks: Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, and the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Yes, this place has seen more royal drama than a season of The Crown.
If you consider visiting, remember: Lines form year-round, so book online to skip the queue like a pro. But don’t plan your Instagram reel just yet—no photography inside is allowed. It’s all eyes and memory...
As a bonus round, make a literary pilgrimage to Poet’s Corner and pay respects to Mr. Charles Dickens himself. Per his modest request, his gravestone simply reads:
CHARLES DICKENS
BORN 7th FEBRUARY 1812
DIED 9th JUNE 1870
Dickens died in Kent, but the public insisted—and The Times newspaper rallied behind the cause—that only Westminster would do as his final resting place. The funeral was private. The legacy—immortal.
So, whether it’s the soaring arches, the centuries of coronations, or the sheer weight of brilliance buried beneath your feet, Westminster Abbey is London in its architectural form—solemn, storied, and just a touch dramatic.
The roots of this holy site stretch all the way back to the late 10th century. But it wasn’t until King Edward the Confessor decided to go full Romanesque here, in the 11th century, that things got serious. He turned the abbey into one of Europe’s top-tier religious mega-structures. Edward didn’t live to see it fully materialize, though, but history appreciates his effort.
In 1245, Henry III kicked off construction of the Gothic version we see today. He also commissioned the fancy Cosmati pavement near the High Altar—because kings of all people do appreciate custom flooring. Most of what we admire here now was wrapped up under Richard II, and in 1519, Henry VII added a gorgeous chapel to the Virgin Mary for good measure. As for the iconic west towers, Early Gothic Revival, they were built between 1722 and 1745.
But Westminster Abbey is not just a church. No. It’s the spiritual VIP lounge of the UK. Monarchs have been crowned here since 1066, starting with William the Conqueror. It’s also the final resting place for legends: Queen Elizabeth I, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, Laurence Olivier… Basically, if you’ve made Britain proud, there’s a plot here waiting for you.
And don’t forget the emotional landmarks: Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, and the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Yes, this place has seen more royal drama than a season of The Crown.
If you consider visiting, remember: Lines form year-round, so book online to skip the queue like a pro. But don’t plan your Instagram reel just yet—no photography inside is allowed. It’s all eyes and memory...
As a bonus round, make a literary pilgrimage to Poet’s Corner and pay respects to Mr. Charles Dickens himself. Per his modest request, his gravestone simply reads:
CHARLES DICKENS
BORN 7th FEBRUARY 1812
DIED 9th JUNE 1870
Dickens died in Kent, but the public insisted—and The Times newspaper rallied behind the cause—that only Westminster would do as his final resting place. The funeral was private. The legacy—immortal.
So, whether it’s the soaring arches, the centuries of coronations, or the sheer weight of brilliance buried beneath your feet, Westminster Abbey is London in its architectural form—solemn, storied, and just a touch dramatic.
3) Big Ben & Houses of Parliament (must see)
Ah yes, Big Ben—London’s most famous timekeeper! Often mistaken for the entire tower, technically, it's just the bell inside. The tower itself, once modestly named the Clock Tower, got a royal upgrade in 2012 and is now known as the Elizabeth Tower, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
As for Big Ben—the bell—it weighs a jaw-dropping 15 tonnes. That’s about the weight of three adult elephants. It chimes every hour with a deep, resonant bong that echoes across the city, while four smaller bells handle the quarter-hour duties like loyal timekeeping sidekicks.
As for the name “Big Ben”, theories abound. Some say it was named after Benjamin Hall, the rather large man in charge of installing the bell. Others swear it honors Benjamin Caunt, a Victorian heavyweight boxer. Either way, it’s clear: you didn’t get to be “Big Ben” by being discreet.
Just next door, you'll find the Palace of Westminster, home of the Houses of Parliament—that’s the House of Commons and the House of Lords for those keeping score. After a fire in 1834 burned the old palace to a crisp, King William IV generously offered up Buckingham Palace as a backup. The MPs politely declined, presumably because having tea in the Throne Room seemed a bit too much.
These days, the House of Commons is often in the headlines, especially during the theatrical Wednesdays known as Prime Minister’s Questions. Yes, it’s as lively as it sounds. The public can watch the action live, either by scoring a free ticket through their MP or simply queuing up outside (bonus points if it’s raining—very British).
In terms of security, expect the full “airport-lite” treatment. Bags scanned, belts off, shoes inspected—but thankfully, no need to explain your carry-on liquids.
Now, if the idea of parliamentary debates doesn’t tickle your fancy and you’re more into aesthetic admiration, simply head over to Westminster Bridge—some 500 yards away. From there, you’ll get the postcard shot of Big Ben and the Parliament buildings, no queuing or shoe removal required. Just you, the view, and a thousand other camera-happy tourists. Smile for history!
As for Big Ben—the bell—it weighs a jaw-dropping 15 tonnes. That’s about the weight of three adult elephants. It chimes every hour with a deep, resonant bong that echoes across the city, while four smaller bells handle the quarter-hour duties like loyal timekeeping sidekicks.
As for the name “Big Ben”, theories abound. Some say it was named after Benjamin Hall, the rather large man in charge of installing the bell. Others swear it honors Benjamin Caunt, a Victorian heavyweight boxer. Either way, it’s clear: you didn’t get to be “Big Ben” by being discreet.
Just next door, you'll find the Palace of Westminster, home of the Houses of Parliament—that’s the House of Commons and the House of Lords for those keeping score. After a fire in 1834 burned the old palace to a crisp, King William IV generously offered up Buckingham Palace as a backup. The MPs politely declined, presumably because having tea in the Throne Room seemed a bit too much.
These days, the House of Commons is often in the headlines, especially during the theatrical Wednesdays known as Prime Minister’s Questions. Yes, it’s as lively as it sounds. The public can watch the action live, either by scoring a free ticket through their MP or simply queuing up outside (bonus points if it’s raining—very British).
In terms of security, expect the full “airport-lite” treatment. Bags scanned, belts off, shoes inspected—but thankfully, no need to explain your carry-on liquids.
Now, if the idea of parliamentary debates doesn’t tickle your fancy and you’re more into aesthetic admiration, simply head over to Westminster Bridge—some 500 yards away. From there, you’ll get the postcard shot of Big Ben and the Parliament buildings, no queuing or shoe removal required. Just you, the view, and a thousand other camera-happy tourists. Smile for history!
4) 10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street—or as the British press affectionately calls it, Number 10—is the official residence and workplace of the UK’s Prime Minister. It has been the address for power players since the 18th century. Don’t be fooled by its modest black door—it’s basically the palace of spreadsheets and late-night policy debates—equal parts nerve center and nerve-wracking...
Originally cobbled together from three separate houses (because one apparently wasn't enough for 18th-century real estate ambitions), Number 10 now contains over 100 rooms. The PM’s family lives on the third floor, their kitchen’s tucked away in the basement, and the rest of the place is a maze of offices, reception rooms, and the odd spot for international awkward silences. There’s even a private garden—half an acre, no less—perfect for pondering global crises over a cup of Earl Grey.
Now, speaking of doors, that iconic black front door is not wood but reinforced steel. No keyhole, either—because obviously, in this house, you don’t knock, you get buzzed in. A doorman’s always on duty because the door only opens from the inside. (Some say this is where British stoicism is forged.)
And the phrase “in the hot seat”? Thank Number 10 for that. The hallway used to feature a rather dramatic black chair, complete with a coal-filled drawer underneath to warm the night watchman's backside. Forget ergonomics—that was 18th-century comfort.
The house has taken its share of hits. During WWII, a German bomb rudely messed with the kitchen. Then in 1991, the IRA launched a mortar attack—Downing Street survived, but a splinter still sticks defiantly in the upstairs plaster, like a war story the walls refuse to let go.
Inside, the Grand Staircase displays portraits of every British Prime Minister in order, a visual reminder that political haircuts have come a long way. Tony Blair added bees to the décor (yes, actual plaster bees in the window frames), while Margaret Thatcher insisted on a mini roof over one door—presumably for extra austerity.
Public tours—unfortunately, not happening. Entry is tighter than the King’s biscuit tin. But if you’re into wizardry, you’ll appreciate the Harry Potter trivia—Number 10 doubles as a magical portal, as revealed in The Half-Blood Prince. And yes, Kingsley wizard Shacklebolt worked here undercover, guarding the Prime Minister against the dark forces of Lord Voldemort. There's obviously more to this place than you'd expect...
Tip:
Pair your Downing Street sightseeing with a wider walk through Whitehall and Westminster. Politics, pomp, and a splash of Potter—it’s all just a few steps away.
Originally cobbled together from three separate houses (because one apparently wasn't enough for 18th-century real estate ambitions), Number 10 now contains over 100 rooms. The PM’s family lives on the third floor, their kitchen’s tucked away in the basement, and the rest of the place is a maze of offices, reception rooms, and the odd spot for international awkward silences. There’s even a private garden—half an acre, no less—perfect for pondering global crises over a cup of Earl Grey.
Now, speaking of doors, that iconic black front door is not wood but reinforced steel. No keyhole, either—because obviously, in this house, you don’t knock, you get buzzed in. A doorman’s always on duty because the door only opens from the inside. (Some say this is where British stoicism is forged.)
And the phrase “in the hot seat”? Thank Number 10 for that. The hallway used to feature a rather dramatic black chair, complete with a coal-filled drawer underneath to warm the night watchman's backside. Forget ergonomics—that was 18th-century comfort.
The house has taken its share of hits. During WWII, a German bomb rudely messed with the kitchen. Then in 1991, the IRA launched a mortar attack—Downing Street survived, but a splinter still sticks defiantly in the upstairs plaster, like a war story the walls refuse to let go.
Inside, the Grand Staircase displays portraits of every British Prime Minister in order, a visual reminder that political haircuts have come a long way. Tony Blair added bees to the décor (yes, actual plaster bees in the window frames), while Margaret Thatcher insisted on a mini roof over one door—presumably for extra austerity.
Public tours—unfortunately, not happening. Entry is tighter than the King’s biscuit tin. But if you’re into wizardry, you’ll appreciate the Harry Potter trivia—Number 10 doubles as a magical portal, as revealed in The Half-Blood Prince. And yes, Kingsley wizard Shacklebolt worked here undercover, guarding the Prime Minister against the dark forces of Lord Voldemort. There's obviously more to this place than you'd expect...
Tip:
Pair your Downing Street sightseeing with a wider walk through Whitehall and Westminster. Politics, pomp, and a splash of Potter—it’s all just a few steps away.
5) Churchill War Rooms (must see)
Tucked beneath the former Office of Public Information—now the Treasury—lies one of London’s best-kept “open secrets”: the Churchill War Rooms. This covert bunker was the nerve center from which Winston Churchill directed Britain’s wartime efforts... and occasionally napped in his bathrobe.
Hidden right under Clive Steps on King Charles Street, the entrance is so discreet you might walk right past without noticing it. In fact, the Nazis never guessed that Britain’s emergency government was cheekily hiding in plain sight, just 12 feet below London’s crust. For comparison, Hitler himself was holed up a paranoid 180 feet underground. Overcompensating, perhaps?
Built in 1938 and retrofitted as the war heated up, the War Rooms were reinforced with a “bomb-resistant” ceiling. Emphasis on resistant, not bomb-proof, which made every thunderclap a bit more thrilling for those working below. Spanning 30,000 square feet, the facility came equipped with everything from conference rooms to bedrooms, because a good nap is crucial for strategic warfare...
When the war ended, everyone simply left. No cleanup, no moving out, just poof—gone. Clocks are still frozen at 4:58 pm, marking the first wartime Cabinet meeting in 1940, and the calendar in the Map Room eternally reads August 16, 1945—the day Japan surrendered. It's like time hit “pause” and never came back.
You’ll see phones with odd green handles—high-tech marvels of the 1940s known as scrambler phones. They took 20 minutes to warm up and blasted white noise like an angry seashell. Eavesdropping? Not on Churchill’s watch.
Meanwhile, the walls are studded with pinholes from frantic map-stabbing, some patched so many times they now qualify as historical patchwork quilts.
Churchill himself only spent a handful of nights here, but he used the bunker frequently—for meetings, cigars, and power naps in less-than-Prime-Ministerial attire. One of the highlights is a fire bucket turned ashtray, where he’d casually discard cigar stubs. Enterprising Marine guards allegedly sold those stubs to souvenir hunters. Recycling and capitalism at their finest.
Rumor has it there’s a second, even deeper bunker underneath, full of pipes, cables, and possibly Churchill’s wine cellar. Sadly, not open to the public—yet...
Tip:
Book online to skip the queue.
The audio tour takes a little over an hour.
Bring snacks—dining nearby is limited unless you fancy lunching on history alone.
Hidden right under Clive Steps on King Charles Street, the entrance is so discreet you might walk right past without noticing it. In fact, the Nazis never guessed that Britain’s emergency government was cheekily hiding in plain sight, just 12 feet below London’s crust. For comparison, Hitler himself was holed up a paranoid 180 feet underground. Overcompensating, perhaps?
Built in 1938 and retrofitted as the war heated up, the War Rooms were reinforced with a “bomb-resistant” ceiling. Emphasis on resistant, not bomb-proof, which made every thunderclap a bit more thrilling for those working below. Spanning 30,000 square feet, the facility came equipped with everything from conference rooms to bedrooms, because a good nap is crucial for strategic warfare...
When the war ended, everyone simply left. No cleanup, no moving out, just poof—gone. Clocks are still frozen at 4:58 pm, marking the first wartime Cabinet meeting in 1940, and the calendar in the Map Room eternally reads August 16, 1945—the day Japan surrendered. It's like time hit “pause” and never came back.
You’ll see phones with odd green handles—high-tech marvels of the 1940s known as scrambler phones. They took 20 minutes to warm up and blasted white noise like an angry seashell. Eavesdropping? Not on Churchill’s watch.
Meanwhile, the walls are studded with pinholes from frantic map-stabbing, some patched so many times they now qualify as historical patchwork quilts.
Churchill himself only spent a handful of nights here, but he used the bunker frequently—for meetings, cigars, and power naps in less-than-Prime-Ministerial attire. One of the highlights is a fire bucket turned ashtray, where he’d casually discard cigar stubs. Enterprising Marine guards allegedly sold those stubs to souvenir hunters. Recycling and capitalism at their finest.
Rumor has it there’s a second, even deeper bunker underneath, full of pipes, cables, and possibly Churchill’s wine cellar. Sadly, not open to the public—yet...
Tip:
Book online to skip the queue.
The audio tour takes a little over an hour.
Bring snacks—dining nearby is limited unless you fancy lunching on history alone.
6) St. James's Park (must see)
Once upon a royal time, a queen casually asked her courtier how much it would cost to kick the public out of St. James’s Park. The courtier, with nerves of steel and a flair for drama, replied, “Only your crown, ma’am.” And that pretty much sums up the importance of this place—mess with the people’s park, and you’re one coronation short of a monarchy.
Wedged gracefully between three heavy-hitters—Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and the political power zone of Westminster—St. James’s Park is London’s oldest and arguably most charming green retreat. Back in 1532, Henry VIII thought this marsh was in great need of deer, so he snapped it up for his very own deer nursery. Later, during the reign of James I, the land was drained, and an aviary was installed (giving rise to the name Birdcage Walk), along with a zoo that featured exotic species like crocodiles, camels, and even an elephant.
Then came Charles II, freshly returned from exile in France with some serious garden envy after ogling Versailles. He rolled up his sleeves and transformed the park into a regal playground with neat avenues, fruit trees, a canal, and a whole zoo of goats, sheep, and deer casually grazing the lawns. By the 1700s, the park had taken a turn for the scandalous, becoming a preferred hunting ground for the affluent individuals seeking... nighttime companions.
In the 19th century, the romantic stylings of John Nash (one of the foremost British architects of the Georgian and Regency eras) gave the park its current look—a picturesque escape with winding paths and dreamy views. Peer down the lake toward Buckingham Palace, and you can easily imagine having wandered onto a countryside estate—until a pelican flaps by.
Speaking of birds, Duck Island at the lake’s eastern tip is a feathery haven for pelicans, swans (King-owned, naturally), geese, and ducks. From March to October, deck chairs appear like sun-seeking mushrooms—perfect for office lunch breaks or tuning into a bandstand performance at midday.
Evenings are a delight here too, as the lake reflects the glowing silhouettes of Westminster Abbey and the Parliament buildings. It’s part fairy tale, part postcard, and entirely worth a visit. Lush lawns, birds with better titles than you, and the occasional live performance. Basically, it’s where London goes to exhale...
Wedged gracefully between three heavy-hitters—Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and the political power zone of Westminster—St. James’s Park is London’s oldest and arguably most charming green retreat. Back in 1532, Henry VIII thought this marsh was in great need of deer, so he snapped it up for his very own deer nursery. Later, during the reign of James I, the land was drained, and an aviary was installed (giving rise to the name Birdcage Walk), along with a zoo that featured exotic species like crocodiles, camels, and even an elephant.
Then came Charles II, freshly returned from exile in France with some serious garden envy after ogling Versailles. He rolled up his sleeves and transformed the park into a regal playground with neat avenues, fruit trees, a canal, and a whole zoo of goats, sheep, and deer casually grazing the lawns. By the 1700s, the park had taken a turn for the scandalous, becoming a preferred hunting ground for the affluent individuals seeking... nighttime companions.
In the 19th century, the romantic stylings of John Nash (one of the foremost British architects of the Georgian and Regency eras) gave the park its current look—a picturesque escape with winding paths and dreamy views. Peer down the lake toward Buckingham Palace, and you can easily imagine having wandered onto a countryside estate—until a pelican flaps by.
Speaking of birds, Duck Island at the lake’s eastern tip is a feathery haven for pelicans, swans (King-owned, naturally), geese, and ducks. From March to October, deck chairs appear like sun-seeking mushrooms—perfect for office lunch breaks or tuning into a bandstand performance at midday.
Evenings are a delight here too, as the lake reflects the glowing silhouettes of Westminster Abbey and the Parliament buildings. It’s part fairy tale, part postcard, and entirely worth a visit. Lush lawns, birds with better titles than you, and the occasional live performance. Basically, it’s where London goes to exhale...
7) St. James's Palace
Constructed in the 1530s by Henry VIII, who also laid out the hunting grounds that eventually became Saint James's Park, Saint James's Palace marked the first royal dwelling on this particular parcel of land, located to the south of Piccadilly and to the north of The Mall. Following the devastating fire that engulfed Whitehall Palace in 1698, all of London's attention shifted to this palace, which assumed the role of the new royal residence. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the surrounding area grew into a prestigious residential district, leading to the disappearance of older estates as mansions sprouted and streets were carefully planned for the aristocracy.
In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II delivered her first address as monarch from this historic location, and foreign ambassadors continue to hold official accreditation to the Court of Saint James's. While the palace houses various royal chambers and administrative offices, it remains off-limits to the general public. Nevertheless, the unassuming Tudor facade is worth a brief detour from The Mall, and the Friary Court in front provides an impressive backdrop for Trooping the Colour, a component of the Queen's official birthday festivities.
Visitors often seize the opportunity to capture a photo of the guardsman in scarlet attire standing watch outside the imposing Tudor gateway. It's worth noting that the Changing the Guard ceremony at this location occurs solely on days when there is a changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II delivered her first address as monarch from this historic location, and foreign ambassadors continue to hold official accreditation to the Court of Saint James's. While the palace houses various royal chambers and administrative offices, it remains off-limits to the general public. Nevertheless, the unassuming Tudor facade is worth a brief detour from The Mall, and the Friary Court in front provides an impressive backdrop for Trooping the Colour, a component of the Queen's official birthday festivities.
Visitors often seize the opportunity to capture a photo of the guardsman in scarlet attire standing watch outside the imposing Tudor gateway. It's worth noting that the Changing the Guard ceremony at this location occurs solely on days when there is a changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
