This location is temporarily closed.
Banqueting House image

Banqueting House

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Wedding venue Banquet hall Conference center

Only remaining part of Whitehall Palace where visitors can admire fine painted ceilings by Rubens. People often mention ceiling, history, visit, building, beautiful, worth, London, hall, guide, Charles,


Address

Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER, United Kingdom

Website

www.hrp.org.uk

Contact

+44 333 320 6000

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • .: Hide open hours for the week

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: ceiling (24) history (21) visit (21) building (13) beautiful (13) worth (11) London (10) hall (9) guide (9) Charles (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Dermot T. 5 years ago on Google • 443 reviews
    This is what remains of Whitehall Palace which burnt down in 1698. The hall itself looks quite plain and then you look up at the ceiling! Ceiling painting was quite common at the time but this is a very impressive example of it. There are bean bags in the hall to allow you to lie back to look at the ceiling in its entirety.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alexia K. 5 years ago on Google • 131 reviews
    Very interesting building and ceiling specifically. The building must have been impressive however they don’t allow access to many places which they might consider in the future? Either way it’s worth visiting this space especially since it’s so central
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Satish C. 5 years ago on Google • 662 reviews
    Well preserved, well maintained place which has some amazing artwork adorning the ceiling which apparently was brought all the way from Belgium. One typically would spend about an hour here. There is a documentary to view first, enlightening people of the history behind this place along with an audio guide which is provided free of charge with the ticket. Entry fee applicable. Credit cards accepted but not Amex.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Steven H. 4 years ago on Google • 856 reviews
    A must see (and listen to the guide) when in London. First time since I first came to visit London, 34 years ago. The ceiling by Peter Paul Rubens, is something to behold and the remarkable history of the building very interesting. Could do with the non original bland walls being restored.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shir S. 4 years ago on Google • 181 reviews
    Had no idea about this place but when I purchased the Historic Palace Membership for Hampton’s Court, it was one of the six Palaces that I could visit for free with my membership. I highly recommend buying the membership if you are planning on doing the Tower of London/Hampton’s Court/Kensington Palace since they membership cost as much as an entry to two Palaces. You also receive special membership access to after hours. It’s very small, just one big room but laying on bean bags while watching a gorgeous ceiling and listening to history of the room and palace is a nice way to spend a couple of hours.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Andrew W. 5 years ago on Google • 368 reviews
    This is an extraordinary landmark in British royal history and without a doubt the ceiling is wonderful but that's exactly why I felt disappointed by the experience. It was free for us on the day which made the lack of information and investment in presentation less of an issue but it would be great to have a model of what the old palace looked like and where the hall fitted in. There ought to be a big focus on Charles i being beheaded there with at least some bet on where it happened and more information on the ceiling would be wonderful.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fabio C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) 17th century building that is worth a visit for the beautiful paintings on the ceiling. It is open every day from 10 to 17 but, as it is used for private events, it is recommended to check on the site to avoid unexpected events. (Original) Edificio del 17° secolo che merita una visita per i bellissimi dipinti sul soffitto. È aperto tutti i giorni dalle 10 alle 17 ma,siccome viene utilizzata per eventi privati, è consigliato controllare sul sito per evitare imprevisti.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon B. 1 year ago on Google • 200 reviews
    If I am correct then we were here for #BigChurchFestival and it was amazing. The landscape and surrounding countryside is beautiful and hidden away, yet it's only an hour ish from London. Thanks to the owners for allowing the festival!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keyice 3 months ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    I visited it during an evening and it was very atmospheric. The building and art have loads of significance and history. The ceiling painting is the only surviving in-situ painting by Rubens. It is also the best surviving example of royal banqueting houses with the sole purpose of entertaining. Plus the location of the only execution of an English king. It is well worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paul C. 5 years ago on Google
    A simple place to visit, but so full of history. The space is simply stunning, and an oasis of calm in the centre of the city. Well worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fire Q. 1 year ago on Google
    Gorgeous location, both historically for learning about its past, as well as seeing its modern day uses as a working hall... The paintings are exquisite and the history and layers behind them are fantastic knowledge. Especially learning about the history of the various court painters, the beheading of the King, and the wonderful painted ceilings by Peter Paul Rubens ❤️ the various dramatic court dealings, especially art wise, were very interesting to learn and see displayed in various paintings. Inigo Joneses architectural design holds up to this day. The lavish banqueting hall is still a magnificent example of a neo classical royal entertainment center. If you have the opportunity to visit, I would highly recommend it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 tt 3. 4 years ago on Google
    Impressive ceiling, but other than the ceiling, there is little else.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jules L. 5 years ago on Google
    .So beautiful. And as it got darker, the lighting was so amazing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andrew B. 5 years ago on Google
    Neat site to walk through in route to Buckingham Palace. Seeing the change of guards or Calvary guys is pretty neat. Thats if the horses want to play nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sachin P. 3 months ago on Google • 265 reviews New
    A nice little HRP to visit though it is a little underwhelming. Apart from the Rueben ceiling there isn’t all that much there. The undercroft is not ruins as I would have expected. There are toilet facilities in the basement.

  • 5/5 John A. 3 months ago on Google • 123 reviews New
    Ceilings are fantastic - amazing that they were painted in Holland and then put up. Very knowledgeable staff

  • 5/5 Markus E. 1 year ago on Google • 71 reviews
    Leider seit längerer Zeit schon geschlossen. Es gibt im Prinzip nur einen Saal zu besichtigen. Aber ist nun mal leider der übrige Rest des Whitehall Palace.

  • 5/5 Daniel G. 7 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    It’s free to view a couple times a year and also if you’re an HRP member. It’s just one large hall so doesn’t take long, but the Rubén’s parings are incredible and it’s such a historic spot.

  • 5/5 R S. 4 years ago on Google
    Incredible and absolutely worth a visit. Tickets to visit are relatively cheap and what you get with it, makes it more than worth it. Staff were friendly too. To begin with, there’s a very informative video about the history of the building with lots of fascinating insights and, in addition, you get a free audio guide too. With all that said, the main attraction is of course the majestic hall. A masterpiece. Words can’t do just to how high the ceilings are, how impeccable the details. Really phenomenal. In a prime location amongst many other tourist attractions and definitely good for an hour or so, especially on a gloomy day.

  • 5/5 Petronella S. 4 years ago on Google
    Historic museum that was part of the Whitehall Palace. Worth a visit if you are interested in paintings and the English Royal history.

  • 5/5 Isabella S. 4 years ago on Google
    The experience is amazing.

  • 5/5 Alex Z. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Lovely staff who very informative and passionate about this wonderful building.

  • 5/5 Sam 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing place and architecture

  • 5/5 Kathleen C. 4 years ago on Google
    I learned a lot at this place and enjoyed the open floor plan and laid back approach.

  • 5/5 Erika K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Admission is £ 7 and a Japanese audio guide is available at no extra charge. On the first floor, watch a 10-minute instructional video in English, then head up the stairs to the second floor saloon. On the second floor, in addition to chairs, there are cushions that can lie down, so you can see the ceiling paintings well. I will listen to the audio guide in order from the first, but if you listen to the end it seems to be quite long (I rounded up on the way) In addition to the audio guide, there are also multiple eye pads installed, so you can see the explanation of the painting. This also supports Japanese. The highlight is only the saloon, but the explanation in Japanese is quite solid, so it is worth a look. I was very relaxed. (Original) 7ポンドで入館でき、日本語のオーディオガイドを追加料金無しに借りることができます。 一階で、英語の10分ほどの説明ビデオを見た後は、二階の大広間に階段で向かいます。二階では椅子の他、寝転べるクッションもあり、天井画をよく見ることができます。オーディオガイドを1番から順に聞いていきますが、最後まで聞くとかなり長いかと思われます(私は途中で切り上げました) オーディオガイドの他、アイパッドも複数台設置されており、絵画の説明を見ることができます。こちらも日本語対応しております。 見どころは大広間だけなのですが、日本語の説明がかなりしっかりしているので、一見の価値ありです。非常に、のんびり過ごすことができました。

  • 5/5 RJV T. 4 years ago on Google
    Great environment

  • 5/5 Veronica A. 4 years ago on Google
    London England

  • 5/5 John Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Very few tourists passing this building are aware that King Charles I was executed/beheaded on a platform built in front of the building on 30 January 1649.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth F. 2 years ago on Google
    I visited the Banqueting House as part of London's Open House event. It is a beautiful place well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Karen B. 5 months ago on Google
    Wow! What a ceiling, painted by Rubens, it is stunning! Very nice staff and very knowledgeable.

  • 5/5 Gi Z. 5 years ago on Google
    Audioguide in ticket included. Relaxing and comfortable visit. The wonderful paintings at the ceiling don't cause a stiff neck because you literally can lay there on sacks and listen to the guide while watching Rubens' paintings.

  • 4/5 Simon K. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely building. A real opportunity for calm in a very busy part of London. Sit in the main hall and stare up at the incredible ceiling art with a good audiobook and drift away. Wonderful architecture. Also it was the backdrop to the beheading of Charles I which happened just outside on the main road in case that’s of interest to you.

  • 5/5 Bridget S. 11 months ago on Google
    We were booked on a tour and the guide was superb with an amazing knowledge of history. Such a beautiful room with Peter Paul Rubens' wonderful ceiling paintings. This was the last surviving building left of Whitehall Palace and where Charles I stepped out onto the scaffold to be beheaded.

  • 5/5 William P. 1 year ago on Google
    Only open to members of HRP and available for guided tours. Worth the cost of membership to see the amazing reubens ceiling. Closing soon for what is believed to be a decade of restoration work. Go their if you can

  • 5/5 Tanya R. 1 year ago on Google
    It's beautiful, can't believe there's an actual Rubens ceiling up there to admire! Interesting history of the place too, and I've heard that it can be hired for events and things. Very grand.

  • 5/5 Andy K. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic art on the ceiling

  • 5/5 Rob L. 4 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem. The last remaining part of the old palace of Whitehall which burned to the ground more than 300 years ago. A stunning Neo-classical/Baroque interior and an incredible history make this well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Eileen W. 4 years ago on Google
    A sobering place to visit, remembering the execution of King Charles I here, but also the extravagant events. Good short history film, audio guide and a rack of fun medieval clothes to dress up in! Best probably is the thoughtfully placed bean bags, all the better to lie down and contemplate the beautifully painted ceiling. It is perfect for a quick visit while walking on Whitehall!

  • 5/5 Archie T. 5 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful venue to have an event in. The atmosphere steeped to glorious history. Staff were amazingly helpful and informative. Thank you to Jess for helping me with some tricky photos.

  • 5/5 Superjules 3 years ago on Google
    Probably a great please to banquet

  • 2/5 The W. 3 years ago on Google
    Only one room to visit.

  • 5/5 danielhpereira1 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Changing the guard! (Original) Troca da guarda!

  • 5/5 Kelly G. 3 years ago on Google
    Banpueting house

  • 5/5 Simon D. 3 years ago on Google
    Designed by Inigo Jones this was part of the Palace of Whitehall when it was completed in 1622. The rest of the palace burned down in 1698 and was never rebuilt. King Charles I was executed outside here in 1649.

  • 5/5 elbaúldeTania 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Address to the London Eye we crossed this building and we were surprised, very beautiful and you can visit (Original) Dirección al London Eye cruzamos este edificio y nos sorprendió, muy bonito y se puede visitar

  • 5/5 Matthew T. 4 years ago on Google
    I had a briefly visit here with my good friend Andrea Connor, on January 18th. It was a wonderful sight, great place to eat. We had another appointment here for breakfast this morning, but due to the whole virus circumstances we had to cancel. However, we will certainly be back! Btw Andrea please call me if you read this, you know my mobile phone number. (06..)

  • 4/5 MĐ. �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Humkk (Original) Humkk

  • 4/5 Charles G. 4 years ago on Google
    The fresco by Rubens is worth it alone

  • 5/5 Chris H. 4 years ago on Google
    Okay

  • 5/5 nisha b. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building

  • 5/5 Alok B. 4 years ago on Google
    It's an impressive place. The paintings on the ceiling are beautiful.

  • 5/5 Michael K. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing to see the only Rubens still in-situ. Designed by King Charles the first to celebrate father King James and the place where King Charles the second was executed by Cromwell. Well worth a visit, but does closes early for evening events The gift shop is on the small size and no tea room, but the loos are clean and posh. Opposite Horse Guard Parade.

  • 5/5 Joanna Hryniewicz W. 4 years ago on Google
    A visit is hugely recommended. Deep Knight into history and Art.

  • 5/5 Yvonne H. 4 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed it here.

  • 2/5 Pete T. 4 years ago on Google
    Inside the drinks reception area was so cramped people couldn't circulate or breathe. The banqueting area was a decent size but fairly non description compared to other venues of that type. Struggles to hear the speaker. The food was average.

  • 4/5 Alice T. 4 years ago on Google
    It is indeed beautiful, but very small compared to the other HRP venues. Wouldn't come here in my first trip to London unless you are passionate about royal history.

  • 5/5 hans h. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Incredibly impressive (Original) Ongelooflijk imposant

  • 5/5 A U. 4 years ago on Google
    What a piece of history

  • 4/5 Cameron S. 4 years ago on Google
    A beautiful hall, where a king was executed, another was made king, a bill of rights established, etc

  • 5/5 Kevin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful ceiling beautiful room and some drama outside ( opposite a cabinet reshuffle was in full swing)

  • 4/5 Se T. 4 years ago on Google
    Architecturally beautiful place and really interesting history surrounding it

  • 5/5 Ekaterina E. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Interesting museum (Original) Интересный музей

  • 5/5 Lauren & Jared B. 4 years ago on Google
    A lovely, small place with a surprisingly deep history. Amazing artwork

  • 5/5 Clive W. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous

  • 5/5 Olaosebikan Olanrewaju S. 4 years ago on Google
    Learn about the history of London and king Charles

  • 5/5 beanbean25 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful evening events

  • 4/5 Mary U. 4 years ago on Google
    A good way to spend a few hours on a rainy Sunday. The audio tour was educational


Call +44 333 320 6000 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Wedding venues nearby

Last updated:
()