The Monach’s official London residence and a working royal palace.
What is the appeal of Buckingham Palace? A wonderful palace to visit and take in the splendor of art, gardens, and staterooms.
Buckingham Palace is open to the public for 10 weeks each year during the summer. The exact dates vary from year to year.
8 Top Attractions at Buckingham Palace
The State Rooms
Changing of the Guard
The Gardens
Fine Art
The Grand Staircase
The Throne Room
The Royal Mews
Over 350 Clocks
All About Buckingham Place
KIDS FRIENDLY?
Age 5+
HOURS
The palace is usually open each year for 10 weeks in the summer. Times vary.
LOCATION
Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1A
WHAT'S THERE
Staterooms, fine art, gardens, the guards
UNDERGROUND
St. James's Park (Circle, District)
Victoria (Circle, District, Victoria)
BUS
Buckingham Palace Road
TRAIN
Victoria
VISIT TIME
Allow two hours
ENTRY COST*
Adult: £30
Concessions: £19.50
Child: £16.50
Under 5: Free
GUIDED TOURS
Audio guided tour in eight languages, with a children's version
QUEUE JUMPING
Advance booking is recommended to avoid queues
WHEELCHAIRS
Yes, but must be pre-booked
FACILITIES
Shop & toilets, both at the end of the tour
ADVANCE TICKETS
Buckingham Palace advance tickets
Is It Just a Rather Big House?
With 775 staterooms, Buckingham Palace is a significant royal palace, home to the British Monarch and the administrative offices of the crown. 19 of the staterooms are open to the public during the summer months. And yes, it is a big house!
Buckingham Palace is the location for weekly meetings between the monarch and the prime minister of the day. The Palace is used for ceremonial occasions for visiting heads of state.
The original Buckingham House was converted into a palace by John Nash, for George IV, although he never resided in the building. Queen Victoria was the first to live at Buckingham Palace and she added an extra wing to include guest bedrooms.
The palace is filled with rare and valuable porcelain, some of which is on public view.
Buckingham Palace is very busy during the season and it is essential to book your tickets in advance. Tickets are timed, so make sure you are there in good time. Guided tours are available on some days, but be aware these sell out very quickly.
Audio tours are available in eight languages and there is a special edition for children.
At the end of the tour, there is a large gift shop, in the Palace gardens.
There is a child’s audio guide, suitable for aged seven to 11. Outside, there are nature trails to enjoy, and inside a family room with some activities.
Well, you never know who you might meet! Outside, the traditional selfie is with one of the sentry guards. You are not allowed to take photographs in the State Rooms.
Bottled water is acceptable in the Place, but no food can be consumed. There are places to eat close to the Palace. There is a large gift shop in the Palace gardens.
There is wheelchair access at Buckingham Palace, but it needs to be booked in advance.
How to get to Buckingham Palace
The closest underground tube stations are at St. James’s Park and Westminster, both on the Circle and District lines, or Victoria.
Buses stop on Buckingham Palace Road.
* Entry costs are an indication and may change.