Built in 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham, the Royal Family has lived here since 1837 when Queen Victoria made it her home. When Her Royal Highness is off in Scotland on her summer holidays from late July to September, visitors have a chance to look into the State Rooms, 19 of the palace’s 775 rooms.
Best bet is the Changing of the Guard, when the Old Guard comes off duty to be replaced by the New, with the guards decked out in the pageantry of bright-red Guard uniforms and bearskin hats.
Also not to miss: The Picture Gallery with works by artists such as Van Dyck, Canaletto, Rembrandt, Rubens and Vermeer; the Throne Room; the Royal Mews; and the Palace Gardens.
Visit: Westminster SW1A 1AA; www.rct.uk
