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Facilities

Practical information for your visit

For families

Suitability

We welcome visitors of all ages. Children should be supervised at all times throughout your visit for your safety, particularly around the stone staircase. 

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is welcomed in all areas of the Banqueting House. Should you wish for more privacy, there is a vanity area in the ladies' toilets with seating.

Baby change

There are baby changing facilities. Please ask a member of staff to direct you.

Buggies

Buggies can be used on the ground floor of the Banqueting House and can be left downstairs before ascending the stairs.

Lift access

There is a lift up to the main Banqueting Hall and step-free access down to the Undercroft, with a handrail available.

Toilets

Accessible toilet facilities can be found in the Undercroft off the main entrance hall. These are accessed down a short ramp with a handrail.

Quiet areas

We can provide a quiet area for reflection or prayer if requested. Please ask a member of staff.

Food and drink

Apart from water, no food and drink is allowed within Banqueting House. While there is no café on site, there are plenty of outlets in the local area for you to enjoy before or after your visit.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available inside the palace.

Simply follow the on-screen prompts on your mobile device to get connected. 

Left luggage

Large bags are not permitted at Banqueting House and we are not able to offer left luggage facilities for security reasons. Many of the nearby tube stations have storage space.

See Stasher locations for luggage storage

Lost property

Please speak to a member of staff if you lose something during a visit. Alternatively contact our visitor services team with a description of the lost item and the date of your visit by emailing info@hrp.org.uk

Prohibited articles

In the interest of security, visitors are granted admission to the palace on the condition they may be searched before entering the premises. The following items are strictly banned:

  • Weapons, including knives
  • Fireworks and smoke bombs
  • Pepper spray or any other articles intended to cause injury
  • Any article which is illegal to possess under UK law

First aid

Please alert a member of staff if someone within your party requires First Aid during the visit.

Photography and filming

Visitors are welcome to take photographs within most areas of Banqueting House.

Historic Royal Palaces has a photography policy that applies to media and commercial photography. When taking photographs at our site, you may be approached by our staff and asked about the purposes of your photography or filming. Historic Royal Palaces reserves the right to request you stop your activities if these are believed to be in breach of the policy.

The photography of certain, individual items may not be allowed due to loan arrangements. Please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

Commercial and media photography

Requests for commercial and media photography, filming and sketching should be made in advance by contacting our Media and PR Team.

Photographic equipment

Equipment such as tripods, monopods, selfie sticks (interiors) and gimbals may not be used at the site unless arrangements have been made in advance with our Media and PR or Conservation teams.

Wedding photography

Wedding photography is exclusive to couples hiring Banqueting House for their wedding day. To find out more about hiring Banqueting House for your event, visit our Hire a Venue pages.

Other visitors

We ask that you respect the privacy of our other visitors while taking photographs at our site. Historic Royal Palaces is a safeguarding organisation and takes its responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people seriously. We may sometimes ask therefore that visitors refrain from filming or photographing other visitors.

Read our Safeguarding policies

Explore what's on

  • Events
  • Access

Relaxed Events, Young People and Adults

Aimed at neurodivergent and learning disabled young people and adults, experience two hours free from crowds, including entry to the Banqueting House with access to relaxed and SEN programming.

Learn more
  • Events

Classical DJ

Presenter Georgia Mann (BBC Radio 3) and sound engineer Rob Winter bring their project Classical DJ to the Banqueting House, creating a rich soundtrack inspired by the drama of the Stuart court and the palace’s extraordinary past.

Learn more

BOOKING NOW

  • For members
  • Events

Members-Only Days at Banqueting House

Explore the Banqueting House, Whitehall on this exclusive members-only day after its temporary closure. Learn all about this iconic building and its rich history.

Learn more