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Buckingham Palace

  • London, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 20 February, 2024

Adopted as the British monarch’s official London residence on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837, the world’s most famous – if architecturally bland – royal palace is viewed by most visitors from the outside only. Walk up the Mall to get the most impressive view, and once you’ve mingled with the crowds, dip into leafy St James’ Park for coffee with the squirrels, who eat out of the hands of passersby.

In the summer months, the State Rooms and gardens open up to visitors; you can take your own picnic if visiting the gardens, and there are pre-bookable Gardener’s Tours for green-fingered visitors.

While you’re there

The Queen’s Guard, the poker-faced chaps in the big fuzzy bearskin hats, change posts with great fanfare outside the palace – check exact times for this Changing of the Guard during the month you’re visiting.

The Queen’s Gallery is open year-round, exhibiting treasures from the Queen’s personal art collection, including works by Rubens and Rembrandt.

Recommendations

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  • London, United Kingdom (UK)

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach in the daytime

Experience

The Royal Mews

The Royal Mews house an impressive collection of Royal State Coaches and Carriages, including the instantly recognisable Gold State Coach, commissioned in 1760 and used at the coronation of every British monarch since George IV.

Designed by John Nash, the architect responsible for redesigning Buckingham Palace, the Mews takes in the pre-existing riding school (constructed in 1760s), a grand clock tower, quadrangle, coach houses and two sets of state stables.

As a working branch of the Royal House, the Mews is responsible for all royal road travel, by car, horse and carriage plus the care and training of the Queen’s Windsor Greys and Cleveland bays horses.

Adult price: £14

Good for age: 18+

Queen’s Gallery

  • London, United Kingdom (UK)

A bright red exhibition room with statues and furniture with gold accents

Experience

The main public art gallery of Buckingham Palace, the Queens Gallery exhibits works of art from the Royal collection on a rotating basis – there are usually around 450 works on show.

Adult price: £8.50

Good for age: 18+

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The closest Underground station is Victoria (Victoria Line).

‘Royal Day Out’ tickets allow access to all three public areas – the State Rooms, the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews – otherwise ticketing is separate. Free hour-long audio guides are provided for each of the three attractions within Buckingham Palace.

Head to the Garden Café on the Palace’s West Terrace for very English refreshments such as macaroons, scones and tea.

When to do it

The State Rooms summer opening times are changeable – check the website. As a general rule, visit between July and September to catch the State Rooms, checking the website in advance for any exceptions and closing dates. The Queen’s Gallery and Royal Mews are open all year round, from Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • London

The most fun 1.5-hour tour in London. Watch the Changing of the Guard with an experienced and acclaimed guide, where you'll be taken to the best places to see the ceremony. Along the way you'll see palaces, royal parks, royal residences and even have an opportunity to march alongside the guards. The walk is interesting for adults, fun for kids, and will almost certainly be the highlight of your stay in London. Please note that you will not see the section of the ceremony on the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, but rather the other highlights of the ceremony.

Price £22

Min age 5

Rating 4.89 / 5 [1423 ratings]

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  • London

Experience London’s royal heritage and pageantry on a 2.5-hour experience that combines a visit to Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy the colorful spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and then enter the magnificent palace with a tour host for an independent audio tour of the State Rooms, an experience only available for two months of the year. Admire the lavish rooms that are used by the royals for State and ceremonial events, as you discover the palace’s history from the audio guide. Please note: Buckingham Palace is only open to the public for approx. eight weeks each year. Tickets sell out fast, so book now to avoid disappointment

Price £72

Min age 0

Rating 4.11 / 5 [1240 ratings]

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  • London

See British tradition come to life on this fully-guided Changing of the Guard walking tour that ensures you get the very best views of this spectacular ceremony!  Don’t make the same mistake that so many visitors often – and understandably – make, believing the prime vantage point from where to experience this time-honoured tradition is outside Buckingham Palace. These spectators’ enthusiasm quickly turns to disappointment when they realise that they have waited for hours only to see the very end of this unique performance, their view often blocked by the throngs of people crowding around them. Instead, follow your guide on a dynamic journey that takes in the entire Changing of the Guard from beginning to end as they expertly navigate the crowds to take you to the best – and most photographable – viewpoints.

Price £15

Min age 0

Rating 4.35 / 5 [642 ratings]

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  • London

Your Changing of the Guard tour ensures you don't miss a moment of the action. Standing in the best spots around London’s Royal Palaces, you'll capture incredible photos as the Royal Guard march to the stirring tunes of the military band. Along the way your knowledgeable tour guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of this centuries-old ceremony, making sure you understand the nuances of what you’re witnessing. Subject to schedule your Changing of the Guard tour will also give you the opportunity to get great photos of the Royal Horseguards of the Household Cavalry. Your Changing of the Guard tour also includes stops at the key ceremony and royal landmarks. You’ll discover the incredible history of Buckingham Palace and get up close to St James’s Palace and Clarence House, the official London residence of His Majesty King Charles III. Immerse yourself in royal pageantry and enjoy the most comprehensive views of this traditional British ceremony.

Price £14

Min age 5

Rating 4.89 / 5 [640 ratings]

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  • London

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to explore the State Apartments of Buckingham Palace; they are only open for two short months each year. Tickets are limited, and demand is high! Here we include a guided stroll down The Mall and through one of London's most beautiful royal parks, as well as a glimpse into the lives of the Royal Family.

Price £69

Min age 0

Rating 4.30 / 5 [153 ratings]

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