Banqueting House
Banqueting House
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Admire the epic Rubens' ceiling and discover the site of Charles I's execution at Banqueting House, Whitehall - a magnificent survivor of the lost royal Palace of Whitehall. Once the principle setting for the passions, intrigues and ceremonies of the Tudor, and later, the Stuart monarchies, Charles I was executed on a specially built scaffold outside the Banqueting House on 30 January 1649.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Westminster
If you only had an afternoon to experience London on a grand scale, Westminster would be a wise place to start. The ornate Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey sit adjacent at a corner of Parliament Square, and a short stroll along The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column are just up the road as well. As captivating as the architecture is, the wonders of Mother Nature are highlights of the area too. St James's Park (arguably London's loveliest), the expansive Green Park, and pedestrian friendly tree lined paths along the river showcase the exquisite manicure provided by English gardeners. Just beyond the landmarks and the gorgeous outdoor spaces, quiet residential squares and age old local pubs offer a more subdued take on this global seat of power in the heart of London.
How to get there
- Charing Cross • 5 min walk
- Embankment • 6 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,400 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- DannyParlourLondonBlueBadgeTouristGuideLondon, United Kingdom14 contributionsSpectacularly spooky halloween themed private tour of the Banqueting House. Bravo!I visited last night with a friend for special Halloween guided tour and it was spectacular. The actors made it all so atmospheric and spooky (whilst not scary which I was really pleased about) and Welcome Hosts Eleanor and James each provided fantastic commentary. They provided fabulous tours, tying in the history of the palace with lots of interesting character information too. The lighting and music really added to the experience too. It would be great to see events such as these taking place regularly every year.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 1, 2023
- Mrs MHertfordshire, United Kingdom26 contributionsFanstastic Halloween Talk!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 itself beautiful and is seeped in originality. The guides Eleonor and James were so informative and made it very creepy with actors lurking added to the ambiance. We will definitely be going back next year!!Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 1, 2023
- speerbuzBrisbane, Australia54 contributionsCreepy stories in the Banqueting House.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 costume and had obviously researched their material well. The building itself is impressive, especially the upper level with the marvellous painted Rubens ceiling. Highly recommended, as tours are only conducted on certain occasions.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 19, 2023
- John ABrentwood, United Kingdom449 contributionsAmazing paintings and great staffWe 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 audible. All the staff were very good with lots of knowledge and patiently answering questions (even from the lady who kept interrupting with her questions whilst the previous person's answer was still being given!)Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
646 reviews
Excellent
298
Very good
245
Average
80
Poor
15
Terrible
8
John A
Brentwood, UK449 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
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 audible. All the staff were very good with lots of knowledge and patiently answering questions (even from the lady who kept interrupting with her questions whilst the previous person's answer was still being given!)
Written January 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon B
10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Just across the road from Horse Guards on Whitehall is The Banqueting House, the last remaining part of the Whitehall Palace. The thought that the last thing Charles 1 saw before he was executed was the magnificent Ribena ceiling is haunting. There is a great audio guide and you can lie on the bean bags and stare at the ceiling - great way to spend an hour or so and remember you can get 2 for 1 tickets if you travel by train ( I have no financial interest...other than being a taxpayer.)
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyParlourLondonBlueBadgeTouristGuide
London, UK14 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I visited last night with a friend for special Halloween guided tour and it was spectacular. The actors made it all so atmospheric and spooky (whilst not scary which I was really pleased about) and Welcome Hosts Eleanor and James each provided fantastic commentary. They provided fabulous tours, tying in the history of the palace with lots of interesting character information too. The lighting and music really added to the experience too. It would be great to see events such as these taking place regularly every year.
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
speerbuz
Brisbane, Australia54 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
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 costume and had obviously researched their material well. The building itself is impressive, especially the upper level with the marvellous painted Rubens ceiling. Highly recommended, as tours are only conducted on certain occasions.
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs M
Hertfordshire, UK26 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
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 itself beautiful and is seeped in originality. The guides Eleonor and James were so informative and made it very creepy with actors lurking added to the ambiance. We will definitely be going back next year!!
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John D
Bedford, UK32 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Our favourite part was the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides on our guided tour. James, Lilly and Sophia were excellent at bringing history to life. The only warning for other visitors was the large number of stairs to negotiate.
Written March 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelBTravel
London, UK297 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
You don't need long here about 30mins at the most but it is definitely worth a visit. Sit back and take in the stunning roof and learn it's history that surrounds the building. It is only a 5min walk from Downing st and across the road from the queens guards.
Written November 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravellerfromGB
London, UK196 contributions
Dec 2019
Banqueting House is a marvel. Full of history with an included audio guide that lasts 45 minutes or so. The Rubens on the ceiling is truly breathtaking and was much more inspiring than I thought. You need to see it in person to appreciate it.
However, you need to understand that there is effectively only the one room to see and the ceiling. That is effectively it. If you are expecting a museum or place to walk about in then you will be very disappointed. But if you have managed your expectations and take a seat on a bean bag and look up at the majestic ceiling whilst listening to the audio guide then you will spend a pleasant hour here. It is well done with mirrors, bean bags and the audio guide to make the most of one space.
However, you need to understand that there is effectively only the one room to see and the ceiling. That is effectively it. If you are expecting a museum or place to walk about in then you will be very disappointed. But if you have managed your expectations and take a seat on a bean bag and look up at the majestic ceiling whilst listening to the audio guide then you will spend a pleasant hour here. It is well done with mirrors, bean bags and the audio guide to make the most of one space.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VCinNOLA
New Orleans, LA32 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Four of us toured the Banqueting House and we were all pleasantly surprised. We stumbled across this site on a rainy day. After buying your ticket, you head up to second floor (first floor for Europeans). This is a self-guided audio tour. There is plenty of comfortable seating, including beanie bags. If you are a history buff, I strongly recommend a visit to the Banqueting House. I learned so much, not just about the House, but also about the history of England. Young children may become easily bored. I would say that teenagers in secondary school and older may find it interesting.
Written December 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErinShelley
Toronto, Canada96 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
While not a large palace, the Banqueting House is all that remains of Whitehall Palace. The ceilings are stunning and the room's grandeur is to be admired. Grab an audioguide as it makes all the difference to your visit.
When purchasing your ticket, they will suggest you watch a short video first. Normally I'd skip this but for some reason I didn't this time and I was glad for it. The video gave a good insightful overview to Whitehall Palace and the Banqueting House. It also helped briefly explain the history of Charles I.
The audioguide gets into further details and is what makes one's visit last so long. Get comfortable in one of the many beanbag chairs sprawled out in the room, look up at the ceiling and get lost in the details. A rich history is provided on the room and how it came to be the only part of Whitehall palace to remain, the ceilings by Rubens, and the history of Charles I and the significance of the Banqueting House to his story.
You will come out thoroughly educated without being bored. Prepared to be awed.
When purchasing your ticket, they will suggest you watch a short video first. Normally I'd skip this but for some reason I didn't this time and I was glad for it. The video gave a good insightful overview to Whitehall Palace and the Banqueting House. It also helped briefly explain the history of Charles I.
The audioguide gets into further details and is what makes one's visit last so long. Get comfortable in one of the many beanbag chairs sprawled out in the room, look up at the ceiling and get lost in the details. A rich history is provided on the room and how it came to be the only part of Whitehall palace to remain, the ceilings by Rubens, and the history of Charles I and the significance of the Banqueting House to his story.
You will come out thoroughly educated without being bored. Prepared to be awed.
Written November 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do the staff give tours at the Banqueting house or is it only done by Audio?
Written November 1, 2019
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.
Written December 6, 2019
Free if you have a Historic Royal palaces card. This card lasts a year and covers Tower of London Banqueting House Kew Palace (not the gardens) and Hampton Court.
See the Historic Palaces website for the general admission prices
Written September 17, 2019
Any good coffee shops close by to the Banqueting House
Written September 17, 2019
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
Written October 25, 2019
brenyong
Nottingham, United Kingdom
is it best to have a ticket or an e voucher
Written September 1, 2016
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.
Written January 26, 2017
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