FOR the first time in its history, tourists will be invited to enter Buckingham Palace through its front gates.
Previously, only those lucky few who’ve attended garden parties and royal receptions at the Palace have entered via the gates.
This is set to change when paying holidaymakers are invited to enter through the front gates of the royal residence in a historic first.
The news comes after the East Wing opened to visitors for the first time in its history earlier this year.
Traditionally, the public could only tour The State Rooms.
However, access to the palace has changed in recent months, with fans able to explore more royal rooms than ever before.
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Following a successful summer, the East Wing will open for an extra five months next year from January to May.
It is on these tours that visitors will be allowed to enter through the palace gates.
The East Wing was added to the palace in 1849, for Queen Victoria and her family.
Queen Victoria moved into the lavish estate after the death of her uncle, William IV.
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It was the first time Buckingham Palace had been used as a monarch’s residence.
The East Wing started out as a courtyard, with rooms and pieces of artwork being added over time.
Nowadays, visitors can explore the Yellow Drawing Room, the Principal Corridor, the Centre Room and a balcony.
Fans can also see the masterpieces from the Royal Collection and the Centre Room.
Guided tours of the East Wing will last 90 minutes.
The tours will run from January to May and will cost £90 per person.
Further details, including dates for ticket sales, will be announced soon.
The news comes as King Charles is allowing visitors inside Balmoral Castle near Ballater, Aberdeenshire, for the first time – costing £150 with afternoon tea.
It is the first time fans have been allowed into rooms used by the Royals, as guests were only allowed in Balmoral‘s ballroom previously.
Balmoral announced guests ‘can see a selection of rooms within the Castle that are used by Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family‘.
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Top Attractions to visit in the UK
The UK is home to a wealth of attractions, ranging from historic landmarks to cultural institutions and natural wonders. Here are some of the top attractions in the UK:
- The British Museum, London – One of the world’s greatest museums, it houses a vast collection of art and antiquities from around the globe, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
- The Tower of London, London – A historic fortress and former royal palace, the Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels and offers a fascinating glimpse into British history.
- Buckingham Palace, London – The official residence of the British monarch, it is renowned for its Changing of the Guard ceremony and the opulent State Rooms, which are open to the public during the summer months.
- The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, London – An iconic symbol of London, the Gothic-style Palace of Westminster houses the UK Parliament and the famous clock tower, Big Ben.
- Stonehenge, Wiltshire – One of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world, this ancient stone circle continues to intrigue and attract visitors from around the globe.
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh – Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers stunning views of the city and houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.
- The Lake District, Cumbria – A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning national park is known for its breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and outdoor activities such as hiking and boating.
- The Roman Baths, Bath – An exceptionally well-preserved Roman bathing complex, visitors can explore the ancient baths and learn about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
- The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland – A natural wonder consisting of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, this UNESCO World Heritage site is steeped in legend and offers spectacular coastal views.
- The Eden Project, Cornwall – This innovative attraction features massive biomes housing diverse plant species from around the world, along with interactive exhibits and educational programmes.
And Visit England has named the country’s best hidden gem attractions from a brewery where you can make your own beer to a fighter jet museum.
Meanwhile, this town in the Lake District has been labelled a “party capital” because of its calendar of festivals.
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