Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster
Where is Buckingham Palace Road?
Buckingham Palace Road is a prominent road in the City of Westminster, Central London. It runs in a generally north-south direction, starting near Victoria and moving southward toward Chelsea and Pimlico. The road plays a vital role in connecting key royal landmarks and bustling transport hubs. It connects Buckingham Gate in the north to Ebury Bridge Road in the south.How Long is Buckingham Palace Road?
Buckingham Palace Road spans approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km) in length. Despite its relatively short distance, it is one of Westminster's most iconic and frequently travelled roads, given its proximity to the Royal residence and Victoria Station.The History of Buckingham Palace Road
The origins of Buckingham Palace Road date back to the 18th century, developing alongside the growth of the area surrounding what is now Buckingham Palace. Originally, the land to the south of the palace grounds was marshy and rural, but urban expansion and royal influence transformed it into a well-trafficked thoroughfare.By the early 19th century, the road was formalised to serve the newly refurbished Buckingham Palace and its increasing number of visitors. Over time, the road became integral to the Victorian-era development of nearby areas such as Belgravia and Pimlico.
How Did Buckingham Palace Road Get Its Name?
The road derives its name from Buckingham Palace, which it runs alongside. The palace was named after the Duke of Buckingham, who originally built Buckingham House in the early 18th century. When King George III acquired the house in 1761, it later evolved into the royal palace we know today.Buckingham Palace Road became part of the A3214 road network in the 20th century, forming a segment of this classified route that connects Victoria with Chelsea Bridge and beyond.
Road Connections: From North to South
Buckingham Palace Road is intersected and connected by several important roads. From north to south, these include:- Buckingham Gate
- Bressenden Place
- Eaton Lane
- Ebury Bridge
- Ebury Bridge Road
- Eccleston Bridge (over the railway tracks)
- Eccleston Street
- Elizabeth Street
- Elizabeth Bridge
- Grosvenor Gardens
- Lower Belgrave Street
- Lower Grosvenor Place
- Palace Street
- Phipp's Mews
- Pimlico Road
- Semley Place
- Terminus Place
- Victoria Street
Notable Buildings Along Buckingham Palace Road
On the eastern side of Buckingham Palace Road, notable landmarks include:- Royal Mews - housing the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages, and the working stables for the royal horses.
- Queen's Gallery - an art gallery featuring exhibitions from the Royal Collection.
- Buckingham Palace Gardens - the road runs alongside the high perimeter wall of the palace's private gardens.
- Victoria Coach Station - London's largest and busiest coach station, serving domestic and international travel.
- Grosvenor Gardens House - an elegant residential and office complex.
- Hotel Grosvenor (The Clermont London) - a grand Victorian-era hotel just by Victoria Station.
Nearest London Underground Stations
The closest Tube station is Victoria Station, located at the northern end of Buckingham Palace Road.Victoria Station is served by the following lines: This makes Buckingham Palace Road extremely well-connected to the rest of London.
Fun Fact About Buckingham Palace Road
A fun and often overlooked fact is that Queen Victoria was the first monarch to reside in Buckingham Palace, and in 1837, the road outside was bustling with celebration. Today, Buckingham Palace Road plays a key role during ceremonial events, such as royal processions and state visits, as it leads up to the Queen Victoria Memorial and into the palace grounds via the Royal Mews.Also of note: in the early 20th century, part of the road was home to London's first electric street lighting experiments, marking it as a small but fascinating footnote in the city's technological history.
Why Visit Buckingham Palace Road?
Buckingham Palace Road is more than just a route between landmarks - it's a corridor rich in royal history, transport heritage, and classic London charm. It offers:- Direct views and access to Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews
- Easy connections to Victoria Station and coach travel hubs
- Victorian architecture, elegant hotels, and hidden historic details
Map of Buckingham Palace Road, London
Painting of Buckingham Palace Road View full-size image