A venue’s location can make or break an event, and at the QEII Centre, we benefit from exceptional links to several major transport hubs as well as providing the opportunity to take in some of London’s most iconic buildings. Whether it is the journey to and from the Centre or during the event day, our guests will be in close proximity to several world-renowned landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
We certainly don’t take for granted being surrounded by this heritage and will look in more detail at each of them, including their historical significance and some facts you may or may not know:
Westminster Abbey
Directly opposite the QEII Centre, the Abbey is a royal church that has played a significant role in the history of the state for centuries, with all monarchs coronated here since 1066 and 16 royal weddings since 1100. A large, mainly gothic abbey church, it is a world heritage site that is the burial site for 17 monarchs as well as being an active place of worship that hosts daily services. Most recently, it hosted the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the world’s most-watched TV event.
The Houses of Parliament
A short walk from the QEII Centre, the Houses of Parliament (also known as the Palace of Westminster) form a stunning backdrop to several of our core spaces. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, it is of great historical and symbolic significance.
Although the building dates back centuries to the Middle Ages, the majority of it had to be rebuilt following the great fire of 1834. It was rebuilt in a neo-gothic style and took 30 years to complete from the laying of the first stone in 1840.
Today it remains the home of the House of Commons and House of Lords. It is the very heart of British politics, where the representatives of both houses work on behalf of the British people to ensure laws are amended and shaped, the big issues of the day are debated, and Government decisions are scrutinised.
Big Ben
One of, if not the most famous clock in the world, no part of it is officially named Big Ben. The name is derived from a nickname for the Great Bell (named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was in charge of the construction of the Houses of Parliament). The Tower was named the Clock Tower until 2012, when it was known as the Elizabeth Tower to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Covering 11 floors and standing at 96 meters, the Tower underwent a five-year renovation programme in 2017 to help better protect it against the elements, which included the chimes being silenced for four years. We are glad to say these are back up and running, with the Great Bell (Big Ben) chiming every hour and the smaller bells every 15 minutes.
Buckingham Palace
The only one of the landmarks that cannot be seen directly from inside the QEII Centre, it is only a short walk away. To get to the Palace, you can choose to go around or through the beautiful St James’s Park (where you can even stop off to see the feeding of the pelicans or take in the impressive views from the bridge in the Centre of the Park).
A working royal palace, Buckingham Palace has served as the official residence of UK sovereigns since 1837. It is famous for hosting major national and royal events as well as lunches and achievement receptions, hosting people from all walks of life, from international dignitaries and Heads of State to those who are recognised for their achievements.
Our clients and delegates are able to see some of this up close, with the Palace providing a stunning backdrop to the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony, which is seen by millions each year. They are also able to book tickets to see inside the Palace, as the state rooms are open for guided tours during spring, summer and winter.
Views from the QEII Centre
Whilst many of the buildings have longstanding cultural heritage and symbolism, the views from the QEII Centre have a wonderful contrast of the historic with the modern, taking in some of London’s newest and finest architectural developments such as the Shard and the London Eye. The vistas from across the seven floors will put the cherry on the cake of your event experience at the QEII Centre.