Whitehall Palace Site
Once the grandest royal palace in Europe, Whitehall’s legacy lives on in the heart of London’s government district.
The site of Whitehall Palace, once the largest and most important royal residence in England, now forms the heart of London’s government district. Only the Banqueting House remains standing, but the area is steeped in history, having hosted monarchs from Henry VIII to William and Mary. The palace was destroyed by fire in 1698, but its legacy lives on in the name and atmosphere of Whitehall.
A brief summary to 16-18 Whitehall
- 16-18 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Banqueting House to see the only surviving building from the original palace and admire the Rubens ceiling.
- Explore the surrounding streets to discover hidden remnants of the palace and learn about its history through information boards.
- Check opening times for the Banqueting House, as it may be closed for special events or maintenance.
- Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the palace’s history and its role in British politics.
- Visit during quieter times to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the atmosphere of the historic site.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Walking
From Westminster Abbey, walk east along Parliament Square and then turn left onto Whitehall. The journey takes about 10 minutes and offers views of historic landmarks along the way.
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Underground
Take the District or Circle line to Westminster station. Exit the station and walk east along Parliament Square, then turn left onto Whitehall. The walk from the station takes about 5 minutes.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including the 12, 24, and 53, stop near Whitehall. The journey from central London typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Cycling
Cycle along the Thames Path and cross Westminster Bridge. Follow the signs to Whitehall, which is about 10 minutes from the bridge. Bike racks are available nearby.
16-18 Whitehall location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about 16-18 Whitehall
Heart of Royal Power
Whitehall Palace was the principal residence of English monarchs from 1530 until its destruction by fire in 1698. Originally built on the site of York Place, the London home of the Archbishops of York, it was transformed by Cardinal Wolsey and then seized by Henry VIII, who expanded it into a sprawling complex of buildings. For over 150 years, Whitehall was the epicenter of royal life, hosting state occasions, court intrigue, and the daily affairs of government. The palace was never a single grand structure but rather a royal suburb, with more than 1,500 rooms spread across 23 acres, making it the largest palace in Europe at its peak.Architectural Legacy
The only surviving building from the original palace is the Banqueting House, designed by Inigo Jones in the Palladian style and completed in 1622. This architectural gem stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Stuart era and is famous for its ceiling painted by Peter Paul Rubens. The palace’s layout was irregular, with buildings of various sizes and styles, reflecting the tastes and ambitions of successive monarchs. Henry VIII added recreational facilities such as tennis courts, bowling greens, and a cockfighting pit, while James I commissioned the Banqueting House as a venue for lavish entertainments.Historical Significance
Whitehall Palace was the backdrop for some of the most dramatic events in British history. It was here that Guy Fawkes was interrogated after the Gunpowder Plot, and where Charles I was executed in 1649. The palace was also the site of major political and religious changes, including the construction of a Roman Catholic chapel by James II, which sparked controversy in a fiercely anti-Catholic climate. The fire of 1698 destroyed most of the palace, but the area retained its importance as the center of British government, with the name Whitehall still synonymous with the seat of power.Modern Whitehall
Today, the site of Whitehall Palace is dominated by government buildings, including the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet Office. The Banqueting House remains open to the public, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The area is a blend of historic and modern architecture, with the legacy of the palace evident in the street names and the atmosphere of the district. Visitors can explore the Banqueting House, walk through the historic streets, and imagine the bustling life of the royal court that once filled this space.For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Unique
- Scenic
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
