Clarence House

Facts and information

Address:: Clarence House, The Mall,
London SW1A
England
Website:: www.royalcollection.org.uk
Opening times:: Closed to the public, apart from the Summer Opening during Aug–Sep; Note: Opening times are subject to change, and may not apply on public holidays. Always reconfirm with the venue before making plans.
Buses:: 8, 9, 14, 19, 22, 38
Trains:: Green Park JUB PCL VIC, Piccadilly Circus BKL PCL, St. James’s Park CRC DSC Note: The nearest train station to Clarence House is Green Park. We can help you find the best route from any other train station:
Train journey to Clarence House

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Clarence House was built in the early 19th-century for the Duke of Clarence – later King William IV. A second storey was added in 1873, and much restoration work was needed after the Blitz.

Clarence House’s first royal resident was King William IV, who lived there between 1830 and 1837. Buckingham Palace was just a stone’s throw down the Mall, but he much preferred the elegant decorations by John Nash. In fact, when the Houses of Parliament burnt down in 1834, he even offered the Palace as replacement!

The next monarch – Queen Victoria – wasn’t quite so keen on the place, and moved into Buckingham Palace as soon as possible. The house was then turned over to her mother, who lived there for twenty years.

Charles, the Prince of Wales

A long series of occupants then followed, including the Queen Mother’s daughter – the Duchess of Edinburgh (now Queen Elizabeth II). But when the King died in February 1952 she rose to the throne and moved to Buckingham Palace. Her mother then moved back into Clarence House.

When the much-loved Queen Mother died in 2002, her grandson – Prince Charles, together with his two sons and Camilla – all moved in.

Guided tours of Clarence House

Clarence House is currently only open to the public for two months during the summer, but tickets have to be booked well in advance.

>> Drummerboy’s blog – Clarence House Summer Opening

Drummerboy – “I went to Buckingham Palace last week, so I thought I’d give Clarence House a go as well. You are not allowed to walk around on your own, and you have to follow a guide in a group. My group consisted of 18 old people and me. No tourists. All the tourists go to Buckingham Palace and Clarence House is left with the aging Brits. But the old guy guiding us around was pretty good and he knew his stuff. He told you about the photos, paintings and furniture and you could ask him anything you wanted as you went along… continued.”

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Fish – “I am very much a fan of the Royals and have been to all the palaces numerous times, but for some reason I put this one off, maybe because i wasn't expecting much. But after having been I must admit that i was pleasantly surprised, and wondered why I didn't… read the full review”