A popular and exciting place for tourists across the world to come and visit is England. England has lush and beautiful countrysides, historic cities, and many other interesting places to visit. One famous landmark worth seeing is Hadrian’s Wall in the North East of England, which dates back to AD122. However, the first port of call for most tourists is London.

London is an amazing place to visit, either just for a weekend or longer. You would be surprised at how many people living in England have never visited London, especially when it is usually top of most visitors lists when they first visit England.

There are so many things to do and see in London it is impossible to list them all at once. Surprisingly one of the newest attractions in London also happens to be one of the most popular – The London Eye. Another popular attraction nearby to the London is the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. However, one place which must not be missed is Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace only became the official residence of the British monarchy in 1837. It was Queen Victoria who chose Buckingham Palace as her official royal residence. Ever since then Buckingham Palace has been known around the world as the most famous residence of the British royal family. The palace is located in the centre of London and has always been a rallying point for the British people at times of great joy and sadness.

Buckingham Palace was originally known as Buckingham House. It was originally a large townhouse, built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. It is actually the town house that forms the main core of the palace as we know it today.

Over the next 75 years Buckingham House was enlarged by the additon of three wings around a central courtyard. The main architects responsible for these additions were John Nash and Edward Blore. It was also John Nash who was responsible for the interior design of the monumental staterooms.

The best known works of the architect Ashton Webb include his works at Buckingham Palace. He designed the memorial to Queen Victoria outside of Buckingham Palace. The centrepiece of his design was a statue of the Queen sitting on a marble white pillar. The Mall was redesigned into a processional way leading up to the statue. The pink surface of the road here symbolises an enormous red carpet unrolled in front of the monarch.

The Queen has many other residences besides Buckingham Palace. Some of the residences are ‘official’ residences and there are some which are ‘private’. One other famous, official royal residence in London is St. Jame’s Palace and once upon a time was the primary London royal residence. A favourite private residence with the Queen is Balmoral in Scotland. The Queen enjoys a relaxing holiday at Balmoral every August, and was there when she heard the grave news of Diana, Princess of Wales’, sad and untimely passing.