What should groups look out for at Buckingham Palace? We get some visitor tips and useful insight from Cassie Robinson, visitor services manager at the iconic residence of the King.
What is your favourite part about working at the Royal Collection Trust?
It is an absolute privilege to work at the official residence of The King and spend each day walking through these historic and often opulent spaces, all filled with unique and important Royal Collection items, and call it work.
Our brilliant Warden team, who are the front-facing staff greeting and looking after our visitors every day, are all incredibly passionate about their work, providing the friendliest possible welcome which our visitors expect when coming to the Palace.
What should groups look out for when visiting Buckingham Palace?
My personal highlights are Canova’s Mars and Venus statue located in the Marble Corridor of Buckingham Palace. I love everything about the magnificent gold and red Throne Room, and of course, one of the Royal Collection’s most famous paintings, The Music Lesson by Johannes Vermeer.
Is there something that’s easy to miss?
The ceilings – make sure you look up in each room you enter for a visual treat at Buckingham Palace. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the rooms in the palace, but if you don’t look up, you’ll miss half the amazing detail.
What would you say to tempt groups into visiting a Royal Collection Trust site?
As working royal palaces, all our sites offer the unique opportunity to explore rooms that are still used by Their Majesties and members of the royal family, whether they be the setting for state banquets, investitures, or other state and ceremonial occasions; our visitors get to experience these spaces first hand and be a part of living history.
What’s the most popular thing for groups to book?
Apart from a visit to the state rooms at Buckingham Palace, groups absolutely love our Garden Highlights Tours which can be added on to a visit, as well as the opportunity to purchase a Royal Day Out ticket which incorporates the State Rooms, The King’s Gallery and the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, all in a single visit.
What is one fact about Buckingham Palace that might be a surprise to visitors?
Buckingham Palace boasts the largest private garden in London, and it has a hidden helipad discreetly incorporated into its lawn – groups should keep an eye out for this as they exit through the garden after a visit.
For more information about visits to Buckingham Palace go to rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace.
