Banqueting House, Whitehall
The last surviving piece of the Palace of Whitehall, famed for its Rubens ceiling and as the site of Charles I’s execution, now a powerful monument to royal power and revolution.
Standing as the sole survivor of the vast Palace of Whitehall, the Banqueting House in London is a masterpiece of early 17th-century architecture by Inigo Jones. Completed in 1622 for James I, it is famed for its magnificent in-situ ceiling by Peter Paul Rubens and as the site where King Charles I was executed in 1649. Today, visitors explore its grand hall, the atmospheric undercroft, and the poignant history of royal power, ceremony, and tragedy that unfolded beneath its gilded vault.
A brief summary to Banqueting House
- Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ER, GB
- +443333206000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during quieter hours (late morning or early afternoon on weekdays) to fully appreciate the Rubens ceiling and the atmosphere of the hall without large crowds.
- Take time to explore the undercroft, which offers a fascinating contrast to the grand hall above, with displays on court masques and the private life of James I.
- Check the Historic Royal Palaces website for any special events, talks, or temporary exhibitions that may enhance your visit with deeper historical context.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Westminster station (District, Circle and Jubilee lines); the Banqueting House is a 5-minute walk from the station exit, along Whitehall towards Horse Guards Parade.
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Bus
Several central London bus routes serve stops on Whitehall and nearby Horse Guards Parade; from there, the Banqueting House is a short, level walk along the pavement.
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Walking
From Trafalgar Square, walk south along Whitehall; the Banqueting House is on the left-hand side, a 10-minute walk from the square, with clear sightlines along the street.
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Cycling
Cycle along the central London cycle network; there are cycle parking racks near Horse Guards Parade and on Whitehall, a short distance from the Banqueting House entrance.
Banqueting House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Banqueting House
A Grand Palladian Statement
Rising from the heart of Whitehall, the Banqueting House is a striking example of early English Palladian architecture, designed by Inigo Jones and completed in 1622 for King James I. Its clean classical lines, rusticated ground floor, and elegant Corinthian columns marked a radical departure from the Tudor and Jacobean styles that had dominated English royal buildings. This was not just a banqueting hall, but a bold architectural manifesto, intended to impress foreign dignitaries and assert the sophistication of the Stuart court. The building’s single great chamber, raised on a vaulted basement, was conceived as a unified space for state occasions, where the king could receive ambassadors, host grand receptions, and stage elaborate court masques.The Rubens Ceiling and Courtly Spectacle
Above the main hall, the Banqueting House holds one of its most extraordinary treasures: the only surviving in-situ ceiling by Peter Paul Rubens. Commissioned by Charles I and painted between 1629 and 1630, the nine canvases glorify the reign of James I, depicting themes such as the Union of the Crowns, the Apotheosis of James I, and the Peaceful Reign of James I. These works were not merely decorative; they were powerful political statements, reinforcing the divine right of kings and the Stuart claim to rule over a united Britain. Beneath this celestial vision, the hall hosted lavish feasts, spiced wines, marzipan sculptures, and the elaborate masques that combined music, dance, and theatrical spectacle, all designed to dazzle the court and visiting envoys.The Execution of a King
The Banqueting House is indelibly marked by one of the most dramatic moments in British history: the execution of King Charles I on 30 January 1649. After his trial in Westminster Hall, the condemned king was taken to Whitehall Palace, where he bid farewell to his children before walking through the Banqueting House and out onto a specially constructed scaffold erected on the street outside. The irony of his final walk beneath Rubens’ glorification of his father’s divine right was not lost on contemporaries. Today, the site of the scaffold is commemorated, and a special service is held annually on the anniversary of his death, linking the building’s ceremonial past with its role in the turbulent politics of the English Civil War.From Royal Palace to Modern Monument
The Banqueting House is all that remains of the once vast Palace of Whitehall, which began as York Place, the London residence of the Archbishops of York, and was seized by Henry VIII from Cardinal Wolsey in 1530. Over the centuries, Whitehall grew into the principal royal residence of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs, a sprawling complex of apartments, tennis courts, tiltyards, and cockfighting pits. In 1698, a catastrophic fire destroyed almost the entire palace, but the Banqueting House was saved by Sir Christopher Wren’s efforts to protect it. In the centuries that followed, it served as a chapel, a preaching hall, and later as the home of the Royal United Services Institute museum, before being taken over by Historic Royal Palaces, which now manages it as a historic site open to the public.Exploring the Hall and Undercroft
Visitors today can admire the grand proportions of the main hall and the breathtaking Rubens ceiling, which remains a focal point of the space. Below, the undercroft offers a glimpse into a more intimate side of Stuart court life. Originally designed as a private drinking den for James I and his closest companions, this vaulted space was once decorated with shells to resemble a grotto, a place where the king could escape the rigours of public life. Though much of its original lavish character has been stripped away, the undercroft still conveys a sense of the private pleasures and conviviality that once accompanied the public splendour above. Exhibits in the undercroft also explore the history of the court masques and the broader story of Whitehall Palace, connecting the building to the wider world of early modern royal life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dover House
0.1 km
Historic neoclassical mansion on Whitehall, home to the Scotland Office with a unique rotunda entrance and rich aristocratic past.
George Duke of Cambridge statue
0.1 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, standing proudly on Whitehall amidst London’s historic military heart.
The Gurkha Soldier Statue
0.1 km
A solemn tribute to the fearless Gurkha soldiers guarding Britain’s legacy on Horse Guards Avenue.
The Women of World War II
0.1 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring over seven million British women’s vital roles during World War II.
10 Downing Street
0.2 km
Iconic London residence and office of the UK Prime Minister, steeped in centuries of political history and power.
10 Downing St
0.2 km
Discover the historic seat of British leadership, where iconic moments and political power converge behind the famous black door.
Chindit Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the daring Chindit special forces and their leader Major General Orde Wingate’s legacy.
Royal Tank Regiment Memorial Statue
0.2 km
A commanding bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring the bravery and teamwork of the Royal Tank Regiment’s WWII Comet tank crews.
The Cenotaph
0.2 km
Britain’s national war memorial in Whitehall, a solemn tribute to the fallen of the World Wars and later conflicts.
16-18 Whitehall
0.2 km
Explore 16-18 Whitehall, the historic site of England’s grandest royal palace and home to the stunning Banqueting House, a masterpiece of classical architecture.
Guards Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the Guardsmen who fell in World War I, set amidst London’s historic ceremonial heart.
Old Admiralty Building
0.3 km
Historic heart of Britain’s naval command, blending grand architecture with pivotal moments in London’s maritime legacy.
King Charles Street Arch
0.3 km
A grand 1908 triple-arched gateway in London’s Whitehall, rich in sculptural detail and historical significance.
King Charles Street
0.3 km
Explore King Charles Street, a historic London government hub famed for its grand Victorian architecture and pivotal role in British political life.
Captain James Cook
0.3 km
Bronze tribute to the explorer who charted the Pacific and shaped the British Empire
Unmissable attractions to see
Horse Guards Parade
0.1 km
Historic ceremonial parade ground in London’s Whitehall, famed for royal pageantry and military tradition since the 16th century.
The Household Cavalry Museum
0.1 km
Explore the living history and pageantry of Britain’s elite Household Cavalry at their historic London headquarters.
Victoria Embankment Gardens: Whitehall Gardens
0.2 km
A peaceful riverside garden in central London blending historic monuments, vibrant blooms, and tranquil green spaces along the Thames.
Royal Naval Division War Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn Lutyens-designed fountain and obelisk memorial honoring the Royal Naval Division’s WWI sacrifices on historic Horse Guards Parade.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.2 km
Experience the best of London's nightlife with laughter and drinks at The Boat Show Comedy Club, set in the unique Tattershall Castle.
The Battle of Britain Monument
0.3 km
A powerful bronze and granite tribute on London’s Victoria Embankment honoring the heroic RAF pilots of the 1940 Battle of Britain.
The Ghost Bus Tours
0.3 km
Dark comedy meets London history on a theatrical double-decker bus tour through the capital's most sinister stories.
Embankment Pl
0.3 km
A sleek postmodern complex blending riverside charm with central London’s vibrant urban pulse.
Benjamin Franklin House
0.3 km
Step inside the only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin and experience 18th-century London through immersive tours and rich history.
Grand Building
0.4 km
A grand Victorian landmark on the Strand, transformed from a luxury hotel into a vibrant cultural and community hub in the heart of London.
Churchill War Rooms
0.4 km
Britain's secret wartime headquarters where Churchill directed the fight against Nazi tyranny from underground bunkers beneath Westminster.
Westminster Pier
0.4 km
A vibrant river gateway beside iconic London landmarks, Westminster Pier invites you to explore the Thames and historic city sights from the water.
City Cruises London Westminster Pier
0.4 km
Experience the beauty of London from the water at Westminster Pier, your gateway to unforgettable Thames River adventures.
Westminster Millennium Pier
0.4 km
Experience London's iconic riverfront from Westminster Millennium Pier, your gateway to historic landmarks and scenic Thames cruises.
Parliament Sq
0.4 km
Historic London square at the heart of British democracy, adorned with iconic statues and framed by world-famous landmarks.
Essential places to dine
Ekstedt at The Yard
0.2 km
Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
The Garden
0.3 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
The Northall
0.3 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
Bustronome London
0.5 km
Dine in luxury aboard a panoramic double-decker bus while touring London’s iconic landmarks with gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
Wild Honey St James
0.5 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
wagamama southbank
0.6 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
OKAN South Bank
0.6 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Strada Southbank
0.6 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Troia Southbank
0.6 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
Ping Pong Southbank
0.7 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Southbank Centre Food Market
0.7 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
The Archduke
0.7 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.7 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
J Sheekey
0.7 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Rules
0.7 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Crest of London Ltd
0.3 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Houses of Parliament Shop
0.4 km
Discover parliamentary pride in souvenirs, books, and gifts at this cozy Bridge Street boutique, steps from Westminster's iconic halls.
Gifts of London
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Jubilee Shop (Houses of Parliament Gift Shop)
0.5 km
Discover exclusive British political gifts and souvenirs inside the historic Westminster Hall at the Jubilee Shop, Houses of Parliament.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
0.5 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
0.5 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Browns of London
0.6 km
Explore Browns of London for unique handcrafted gifts and local treasures in the heart of the city, perfect for memorable souvenirs from your travels.
Westminster Abbey Shop
0.6 km
Discover exclusive Abbey-inspired gifts and souvenirs that support Westminster Abbey’s heritage and conservation efforts.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.6 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.7 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.7 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
Unique Britain
0.8 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Cool Britania
0.8 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
M&M'S London
0.8 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
Floral Street
0.8 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Spy Bar
0.1 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
Old Shades
0.2 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
The Red Lion, Parliament Street
0.3 km
A venerable Westminster corner pub — late‑Victorian fittings, political atmosphere and a long history beside Downing Street and Parliament.
Le Champagne Bar
0.5 km
A compact riverside champagne lounge beside the London Eye—perfect for a celebratory flute and framed Thames views.
The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
A vibrant London cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks with scenic riverside views and a welcoming atmosphere.
Westminster Arms
0.5 km
Historic Westminster pub with parliamentary division bell, Shepherd Neame ales, and cozy alcoves steps from Abbey and Parliament—timeless British charm in political heart.
The Harp, Covent Garden
0.6 km
A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
Two Chairmen
0.6 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty pies, fresh ales, and classic British cheer just steps from St. James's Park and Parliament.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.6 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
All Bar One Waterloo
0.6 km
Sophisticated South Bank bar serving creative cocktails, sharing plates, and wines in a lively spot near Waterloo Station and the London Eye.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
0.6 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.6 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Blind Spot London
0.7 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
0.7 km
Chic South Bank cocktail haven in County Hall: bottomless brunches, 2-for-1 sips, pub classics, and Thames views for London's liveliest lunches and nights out.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
0.7 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Heaven
0.4 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
TSQ Club
0.4 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Cirque Du Soul
0.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
0.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Tiger Tiger London
0.7 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.7 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Luxe Club
0.8 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
0.8 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Penthouse London
0.8 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Café de Paris
0.8 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
0.8 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.8 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Scotch of St James
0.8 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.9 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Ivy Club
0.9 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Unique
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Cultural
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Classical
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
