Royal Banquet Hall Old England

The Banqueting House    

Tripadvisor (646) · Historical landmark in London, United Kingdom
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The breathtaking Banqueting House is filled with stories. Built by Inigo Jones for the performance of court masques, it is however most famous for real-life drama.On 30 January 1649, Charles I …
The breathtaking Banqueting House is filled with stories. Built by Inigo Jones for the performance of court masques, it is however most famous for real-life drama.On 30 January 1649, Charles I passed beneath the magnificent Rubens ceiling, painted to celebrate the glory of monarchy, as he made his way to a scaffold outside where he was beheaded.The first major classical building in England, constructed in the Italian Palladian style, the Banqueting House is a survivor of flood, fire and war, whose ability to impress has only increased with age.Discover the fascinating tales of this unique palace, from the brutal culmination of the English Civil War to decadent court celebrations and royal ceremonies.

Reviews

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4.5/5 · 646 reviews
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Jan 19, 2024
We went on an open day for those with membership of royal historic palaces. It was very popular but there was plenty of space to move around once we got inside and the talk downstairs was easily audi… Full review by John A
Nov 19, 2023
We took a special Halloween tour of the Banqueting House, which was themed with creepy stories from the (former) palace's history (including the execution of Charles I). The tour guides were in costu… Full review by speerbuz
Nov 1, 2023
My family and I visited the Banqueting house for a Halloween talk. We had a brilliant time, we learned so much about the history of the palace and its residents from the 1600s! The Banqueting House… Full review by P1334HVmelissah

Questions & answers

Q:
Do the staff give tours at the Banqueting house or is it only done by Audio?
A:
When I was there a short film by the entryway introduced summarized the hall’s history and a very comprehensive audio tour was available to explain each aspect of the hall in …
A:
When I was there a short film by the entryway introduced summarized the hall’s history and a very comprehensive audio tour was available to explain each aspect of the hall in depth. A guide was present on the second floor to answer questions and encourage visitors to try on period costumes hanging from a rack nearby. To my mind, a live guide would disrupt the experience of the hall. Bean bag chairs line the hall, allowing visitors to gaze up at the dome and learn about the place’s history in comfort and peace.
Q:
What’s the entrance fee to the Banqueting House?
A:
I paid £6 (Senior Citizen Rate) at the door and you can stay in the building as long as you like - opening times permitting.
Q:
Any good coffee shops close by to the Banqueting House
A:
Good Coffee Shops are abundant in the Westminster area, there are a few named ones if you are willing to travel up the strand but why not try the weatherspoons pub "the moon …
A:
Good Coffee Shops are abundant in the Westminster area, there are a few named ones if you are willing to travel up the strand but why not try the weatherspoons pub "the moon in the mail" which serves unlimited freshly ground coffee
Q:
Is photography allowed?
A:
Absolutely no problem the frescos and paintings are incredible in fact they have mirrors on the floor to picture ceiling. Well worth visit
Q:
is it best to have a ticket or an e voucher
A:
We used the London pass but there was no line it only took a couple mins to visit and there were only a few people inside. So I would recommend just purchasing entry once you arrive.
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
Are the gardens open all year round?
A:
The gardens are open at different times throughout the year and you require an admission ticket. Please check our opening times.
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