How to visit 10 Downing Street in London

visit 10 downing street london

After Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street comes close to an address in London everyone at least once has heard of. Downing Street is situated in the City of Westminster area of central London, and house number 10 is the official residence and office of the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom or the First Lord of the Treasury. Number 11 is officially the residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Street was initially built from 1682 – 1684 by Sir George Downing (c. 1624/25 – c. 1684), after whom Downing Street in London (as well as two streets in New York) are named after.

Nowadays, after combining adjacent houses, 10 Downing Street features 100 rooms, a courtyard, a lift, and many other amenities. However, there is no possible way to open the door from the outside; hence there is always someone standing inside to unlock the door if needed. By this, we proceed to answer the vital question: Can you visit 10 Downing Street?

Planing a visit to 10, Downing Street SW1, Westminster, London

As unfortunate as it sounds, but the better for the security of the heads of the British government and their equally important frequent guests, it is not possible to visit 10 Downing Street in London. Unless you are invited, of course 😉 Furthermore, you can not even come close to the famous house itself; there are street barriers in quite a distance away. Indeed, it is possible to have a quick look at the facade of the building, from Whitehall, but that’s about it. This is as close as the public can get. Unless you are a cat, in this case, you are granted special trespassing and an exclusive title, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Larry definitely is a lucky mouser (and, he’s in office since February 2011, impressive!)

Address: 10 Downing St, Westminster, London SW1A 2AA, United Kingdom
can be seen from Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A 2AS, United Kingdom

10 Downing Street as seen from Whitehall, Westminster, London
10 Downing Street as seen from Whitehall, Westminster, London

How to have a look inside 10 Downing Street

But, don’t worry, there still is a way to have a look inside 10 Downing Street. Even though it’s virtual only. Google Arts&Culture has recorded eight rooms, of the approximately 100 rooms, and published those StreetView captures online for everyone to see. How great! Included are the White Room, Staircase, Small and State Dining Room, Cabinet Room, Study – Thatcher Roon, Entrance Hallway, Anteroom and the Garden. Check all of them out here on artsandculture.google.com

About

Outdoor Lifestyle Blogger Lisa JoyDellaVita

Lisa is a Blogger for more than a decade now, sharing her adventures exploring the world on JoyDellaVita, as well as excursions into the culinary world, sustainable choices, how to live a healthy active lifestyle but overall, how to enjoy a life full of joys.