The door of number 10 Downing Street is one of the most famous in the world.
What is Downing Street? Home to the British Prime Minister and the centre of the British Government.
There is very little to see, as Downing Street is behind high-security fencing and well guarded by police. Closed to the public since 1982, it is no longer possible to take a selfie standing in front of the large back door of number ten.
Top Attractions at Downing Street
1. Watching for the Prime Minister leaving by car
2. Spotting Ministers and MPs arriving and leaving
3. The High Level of Security
4. Not much else
All About Downing Street
| DOWNING STREET | |
|---|---|
| KIDS FRIENDLY? | Not really, five minutes tops |
| LOCATION | Downing Street SW1A 2AA |
| WHAT'S THERE | Home of the Prime Minister |
| UNDERGROUND | St. James's Park |
| BUS | Several buses run up Whitehall |
| TRAIN | Victoria Charing Cross |
| GUIDED TOURS | It isn't possible to visit or enter Downing Street |
| SELFIE TIME | Picture of the high railings. Nowhere near the number 1o door. |
| WHEELCHAIRS | Flat pavement in Whitehall and Parliament Street |
Is It Just Where the Prime Minister Lives?
Number 10 Downing Street has been the London home of the Prime Minister since 1730. The PM and his family live in a flat in the building which includes other numbers in the street.
Number 10 houses the Cabinet Room where the elected Cabinet meets, chaired by the Prime Minister. The house also includes the PMs Executive Office, which manages the logistics of running the United Kingdom. Number 11 Downing Street is the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Downing Street was built in the 1680s, by Irishman Sir George Downing. The whole street is just 660 feet (2 pm metres) in length and St. James’s Park is at the top end.
Numbers one to eight Downing Street were demolished in 1824 to make way for the building of the Privy Council office. Number nine is used as the Press Briefing Room. Numbers 13 to 20 have also been demolished.
Little known fact: There was once a pub in Downing Street, called the Rose and Crown.
What is There for Children to Do?
There is little to see at Downing Street for children. Allow five minutes before they become bored and it is time to move on.
Selfies and Pictures
You are unable to see much through the railings, but may be lucky to catch the Prime Minister leaving for the House of Parliament or Buckingham Palace for his weekly audience.
Food and Drink
There is nothing here.
There are some cafes a short walk away at the end of Whitehall.
Disabled Facilities
The pavement outside Downing Street is flat and easily accessible.
How to get to Downing Street
Downing Street is set off Whitehall at the junction with Parliament Street and is a short walk from Westminster Abbey.
CLOSE TO DOWNING STREET
Churchill War Rooms
Houses of Parliament
St. James’s Park
Westminster Abbey