Buckingham Palace is, of course, the official main residence of the Queen, Elizabeth II. Although she has numerous homes, you can tell when she’s in as the Royal Standard flies from the flagpole. When she’s away from the palace, the Union Jack (or Union Flag) flies in its place.

The palace itself was not always as such. Various well-known Englishmen, including the poet, William Blake, lived on the site before the buildings that became the palace sprung up. In 1703, Buckingham House was built for the Duke of Buckingham and this was acquired by George III in 1761. 250 years on, the palace has been added-to and upgraded to the famous icon it is today.

Apparently Buckingham Palace contains 140 bedrooms and 78 bathrooms (so even the Queen must queue sometimes!). Don’t just take our word for it though, Buckingham Palace opens it’s magnificent doors to the public who can tour the luxurious state rooms of the British Royal Family. As one of the last fully functioning royal palaces in the world today, and for its sheer opulence, this is well-worth a visit. Indeed, even if you don’t have time to take in the full tour, you can still crowd along to catch the famous changing of the guard ceremony which takes place nearly every day at 11 a.m. (check the website before you go though, as this can vary on occasion).