Buckingham Palace: History, how to visit and what to see

Buckingham Palace is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. As one of the most famous buildings in the world, it's a must-visit attraction to experience the best of British history and culture and witness the grandeur of the British monarchy.

Each summer visitors can buy Buckingham Palace tickets to tour the 19 State Rooms, which form the heart of the palace. Find out more about this iconic royal residence, its fascinating history and how and when to visit it.

Buckingham Palace: History and visitor guide

Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace and the official London residence of His Majesty The King. Explore its rich history through the centuries, find out who lives there today and discover the remarkable treasures on display inside the palace.

What is the history of Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is an essential part of England's history and culture. Originally known as Buckingham House, the building at the core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, on a site that had been in private ownership for at least 150 years.

It was then acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as The Queen's House. During the 19th century, architects John Nash and Edward Blore constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the official London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

Following major structural additions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the construction of the King's Gallery built on the site of the destroyed palace chapel during the Second World War, it is now a grand palace with 775 lavishly decorated rooms and the largest private garden in London.

Who lives in Buckingham 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 base. 

What's inside Buckingham Palace?

Something to be marvelled at outside is its golden gates, but inside Buckingham Palace 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. 

What to see when you visit Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace's magnificent rooms are decorated with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto.

The Royal Mews and The King’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.

How can I visit Buckingham Palace?

Explore the State Rooms on a guided tour

Enjoy a self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace to see the lavishly furnished State Rooms and some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures. Plan your visit in advance and book Buckingham Palace tickets to step inside this iconic landmark this summer, when it opens to visitors from 9 July to 27 September 2026. The tour takes between two and three hours.

Witness Changing the Guard

A popular year-round event not to be missed is Changing the Guard, a free ceremony 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.

Enjoy an exhibition at Buckingham Palace

Every year, Buckingham Palace organises fascinating exhibitions at The King's Gallery, offering an insight into various aspects of royal life and history. This year, celebrate the famously impeccable style and enduring fashion legacy of Britain's longest reigning monarch at the landmark exhibition, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style from 10 April to 18 October 2026.

Combine with a tour – Stonehenge or Windsor Castle

Visit two iconic royal residences in one day on the Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle tour or treat yourself to a Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge day trip.

Buckingham Palace with afternoon tea

Enjoy the ultimate royal experience with tickets to the Buckingham Palace tour with afternoon tea. Tour the iconic royal residence in the morning, before indulging in delightful afternoon tea treats at the nearby Wellington Hotel.

Where is Buckingham Palace and how do I get there?

Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster in central London.

• Tube – The closest Tube stations are Victoria (Circle and District and Victoria lines), Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines) and Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line).
• Bus – Several buses, including numbers 11, 211 and C10, stop nearby.
• Coach – If you are arriving by coach, Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk away. 

More royal London experiences

Tick off some of London's other key royal locations with the Royal Walking Tour or visit the capital's top royal attractions at your own pace. 

If you're looking for an alternative to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace are royal residences which are open all year.