Clarence House
An intimate Regency masterpiece where five centuries of royal life unfolds behind elegant black gates.
The official residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Clarence House is an elegant Regency mansion designed by John Nash in 1827. Located on The Mall in London's St James's district, this working royal home opens its doors to the public for guided tours during August, offering intimate access to five ground-floor reception rooms filled with fine art, royal memorabilia, and the late Queen Mother's celebrated collection. The 45-minute tours provide a rare glimpse into contemporary royal life and centuries of British royal history.
A brief summary to Clarence House
- 8 Cleveland Row, London, SW1A 1BA, GB
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book your August tour well in advance, as guided slots fill quickly due to limited availability and high demand. Allow 90 minutes total for security procedures, the 45-minute guided tour, and viewing the gardens.
- Arrive early in the day to experience the rooms with fewer crowds and better light for appreciating the fine art and decorative objects. Last admission is one hour before closing time.
- Study the Queen Mother's art collection before your visit to deepen your appreciation of the paintings on display, including works by WS Sickert and Sir James Gunn.
- Take time to observe the family photographs and personal mementos throughout the rooms—these intimate details reveal the personalities of royal residents across generations.
- Position yourself on The Mall before or after your tour to appreciate Clarence House's architectural setting within London's ceremonial landscape and its relationship to nearby royal palaces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground and Walking
From Green Park Underground station (Jubilee, Victoria, or Piccadilly lines), exit onto Piccadilly and walk south toward The Mall. The journey takes approximately 8–10 minutes on foot. Clarence House is located on The Mall between St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace. This is the most convenient public transport option with step-free access at Green Park station.
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London Underground and Walking
From Charing Cross Underground station (Northern or Bakerloo lines), exit and walk south through Trafalgar Square, then proceed down The Mall toward Buckingham Palace. The walk takes approximately 12–15 minutes. This route offers a scenic approach along London's ceremonial avenue.
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Bus and Walking
Multiple bus routes serve The Mall area, including routes 3, 6, 9, 14, 15, 23, 24, 29, and 139. Alight at stops near Buckingham Palace or Trafalgar Square, then walk to Clarence House on The Mall. Journey times vary from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Buses offer accessible boarding options.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service
Black cabs and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) can deliver you directly to 8 Cleveland Row or nearby points on The Mall. Journey times from central London average 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £12–25 from major central locations. Note that vehicle access to The Mall itself is restricted during certain hours.
Clarence House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Clarence House
A Regency Masterpiece on London's Ceremonial Heart
Clarence House stands as one of London's most significant yet intimate royal residences, positioned prominently on The Mall—the grand ceremonial avenue connecting Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace. Designed by the celebrated architect John Nash and completed in 1827, the building was originally commissioned by Prince William, Duke of Clarence, who would later become King William IV. Its elegant Regency façade, rendered in pale stone with distinctive black wrought-iron gates, reflects the refined architectural tastes of early 19th-century London. The house remains part of the St James's Palace complex and is guarded by soldiers from the Queen's Household Division, underscoring its status as a working royal residence rather than a museum piece.Royal Residents and Historical Significance
Clarence House has sheltered some of Britain's most notable royals across nearly two centuries. Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, made the residence her home for almost five decades, leaving an indelible mark on its character and collections. Princess Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh (later Queen Elizabeth II), lived here during the early years of their marriage. Princess Anne was born within these walls, and the residence later served as the London home of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall before his accession to the throne. Today, King Charles III and Queen Camilla maintain it as their official London residence, with the upper floors remaining private to protect the royal family's personal life.Intimate Encounters with Royal Collections
The five ground-floor reception rooms open to public tours showcase an extraordinary assembly of fine and decorative arts accumulated across generations. The Queen Mother's personal art collection forms the heart of the display, featuring works by celebrated artists including WS Sickert, Sir James Gunn, and notably, a painting by the playwright Noël Coward. Visitors encounter an eclectic array of treasures: English porcelain and silver, Fabergé objects, European snuff boxes, oriental snuff bottles, and ormolu clocks. A dedicated gallery celebrates the Queen Mother's passion for horse racing, displaying portraits of her beloved racehorses. The rooms themselves are furnished with period pieces and family photographs spanning generations, creating an atmosphere of lived elegance rather than formal display. Each space reveals the personalities of its inhabitants through carefully curated objects and intimate domestic arrangements.The Guided Tour Experience
Public access to Clarence House is carefully managed through guided tours conducted during August, with advance booking essential due to consistent demand. Tours are limited to groups of approximately 18 visitors and last approximately 45 minutes, though the full experience including security procedures typically requires 90 minutes. Knowledgeable tour guides lead visitors through the reception rooms and two splendid corridors, providing historical context and anecdotes about the building's royal inhabitants. The tour concludes with views of the gardens, though these are not extensively explored. Photography is not permitted inside the residence, a restriction that preserves the privacy and dignity of the working royal home. The restricted access to ground-floor rooms only—necessary to protect the royal family's private quarters on upper floors—is offset by the exceptional quality and density of objects on display.Location and Ceremonial Context
Situated at 8 Cleveland Row on The Mall, Clarence House occupies one of London's most historically charged locations. The Mall itself, redesigned in 1911 by Sir Aston Webb, serves as the primary ceremonial route for state occasions and royal processions. The avenue has witnessed pivotal moments in modern British history, from the Diamond Jubilee celebrations to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, when over one million people gathered to celebrate. Clarence House's position on this iconic thoroughfare, adjacent to St James's Palace and within sight of Buckingham Palace, places it at the symbolic centre of British royal pageantry. The building's guards and formal gates reinforce its status as a working residence of state importance rather than a historical monument.A Window into Contemporary Royal Life
Unlike many historic royal properties that function primarily as museums, Clarence House remains an active residence where the monarch and consort conduct official business and entertain state guests. This distinction gives the tour a unique character—visitors are not observing preserved history but rather the living quarters of the reigning monarch, with furnishings and arrangements reflecting current royal preferences. The presence of modern bronzes alongside ancestral portraits, contemporary family photographs interspersed with historical images, and personal mementos throughout the rooms convey a sense of continuity between past and present. The tour offers an unusually intimate perspective on royal domestic life, revealing how centuries-old traditions and contemporary royal duties coexist within a single elegant residence.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. James's Palace
0.1 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
Republic of Texas Plaque
0.2 km
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Pickering Pl
0.2 km
Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother Memorial
0.4 km
A dignified London memorial honoring King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, through iconic bronze statues and historic symbolism.
St James's Square
0.4 km
London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
Beau Brummell Statue
0.4 km
The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
3 Carlton House Terrace
0.4 km
Elegant Grade I listed townhouse in London’s historic Carlton House Terrace, blending royal heritage with refined Georgian architecture.
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
0.5 km
Majestic bronze tribute to King Edward VII in the heart of London’s historic Waterloo Place, blending regal artistry with imperial heritage.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.5 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
Burlington House
0.6 km
A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
Cockpit Steps
0.6 km
Discover Cockpit Steps, a hidden historic passage in Westminster where London’s royal cockfighting past meets ghostly legend and quiet charm.
Guards Memorial
0.6 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.
Clive Steps
0.7 km
A Grade II-listed bronze statue commemorating the controversial architect of British imperial power in India.
Royal Naval Division War Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn and elegant tribute by Sir Edwin Lutyens commemorating the Royal Naval Division’s sacrifice in WWI, set in the heart of London’s historic military district.
Royal Marines Memorial
0.7 km
A stirring bronze tribute on The Mall honoring Royal Marines’ sacrifice in China and South Africa, blending art and history in London’s ceremonial heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lancaster House
0.1 km
Lancaster House: London’s neoclassical masterpiece blending royal history, political heritage, and elegant government hospitality near Buckingham Palace.
The Queen's Chapel
0.1 km
Discover the elegant 17th-century Palladian chapel beside St. James’s Palace, steeped in royal history and architectural refinement.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
0.2 km
Discover the rich heritage and exquisite selection of wines at Berry Bros. & Rudd, London's historic wine shop and event venue.
Spencer House
0.2 km
Step into Spencer House, a stunning 18th-century London mansion showcasing neoclassical elegance, aristocratic history, and exquisite interiors.
Lock & Co. Hatters
0.2 km
Discover centuries of British hat-making tradition at Lock & Co., the world's oldest hat shop since 1676, crafting iconic styles for royalty and legends.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
0.2 km
A serene 7-mile circular walk through London's Royal Parks, honoring Princess Diana’s life, legacy, and connection to iconic royal landmarks.
Canada Gate
0.3 km
Discover the elegance and historical significance of Canada Gate, a stunning landmark in London's Green Park, celebrating the bond between Canada and the UK.
Christie's London
0.3 km
Christie's London, at 8 King Street, is a historic and prestigious auction house renowned for its world-class art and luxury sales since 1766.
Queen Victoria Memorial
0.3 km
A majestic tribute to Queen Victoria, blending imperial grandeur with artistic symbolism at the heart of London’s royal landscape.
The Mall
0.3 km
A majestic royal avenue in London, The Mall connects Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace with regal charm and historic grandeur.
Canada Memorial
0.3 km
A serene and symbolic tribute in Green Park honoring Canadian soldiers’ sacrifices and the enduring bond with the United Kingdom.
St James's Park
0.3 km
London’s oldest Royal Park, a serene green oasis with iconic palace views, historic charm, and a famous pelican colony in the city center.
Charles De Gaulle Statue
0.3 km
A dignified tribute in London’s Carlton Gardens honoring Charles de Gaulle’s leadership of Free France during WWII.
The Green Park
0.4 km
A tranquil Royal Park in central London offering peaceful lawns, historic memorials, and scenic views near Buckingham Palace.
Masons Yard
0.4 km
Discover Mason's Yard, a historic London square blending rich artistic heritage with cutting-edge contemporary galleries in the heart of St James's.
Essential places to dine
Great British Restaurant
0.2 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Golden Lion
0.2 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.3 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Quaglino's
0.4 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
HIDE
0.5 km
Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Wild Honey St James
0.6 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
The Pem
0.7 km
Elegant modern British dining in Westminster, honoring heritage with exquisite seasonal menus and refined ambiance.
Caxton Grill
0.7 km
Refined British grill cuisine with fresh rooftop garden produce in a relaxed Westminster setting inside St Ermin’s Hotel.
Chez Antoinette Victoria
0.7 km
Authentic French bistro in London’s Victoria offering classic Lyonnais and Parisian dishes in a cozy, Parisian-style setting.
The English Grill
0.7 km
Classic British dining perfected with expertly grilled steaks and seasonal delights in a refined, elegant setting near London’s iconic theatres.
Kricket Soho
0.8 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Colosseo Restaurant
0.8 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s Victoria at Colosseo Restaurant.
Bill's Victoria Restaurant
0.8 km
A vibrant British eatery near Victoria Station offering hearty classics, sharing plates, and plant-based dishes in a cozy, casual setting.
NOPI
0.8 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
John Lobb St. James
0.2 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
0.4 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Floris London
0.5 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
The Queen's Shop
0.6 km
Exclusive royal gifts and British heritage souvenirs steps from Buckingham Palace, blending luxury, tradition, and timeless elegance in a charming London boutique.
Buckingham Palace Shop
0.6 km
Official royal souvenirs at the palace gates: chinaware, gifts, and memorabilia that bring Buckingham Palace's grandeur home with you. (162 characters)
Lillywhites
0.7 km
London's iconic sports megastore at Piccadilly Circus—where athletic excellence meets retail tradition.
Cool Britannia
0.7 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and vintage photography moments just steps from Buckingham Palace in a lively and welcoming shop.
Hard Rock London Rock Shop
0.7 km
Discover exclusive rock ’n’ roll merchandise and iconic memorabilia at London’s legendary Hard Rock Rock Shop on Old Park Lane.
Cardinal Place
0.8 km
Experience the ultimate shopping and dining destination at Cardinal Place, London’s vibrant commercial hub near Victoria Station.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.8 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Crest of London Ltd
0.8 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Bond St
0.9 km
London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.9 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.9 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Westminster Abbey Shop
0.9 km
Discover exclusive Abbey-inspired gifts and souvenirs that support Westminster Abbey’s heritage and conservation efforts.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
0.5 km
Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Adam & Eve
0.6 km
Classic Westminster pub pouring real ales and hearty grub amid historic streets—a cozy haven near Parliament and the Abbey for authentic London pints.
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.
Blue Boar Pub
0.7 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty British classics in a cozy, historic setting near Abbey and Parliament—perfect for ales, roasts, and relaxed evenings.
Westminster Arms
0.7 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 New York Bar
0.7 km
A polished hotel lounge opposite Buckingham Palace — handcrafted cocktails, tasting events and piano-accompanied afternoons in plush, traditional surroundings.
All Bar One Victoria
0.7 km
Sophisticated wines, global bites, and lively vibes on Victoria Street – London's go-to for stylish drinks and casual feasts near Westminster's heart.
Bbar
0.7 km
Chic Victoria cocktail bar beneath a living wall, blending South African zest with inventive drinks, hearty bites, and unforgettable afternoon teas near Buckingham Palace.
Old Shades
0.8 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
The Spy Bar
0.9 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.9 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
The Thin White Duke
0.9 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.9 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Disrepute - Soho
0.9 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Duke of Argyll
0.9 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Scotch of St James
0.4 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
Tabu London
0.4 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.6 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
The Cuckoo Club
0.6 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
TSQ Club
0.7 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.
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.
Luxe Club
0.8 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Café de Paris
0.8 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
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 Penthouse London
0.9 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Sophisticats Soho
1.0 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
1.0 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
1.0 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.0 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.
Sunset night club
1.1 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
