Blenheim Palace is located near Oxford and is home to a romantic garden created by renowned landscape gardener Brown. In 1704, it was awarded to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, by the English in recognition of his victory over the French and Bavarian troops. Built between 1705 and 1722, it is characterized by a philosophical style and a return to national roots. It is a fine example of an 18th-century royal residence.
History of Blenheim Palace
By the summer of 1704, King Louis XIV of France’s large army dominated the mainland of Europe. In an attempt to create a French-controlled superpower, Sun King defeated every alliance he threw at him. By establishing a French prince on the throne of Spain, Louis prepared to expand his borders north to the Rhine and south.
The French had plans to send troops to join the Bavarian army and to travel to the Danube to capture Vienna. In an attempt to prevent this, the British decided to launch a joint offensive against Bavaria under John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, and Prince Eugene of Savoy.
In one of the greatest military maneuvers in history, Marlborough secretly sailed his army about 200 miles from the Netherlands to Bavaria. The Austro-British-Danish army marched overnight and arrived on the north bank of the Danube. They encountered the Franco-Bavarian Lines at Blenheim, a small village near Hutchstad, Bavaria, under the command of French leader Marshall Thailand.
Buckingham Palace: Visiting Guide, Top Things to See, and a Little Royal History
Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most iconic landmarks — not just because it’s beautiful, but because it’s a working royal residence and the operational HQ of the UK monarchy. Whether you’re aiming to catch the Changing of the Guard, snap the classic Victoria Memorial photo, or visit the State Rooms when they’re open, this guide will help you plan the visit without stress: when to go, how to get there, what to see, and how to build an easy mini-itinerary around it.
Quick Facts (Fast Planning)
- Where: Westminster, central London
- Nearest Tube stations: Green Park, St James’s Park, Victoria
- Best for: First-time London visitors, history lovers, photographers, families
- Time needed: 45–90 minutes for outside + photos, 2–3 hours if visiting inside (when open)
- Heads-up: Access to interior spaces is seasonal/limited — always check the official schedule before you build plans around it.
How to Visit Buckingham Palace (Simple Step-by-Step)
Here’s the cleanest workflow:
- Decide your goal
- Outside only: photos, palace gates, Victoria Memorial, quick walk through St James’s Park.
- Inside visit: State Rooms / exhibitions (when available).
- Check opening info + tickets
- Interior visits and exhibitions run on limited dates and timed entry. Tickets can sell out faster during peak travel season.
- Pick your timing
- Early morning tends to be calmer for photos.
- Midday is often busiest (tour groups + peak foot traffic).
- Arrive a bit early
- If you have tickets, arriving 20–30 minutes early helps you stay ahead of security checks and queues.
- Bundle nearby sights
- Buckingham Palace sits in a “high-density sightseeing zone,” so you can stack it with parks, museums, and Westminster highlights without extra transport.
Best Time to Go (Crowd Strategy)
If you want a smoother experience:
- Best time for photos: earlier in the day or later afternoon (softer light, fewer large groups).
- Busiest periods: weekends, school holidays, and peak summer travel.
- Weather reality: London does London things. Bring a compact umbrella or light rain jacket and keep moving.
If your heart is set on a ceremony (like the Changing of the Guard), check the official schedule because timing can shift due to weather and operational changes.
What to See at Buckingham Palace (Top Highlights)
Even if you’re not going inside, there’s plenty to enjoy.
1) The Forecourt & Main Gates
That classic palace-front view is the one you’ve seen everywhere. It’s also where crowds naturally gather, so if you want cleaner photos, go earlier.
2) The Victoria Memorial
This is your best “wide-angle” photo spot. It gives you the palace, the monument, and the big ceremonial vibe all in one frame.
3) The Balcony
The balcony is famously associated with major royal moments (celebrations, flypasts, and public appearances). You can’t access it as a visitor, but looking up at it adds context when you’ve seen it on broadcasts.
4) The Royal Parks Nearby
Right next door you’ve got excellent walking routes:
- St James’s Park (super scenic, great for a calm reset)
- Green Park (simpler, quieter, good “shortcut” park)
5) The State Rooms (When Open)
When interior visits are available, the State Rooms are the main attraction: grand ceremonial spaces used for official functions. If you’re doing inside + outside in one session, plan 2–3 hours total, depending on crowds and exhibitions.
Getting There (The Practical Options)
Tube (Recommended)
The closest, easiest stations:
- Green Park (popular and walkable)
- St James’s Park
- Victoria
Bus / Walk
If you’re already exploring central London, walking can be the best move. You’ll pass through parks and landmarks that make the trip feel like part of the experience, not “commuting.”
Taxi / Ride Share
Fine for convenience, but central London traffic can be slow. If you’re on a schedule, Tube + short walk is usually more predictable.
A Simple Buckingham Palace Itinerary (2–4 Hours)
Here are two plug-and-play options.
Option A: The “Classic Photos + Park Walk” (2 hours)
- Buckingham Palace front gates
- Victoria Memorial photos
- Walk through St James’s Park
- Grab coffee/snack nearby and decide your next move (Westminster area is close)
Option B: The “Full Visit Mode” (3–4 hours)
- Timed entry for State Rooms (when available)
- Exit and do the exterior photos + Victoria Memorial
- Park walk to decompress
- Continue to Westminster (Big Ben / Parliament area) or to nearby galleries
Buckingham Palace: A Short, Clear History (No Textbook Energy)
Buckingham Palace began life as Buckingham House, built as a grand private residence. In the 18th century, it was acquired for the royal family, and over time it evolved from “elite home” to “official base.”
In the 19th century, major expansions transformed the building into the palace footprint we recognize today. When Queen Victoria became monarch in 1837, Buckingham Palace became the central royal residence in London, and from there it continued to develop into a working site for ceremonies, receiving official guests, and supporting day-to-day constitutional duties.
Today, think of Buckingham Palace as both:
- a symbolic landmark (public-facing ceremonies and national moments), and
- a functional institution (administration, event hosting, and official operations).
It’s less “museum building” and more “active headquarters with visitor access at certain times.”
Tips That Make Your Visit Better (Small Things, Big Impact)
- Check schedules before you go: ceremony timings and interior access can change.
- Don’t over-commit: Buckingham Palace looks close to everything… until central London walking time humbles you. Build buffer.
- Bring water + comfy shoes: the area is very walkable, and you’ll enjoy it more if you’re not fighting your feet.
- Use the parks as your reset button: St James’s Park is genuinely one of the best “free upgrades” in London itinerary planning.
FAQs
Is Buckingham Palace open all year?
The outside area is always accessible. Interior visits (State Rooms/exhibitions) are typically limited and seasonal, so always check official availability.
How long does it take?
- Outside + photos: 45–90 minutes
- With an interior visit: 2–3 hours (or more if you move slowly and enjoy exhibits)
Can you see the Changing of the Guard any day?
Not always. Schedules can vary by season and weather. Check the official schedule close to your visit date.
Is it worth visiting if you can’t go inside?
Yes — the palace-front view, Victoria Memorial, and nearby parks make it a strong stop even without interior access.