During the summer months from mid-July through to September, Her Majesty The Queen leaves London for her annual visit to Scotland. In this period, the nineteen state rooms are open to visitors. As this is the only time the public can visit Buckingham Palace, any trip should be complemented by a stay in one of the hotels near Buckingham Palace like The Cavendish London.
The State Rooms are the most important part of the palace and are magnificently 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 extremely fine pieces of furniture from England and France. The rooms are used regularly by Her Majesty and members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on official and ceremonial visits. Many hotels near Buckingham Palace aspire to create such luxurious interiors for their own guests.
Known originally as Buckingham House, the palace was started in 1703 and initially intended to be a large townhouse (the residence of a member of the aristocracy in a major city). The last major structural additions were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the East Front which contains the well-known balcony on which the Royal Family traditionally congregate to greet crowds outside. However, the palace chapel was destroyed by a German bomb in World War II and the Queen's Gallery was built on the site and opened to the public in 1962 to exhibit works of art from the Royal Collection.
If art and culture are your passion, a visit to the palace, as well as Covent Garden, really is a must whilst staying in London hotels.
PALACE'S GARDEN
As well as the magnificent state rooms, the Palace features a beautifully wild 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 lake. Other famous parks are in close proximity to Buckingham Palace including Green Park, St James’ Park and Hyde Park. Iconic landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Piccadilly Circus are also just a short stroll away and on the doorstep of many hotels near Buckingham Palace.
EVENING BUCKINGHAM PALACE TOUR
Another interesting option to enjoy during the summer opening of Buckingham Palace, is to take an exclusive evening tour. These tours need to be booked in advance, but they will give you a very special insight into the history and use of the State Rooms and the works of art on display.
Contact our Concierge at The Cavendish London who will be more than happy to confirm costs and book your tickets for the Buckingham Palace Summer Opening. Location: Buckingham Palace, London.
Complete your Royal experience with a quintessential Afternoon Tea at The Cavendish London hotel near Buckingham Palace, which celebrates this very British tradition with a delicious menu in the Petrichor Restaurant.
For bookings and further information, please contact us on 0207 930 2111 or contact our friendly Concierge team on
[email protected]