Clarence House: A Royal London Residence Steeped in History
Explore Clarence House, the historic London residence of King Charles III, showcasing royal heritage, exquisite art, and elegant Regency architecture.
Clarence House, located at 8 Cleveland Row in London, is the official residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Designed by John Nash in the early 19th century, this elegant historic building has housed several members of the British royal family, including Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Open to the public only during August, visitors can explore five ground-floor rooms on guided tours, featuring exquisite art collections and royal memorabilia.
A brief summary to Clarence House
- 8 Cleveland Row, London, SW1A 1BA, GB
- Duration: 0.75 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book your guided tour well in advance as Clarence House is only open to the public during August and tours fill quickly.
- Tours cover five ground-floor rooms and the gardens; photography inside is not allowed to respect privacy.
- Allow at least 90 minutes for the entire visit, including security checks and the guided tour duration.
- Visit early in the day to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to Clarence House. The route is mostly flat and accessible, but the walk passes through busy central London streets. Tube fares range from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on ticket type.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including numbers 11, 211, and 148, stop near The Mall. Buses run frequently with travel times from central London of 15-25 minutes. Contactless payment or Oyster cards are accepted; single fares cost around £1.75.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London takes about 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £8 and £15. Note that traffic congestion and limited parking near Clarence House may affect travel times.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Clarence House is pleasant and straightforward, taking 10-20 minutes through central London’s historic streets. The terrain is flat and suitable for most visitors.
Clarence House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Clarence House
Architectural Legacy and Royal Origins
Clarence House was designed by the renowned architect John Nash and constructed between 1825 and 1827 for Prince William, Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV. The building exemplifies early 19th-century Regency architecture, with a dignified white façade facing The Mall. Over the years, it has undergone modifications but retains its historic character as part of the St James's Palace complex.Residence of British Royalty Through the Ages
The house has been home to numerous royal figures, most notably Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who lived here for nearly five decades. It also served as the residence for Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip before their accession to the throne. Today, Clarence House is the official London home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, continuing its legacy as a working royal residence.Art Collections and Interior Highlights
Visitors on the guided tours can admire five ground-floor reception rooms richly decorated with fine furnishings, portraits, and personal mementos of the royal family. The collection includes paintings by notable artists such as WS Sickert and Sir James Gunn, as well as unique items like Chelsea porcelain, European snuff boxes, and exquisite clocks. One room remains largely as it was during the Queen Mother's time, offering a glimpse into royal life.Gardens and Surrounding Environment
While the interior rooms are the main focus of the tour, the gardens of Clarence House provide a tranquil green space amidst central London. Though not extensively explored during visits, the gardens contribute to the serene atmosphere of the residence, bordered by the ceremonial route of The Mall and close to other royal landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace.Public Access and Visitor Experience
Clarence House opens to the public only during August, with tours lasting approximately 45 minutes. These guided visits offer intimate insights into the history and current life of the royal family. Photography is not permitted inside, preserving the privacy and dignity of the residence. Due to limited availability, booking in advance is essential to secure a place on the tour.Significance in London's Royal Landscape
Situated on The Mall, Clarence House plays a key role in royal ceremonies and national celebrations. Guarded by the Queen’s Household Division when the monarch is in London, it stands as a symbol of continuity and tradition within the British monarchy. Its proximity to other historic sites enriches the cultural tapestry of London’s royal district.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
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Classic 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
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly