Buckingham Palace tour and tickets in London

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

Witness the grandeur of the British monarchy and on selected dates during the summer and from November to December and at Easter, visitors can tour the 19 State Rooms, which form the heart of the Palace.

What is there to see?

These 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. 

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 book tickets for Buckingham Palace?

Tickets for the Buckingham Palace summer tour: summer opening 2025 are currently not available.

Please check back near the time for more information. In the meantime, discover more London royal attractions. 

Tickets to visit Buckingham Palace on a guided tour (on selected dates) must be booked in advance via the Royal Collection Trust's website.

How long is the Buckingham Palace tour?

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

Where is Buckingham Palace?

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

How to get to Buckingham Palace

The closest Tube stations are Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner.

Buses 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop near Buckingham Palace.

If you are arriving by coach, Victoria Coach Station is only a 10-minute walk away. 

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 home base.

How many rooms are in Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms in total. This includes:

• 19 State rooms
• 52 Royal and guest bedrooms
• 188 staff bedrooms
• 92 offices
• 78 bathrooms

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 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.

When does Buckingham Palace open to the public?

You can explore the lavishly furnished State Rooms and discover some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures at Buckingham Palace for a limited time each summer.

In 2025, Buckingham Palace will be open to the public from July to September - exact dates to be confirmed.

How many acres is Buckingham Palace?

The Buckingham Palace grounds span more than 39 acres. The garden grounds play a key part in the busy calendar of royal events, official entertaining and celebratory events. The garden boasts wild-plant species, breeding birds and more than 1,000 trees.

More Royal London experiences

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).