Since 1703, Buckingham Palace has represented one of the most important buildings in the British monarchy. Stretching over an impressive 100m in length, containing 775 rooms and 78 bathrooms - it is quite a sight to behold. With over 800 staff who help run this quintessentially English palace, from clockmakers to caterers, it’s no surprise Buckingham Palace is such an iconic London landmark.
Beyond Buckingham Palace, there's plenty more to see and do from discovering London's rich heritage to exploring the latest in contemporary art. You can spend all day exploring the great places in Westminster, each within walking distance of the palace. So without further ado, here are some of the most noteworthy attractions in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace.
Green Park and St James's Park
The palace is flanked by some of the finest open spaces in London; Green Park to the north and St James's Park to the east. A peaceful refuge looking directly onto the palace, Green Park has 40 acres of trees and grassland, which extend to Piccadilly and Constitution Hill. It's the perfect spot for a quiet picnic in the summer or a morning jog.
St James's Park provides the backdrop to some of the finest examples of royal pageantry, including the annual Trooping the Colour. Here, you'll also find famous sights including the Horse Guards Parade and The Mall, which runs from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square.
Both parks are great if you fancy a bit of time out from the hustle and bustle of London, so feel free to camp out with a picnic or sit on a quiet bench to read a book.
Westminster Cathedral
Less than a ten-minute walk from the palace, Westminster Cathedral – not to be confused with Westminster Abbey – is the mother church of the Catholic faith in England and Wales. Overlooked by most tourists walking along Victoria Road, it’s one of the more famous attractions worth a look.
With undeniable Byzantine influence, this 17th-century building is quite a sight to behold, and thanks to John Francis Bentley, it's worth a photo or two. Westminster Cathedral is one of the few examples of neo-Byzantine architecture in London and stands out for its size and unique design.
Churchill War Rooms
Part of the Imperial War Museum, the Churchill War Rooms are located just ten minutes away from Buckingham Palace and hold the Cabinet War Rooms, a famous underground complex from which the British government commanded its troops in the Second World War.
Here, you will also find the Churchill Museum, dedicated to exploring the life of one of Britain's finest statesmen and leader of the war effort, Winston Churchill. Explore the secret rooms and walk the corridors of this underground base – a real experience for history buffs and a great insight into WW2.
Please note: Churchill War Rooms are not included with The London Pass®
Institute of Contemporary Arts
If your tastes are a little more abstract, after seeing the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, why not head down to the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), just 15 minutes away on foot? The ICA is home to radical art and culture, with exhibitions focused on cutting-edge ideas across the visual arts, events and talks. It also boasts two cinemas, a theatre and a bookshop, should you wish to take home any souvenirs.
Looking to learn more about this royal abode? Here are our favourite facts about Buckingham Palace.
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