The Banqueting House in City of London, Westminster

Quedamos muy impresionados con nuestra visita y, aunque la principal consta de una sola habitación, las historias que le contaron a través de los auriculares personales lo hacen muy interesante. El techo es impresionante y repartidos por todo el Salón hay bolsas de frijoles para que pueda relajarse y maravillarse con las elaboradas pinturas. Pasamos casi 3 horas allí y lo disfrutamos a fondo y su historia. Vale la pena una visita.

Went here today as part of the Open House Weekend, so it was free entry. No queue! The banqueting hall itself is breathtaking in size and decor. Beautiful ceiling paintings and huge proportions of the hall have to be seen to believed. It is incredible to think that this building has been standing for nearly 400 years! There was a video explaining the history of the house and what was on the site before this place. It is the only surviving building from the old Whitehall Palace and has been occupied and used by countless monarchs. Downstairs, the crypt style arches are interesting and there are captions and explanations about the history of the place. Well worth a visit.

Vale la pena una visita si estás cerca de Whitehall o Westminster. La Casa de Banquetes está llena de historia, y es probable que los turistas y londinenses la pasen por alto. Es un lugar increíble y en algún lugar que tenía la intención de visitar desde hace años. . El techo pintado por Rubens es increíble y con un recorrido de audio autoguiado puede perderse durante una hora mientras descansa en bolsas de frijoles que hacen que mirar el techo sea una experiencia muy cómoda. Si necesita refrescarse después de caminar por las aceras en la ola de calor de Londres, es un gran lugar para frenar las cosas y relajarse. Gran video introductorio también. Por cierto, no hay comida y bebida disponibles aquí, pero hay una pequeña tienda.

Tenía una hora entre reuniones y pensé que lo pop. Así que me alegro! Es excepcional, se puede sentir la historia de este fantástico edificio, hace que tingle cuando vea el techo pintado por Rubens. También el lugar que Carlos me llevaron de ser ejecutado por Cromwell.

While you are in Whitehall take the time to visit the Banqueting House and learn about its history. Call ahead though because it is often busy.

Rubens never saw his installed work at Whitehall Palace, but it is still wowing visitors today! This is the only remaining part of that palace today and it might not have escaped the fire that destroyed the palace had Christopher Wren not blown up an adjoining building in order to create a fire break to protect it. Like many places in London, you are provided with an audio guide upon entrance to the exhibit and it will walk you through both the history of the palace and the symbolism in the paintings. An enjoyable visit will not take more than about an hour or 90 minutes. There is also a short, introductory film downstairs (as well as some very interesting info about the royals provided on placards)....

Ahora bien, este es un lugar increíble para ver. Un poco de historia por ser el lugar de ejecución del Rey Carlos I, pero eso no es motivo para ir.

Went on the Lost Palace tour, it was incredible so much fun and so informative. Loved the interactive part of this tour, I was often looking over my shoulder to see who was chatting behind me, but it was just part of the tour! Enjoyed it very much!!

Tenía una preciosa visita hoy a la Casa de Banquetes, y su excursión palacio perdido No estoy seguro de cuánto está la entrada, pero el tour es de £12 por adulto, pero somos miembros del histórico Palacio Real, así que teníamos un 10% de descuento.

The painted ceiling is wonderful. They provided bean bags so you can sit and easily look up to enjoy

Я ходил в Банкетный зал, потому что он был включен в программу London Pass. Если есть такая возможность и время - можно сходить. Место с историей, представьте сколько особ там за всё время пировали )) Ну а так, из примечательного 1) роспись потолка работы Рубенса. Это правда здорово. 2) Мягкие кресла, можно лежать и смотреть в потолок. 3) Небольшое видео про историю комнаты. Это всё. За деньги я бы не посоветовал идти. PS Почему это место попало в раздел рестораны?? Наверное, исправят

Elegimos visitar la Casa de Banquetes puramente porque estaba catalogado en el Folleto London Pass y me alegro tanto de haberlo hecho - otro edificio asombroso y precioso - el techo con los cuadros más único y exquisito! Usted no necesita mucho tiempo para visitar, pero si estás cerca es tan vale la pena ver!

This a hidden gem in London situated in Whitehall near all the famous buildings. Constructed for Charles I it has an amazing painted ceiling by Reubens.

Had a good time in banqueting house, take advantage of the bean bags to look at the Rubens ceiling and listen to the audio guide

The ceiling works of art are amazing. Sit on the bean bags and just look up! For those that can sit in a bean bag, they have mirrored tables that you can move around and adjust easily to appreciate the paintings.

Beautiful slice of history on Whitehall. Well worth a visit.Friendly staff and a very competent audio guide. Loved the beanbag seating - perfect for enjoying the magnificent ceiling.

Our first visit to this amazing building and was not disappointed in the slightest. As members of Historic Royal Palaces (well worth the membership fee) we were able to take advantage of a members only tour. The Banqueting House is the only remaining part of Whitehall Palace and well worth a visit. So much history attached to it and to be able to view the Rubens paintings that adorn the ceiling are just fabulous.

We were surprised that we have spent more than 90 minutes in location that offers actually one room to visit. Dont skip the audio guide offer. We have learned so much with it and the history of the place and the ceiling paintings is really amazing.

Recently I visited the Banqueting House for the first time. Given how many times I must have walked past it over the years it is amazing that it was my first visit. It is the only remaining part of the Royal Palace and it is, of course, where Charles I met his fate. Still in use today it is very grand and the Rubens paintings on the ceiling are sensational. Something special even for such a great painter. Ver well worth a visit

I hadn’t heard of this historical gem prior to my recent London trip but I’m sure glad I visited it. It’s a grand Palladian style building created in 1622 and is readily accessed at Whitehall, just across the road from the Whitehall Horse Guards. Buses stop nearby and the nearest tube station is Charing Cross, but Westminster is also an easy walk.The feature is the first floor banqueting hall; a vast, staggeringly beautiful space bounded by columns that lift one’s eyes to the remarkable ceiling where world renowned artwork by Sir Peter Rubens is displayed in all its splendor. Visitors are free to walk around the hall and can recline in bean bags that are scattered around the floor to facilitate ceiling viewing. Three tiltable mirror boxes provide additional means of viewing and photographing the ceiling.Photography is allowed, but wide angle lenses (15mm or shorter) are recommended to take in the whole ceiling. In January 2017 I paid 5 pounds entry (Senior). Worth every penny. The short video introduction in the Undercroft that sets the historical perspective is recommended.

If you are in the area, the ceiling is truly beautiful. Painted by Sir Peter Paul Rubens, can be viewed by bean bag chairs spread around the hall so you can lie on your back and experience its magnificence. It is walking distance from Westminster. Not much else here. It is a historical palace but to go in is to see the ceiling.

A pleasant welcome, followed by the introductory short film and then the tour with the audio guide. A most interesting place and the painted ceiling was stunning.Well worth a visit and whilst we had historic royal palaces passes, the entrance fee was only £6 for adults.Worthy of an hour of anyone time.

Came to a red carpet Beauty Awards event here and it was a lovely venue.The hall looked great on its own, just enhanced by the events decor and the food they served was elegant and matched the occasion.All in all a nice place for an event and made me think it would be worth coming to look around in the day.

We went to see the Ruben ceilings, expecting a short visit but the handheld audio tour was fascinating to listen to and we stayed over an hour in the one room!

You can't miss walking by The Banqueting House in this neighborhood. Enter the building and enjoy a 10 minute video about the history of the house and a 45 minute audio-guide for more historical info.

Banqueting House is part of the Historic Royal Palaces, located on Whitehall near the House of Parliament and St. James Park. It is small and this second time we visited there was no exhibition. We sat through a short video on the history of Banqueting House which was informative, and then went up to see the Rubens ceiling. Nothing I can say that wasn't said by so many others, so I'll just sum it up and WOW.

Es una atracción de visita rápida y hasta de paso. Las pinturas del techo valen la pena! Hay puffs donde te podes recostar para verlo tranquilo.

Free admission to Peter Paul Rubens masterpiece of several huge paintings on ceiling of the Banqueting House. Only a few blocks from Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Winston Churchill War Rooms that tourists just walk by unknowingly. Historical dvd plays on ground floor too.

This was our fourth trip to London and we have tried to visit The Banqueting House each time. We were finally able to get in and it was worth the wait! It's just a single room but the ceiling art and the building itself are worth a visit. My favorite part of the whole experience was getting to lie down on bean bag chairs and listen to the audio about the paintings on the ceiling. That's definitely the way to do it!! There are also some nice mirrors on the ground that show the ceiling, if lying down is not your style. The audio guide provides lots of interesting information about the room and the art. Definitely suggest a visit if you get lucky enough to visit when it's open!

For history buffs this place holds a lot of importance and they may not like to miss it but for others who are not history fanatics (and have a London pass or are willing to spend GBP 6) it is a great place for learning and relaxation. The banqueting house is one big hall with everything (that it has) depicted on its ceiling. The ceiling has Rubens famous paintings which are a treat to watch especially when you are lying down. That is why the management there has put bean bags on the floor. So all you have to do is to just lie down on a bean bag, lookup to the ceiling and let the audio guide take to back in the time.We really enjoyed the place.

Good for history buff's and lovers of architectural features.very limited attraction but the audio guide was very good. Not really for the kids. Need's more than just the spectacular ceiling paintings

I am a history buff so I was interested to see this location where Charles I was executed. I had heard about the Rubens ceiling as well. There was no line at the ticket gate. Adult tickets were 6 pounds. There is an undercroft to the right of the ticket office. They have an intro film about the location. I recommend using the bathroom while you are there. Restrooms are difficult to find in London unless you are at an attraction and even then, they may be hidden in obscure locations/very busy. These bathrooms are very clean. The Banqueting Room is simple but lovely. However, it is only one room. So, if you have a London Pass, it is included and will take very little time to view this attraction especially if you are in the Westminster Abby/Parliament area. You can walk down the road from there and see 10 Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade (photo with soldier on horseback); photo in old red phone box; and then Banqueting House as they are grouped rather closely together. It will take very little time and you will have some fun photos. Otherwise, this attraction may be for the more advanced traveler that has seen many of the other London points of interest or an art/history buff like myself.

esta incluido en la london pass y es lindo por dentro no es lo mejor de londres pero si uno lo tiene incluido por que no hacerlo

I went to a reception there years ago and being young at the time didn't really take in it's beauty. We spent a very interesting hour there listening to all it's fascinating history on the free handsets which were supplied. It is run by Historic Royal Palaces which also run The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Palace. The staff were welcoming and friendly. If you do not want to lie on the leather beanbags to stare up at the Rubens ceiling you can look through strategically placed mirrors. It is well worth a visit and only £6.00 entrance.

Visited recently & the staff were fantastic, helpful & friendly!The room is gorgeous with mirrors & beanbags to help you take in all the intricate artwork on the ceiling.

It sounds terrible to say that the main purpose of going to The Banqueting House is to get off of your feet. It features this wonderful ceiling painted by Rubens. However, to see the ceiling better they have bean bag chairs. Even if you can't get a chair they have plenty of sofas. You pay £6, listen to the audio guide if you want, and rest.

Went here as the place we wanted to visit was closed. What a treat! Beautiful room with soft cushions to lie on to view the stunning Rubens ceiling. You can see the exit which Charles 1st had to take to go to the scaffold. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

The visit is worth 6 GBP (a ticket price). There is a really good audioguide included in the ticket price. When you enter the hall you see stunning Rubens´ canvases on the ceiling. You can lie on the floor (there are huge pillows) and watch and watch... The history of Charles I whose life ended there is interesting. Don´t forget to look into mirrors in boxes on the floor.

就騎兵博物館對面,我們買了LONDON PASS就進里面參觀一下,地方不大,就一個廳,地上準地了沙發,可以躺上去看天花板,我一躺就躺了半小時,看著那些畫著迷了!

Worth a visit if your in the Westminster area.Excellent audio tour...quite relaxing as very comfortable sofas provided to observe the paintings on the ceilings. Opposite Horse Guards and shortwalk to Churchill Rooms.

This is well worth a visit. There is a very good audio presentation which is easy to use and you are left to go around in your own time which is great. The ceiling painted by Rubens is so clear you would have thought it was painted yesterday. A word of warning, if you are of a certain age at least practice how to get out of a bean bag, with grace, before you recline to have the best view of this magnificent ceiling.

Currently undergoing external refurbishment this single, huge and elaborately painted room (ceiling by Rubens) is well described by the short video in the under croft and the more detailed audio guide you take with you to the Hall. This is the room from which King Charles I stepped out onto his scaffold and into British (infamous) history.Linger a while and listen to all that happened here. A good 60-90 minutes can be idled away - so a good spot if it's raining outside. The building is directly opposite Horseguards and a very short stroll down Whitehall from Trafalgar Square. So few Brits and tourists realise it's there - so bit of a hidden gem.

The audio guide provided with the entry ticket is absolutely superb. You are then free to wander in the Banqueting House and sit where you wish and enjoy the splendour. The guide is very informative and you can opt to hear more details on the areas which interest you. The ceiling painted by Rubens is stunning.

I'll admit that I wasn't expecting much from the Banqueting House, but I was pleasantly surprised. While there are better places to visit, the small staff was informative and the history is very interesting. I wouldn't go out of my way to see this, but if passing by it's worth a stop.

Went with a friend, as I received a gift for free entry. It is a lovely room, with a very interesting history. They have you watch a 10 minute movie first, and then go up to the room. You could easily just looked at the beautiful painted ceiling and leave, or spend about 30 minutes listening to all the commentary. You don't need too much time to enjoy it.

It was worth the hassle of having to sit through an annoying movie before we could get our audio guides - just to see the roof by Peter Paul Rubens. We loved the fact that there were mirrors in the hall so that you did not have to crane your neck to see the ceiling. Don't miss it! Inexpensive and easy to get to.

First it is not accessible .... shame on them.It was a bit interesting but nothing we would go back to see. It is included in the London Pass and is nothing we would pay to see.

Now the first thing to say about the Banqueting House is that it has jut two rooms, the vault with an introductory video and the hall itself. It is not the biggest of Venues, but it boast a huge vault of history including That of Kings and Queens and VIP's.So p,ease give this venue a visit, the hall is stunning and the audio tour is well planned and laid out. In addition to this the carefully positioned bean bags allow you to lie back, listen to the fascinating history of its present, learn how it is used today whilst gazing at the amazing artwork in the ceiling and all that it represents. This is quite the experience, it's one of knowledge and uncovering it's interesting, varied and at times somewhat fated past.So please don't overlook this historical venue because it isn't as big or doesn't boast as ,any rooms as some of the other palaces. You will be amazed at what you uncover.Well worth a visit!

After years of walking by, I paid admission and went in. Wow! There is so much to see, the exhibit is amazing, the history so rich. And then there is that ceiling, amazing!Enjoy!

Caminhando entre o Big Ben e a Trafalgar Square vi a entrada deste casarão e percebi que a visitação estava incluída num cartão que eu havia adquirido para visitar outras atrações. Não me arrependi, todo o prédio é lindo, mas o teto é impressionante! Prepare seu pescoço.

No hay mucho que ver. Yo entré porque la tenía incluida en el London Pass, pero no vale las 7 libras que cobran de entrada

this attraction is small but well put together, the toilets are very clean and well presented, the art work is lovely and it is very comfortable to view what is on display. not suitable for children as it is very quiet and peaceful

Adorei visitar. É um ponto turístico pouco conhecido. Você pode se sentar nos pifes e ficar apreciando o teto. Foi a única parte do Palácio de Whitehall - principal residência dos reis da Inglaterra em Londres- que escapou do incêndio.

This was inlcuded on our London Pass and we enjoyed it. There is signficant history in the place, and a short film explains it very well. I liked it because it is still used for State Affiairs. I like walking around and knowing that Bill and Hillary hob nob here. The bathrooms are great, but why not, they are used by the biggest names in the world.When we went upstairs with our audio tour, there were bean bag chairs set up and we were able to sit in a comfortable chair and listen to the audio. It wasn't crowded, and it was a great break from the busy city.

After looking at a very informative video, you should definitely get the audio guide as you head upstairs, if not you will not understand what you are seeing. This is the first time I have seen bean bags on the floor to enable you to see the painted ceiling, which is simply beautiful.

The ceilings in the Banqueting House are simply gorgeous. There are sitting areas in which to appreciate them and a short video presentation. Unless you are an art aficionado, I would only allot about 45 mins for a visit.

Saindo da Abadia de Westminster encontrei uma senhora oriental me convidando para entrar e visitar. Não me arrependi. Trata-se de um salão inicialmente de festas (banqueting) que fazia parte do palácio de Whitehall, quase todo destruído por um grande incêndio. A Banqueting House sobreviveu ao fogo, intacta. O seu teto é todo pintado por Rubens. Uma obra de arte!

The main attraction of this place is its ceiling! It was a first for me to see people reclining to enjoy every detail of the painted ceiling! :)

Get the audio and find yourself a place on the floor (grab a beanbag is available) and start looking and listening. The ceiling is gorgeous!! The Rueben painted beauty above you is enough to take your breath away. An explanation of the various scenes, etc. the description of the King's mask balls and dinners - this room is also still used for state dinners, etc. You also get to hear the story of the beheading of King Charles I. Definitely worth a visit!

The hall is literally one room with a beautiful Reuben's ceiling. There is an audio guide, but it isn't the best. If you are pushed for time in London, I would miss it out. However, I you are looking for something different to do, as were we, this is worth half an hour of your time. It is just off Trafalgar Square on Whitehall.

What a amazing place! Both historically as well as having a great time and terrific meal. The service was 5 star. The food equally as good. There is nothing to improve at this fantastic place in London.

Обедали там с группой. Цены не знаю, платили организаторы. Место приятное и уютное. Вкусная еда. рекомендую для обеда и ужина.

I visited the banqueting hall alone one day when I was bored with nothing better to do, I did not regret it! When you first go in you get to sit downstairs and watch a very informative video. Then you collect your audio guide and head upstairs to the hall itself. It is just one room but the Rubens ceiling paint is absolutely fantastic (and I am not a massive art fan!). Laying on a bean bag, listening to the audio guide, starting at that painting I felt so relaxed I could have laid there all day! Even though there is not a lot to do there I would happily go and lay and stare at that amazing piece of history again.

Not a lot to do here as the main feature is the beautiful painted ceiling. Would definitely suggest that you take the audio guide.

Positioned half way down Whitehall ,opposite Horse Guards Parade.This corner building is principally remembered for two things.It was from a first floor window one chilly morning that King Charles walked onto a raised platform to be beheaded ,perhaps the ultimate example of cutting off ones head to spite ones nose ? Refusing to bow to Parliament whilst insisting in the divine right of kings cost this one dear.Do not look for the window as the front of the House was later re-modelled and the window bricked up.The actually Great Hall / Banqueting room is justifiably famous for the huge Rubens ceiling .It really is quite remarkable.Large leather bean bags are positioned to allow one to lay down to take in the ceiling properly,other stately houses please note.Their are also some cabinets which act as magnifiers to view as well.Their is not much else really ,a small tea and cakes stand in the crypt with toilet facilities.The venue is easily served by bus route and Trafalgar Sq is nearby.A little known fact to delight and intrigue.Opposite sits the entrance to Horse Guards Parade. Look at the face of the clock on the clock tower.There is a blackened Mark by the numeral " 2", to signify and commemorate the time of the Kings execution.

This small corner of history has a big punch, this is on a corner opposite St James Palace horse guards exit on Whitehall, it's clearly marked but it is a busy area so it can also be missed if you don't know it's there. From the outside like with many of London's old buildings it is very unassuming and you pay in the little shop. You take a short walk up a wooden stair case with a large portrait of Charles the first and turn into the banqueting hall itself, at first appearance it I was in awe of the amazing Rubens art work on the ceilings and this is ultimately the main atttraction. I wouldn't visit with much more expectations but if you appreciate fine art and this is one of the best ceilings I've ever seen, and if you appreciate it's value as history you will enjoy a visit to this attraction. It won't take you long so you can fit it in around this part of London (Buckingham Palace, St James Park, the Mall, Trafalga Square, Downing Street, Westminster, etc), probably at the most if you listen to the whole commentry on the ear phones provided and watch an interesting dvd in the corner about the events that took the banquesting house to where it is today, you'll maybe be here an hour. However, you could be fool to think it's just a large room with a ceiling, just give it a chance and dig deeper withthe resources provided. There's also dressing up clothes for children, mirrors to appreciate the full ceiling without hurting your neck and beanbags to lie back on the floor and listen to the commentary on your headphones, plus lots on seating around the edges of the room. There is also a cafe under the main hall itself which is worth looking at to see where Charles the first got away from all the hussle and bussle of court. One small top, if you visit by train it was on the 241 London website which you then only have to pay half!It's a very relaxing and different tourist attraction and totally underated, one of it's kind too considering what London has gone through over the years. Well worth a short tourist stop.

It's not a restaurant unless you are very privileged. It is a very fascinating part of British history. A worthwhile 45 minute stop.

a short visit will suffice ........ this is just one room albeit a big one!The historical significance of this place is huge ......... as the only surviving building from the palace of whitehall it reminds us of a time past. I learned quite a lot form this one room and rubens paintings on the ceilings.Worth a visit

Although this site is probably not on people's must-see list their first, or even second, trip to London, I found it very relaxing and enjoyable after the crush of tourists at Westminster Abbey, Parliament, the London Eye, the Churchill War Rooms, etc. I highly recommend a stop here after a visit to the Horse Guards Museum across the street. I found both of these attractions to be well worth it and off the beaten tourist track. I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in a bean bag chair and gazing up at the stunning ceiling by Rubems highlighted by sparkling chandeliers. Where else can you take a mental break in the center of London and lay back and enjoy a masterpiece by a world-renowned artist? Well worth the trip when in need of a breather.

Good for a large function and we had a good reception area with a harpist although the chatter was too loud to enjoy her.The hall is very grand above ground level but the service and food was good for mass catering.

£5 entry to see a short video and a ceiling look elsewhere when visiting London plenty to see for free (London for free) felt like I had been ripped off probably the worst no the worst sightseeing I have ever visited lower your price or let people in for free or donation

The video at the beginning is worth watching to set the scene but the audio guide just repeats the video. Only worth seeing if your into architecture. I love history but just a room to see that's it. Would not visit again. Plus ensure they charge you the correct entrance fee as tried to over charge us to what the price stated ourside so please sort your pricing out !!!

The Banqueting House is located on Whitehall street near Westminster Tube Station. It's just a big hall with beautiful painting on the ceiling. If you happen to be in that area and have time, you may take a look. You will first view a video on the first floor after you purchase the ticket, about 4lbs/adult. Then, you will go upstairs to see the banquet hall itself. It shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes for the entire visit.

What can I say! This was once part of Whitehall palace and is now the only surviving part part, above ground at least. It was outside this place that Charles 1st was beheaded so it has a little gruesome history. But it is the ceiling that was painted by Rubens that makes a visit worthwhile It is absolutely stunning.

...well, not quite, but it is all that remains of the original Palace of Whitehall. This is a beautiful building, but so un-imposing from the outside, despite the inside being a beauty to behold, particularly the Rubens' ceiling that can be observed by laying on moveable cushions.Or you can go outside at the back and stand below where the British King Charles was beheaded during the first Revolution in Europe!

Went to Banqueting House because it was included as part of our Royal Historic Palaces membership. The ceiling was beautiful however the audio was long and sometimes boring. Know also that this site can be rented so you may be interrupted and rushed by staff as we were because there was an event scheduled and they were starting to set up.

But well worth a visit when in Whitehall (London UK)

La Banqueting House e' un piccolo cammeo vicino alla caserma delle Horse Guards e costituisce l'unica parte superstite del vecchio palazzo reale di Whitehall.E' costituita da una sola grandiosa stanza con soffitto affrescato da Rubens molto ben descritto dall'audioguida ed osservabile anche senza alzare la testa grazie agli specchi distribuiti nella stanza.Fa poi un certo effetto sapere che quella fu l'ultima vista degli occhi di Carlo I prima di essere decapitato ....

Ce n'est pas un restaurant mais Il y a deux salles de réceptions : une à l'étage avec de belles peintures au plafond et une autre au rez de chaussée. Il n'y a pas plus à voir, ce lieu ne vaut pas qu'on fasse un détour exprès.Vous pouvez vous y arrêter vite fait si vous avez le London Pass et que vous êtes dans le coin, la visite est assez rapide.