Map & location
Overview
SW1A 1AA is arguably the most recognised postcode in the United Kingdom, assigned to Buckingham Palace, the principal residence and administrative headquarters of the British Monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the Palace sits at the western end of The Mall and faces the Victoria Memorial, within one of London's most prestigious and historically significant districts.
The area surrounding SW1A 1AA encompasses St James's Park, Green Park, the Palace forecourt (scene of the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony), and some of London's most iconic thoroughfares. Westminster is home to Parliament, Downing Street, and numerous foreign embassies, making this postcode a true seat of political and royal power in Britain.
Getting here
The area is exceptionally well served by public transport. Victoria station (National Rail, London Underground Victoria and District & Circle lines) is approximately 600 m to the south-east. St James's Park Underground station (District & Circle lines) is roughly 400 m to the east along Birdcage Walk. Green Park station (Jubilee, Victoria and Piccadilly lines) lies about 500 m to the north. Numerous bus routes serve Victoria, Buckingham Gate and Grosvenor Place. The Palace is surrounded by wide pavements and cycle lanes; Santander Cycles docking stations are available on Buckingham Gate and Birdcage Walk. Accessible drop-off points are available on the surrounding roads for visitors with mobility requirements.
What it's famous for
Buckingham Palace is the defining feature of SW1A 1AA. Originally built as Buckingham House in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, it became the official royal residence in 1837 under Queen Victoria. Today it contains 775 rooms and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer when the State Rooms are opened to the public. The Changing of the Guard ceremony on the Palace forecourt is one of the most-watched free attractions in the world.
The surrounding neighbourhood is famous for St James's Park — London's oldest Royal Park — the Victoria Memorial, The Mall ceremonial route, and proximity to Horse Guards Parade and 10 Downing Street. The area hosts major national events including Trooping the Colour and royal processions.
Services & facilities
Official residence and administrative HQ of the British Monarch; State Rooms open to visitors in summer.
Working royal stables housing historic State coaches and carriages, open to visitors.
Public gallery exhibiting rotating selections from the Royal Collection.
Mail addressed to the Monarch at this postcode is handled by dedicated Palace staff.
Tourist attractions
The official London residence of the British Monarch and one of the world's most visited landmarks.
~0 mLondon's oldest Royal Park, with a scenic lake, pelicans and views of the Palace.
~200 mGrand marble memorial to Queen Victoria standing at the entrance of Buckingham Palace.
~100 mCeremonial processional route from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square.
~150 mTranquil Royal Park with mature trees, immediately to the north of the Palace.
~300 mFamous ceremonial event held on the Palace forecourt, free to watch.
~50 mWorld-class public art gallery showing works from the Royal Collection.
~100 mWorking royal stables housing the Gold State Coach and other historic carriages.
~150 mHospitals & NHS
Major NHS acute hospital in Chelsea, approx. 3 km south-west.
~3 kmMajor NHS teaching hospital on the South Bank, approx. 2.5 km east.
~2.5 kmUrgent (non-emergency) care at Soho Square, approx. 2 km north.
~2 kmGPs, pharmacies & dentists
GP surgeries
GP practice serving the SW1 area on Wilton Road, Victoria.
~700 mPrivate and NHS GP services in the Victoria/Pimlico area.
~900 mPharmacies
Large pharmacy inside Victoria station concourse.
~650 mCommunity pharmacy on Buckingham Palace Road.
~500 mDentists
NHS and private dental practice near Victoria station.
~700 mSchools & universities
Church of England primary in Eaton Square, Belgravia.
~1.2 kmOutstanding Church of England secondary school in Westminster.
~900 mLarge further education college in Victoria.
~800 mWorld-renowned arts university campus in Chelsea.
~2.5 kmBusinesses & shops
Luxury hotel directly opposite Buckingham Palace on Buckingham Palace Road.
Numerous specialist shops and luxury brands in St James's Street and nearby carry Royal Warrants.
Major financial institutions and law firms occupy offices throughout Westminster and Victoria.
Landmark luxury hotel beloved by the Royal Family, a short walk from the Palace.
Gyms & leisure
Ornamental lake, diverse birdlife including pelicans, and fine Palace views.
~200 mPeaceful Royal Park ideal for walking and picnicking.
~350 mIconic concert and events venue in South Kensington.
~3 kmNational gallery of British art from 1500 to the present day.
~1.5 kmWorld-class natural history museum in South Kensington.
~3.2 kmService providers
Full-fibre and FTTC broadband infrastructure across SW1A.
Cable broadband available in parts of the Westminster area.
Electricity distribution network operator for the London area.
Mains water and sewerage services provider for Greater London.
Gas distribution network operator for the London region.
Residential & community
The postcode itself is non-residential, dominated by the Palace estate and parkland.
Ultra-prime residential neighbourhood immediately to the south-west, known for stucco-fronted townhouses.
Prestigious neighbourhood to the north-east with exclusive clubs, galleries and luxury residences.
Victorian residential neighbourhood to the south with more affordable housing by Westminster standards.
Transport
Train & Tube
Victoria Station
Major London terminus (National Rail) with services to Gatwick, Brighton, the South Coast and beyond.
Victoria Underground Station
London Underground – Victoria line, District line, Circle line.
St James's Park Underground Station
London Underground – District line, Circle line.
Green Park Underground Station
London Underground – Victoria line, Jubilee line, Piccadilly line.
Bus stops
Buckingham Palace Road stops
Multiple bus stops on Buckingham Palace Road serving routes towards Victoria, Sloane Square and central London.
Birdcage Walk stops
Bus stops on Birdcage Walk towards Westminster and Victoria.
Cycle hire
Santander Cycles – Buckingham Gate
TfL cycle hire docking station on Buckingham Gate.
Santander Cycles – Birdcage Walk
TfL cycle hire docking station on Birdcage Walk near the Palace.
EV, defibrillators & more
EV charging
Semley Place Car Park EV Charger
Electric vehicle charging points available in Westminster City Council car park near Victoria.
Defibrillators
Defibrillator – Victoria Station
Public access AED located within Victoria station concourse.
Postboxes & Post Office
Post Office – Buckingham Palace Road
Post Office branch on Buckingham Palace Road.
Fuel stations
BP Filling Station – Grosvenor Place
Petrol station on Grosvenor Place at the north-east corner of the Palace grounds.
Places of worship
Royal chapel within the Marlborough House estate, used for private royal worship.
~600 mRoyal Peculiar and iconic Gothic abbey church, site of coronations and royal weddings.
~1.3 kmMother church of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, in Victoria.
~700 mParish church of the House of Commons, adjacent to Westminster Abbey.
~1.3 kmArea data & demographics
Housing & utilities
SW1A 1AA itself is a Palace estate; surrounding SW1 area has some of the most expensive residential property in the world.
Average prices in Westminster exceed £1.2 million (estimate); Belgravia and St James's command significantly higher figures.
Surrounding areas feature Georgian and Victorian stucco townhouses, mansion blocks and luxury apartments.
Demographics
Crime (illustrative)
Air quality & noise
Air quality in central Westminster is generally rated moderate; proximity to major roads means some elevated NO₂ levels.
SW1A 1AA is immediately adjacent to St James's Park and Green Park, providing exceptional green space in central London.
The Palace forecourt and The Mall can be noisy during ceremonial events; the parks offer quieter respite.
FAQs
What is SW1A 1AA?
SW1A 1AA is the postcode assigned to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British Monarch, located in the City of Westminster, central London.
Can you write a letter to the King using SW1A 1AA?
Yes. Mail addressed to His Majesty The King, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA will be received by Palace staff, who handle the Monarch's correspondence.
Is SW1A 1AA a residential postcode?
No. SW1A 1AA is a non-geographic/institutional postcode assigned to Buckingham Palace. No private residents live there; it is an official royal and administrative address.
How do I get to Buckingham Palace by public transport?
The nearest Tube stations are St James's Park (District/Circle lines, ~450 m), Green Park (Victoria/Jubilee/Piccadilly lines, ~500 m) and Victoria (Victoria/District/Circle lines, ~600 m). Numerous bus routes serve the surrounding streets.
When can visitors tour Buckingham Palace?
The State Rooms are open to the public typically from late July to late September each year. The Royal Mews and Queen's Gallery are open for longer periods throughout the year. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for current dates and booking.
What is the Changing of the Guard and when does it take place?
The Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial handover of duty between the Old Guard and New Guard at Buckingham Palace. It typically takes place at 11:00 on alternate days (daily in summer). It is free to watch from outside the Palace gates.
What postcode district is SW1A 1AA in?
SW1A 1AA is in the SW1A postcode district, which covers the immediate area around Buckingham Palace, St James's Park, The Mall, Downing Street and Parliament Square.
Useful links
Official records and property listings for SW1A 1AA: