Name: Banqueting House
Rating: 5.0

Banqueting House

Banqueting House, Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The Banqueting House, on Whitehall in the City of Westminster, central London, is the grandest and best-known survivor of the architectural genre of banqueting houses, constructed for elaborate entertaining.

Historic Royal Palaces is grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation and Wolfson Foundation, whose generous support of the project will help us to conserve this magnificent building for generations to come.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Art and Sculpture: One of the highlights of the art collection at Banqueting House, besides of course the magnificent ceiling paintings by Rubens, is the painting of King Charles I (1600-1649) by Daniel Mytens (1590-1647). Part of the Government Art Collection, it hangs above the grand staircase leading into the Banqueting Hall. Charles I wears splendid blue stockings.
Banqueting Hall: The enormous double-cube proportions of the hall were designed to impress, and to reflect the magnificence of the Stuart king. Inigo Jones had created his own version of an ancient Roman basilica, where James I was to sit enthroned in state, just like an Emperor.
Charles I's Execution Site: Outside the Banqueting House, on the pavement of Whitehall, is the site of Charles I's execution on 30 January 1649. A scaffold was erected in front of the Banqueting House at first-floor level, high above the thousands of spectators. It gave them a clear view of the grisly execution of their King.
Inigo Jones' Architecture: The Banqueting House, Inigo Jones's masterpiece of classical architecture, is one of the first examples of the principles of Palladianism being applied to an English building. It marks the beginning of a revolution in British architecture.
Rubens Ceiling: The ceiling of the Banqueting House is the only surviving in-situ ceiling painting by Flemish artist, Sir Peter Paul Rubens. The canvases were installed in the hall in 1636. The three main canvasses depict The Union of the Crowns, The Apotheosis of James I and The Peaceful Reign of James I.
Undercroft: The shadowy vaulted Undercroft of the Banqueting House was created as a drinking den for James I and his friends. At one end there was originally a 'grotto' decorated with shells, designed by Isaac de Caus.

Facilities

Parking: Banqueting House is in the Congestion Charging Zone.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available inside the palace.
Toilets: The main toilet facilities are found in the Undercroft off the main entrance hall, these are not accessible.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Banqueting House is closed until 2025 for a period of essential re-servicing, conservation, and maintenance work.
For prices please check website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/visit/tickets-and-prices/

Pricing URL: https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/visit/tickets-and-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Banqueting House is currently closed for a period of essential re-servicing, conservation, and maintenance work and we expect to re-open for events in October 2025.

For updated time please visit: https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/visit/opening-and-closing-times/

Address: Banqueting House, Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER, UK

Post Code: SW1A 2ER

Council: Westminster

County: Greater London

Public transport: For up-to-date travel information to ensure a smooth journey to Banqueting House, please check the Transport for London website before you travel.
Trains: The following stations are a short walk from Banqueting House: Westminster station (5-minute walk) for Circle, District and Jubilee lines. Embankment station (5-minute walk) for Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines. London Charing Cross Station (10-minute walk) for National Rail. London Waterloo Station (15-minute walk) for National Rail.
Buses: Routes 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88 and 159 call at stops near Banqueting House.
Cycle: The nearest bicycle parking racks are located near the corner of Northumberland Avenue and Embankment Place.
Coaches: Metered coach bays can be found along Victoria Embankment, a short walk from the Banqueting House.
Parking: Banqueting House is in the Congestion Charging Zone.