Buckingham Palace

Here's another item that I can cross off my bucket list.  I have always wanted to stand outside Buckingham Palace and walk down the Mall. The bonus of this trip was that we were able to take a tour of the State Rooms. You are only able to do this during the Spring and Summer while the Queen is on holidays.

The only down side was that you were not allowed to take any photos inside :( It's only a ploy to make you buy the book of official photos !!! I bought ALOT of these kinds of books while I was travelling. You never know when you might need them, or I may never get back.

The inside was everything I thought it would be and more. Gold and elegance right through but what I did find very surprising was how warm, comfortable and homely it felt. The main highlight for me was to be able to stand in the same room and area where all the official photos are taken and look out the windows that open onto the royal balcony. Right where Kate and William celebrated after their wedding.

It was a lot smaller than I thought.

The Queens Gate

The Royal Balcony

Looking straight down the Mall

We had a little time to kill before heading into the Palace so we took a walk down the Mall and ended at Horse Guards Parade and the Winston Churchill Cabinet War Rooms. That also was an interesting place to see which we did later on during our trip. Pics to come !!

War rooms are on the right where the people are lined up

 

My first look at Big Ben !!!

After our tour of the State Rooms there was a café set up on the back stairs where we could enjoy a proper English afternoon tea. Who could resist that. Have a lovely afternoon tea while admiring the Queens gardens !!!

A great way to end of a great tour. Not many people can say they have eaten at the Palace.

The Queens back door. She lives right above it.

Selfie at the Palace.

A little further down the path was a pop up shop with a host of great products. Of course more money was spent here !! Even though there is a Royal shop on the street there is only a small amount that can be purchased there so only had one chance.

The Queen even has an indoor heated pool.

So that concludes our adventure of Buckingham Palace. The only down side was that we were unable to see the Changing of the Guard so that will have to be the first item on the list for the return trip.