Highlights:
- Inigo Jones Palladian Architecture
- Rubens Magnificent Ceiling Painting
- The Undercroft
- Execution Place of Charles I
- Day and Evening Concerts
Banqueting House is one of the first examples of the principles of Palladianism being applied to an English building and was designed by Inigo Jones, intended to recreate the style of ancient Rome.
The main hall of his masterpiece of classical architecture has perfectly balanced proportions, the large windows and towering columns were calculated in observance of the Roman idea of perfection.
Charles I commissioned Sir Peter Paul Rubens to create four massively impressive canvases, two 28 x 20ft and two 40 x 10ft, for the hall ceiling. Installed in 1636 they are now the only remaining in-situ ceiling paintings of Rubens and depict The Union of the Crowns, The Apotheosis of James I and The Peaceful Reign of James I.
This is also the site of the execution Charles I, the only English monarch to be executed - on 30 January 1649, he said goodbye to his children and was escorted to the Banqueting House. On this bitterly cold day he wore two shirts, to ensure he did not shiver and appear to be trembling from fear, he died with great dignity.
On 29 May 1660 Charles II’s triumphal procession arrived at Banqueting House at 7pm and it again became the great ceremonial chamber of the court, including grand receptions for foreign embassies and traditional court .
The Undercroft - designed as a drinking den for James I to escape public life or simply enjoy time with his closest courtiers. This has now been refurbished and is available for candlelit suppers and receptions.
Day and evening concerts - spectacular events highlighting some of the most famous classical musicians of our time. A full programme of concerts held throughout the year.
Audio guides are available in a range of languages with historical accounts and stories from the history of the Banqueting House, assisting you to learn more about this building, its impressive architecture, the spectacular Rubens ceiling and more.
Money - Saving Passes: Valid for two years from the date of purchase, this allows visitors to organise their own itineraries.
- Four Palace Pass: includes admission to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and gardens, Kensington Palace and Banqueting House.
- Three Palace Pass: includes admission to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and gardens and Kensington Palace.
- Central London Pass: includes admission to the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and the Banqueting House.
Opening Times 2012
- All year, Monday - Saturday; 10 am - 5 pm (last entrance at 4.30pm)
- Closed Sundays, Bank Holidays and 24 December – 1 January (inclusive)
- Free Admission for children under 16
Please note: The Banqueting House may close at short notice please check before your visit by calling +44 (0)203 166 6154/5.
January 2012 closures
- Saturday 7th January - closing at 13.00, last ticket at 12.15
- Wednesday 11th January - closing at 16.30, last ticket at 15.45
- Thursday 12th January - closing at 13.00, last ticket at 12.15
- Wednesday 18 January - closing at 12.00, last ticket at 11.15, (event setting up - Main Hall 10.00- 12.00)
- Tuesday 24 January - closing at 13.00, last ticket at 12.15
- Wednesday 25 January - closing at 15.00, last ticket at 14.15
- Thursday 26 January - closing at 13.00, last ticket at 12.15
- Monday 30 January - Open 10.00 - 17.00, (King Charles the Martyr service 11.00 - 14.15, members of the public may attend as part of the congregation
- Tuesday 31 January - closing at 13.00, last ticket at 12.15
February 2012 closures
- Wednesday 1 February - closed all day
- Thursday 2 February - closed all day
- Friday 3 February - closing at 13.00, last ticket at 12.15
- Saturday 4 February - closing at 13.00, last ticket at 12.15
Visitors with mobility needs:
The Main Hall is accessible via a lift in an adjoining property, not managed by the Banqueting House; please call to check availability - 020 3166 6155/6152 - specially for a Saturday visit or a private function. The lift entrance is 27” (approx. 68.58cm) and it is 30” (approx. 76.2cm) deep - a portable or standard size wheelchair is required. There is also a ramp down to The Undercroft.
Visitors with visual or hearing difficulties - Braille guides and induction loops please ask for these services on arrival.
Normal Admission for visitors with a disability but an accompanying carer is admitted free of charge.
London Underground: Westminster, Embankment and Charing Cross
Train: Charing Cross
Bus: Bus Routes – 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77A, 88 and 159.
Address: Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ER