Where: The Mall, SW1

What: The London Palace of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. When she is in residence the Royal Standard flies from the mast. Built by the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, Buckingham House was bought by George Ill in 1761, was rebuilt by George IV as a palace, and became Queen Victoria’s London home. It was refaced in 1913, and the Queen’s Gallery was built in the place of the private chapel destroyed in the Second World War.

The State Rooms form the heart of the working palace and are lavishly furnished with some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto; sculpture by Canova; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. Visitors are also able to enjoy a garden walk through the palace's 42-acre garden, an oasis for wildlife in the heart of london.

The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space with changing exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection, the wide-ranging collection of art and treasures held in trust by The Queen for the Nation. Constructed forty years ago, the Gallery has recently been redeveloped, was reopened by The Queen on 21 May 2002 and is now open to the public on a daily basis.

Royal Mews just around the corner from the main facade are the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables in existence and a unique opportunity for visitors to see the work of the Royal Household department that provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family by both horse-drawn carriage and motor car.

The Royal Mews has a permanent display of State vehicles, including the magnificent Gold State Coach used for Coronations and those carriages used for Royal and State occasions, State Visits, weddings and the State Opening of Parliament. A State motor vehicle is usually on display. For much of the year visitors to the Royal Mews can also see the 30 or so carriage-horses which play an important role in The Queen's official and ceremonial duties.

Opening times:

Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11:30 (alternate days in winter months) weather permitting (see changing of the guard).

State rooms: Open early August - late September, 09:30 - 16:30 (last admission 16:15). Book online at the-royal-collection.org.uk. Admission charges (2005) Adult £13.50, Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £11.50, Under 17 £7.00, Under 5 Free. Family £34.00 (2 adults, 3 under 17s).

Queens Gallery: Open daily except Easter Sunday, Christmas day and Boxing day, 10:00 - 17:30 every day (last admission 16:30). Book online at the-royal-collection.org.uk. Admission charges (2005) Adult £7.50, Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £6.00, Under 17 £4.00, Under 5 Free. Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £19.00.

Royal Mews: Open late March to late October, but closed Friday's, bank holidays (including Easter) and during state visits. Opening times 11:00 - 16:00 (last admission 15:15) and 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:15) during Buckingham Palace Summer opening. Book online at the-royal-collection.org.uk. Admission charges (2005) Adult £6.00, Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £5.00, Under 17 £3.50, Under 5 Free. Family £15.50 (2 adults, 3 under 17s)

Royal Mews and Queens Gallery Joint Ticket: Admission charges (2005) Adult £11.50, Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £9.50, Under 17 £6.50, Under 5 Free. Family £29.50 (2 adults, 3 under 17s)

Nearest underground station: Green Park or Victoria

Website: the-royal-collection.org.uk / royalresidences.com