This is where the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer reside at numbers 10 and 11 respectively. This is a custom that dates back to 1732 when George II (1727-60) gave number 10 to Britain’s first prime minister Rupert Walpole. And number 11 has been the home of the Chancellor since 1806.

Downing Street has been closed to the public since 1990 due to fear of IRA terrorist attacks, so unfortunately all you can do is gaze through the iron gates.

The street is adjacent to Whitehall in Westminster, the area of London that is home to British Government. Nearby attractions include the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guards Building and the Cenotaph.