Buckingham Palace

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.

Buckingham Palace is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.

What is there to see?

During the summer and on selected dates from November to December and at Easter, visitors can tour the 19 State Rooms, which form the heart of the Palace. These magnificent rooms are decorated with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto. Read about the top 10 things to see on a Buckingham Palace tour.

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. Both venues are open for most of the year, including when the palace itself is closed.

Extend your day by buying combined tickets for Buckingham Palace and Royal Mews when selecting certain timeslots.

Try to time your visit to see Changing the Guard, a popular free event which takes place outside Buckingham Palace on certain days from 10.45am and lasts around 45 minutes, with the actual handover taking place at 11am. Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot with a good view.

How can I get tickets? 

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

Where is Buckingham Palace?

How to get to Buckingham Palace

The closest Tube stations are Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner. Several buses also stop nearby. If you are arriving by coach, Victoria Coach Station is only a 10-minute walk away.

Who lives at the palace?

Buckingham Palace serves as the official London residence of His Majesty The King.

The monarch often receives members of the Privy Council, foreign and British Ambassadors and High Commissioners, bishops, senior officers of the Armed Services and the Civil Service.

Many of the royals also hold private apartments here and use the palace as their London home base.

How long does it take to tour Buckingham Palace?

It takes between two hours and two hours and 30 minutes to explore Buckingham Palace. Guided tour times may differ.

Why not tick off some of London's other key royal locations with the Royal Walking Tour, Changing of the Guard, or pair your visit with a traditional afternoon tea aboard a double-decker bus. 

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)*.