If you think you’ve completed the ‘see all the royal parts of London’ quest, there’s a new level for you to take on. From this summer, visitors will be allowed to see parts of Buckingham Palace that were previously off-limits to visitors.
The newly-restored East Wing will be open for guided tours in July and August, and even features the part of the building with the front façade of the palace which includes the balcony where you’ll see the Royal Family make public appearances. Though it’s likely that visitors won’t be permitted to step out onto the space, you’ll still get a glimpse at the famous spot up close.
The Buckingham Palace East Wing
Why are visitors allowed into this part of Buckingham Palace now? It’s possible due to the end of five years of improvement works to the building’s infrastructure and strengthening the access to the East Wing.
You’ll be able to visit the wing from July 15, with guided tours taking place for small groups at a time. Visitors will learn about the history of the East Wing, which was created at the request of Queen Victoria by architect Edward Blore. It was first occupied by the Queen and Prince Albert and their children. Today the area is used for Royal meetings and hosting events.
During the tour, guides will lead groups into the Principal Corridor which features paintings by artists including Sir Thomas Lawrence, Thomas Gainsborough, and Franz Xaver Winterhalter. In the Yellow Drawing Room, there’s the recently restored Chinese hand-painted wallpaper from the 18th century as well as a pair of hexagonal, nine-tiered Chinese porcelain pagodas next to the Kylin Clock. A walk into the Centre Room will then allow visitors to see the eye-catching chandelier, which takes the shape of a lotus flower.
Summer Openings of the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace will mean the royal building is open for seven days a week during July and August, and five days a week in September. Tours of the East Win take place in July and August – and they must be booked alongside a general admission ticket, as space each day is limited. East Wing Highlights tour tickets go on sale this Tuesday, April 9.
Find out more information and book your spot here.