Completed in 1622, Banqueting House is the last surviving building of the Palace of Whitehall. Long before Buckingham Palace balcony waves, this place was the principal London residence of English monarchs. Its soaring, basilica-like Main Hall and Rubens’s magnificent ceiling paintings are reason enough to visit—but they are only half the story. Just outside, Charles I was executed in 1649, a pivotal event that briefly brought the English monarchy to an end.
On selected dates over the coming months, Banqueting House will be opening its doors for Candlelight. The classical concert series will be lighting up the 17th-century landmark with thousands of twinkling candles to host tributes to classical composers, contemporary pop stars, iconic film scores and more.
A little bit of history on Banqueting House
Banqueting House was the Tudor and Stuart monarchs’ principal London residence. Commissioned by James I and completed in 1622, the building was originally built to stage court masques, which were lavish royal spectacles that fused music, dance, poetry and theatre.
When James’s son Charles I ascended the throne in 1625, he transformed the hall into an even grander assertion of Stuart power. In 1636, nine monumental canvases by Peter Paul Rubens were installed on its ceiling, presenting the Stuart monarchs as divinely favoured, peace-bringing rulers.
Yet just 13 years later, Charles’s reign came to an abrupt end: on 30 January 1649, following defeat in the English Civil Wars and conviction for high treason, the king was taken through Banqueting House and stepped onto a specially built scaffold outside, where he was beheaded before a large public crowd.
What can you do at Banqueting House?
Banqueting House is open to the public on scheduled open days throughout the year. Visiting hours are usually from 10am-4pm and guests are free to roam the historic space at their own pace, taking in Rubens’s ceiling, the Undercroft and the story of Charles I’s final days. The venue offers occasional Deaf-led guided tours led in British Sign Language, with spoken-English interpretation.
This season, Banqueting House is also hosting the popular Candlelight concert series. These classical tributes pay homage to music’s biggest icons, from Vivaldi and Bach all the way to Leonard Cohen and Oasis. A string quartet takes to the stage inside the historic hall to put their own twist on the songs and compositions that have helped shape music over the past few centuries.
6 February 2027 21:30
Fitzwilliam College
24 October 2026 19:00 + more dates
Southwark Cathedral
14 November 2026 19:00
Banqueting House
Where is Banqueting House and how to get there?
The nearest Tube stations are Westminster—served by the Jubilee, District and Circle lines—and Embankment, served by the Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines; each is around a five-minute walk. Several buses also stop nearby on Whitehall, including routes 12, 24, 26, 87, 88, 159 and 453.
📍Address: Banqueting House, Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER
Do I need to book Banqueting House tickets in advance?
Yes, you should book your tickets in advance online. Adult tickets cost £10 and children (0-15) enter for free.
How long should I allow for a visit?
A visit usually takes around 45-60 minutes.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue provides step-free access to its principal visitor spaces.
Nearby Venues in London
Several London landmarks lie a short walk or drive from Banqueting House, including Horse Guards Parade, The Cenotaph and Downing Street. For a special evening out, you can also explore Candlelight venues in London, including Southwark Cathedral and Central Hall Westminster.
