Landmark
Completed in 1622, the Banqueting House was designed by Inigo Jones in a then-radical classical style that introduced Renaissance architecture to England, its ceiling later painted by Peter Paul Rubens to glorify the Stuart monarchy โ a decoration Charles I would have looked up at shortly before stepping out a window of the building to his execution on a scaffold outside in 1649. Reviewers with a 4.4 rating describe the building as a genuine masterpiece, particularly the Rubens ceiling, and value it as one of the few surviving pieces of the old Whitehall Palace complex that once sprawled across the area. Its budget-friendly price and compact 40-minute duration make it an efficient, historically rich stop for anyone walking Whitehall.
โจ Reasons to go
๐ก Good to know
โฑ๏ธ Typical visit
40 min
๐ฐ๏ธ Best time
morning, lunchtime or afternoon
๐ถ Walking intensity
Easy pace
What people say
"Members day at this hugely historic building ๐ Clearly lots of time, energy and patience together with great restoration skills have gone into the refurbishment ๐ Upon entering this building you know your in for a special treat ๐๐๐ Firstly into the lower hall to have a chat with the wonderful staff about the history and introduction of this house into London ๐ Great clean toilets await you and even free cold water and glasses ๐๐ Guide books for sale then up the stairwell to see a picture of King James 1st ๐๐คด๐ฌ๐ง Into the great hall where more knowledgable people await you. Bean bags and glasses ๐ช to help you better view the magnificent โRubensโ ceilings ๐๐๐ฌ๐ง Built in 1620 and decorated in 1636 and the only Ruben ceiling still in existence ๐๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ๐๐ง๐ช You can Google all about the house with lots of interesting facts to discover ๐ Visit took roughly 30 minutes which was a great day out. A wonderful experience that I thoroughly recommend ๐๐ฌ๐ง๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ"
โ Larry Haywood
