Buckingham Palace

Address	Buckingham Palace Rd. London SW1A 1AA
Phone	+44 (0)20 7403 3761
Website	www.royal.gov.uk

Buckingham Palace was built in 1705 for the duke of Buckingham. The palace became the royal family’s home in 1837 when Queen Victoria decided that St. James Palace was too old fashioned. Buckingham Palace is open to visitors in August and September when the royal family is away on vacation. When the queen is home the royal flag is flown from the flagpole.

The changing of the guard takes place everyday at 11 am. The event, when the old guard is relieved and replaced by the new, draws an enormous crowd. Get there early and try to snag a spot along the gate. Despite all the confusion, don’t give up your spot! The event last a good hour and involves a lot of shouting and marching. Afterwards, many folks walk with the guards through Buckingham Palace Gardens. After calming down from the excitement the gardens are an excellent place to stroll around and enjoy a beverage from one of the many vendors that have setup for the event.