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Cart (0)The Banqueting House
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Highlights
- Visit the only complete building of the old Whitehall Palace to have survived
- See the amazing Rubens ceiling paintings
- Discover the Stuart monarchy in the Undercroft
- Learn the wider story of the lost palace of Whitehall
Inclusions
What's Included:
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What's Excluded:
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Description
Discover one of London's most remarkable historic buildings. Designed by the renowned 17th-century architect Inigo Jones, the Banqueting House is the only surviving part of the magnificent Whitehall Palace, once the Sovereign's principal residence and the largest palace in Europe.
Created as a spectacular setting for royal banquets, lavish masques, and dazzling court entertainments, the Banqueting House remains as breathtaking today as it was over 400 years ago. Look up to discover its greatest treasure, the magnificent ceiling painted by Sir Peter Paul Rubens and commissioned by Charles I. These nine extraordinary masterpieces are the only Rubens ceiling paintings in the world still displayed exactly where they were created.
Outside these grand walls, history took a dramatic turn. In 1649, Charles I stepped through a specially created opening to the scaffold, where he became the only English king ever to be executed. Witnesses recorded a 'dismal, universal groan' from the watching crowd, marking one of the most pivotal moments in British history.
From revolutionary architecture and world-renowned art to royal spectacle and political drama, the Banqueting House offers an incredible look into the heart of Britain's royal past and continues its tradition of hosting spectacular events to this day.
Schedule
Address: The Banqueting House, Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER
Nearest Train Station: Charing Cross
Nearest Underground: Westminster, Embankment or Charing Cross
Bus Routes: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77A, 88 or 159
Thursday to Monday: 10am - 4pm (last entry is 3pm)
Additional Information
- Tickets can be cancelled/amended up to 24 hours before visit time.
- Please select your chosen day of visit, and if a timeslot is needed, please select one. Otherwise, you are free to enter at any time during entry hours.
- Students must have a valid ID in order to use student pricing.
- The attraction may be subject to closure at short notice.
- Concession price is also applicable to full-time students subject to a valid student ID card.
- You will receive an e-ticket for this activity.
Golden Tours acts as an official agent for these activities; as such, you are subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier.
