Buckingham Palace tour: summer opening 2024

PLEASE NOTE: BUCKINGHAM PALACE SUMMER OPENING IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2023.

Check back nearer the time for details of the Buckingham Palace Summer Opening in 2024.

Enjoy a self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace to see the lavishly furnished State Rooms at one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces, plus discover some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures.

When can I buy Buckingham Palace tour tickets?

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening is now closed for 2023. Check back nearer the time for 2024 tickets.

What's inside Buckingham Palace? 

Something to be marvelled at outside its golden gates, Buckingham Palace inside is an even more impressive sight to behold.

Buckingham Palace is a grand royal residence with 775 magnificent rooms, highlights of the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace include:

• The 19 beautifully decorated Buckingham Palace State Rooms, used for receiving guests and official functions.
• The Throne Room – often used as a backdrop for royal wedding photos.
• The magnificent Grand Staircase.
• Pieces of fine art, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck.

See the special Coronation Display at Buckingham Palace

During this historic year in London, visitors were able to discover the magnificent outfits worn by King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the Coronation in 2023.  

Situated in the grand Ballroom, the display featured awe-inspiring clothing from the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. You could also see historic vestments worn by His Majesty at the moment of crowning including the Coronation Glove, Girdle (Sword Belt and Stole Royal. Along with the grand robe of estate, made from purple silk velvet and golden lace, worn by The King for his departure from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace to greet the crowds on the famous balcony.

You could also catch a glimpse of the Diamond Jubilee State Coach on display in the Palace's State Entrance, or combine your visit to the State Rooms with a trip to the Royal Mews where the Gold State Coach awaits.

The special Coronation exhibition ran between 14 July and 24 September 2023.

Who lives at Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace serves as the official London residence of His Majesty The King, and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world today.

Is the palace open to the public? 

Buckingham Palace is open to the public during the summer months. 

Can you walk through the Buckingham Palace gardens?

Entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace State Rooms include access to the gardens. This involves a short stroll through the wooded area and past the lake, as you make your way to the exit on Grosvenor Street.

Tickets do not offer access for visitors to freely wander the grounds.

When can I visit?

Buckingham Palace tours take place between July and September. If you're not able to visit during this time, take a look at London's other royal attractions.

What are the Buckingham Palace opening times?

Buckingham Palace is usually open on Thursdays to Mondays, from 9am to 7.30pm from July to September.

Entry is on a timed admission basis and ideally you should arrive no later than 10 minutes before the entry time on your ticket.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets to visit the Buckingham Palace State Rooms cost £19.50 for adults aged 18 to 24, £30 for adults over 24 years of age, and £16.50 for children over five years of age – children under five enter for free, but tickets must be booked in advance.

How long does it take to tour Buckingham Palace? 

It takes between two hours and 30 minutes to explore Buckingham Palace.

Where is Buckingham Palace and how do I get there?

Buckingham Palace is located in central London. The closest Tube stations are Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner. Several buses including numbers 11, 211 and C10 also stop nearby. If you are arriving by coach, Victoria Coach Station is only a 10-minute walk away.

The Buckingham Palace visitor entrance is located on the left-hand side of the Palace and you will exit through the gardens. 

Are the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery part of Buckingham Palace?

Both the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery are part of the Buckingham Palace site, but have their own visitor entrances and so can be visited separately, or as part of a combined ticket. Both venues are open for most of the year, including when the palace itself is closed. Buy a combined ticket to visit Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews (available daily for 1.45pm timeslots or on weekdays for 10.45am timeslots when booking).

If you're looking for an alternative to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle is a royal residence close to London which is open all year round. See Windsor castle tickets and tours (including coach tours).

Discover more of royal things to do in London including an expert-led Royal Walking Tour, the best royal historic parks for a relaxing stroll and other top royal attractions.