Embark on a self-guided journey through one of the world’s last remaining functional royal palaces, Buckingham Palace. Marvel at the luxuriously decorated State Rooms and explore the Royal Collection’s priceless treasures.
Purchasing Buckingham Palace Tour Tickets
Tickets for the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace 2023 are available online. Combine your tour of Buckingham Palace with traditional afternoon tea at Browns Victoria or aboard a double-decker bus. Alternatively, you can purchase combined tickets for Buckingham Palace and a Royal London Tour.
Inside Buckingham Palace
The royal palace houses 775 splendid rooms, with the Summer Opening highlighting:
- 19 ornate State Rooms, which are used for entertaining guests and official events.
- The Throne Room is a typical setting for royal wedding photographs.
- The grandeur of the Grand Staircase.
- Exceptional artwork, including pieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
Unique Coronation Display at Buckingham Palace
In this historic year, Buckingham Palace showcases the stunning attire donned by King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their 2023 Coronation. Set within the grand Ballroom, the display reveals spectacular garments from the Westminster Abbey ceremony, including the Coronation Glove, Girdle (Sword Belt and Stole Royal), and the King’s majestic purple silk velvet robe with golden lace. A sneak peek of the Diamond Jubilee State Coach is also available at the Palace’s State Entrance or alongside a visit to the Royal Mews, where the Gold State Coach awaits.
The special Coronation exhibition runs from 14 July to 24 September 2023. Ensure you book your spot for this remarkable exhibition (standard entry fee applies).
Buckingham Palace Residents
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of His Majesty The King, retaining its status as one of the few working royal palaces in the world.
Public Access to the Palace
During the summer months, the Palace opens its doors to the public.
Buckingham Palace Gardens Tour
Entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace State Rooms grant access to a short walk through the gardens’ wooded area and past the lake, ending at the exit on Grosvenor Street. Please note that tickets do not allow unrestricted roaming of the grounds.
Tour Schedule
Tours of Buckingham Palace are available from July through September.
Buckingham Palace Operating Hours
From 14 July to 31 August, the Palace is open from Thursday to Monday, 9am to 7.30pm (last admission 5.15pm). From 1 to 24 September, the Palace opens from 9am to 6.30pm (last admission is 4.15pm). Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before the ticketed entry time.
Ticket Prices
Admission to the Palace’s State Rooms costs £19.50 for 18-24-year-olds, £30 for adults over 24, and £16.50 for children over five. Children under five enter for free, but advance booking is necessary. buy ticket here
Tour Duration
A tour of Buckingham Palace typically takes about two and a half hours.
Location
Located in central London, Buckingham Palace is nearest to Victoria, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner Tube stations. Several buses and coaches also service the area.
Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery
Both the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery are part of the Buckingham Palace complex and have separate visitor entrances. They can be visited separately or as part of a combined ticket and remain open most of the year. Combined tickets to visit both sites are available daily for 1.45pm timeslots or on weekdays for 10.45am timeslots.
For an alternative royal experience, consider visiting Windsor Castle, a royal residence near London that remains open throughout the year. See Richmond Park London Activities For Families
