Buckingham Palace
Westminster, London, Greater London, SW1A 1AA
Buckingham Palace is one of England’s most famous landmarks. It has served as the official London residence of the British royal family since the 19th century and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. Public access to the interiors is limited to the summer, but it’s well worthwhile for those who arrange a visit.
The Basics
Buckingham Palace is one of England's most famous landmarks. You can view its opulent exterior through the gates year-round, but the interiors of the royal residence are only open to visitors during the summer.
Come in the summer, when Buckingham Palace is open to the public, for the chance to peek into the staterooms, see the Throne Room, stroll through the palace gardens, and admire masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Canaletto in Queen Victoria's Picture Gallery. Don’t miss the Royal Mews—where you can see the family’s 18th-century Gold State Coach—and the Buckingham Palace Gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
The palace is a must for history buffs and royal enthusiasts.
Pair a stop at Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard ceremony and afternoon tea for a quintessential London experience.
If the Royal Standard flag is flying atop the palace, it means the head of state is in residence. During all other times, the Union Jack flag is flown.
How to Get There
Buckingham Palace is located in central London at the heart of St. James Park, just across the road from the St. James' Park Underground Station and a 15-minute walk from the Victoria Coach Station and the adjacent Victoria Railway Station. It's a pleasant stroll from London attractions such as Westminster Cathedral—as well as the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben—and is often included as a stop on London walking tours.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is in the late morning, when the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. The palace interior is only open to the public during summer, usually from late July until the end of September, with tours running daily from morning until evening. While you can just show up for the Changing of the Guards, it’s wise to book your Buckingham Palace tour in advance, as tours of the interior are very popular and they do sell out.
Nearby Royal Sites
Windsor Castle is the nearest residence to Buckingham, located just outside London. It can be visited on a quick, half-day trip from the city. Closer to the palace, Westminster Abbey is the resting place of many English monarchs and the site of some royal family weddings (including that of Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge).
Ways to explore
You can view its opulent exterior through the gates year-round, but the interiors of the royal residence are only open during the summer. When Buckingham Palace is open, you can peek into the staterooms, see the Throne Room, stroll through the palace gardens, and admire masterpieces by Rembrandt and Canaletto in Queen Victoria’s Picture Gallery. Don’t miss the Royal Mews—where you can see the family’s 18th-century Gold State Coach—and the Buckingham Palace Gardens.
If you’re just visiting the exterior, you only need 15 minutes, whereas guided tours take 1.5 hours. Pair a stop at Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard ceremony and afternoon tea for a quintessential London experience.
Accessibility
The State Rooms and Palace Gardens are fully accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Only handbags and small backpacks are allowed inside the palace.
What to wear
As you’re visiting such a regal residence, many people opt to dress smartly for the tour.
Not allowed
Photos, videos, food and drink
Amenities
Toilets and baby care facilities at the end of the tour, café on the West Terrace
Address
Buckingham Palace is located in central London at the heart of St. James’s Park, just across the road from the St. James’s Park Underground Station and a 15-minute walk from the Victoria Coach Station and the adjacent Victoria Railway Station. It’s a pleasant stroll from London attractions such as Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, and it’s often included as a stop on London walking tours.
Driving
From Westminster, head east on Victoria St/A302 towards Artillery Row/B323. Turn left at the street onto Buckingham Gate/B323 and then turn right onto Spur Road. The nearest parking is Q-Park Victoria, a 15-minute walk away.
Public transportation
The most convenient London Underground line for Buckingham Palace is Green Park on the Victoria Line; this is a 10-minute walk from the palace. You can also take the 9, 12, 23, or 88 bus to Trafalgar Square and walk for five minutes from there.
Best times to visit
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is in the late morning, when the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. Tours are typically always booked out, but you’ll be more likely to have a smaller group if you opt for an early morning tour.
Best days to visit
If you just want a photo outside of the building, Tuesdays and Wednesdays see the smallest crowds gathering.
Best months to visit
The best months are July–September and November–January, when exclusive summer and winter tours take place.
Special events
The Changing of the Guard ceremony typically takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
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