Lancaster House, Stable Yard, London SW1A 1BB

Details

Accessibility

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancaster_House

2025: "Lancaster House (originally known as York House and then Stafford House) is a mansion on The Mall in the St James's district in the West End of London. Adjacent to The Green Park, it is next to Clarence House and St James's Palace, as much of the site was once part of the palace grounds.

Initially planned for Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, it was ultimately completed by the Duke of Sutherland, then Marquess of Stafford, as an aristocratic townhouse in the early 19th century, and known for its lavish interiors. Gifted to the government in the early 20th century, it houses the government's wine cellars and was home to the London Museum until World War II.

Now used for diplomatic receptions and related functions by the Foreign Office, it is a historic Grade I listed building,[1] and its interiors are sometimes used in films or television as a stand-in for Buckingham Palace.  Winston Churchill commented that towards the end of the 19th century, "glittering parties at Lansdowne House, Devonshire House or Stafford House (Lancaster House) comprised all the elements which made a gay and splendid social circle in close relation to the business of Parliament, the hierarchies of the Army and Navy, and the policy of the State."[14]

Lancaster House has been extensively used as a filming location. It has stood in for Buckingham Palace at least six times in film and television: for the comedy film King Ralph (1991),[15] the mystery adventure film National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007),[16] the historical drama film The Young Victoria (2009),[17] the historical drama film The King's Speech (2010),[18] and the 2013 Christmas special for Downton Abbey, when Rose is presented to the King and Queen during the London Season.[19] Lancaster House reprised its role as Buckingham Palace for the Netflix series The Crown.[20] The interior was used to represent the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg for the 1981 film Reds. It also appears as the house of Lady Bracknell in the comedy of manners film The Importance of Being Earnest (2002), and as the site of a masquerade ball in the Merchant-Ivory film The Golden Bowl (2000).[21][22]"

https://www.gov.uk/government/history/lancaster-house

https://blogs.fcdo.gov.uk/lancasterhouse/

Address

Lancaster House, Stable Yard, London SW1A 1BB

Email

protocolevents.visits@fcdo.gov.uk

Phone

020 7008 2711

Website

https://www.gov.uk/government/history/lancaster-house

Directions

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

Amenities

https://blogs.fcdo.gov.uk/stories/lancaster-house-a-world-class-venue-for-your-special-event/

"Lancaster House Terrace and Garden

Backing onto St James’s Park, the Lancaster House garden is of a scale and size unique to London, boasting unparalleled views of Buckingham Palace, the Mall and Green Park.

With a capacity of over 200, this beautiful setting is ideal for a summer reception, with total privacy from the world outside. A marquee can be hired from one of our approved suppliers for use on the terrace.

To enquire about hosting your special event at Lancaster House, contact the team on +44 (0)20 7008 2711 from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or email lancasterhouse.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk "