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The 5 best sightseeing tours of buckingham palace.

See one of Britain's top attractions on a walking, biking, bus or private taxi tour.

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

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On a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Check online for a current schedule of the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area, while sharing knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13 Duration: 2 to 3 hours Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the Victoria Palace Theatre. The outings end at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

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Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour

Price: From $161 Duration: 8.5 hours Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.

Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines.

The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m.

Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection. The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

Best of London Tour Including Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

Price: From $144; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee Duration: 9 hours Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here, you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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London: Explore the Parks and Palaces on a Morning Bike Tour

Price: From $37 Duration: 3.5 hours Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were impressed by the guides' knowledge. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $482 Duration: 4 hours Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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The best Buckingham Palace tours

From the Changing of the Guard to trips around the State Rooms, here are the best Buckingham Palace tours to try

Buckingham Palace is one of those attractions  that tourists will compulsively flock to (albeit just around the gates to take pics: for the vast majority of the year the palace is closed), and Londoners treat as part of the city’s furniture. Which is a damn shame, because whatever you think of the Royal Family, their London pad is a real wonder to explore – it’s filled with sumptuous rooms, jaw-dropping artworks and other delights to explore. And there’s an impressive set of tours in which you can learn a little more about various aspect of the palace – plus entry to a couple of different areas. Take a look at our list below and see how the other half live...

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best tours at Buckingham Palace

Exclusive evening tour of the state rooms.

The State Rooms – of which there are 19 – are the only rooms open to the public at Buckingham Palace. And even then, that’s only for ten weeks during the summer, while the Queen is away elsewhere. But if you book a spot on these private evening tours (£80 a ticket), you can get full access to this opulent, gilded suite of rooms when they are empty of general visitors. A guide will talk you through their history, and many of the artworks on display from the Royal Collection. The tours last for two to two-and-a-half hours – and include a complimentary glass of champers, an official guidebook and a 20 percent discount in the gift shop. Hey, don’t say Her Maj doesn’t like a good deal!

Changing the Guard

• Parliament and civic buildings

The Changing of the Guard at Buck House is as British as gulping down a cup of tea or tucking into fish and chips. On average, the switcheroo between one bunch of smartly dressed blokes in bear-skin hats and another takes place four times a week at Buckingham Palace. And this walking tour (from £17 per person) puts you right alongside them, as a guide explains the stories and history behind all the pomp and circumstance.

Tour of the State Rooms

Another tour of the State Rooms, with a few less frills. The State Rooms are as much an art gallery as they are just as a series of spaces within the royal residence – make no mistake, the Royal Collection is a very high-calibre one indeed. Alongside masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt and Canaletto, a special exhibition celebrating the seventieth birthday of the Prince of Wales has been programmed for 2018. At the end of the tour, you’ll end up in the Garden Café, where you can enjoy the lawns of the palace over a cup of tea. 

Royal Mews tour

To describe the Royal Mews as Buck House’s stables is accurate – but hardly does justice to the beautiful carriages and coaches you’ll find tucked away in here. In this tour (from £11), you can take a close look at the Gold State Coach, used at every coronation for nearly 200 years, and the spectacular Diamond Jubilee State Coach. There are also the gorgeous nags themselves, like the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays that have been bred by the Royal Family since the nineteenth century. It’s a real time capsule, the Mews: step into here, and you might feel like you’re in the time of Queen Victoria, not Elizabeth. 

Entry to the Queen’s Gallery

The Queen’s Gallery, based on the south-west corner of the palace, was designed by John Nash and completed in 1831. In its current guise, it opened for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, and plays host to a series of six-month exhibitions that delve from the Royal Collection. Whatever the show, you’ll always find a truly magnificent collection of paintings, drawings, books, manuscripts and other objets d’art. Entry starts at £12 per person. 

And for other attractions...

The 50 best london attractions.

Got your fill of the palace? Here’s our list of the finest attractions in the capital. 

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Buckingham Palace Tours

15 Best Buckingham Palace Tours

Buckingham Palace is a great place to visit. Built in 1703, few attractions in London boast as much history and prestige as this iconic masterpiece. In fact, if it’s your first time touring London, you will be short changing yourself by skipping the Royal Family’s main London residence.

The palace is centrally located in the British capital, within walking distance of other famous attractions like Big Ben, The River Thames, Trafalgar Square, St. James Palace and more.

With 775 rooms – including 92 offices, 52 royal, and guest bedrooms, 188 staff rooms, 19, and 78 bathrooms – this is an enormous palace with a lot to offer once you’re done with the ritual that is taking photos outside of its iconic façade.

Whether it’s taking a trip around the staterooms or witnessing a Change of the Queen’s Guard, here are 15 best Buckingham Palace tours that are definitely worth a try.

1. Royal Mews Tour

The Royal Mews is one of the star attractions at Buckingham Palace. This will feel like a step back in time – back to the reign of Queen Victoria.

The Royal Mews is where road transport for Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family is arranged – whether that be motor transport or horse-drawn carriage.

It is fascinating in the sense that this is where you’ll find the finest working stables we have today.

You will find all the royal carriages and coaches on display in their full splendor. These include the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation for close to 200 years, as well as the magnificent Diamond Jubilee State Coach.

The topping on the cake has to be the elegant Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays, the horses that draw the carriages and which have been bred by the Royal Family since the 1800’s.

2. Enter the Queen’s Gallery

Based at the south-west corner of Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s Gallery was designed by John Nash and originally completed in 1831.

Queen Victoria used it as her private chapel before it was destroyed in 1940 during an air raid. It has since been restored and was opened in 2002 in its current guise, during Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee.

The Queen’s Gallery hosts a series of exhibitions that run for six months. They delve into exhibitions from the Royal Collection which reveal the garden’s changing character from the 16th century through to the early 1900’s.

Leonardo da Vinci’s works are featured here, so are Maria Sibylla Merian’s and Carl Fabergé’s.

During this tour, you will also discover numerous other paintings, drawings, botanical studies, decorative arts, manuscripts, and books.

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3. Westminster Abbey and Changing of The Guard Tour

A trip to Buckingham Palace is not complete without a tour to Westminster Abbey, a 700-year-old structure that is at the core of British history.

The site on which the stately building stands has been the site of royal coronations for a thousand years, dating way back to the time of William the Conqueror. The Coronation Chair – commissioned by Edward the Confessor in 1296 – is also housed here, and so is his shrine.

Many will recognize Westminster Abbey as the site of royal weddings, but it has also been used as a burial site for members of the British monarchy (17 in number) as well as a number of illustrious British poets who rest at the Poet’s Corner.

This package also covers a visit to the world-famous event that is the Changing of the Guard.

4. Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace Tour

This tour will give you the rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of one of the most historic ceremonies of the Royal Family – the Changing of the Queen’s Guard.

A local guide will detail what the ceremony is all about as you wait to marvel at the precision of the Queen’s Foot Guards.

After the ceremony, this ticket will throw the doors of the splendid palace wide open for you.

Inside Bucks Palace, you will get to feast your eyes on some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. An official audio guide is provided to detail the history of these treasured ornaments and furnishings.

It is a great tour that will reveal how the high and mighty used to dine, complete with some of the most eye-popping chandeliers you will ever see.

5. London Tour with Changing of The Guard & River Cruise Ticket

This full-day tour will get you acquainted with the city of London, taking you on a panoramic tour that whisks you around the city’s iconic gems such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Parliament Square.

This ticket also encompasses other must-visit attractions in London, including Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and London’s Theatre District.

From there, you will get to witness a Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, before embarking on a guided tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels are housed.

Wrap up the tour by taking a cruise on the River Thames, which will meander from the Tower to Westminster Pier.

6. Private Royal London Tour

If you want to satisfy your royal intrigues, this tour will give you a comprehensive insight into the British Royal Family.

7. Take a Royal Walking Tour at Buckingham Palace that Includes Afternoon Tea

This tour takes you on a four-hour expedition of Buckingham Palace which should shed a little light on living life as a royal.

A guide will talk you through the history of the palace and its residents before gaining entry to see its lavish interior.

This includes a visit to the Royal Collection, where an audio guide divulges the history of the rare porcelain and fine English and French furniture which you will find.

From there, you will re-join your guide who will escort you to savor a key part of English tradition: a cup of afternoon tea replete with freshly baked cakes and pastries, classic scones with clotted cream, finger sandwiches, and homemade preserves.

8. Take the Kids on a Child-friendly Tour of Westminster

The Westminster tour for kids is not awash with stories that will bore the young ones stiff.

Rather, the walking tour will see a City of Westminster guide narrate to the children exciting stories, past and present, that are certain to pique their interest.

They will know how to tell when the Queen is home (or not), learn about the Royal Green Park, as well as the Seven Noses of Soho.

It is a two-hour discovery tour that will cover Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the Horse Guards Parade.

If time allows, the children might catch a glimpse of the entrance to Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, a remarkable experience that is bound to leave a lasting impact on them.

9. Explore the Lavish State Apartments

The State Rooms are a suite of 19 opulent public rooms in the palace where Her Majesty receives, entertains and rewards her subjects and dignitaries.

Open for 10 weeks each year, these rooms are swathed in marble columns, damask wallpaper, plush carpets, sparkling candelabra, impressive furniture, sculptures, and other unique art pieces.

A guide will detail the history of the rooms, including the artworks from the Royal Collection that are on display. These include masterworks from the likes of Canaletto, Rembrandt, and Rubens.

10. Admire Sèvres Porcelain

Buckingham Palace is home to a splendid collection of Sèvres Porcelain, famed for being one of the finest in the world.

A good deal of the pieces in the collection are traced to the celebrated French manufacturer and were mostly acquired in the years between 1783 and 1830. King George IV especially is said to have had a big hand in amassing the collection.

You will get a chance to see gilded and finely painted wares that include saucers, cups, dejeuners, broth basins, and dining services, not to mention breath-taking ornamental vases, porcelain busts and bibelots.

11. Peek into the Throne Room

To say the Throne Room is a great experience is quite the understatement. Raised on a platform in the majestic room are the red and gold chairs embroidered with the initials of Her Majesty and Prince Philip.

During the reign of Queen Victoria, this served as a ballroom. Today, though, it is mostly used as a backdrop for royal wedding photography.

Indeed, you may recognize it from some public royal wedding photos, including the Queen’s and Duke of Edinburgh’s in 1947 and the 2011 wedding between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Throne Room is definitely worth a visit when touring Buckingham Palace.

12. Take a Walking Tour of The Crown

Lovers of The Crown series will be happy to hear there is a tour that allows them to get a view of over 10 filming locations from the Netflix hit show.

These include the location of the Ambassador’s Ball at the time Princess Margaret was deputizing for the Queen, the novelized offices where the National and English Review was based and the actual Clarence House.

This ticket will take you on a 2-2.5-hour walking tour that starts at the Temple Station and ends at Buckingham Palace, revealing many of The Crown’s filming locations in Central London.

Think of it as a real-life behind-the-scenes experience of the award-winning TV show, which not only lifts a lid on the scandals that gripped the Royal Family but also shows how the production team managed to transform modern-day London into a city from many decades ago.

13. Walk about The Mall and St. James Park

This guided walking tour takes you on a royal tour of London, including a stop at the stunning St. James Park – the smallest of the eight royal parks.

But size counts for little here; the 23-hectare park happens to be the most manicured space in London.

The tour passes by Clarence House – the residence of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall – and takes you to The Mall, the grand processional route carved in honor of Queen Victoria, where countless royal processions have taken place.

The 2.5-hour trip also covers the interior of Buckingham Palace, ensuring you get a good picture of the prominent palace inside and out.

14. Panoramic Tour of London and Visit to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most awe-inspiring castles in the United Kingdom.

This 10-hour tour will give you all the time in the world to take in the majestic splendor of what is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world.

Catch a short drive from London through the Royal County of Berkshire and start off the day at the wooded valley of Runnymede. This is the site of the last rebellion of Baron’s Revolt, which culminated in the creation of the Magna Carta.

From there, the program will take you on a meticulous tour of Windsor, which will be accompanied by a quick lunch.

This will then be followed by a trip down the Thames, the perfect way to enjoy a good view of the attractions along the river – from the medieval, such as Westminster Abbey to the new, such as the London Eye and the Shard.

Need we mention this tour will pass dozens of points of interest, many of which have been cast in both film and literature? Not to mention photo stops at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London.

It is the ultimate package if you want to see it all in a day.

15. Gain Free Entry to 60 Attractions with The London Pass

The London Pass is a comprehensive ticket that grants you a free pass to more than 60 top attractions in London, spread 10 days.

If you are looking to holiday in the British capital and want to cover it fully in less than a fortnight, this ticket is your wild card.

It will take you everywhere – from palaces, cathedrals, and museums to schools like Eton, art galleries, banqueting houses, distillery tours, sports stadiums ranging from football to tennis, zoos, gardens, city cruises – basically everything London has to offer.

If you don’t have 10 days, worry not. The reasonably priced London Pass also comes with the option of 1-day, 2-day, 3-day or 6-day.

What’s more, it comes bundled with other great offers, such as discounted dining and shopping, theatre tickets and more, with a six-language, 160-page guidebook that tells all you need to know before you get to your destination.

15 Best Buckingham Palace Tours:

• Royal Mews Tour
• Enter the Queen’s Gallery
• Westminster Abbey and Changing of The Guard Tour
• Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace Tour
• London Tour with Changing of The Guard & River Cruise Ticket
• Private Royal London Tour
• Take a Royal Walking Tour at Buckingham Palace that Includes Afternoon Tea
• Take the Kids on a Child-friendly Tour of Westminster
• Explore the Lavish State Apartments
• Admire Sèvres Porcelain
• Peek into the Throne Room
• Take a Walking Tour of The Crown
• Walk about The Mall and St. James Park
• Panoramic Tour of London and Visit to Windsor Castle
• Gain Free Entry to 60 Attractions with The London Pass

Visiting Buckingham Palace: 10 Best Things to See & Do

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023

When you think of Britain, and in particular England, many images will pop into your head. For visitors to London from across the globe, royalty is often the first thing they think of when planning their England travel itinerary. And nothing says "Royal Family" quite as loudly a visit to Buckingham Palace.

The official London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's accession in 1837, Buckingham Palace was originally built for the Duke of Buckingham, and was purchased by George III in 1762. Known affectionately to Londoners as "Buck House," it was later enlarged by George IV's court architect, John Nash, in 1825.

The east wing was added in 1846, and in 1913, when George V was king, the east front was given its present Neoclassical look.

To this day, when the sovereign is in residence, the Royal Standard flies over the palace, and units of the Guards Division, dressed in full uniform, mount a guard. On special occasions, such as those usually spectacular royal weddings, the sovereign appears with members of the Royal Family on the central balcony for a friendly wave and a dose of adulation from the crowds.

Tourists today are able to visit Buckingham palace and explore many areas of the palace complex, including areas that were once considered for "royal eyes" and their staff only. From sumptuously furnished state rooms to wonderful works of art, the public now has greater access to Buckingham Palace than at any other time in history.

To help you make the most of your visit to this royal household, be sure to read through our list of the top things to see and do in Buckingham Palace and its vicinity.

Experience the Colorful Pageantry of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Visit the royal state rooms, explore the royal mews, view the rare artworks at the queen's gallery, take a tour of clarence house, take a stroll through green park, the garden at buckingham palace, explore the household cavalry museum, the victoria monument, visit the guards museum, tips: visiting buckingham palace.

The historic Changing of the Queen's Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace has been a treasured London tradition since 1660. Otherwise known as "Guard mounting," this must-see spectacle begins when a troop of the Queen's Life Guard rides from their Hyde Park Barracks and past Buckingham Palace to change the guard at Horse Guards.

This must-see display of pageantry is widely regarded as one of the top free things to do in London. Consequently, things do get very crowded around Buckingham Palace as pedestrians make their way through Green Park and crowd the sidewalks around Memorial Gardens and the Victoria Monument. So try to arrive a little early to ensure a good view of the ceremony.

This colorful spectacle starts daily at 11:30am from April to July, and on alternate days thereafter. While the ceremony lasts approximately 40 minutes, you can drag the excitement out a little longer and follow the "relieved" guards as they march smartly back to their barracks.

Official Site: https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace

For eight weeks in the summer of 1993, Buckingham Palace's State Rooms were opened to the public for the very first time. The proceeds of this landmark event were devoted to the restoration of Windsor Castle , parts of which were severely damaged by a tragic fire the previous year.

Following the success of the venture, the State Rooms are now part of a superb tour that features many excellent pieces from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculptures by Canova, as well as rare porcelain and fine period furniture. Your tour also includes a look inside the Throne Room, the Music Room, the Picture Gallery, and the spectacular White Drawing Room.

The popular tours do book early, and are limited to the 10 weeks each summer between July and October that the Queen is away in Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands .

Official site: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace/plan-your-visit

In the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, you can see a fascinating array of state coaches and carriages. Some are still used by British monarchs on special occasions, such as weddings and funerals.

The most impressive of the coaches on display is the elaborate Gold State Coach . Built for George III in 1762, it has been used for every coronation since 1821. This spectacular Royal carriage is so heavy that it takes eight horses to pull it. The horses, including the famous Windsor Greys, are also stabled in the Mews.

Other items in the collection are the Australian State Coach, a gift from the people of Australia in 1988 and which the monarch drives to the state opening of Parliament; and the Glass Coach, acquired by George V in 1910 and used principally for royal weddings. A number of Rolls Royce limousines , including an extremely rare Phantom VI, along with models from Bentley and Jaguar, are also on display.

Between May and October, interesting free 45-minute guided tours are included with admission to the Royal Mews, led hourly by Wardens in their navy and red livery. These interesting tours explain the responsibilities of the mews staff and describe how royal travel is arranged for special events. Other fun things to do include dressing up and sitting in one of the royal carriages.

Be sure to check the Royal Mews's official website for details of closures or any carriages, such as the Gold State Coach, being in use elsewhere.

Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London, England

Official site: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/royalmews

The Queen's Gallery is an excellent public art gallery that occupies part of the west front of Buckingham Palace. It houses varying exhibitions of up to 450 works from the extensive Royal Collection at any given time.

Located on the site of a former chapel, the gallery has been extensively restored and expanded and is a superb place to view some of Britain's most important royal art collections. Free multimedia tours are available. A great shop is also located on the premises.

Address: Buckingham Palace, London, England

Official site: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-queens-gallery-buckingham-palace

The official London residence of the Prince of Wales, the superbly renovated Clarence House, just behind the Palace, has been opened to the public for tours only during the month of August. These interesting tours last an hour, and you'll see the formal gardens and five ground-floor rooms used by the Prince for official engagements: The Lancaster Room, The Morning Room, The Library, The Dining Room, and The Garden Room.

Designed. by John Nash, the building was completed in 1827 and today houses much of the Queen's art collection , including paintings by 20th-century artists such as John Piper, Graham Sutherland, and Augustus John. The house also displays some of her porcelain and silver collection. A souvenir and gift shop is located on-site.

Official site: www.royal.uk/royal-residences-clarence-house

Located directly across from Buckingham Palace, Green Park was once part of the palace gardens and was a favorite retreat of Charles II. The park remained enclosed and restricted for Royal use until the 1700s, and was landscaped extensively in the 1800s.

Today, the 40-acre park, the smallest of Britain's Royal Parks, is only separated from the palace by a roadway and offers excellent views of the royal residence. Unlike most Royal Parks, it largely consists of woods and meadows, with notable features including Canada Gate, facing Buckingham Palace, and memorials, including the recently added Bomber Command Memorial.

While there are no flowerbeds, the park offers up an amazing display of daffodils each spring, when some one million bulbs blossom.

Official site: www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park

More than 350 varieties of wildflowers and 200 tree varieties grow in the 39 acres of gardens behind Buckingham Palace. These surround a three-acre lake on whose shore Queen Elizabeth and her sister played as children.

Today, the Queen holds her famous Garden Parties on the lawns and stately promenades. Top attractions on a tour of the gardens are the beautiful floral border, the Rose Garden, the wildflower meadow, the Summer House, the giant Waterloo Vase, and the tennis courts where King George VI played.

Be aware, however, that these popular tours do sell out quickly, and are held only on select days between July and September. For a special treat, bring a picnic for you and your family to enjoy on the lawns of Buckingham Palace Gardens.

Official site: www.rct.uk/event/the-garden-at-buckingham-palace

The Household Cavalry Museum explores the colorful history of the British Army's senior regiment from its creation in 1661. Along with displays of uniforms, standards, elegant horse fittings, awards, and musical instruments are audio-visuals and hands-on exhibits that will appeal to children.

Popular things to do include trying on real guards' helmets and regalia, and you can also watch through a glass wall as the guards prepare their horses in the stables. It's also possible to go outside to see the daily Guard Change at 10:50am (9:50 Sunday); the Guard Inspection at 4pm; or mounted sentry changes on the hour, from 10am to 4pm daily.

A well-stocked souvenir and gift shop is located on the premises.

Address: Horse Guards, Whitehall, London, England

Official site: www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk/

Directly in front of Buckingham Palace is the large memorial to Queen Victoria. Designed by Sir Aston Webb, with sculpture by Sir Thomas Brock, it portrays the former queen surrounded by the allegorical figures of Victory, Endurance, Courage, Truth, Justice, Science, Art, and Agriculture.

Recently renovated, it offers up one of London's most popular photo settings, especially when framed with Buckingham Palace in the background.

This interesting museum presents the history of the five regiments of Foot Guards and includes uniforms, weapons, and memorabilia from more than 300 years. Other interesting displays include a chronology of the regimental uniforms. as well as artwork, weapons, and models.

Miniature and military collectors should visit the shop, The Guards Toy Soldier Centre , on the right as you enter through the main gates off Birdcage Walk. Guided tours and walks are available.

Address: Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London

Official site: www.theguardsmuseum.com

• The Queen's Gallery and Royal Mews Tickets: Both are on a timed-ticket system, so purchase tickets first, then explore the parks and monuments while waiting. Be sure to have a staff member stamp your ticket for re-entry - it's good for a year, so you can break up your visits.
• Kids: Activity bags are available free of charge, so be sure to ask for one when collecting your tickets. A kids' drawing and coloring room is available in the State Rooms.
• Security: Expect airport-style security checks, and large bags and backpacks must be left in the cloakroom provided.
• Getting to Buckingham Palace: The nearest tube stations are Victoria, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner.

Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London

Official site: www.royal.uk

More on England

Buckingham Palace Tours 2024

A guided tour of buckingham palace offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the royal residence with expert insights and fascinating stories..

Buckingham Palace tours provide an in-depth look at the palace's rich history, stunning architecture, and the treasures of the Royal Collection. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the British monarchy and the regal splendor that defines Buckingham Palace.

Exploring Buckingham Palace on a guided tour is one of the best ways to fully appreciate the grandeur and history of the British monarchy's official residence. These tours provide visitors with expert insights into the palace's rich heritage, stunning architecture, and the treasures of the Royal Collection. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of guided tours, the different options available, and what you can expect from this royal experience.

Why Choose a Guided Tour?

A guided tour offers several advantages that enhance your visit to Buckingham Palace:

• Expert Knowledge: Guides provide in-depth information about the history, architecture, and significance of various rooms and artworks. Their stories and anecdotes bring the palace to life, offering a richer understanding of its past and present.
• Personalised Experience: Guides can answer questions and tailor the experience to your interests, ensuring a more personalized and engaging visit.
• Efficient Exploration: With a guide, you can navigate the palace more efficiently, ensuring you don't miss any of the key highlights.

Types of Guided Tours

There are several guided tour options available at Buckingham Palace, catering to different interests and schedules:

Standard Guided Tour

The standard guided tour covers the main attractions within Buckingham Palace, including the State Rooms , the Throne Room, and the Picture Gallery. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors looking to get a comprehensive overview of the palace's key highlights.

Exclusive Evening Tour

For a more intimate and exclusive experience, consider booking an evening tour. These tours take place after the palace has closed to the public, allowing you to explore the State Rooms in a quieter, more relaxed setting. The evening tours often include special insights and stories not covered in the standard tours.

Garden Tour

The Garden Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the 39-acre gardens of Buckingham Palace . Led by expert guides, this tour provides insights into the history and design of the gardens, as well as the flora and fauna that thrive there. It's a perfect option for nature enthusiasts and those interested in horticulture.

Family Tour

Designed with younger visitors in mind, the Family Tour includes interactive elements and engaging stories to keep children entertained and informed. These tours are shorter and more dynamic, making them ideal for families with kids.

The State Rooms

A visit to this magnificent palace offers a unique glimpse into the opulent state rooms, the exquisite Royal Collection,...

Changing The Guard

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a quintessential British ceremony that captivates visitors from around...

Tips for a Great Tour Experience

• Book in Advance: Guided tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Book your tickets early to secure your preferred date and time.
• Arrive Early: Arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time will give you a chance to check in and prepare for the tour.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be walking and standing for an extended period.
• Listen and Engage: Make the most of your tour by listening carefully to the guide and asking questions. Guides are knowledgeable and can provide valuable insights beyond the standard commentary.
• Respect the Rules: Follow the guidelines provided by your guide, especially regarding photography and restricted areas.

A guided tour of Buckingham Palace is an enriching experience that offers a deeper understanding of this iconic royal residence. With expert guides leading the way, you'll explore the palace's magnificent rooms, learn about its rich history, and gain exclusive insights into the British monarchy. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about royal life, a guided tour will provide you with unforgettable memories and a greater appreciation for this historic landmark. For more information and to book your tour, visit the official Royal Collection Trust website. Enjoy your royal adventure!

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Visiting Buckingham Palace in 2024

The State Rooms are open everyday in July and August. In September they are open to the public from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

11th July - 31st of August

Open Daily: 09.30 - 19.30 - Last admission: 17.15

1st - 29th of September

Open Thursday to Monday: 09.30 - 18.30 - Last admission: 16.15

Visitors Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit buckingham palace, when is buckingham palace open to the public, how can i purchase tickets to visit buckingham palace, what areas of buckingham palace can visitors explore, are guided tours available at buckingham palace, is photography allowed inside buckingham palace, how long does a visit to buckingham palace typically take, are there facilities for visitors with disabilities, is there a café or restaurant on site, can i see the changing of the guard during my visit, what other attractions are nearby, buckingham palace.

King thanks New Zealand women's rugby team for 'very healing' hug during Buckingham Palace visit

The King found himself in the middle of a scrum when he accepted a hug from a New Zealand women’s rugby player.

Charles laughed as he was affectionately mobbed by the Black Ferns, in the UK to take on England’s Red Roses , after he said “hug, why not”.

Winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga had made the cheeky request and her teammates joined in, leaving the head of state giggling from the group hug during a Buckingham Palace reception.

The King later made the squad laugh during an impromptu speech, when he said: “I much appreciated this chance to meet you and have such a warm hug from most of you,” adding “very healing”.

Details of Charles’ first major tour since his cancer diagnosis were released on Tuesday, with the King travelling to Australia and making a state visit to Samoa for a Commonwealth leaders’ summit.

But he will not travel to New Zealand and said: “I’m extremely sorry I can’t come to New Zealand in later October because of doctor’s orders, but I hope there’ll be another excuse (to come) before not too long.”

Champagne was served for Charles’ guests but the sportswomen opted for fruit juice and water and the King made the players laugh when he joked about the situation.

He said: “I’m so pleased to have this opportunity to greet you all, for a short moment – apparently not to be able to give you a drink.”

During the event, Charles performed a hongi, a traditional Maori symbolic greeting of pressing of noses, with Allan Bunting, the Black Ferns’ head coach and director of rugby.

The players also performed a waiata, a traditional welcome song, after the King expressed his sympathy following the recent death of New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia.

Charles enjoyed the company of the boisterous players who will take on their English opponents this weekend at Twickenham in a rematch of the 2022 Rugby World Cup final that the Kiwis won on home ground.

He confessed to one group that he played in the second row during his rugby days at school and said he broke his nose playing the sport.

The King said: “It was the worst position, it was a bit dangerous sometimes.”

When he chatted to Ms Leti-I’iga’s group of players he asked them if they “stick to a diet” and she replied: “Do I look like someone who sticks to a diet?”

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Buckingham Palace shuts down rumors of Meghan Markle being cropped from Harry's Birthday post

The Palace dismisses rumors of an intentional snub, clarifying the use of an unaltered image from 2018 in their birthday tribute to Prince Harry

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• UK News. The Royal Family excludes Meghan Markle from Prince Harry's birthday photo
• UK News. This is what the British Royal Family has hidden about Kate Middleton's illness

Buckingham Palace has firmly denied claims that Meghan Markle was deliberately cropped out of a birthday photo shared to celebrate Prince Harry's 40th birthday. The controversy began when a 2018 image of Prince Harry, in which Meghan was seated nearby, was posted without her in the frame, leading royal watchers to speculate on whether her exclusion was intentional.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace swiftly addressed the matter, stating that the image posted on social media was not altered in any way. According to the Palace, the photo was used as provided by a photo agency and was not subjected to any cropping or modifications. The image, originally taken during Harry and Meghan's visit to Dogpatch Labs in Dublin , shows Prince Harry smiling while seated alone, though other shots from the same event included Markle .

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The speculation around the photo gained traction after the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the royal family, run by King Charles III's office, posted the image with a simple birthday message: "Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!" This post was later reshared by Prince William and Kate Middleton on their own official Prince and Princess of Wales account, fueling further attention.

Sources close to Buckingham Palace emphasized that multiple photos of Prince Harry were taken during the 2018 event, some featuring Markle and others focusing solely on Harry . They reiterated that the photo chosen for the birthday post was selected based on the format provided by the photo agency.

Significance of the birthday shout-out

The birthday post holds additional significance, as it marked the first public acknowledgment of Prince Harry's birthday by the royal family in three years. Since stepping down from their royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan's relationship with the rest of the royal family has been strained. This public recognition of Harry's milestone birthday suggests a potential softening of the tension between the Duke of Sussex and his family.

However, the choice to post an image of just Harry , rather than one featuring Meghan , sparked widespread discussion, with some interpreting it as a subtle snub toward the Duchess of Susse x. Despite these claims, royal sources continue to insist that the selection was not intended to send any negative message.

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Buckingham Palace says it did not crop Meghan out of Harry’s birthday photograph shared by Kate and William

A photograph shared by King Charles and Prince William to mark the Duke of Sussex’s 40th birthday was not cropped to remove Meghan Markle, Buckingham Palace has said.

Taken on Harry and Meghan’s first overseas trip to Dublin as a married couple in 2018, a close-up picture of a smiling Harry was shared by the royal family and later the Prince and Princess of Wales to mark his 40th birthday on Sunday.

The image was captioned: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”

But royal watchers spotted that the original image, taken when Harry was still a working royal, also featured his wife the Duchess of Sussex.

This led to online speculation the duchess was deliberately removed from the image by the royal family, but it has since emerged the cropped picture of Harry, as well as the full picture featuring his wife, were uploaded by the Press Association to Getty Images on the same day in 2018.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace confirmed the image used was not altered and was used in the format it was received.

The pair’s relationship with the royal family has steadily deteriorated since they stepped down as working royals in 2020 and gave several tell-all interviews.

Further strain was added by Harry’s 20203 memoir Spare , in which he made various bombshell accusations – one of the most notable that William attacked his younger brother when they got into an argument over the reported treatment of the former Suits star.

While the decision to share the image has been interpreted by some as an “olive branch” to Harry, others have said that it simply follows a precedent set by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The late monarch is said to have established a tradition where non-working royals have their birthdays noted on official channels on significant dates that end with 0.

Fans, nonetheless, went wild for the image as it marks the first time that the royal family has acknowledged Harry’s birthday since 2021.

This is not the first time that the royal family has found itself at the centre of a Photoshop scandal, and eyebrows were similarly raised by the Princess of Wales’s celebratory Mother’s Day photograph.

Featuring the princess with her three children, the image was pulled from circulation by major news agencies after it emerged that it had been doctored.

Kate, 42, subsequently issued an apology to the official Kensington Royal Twitter/X account, where she admitted that as an “amateur photographer” she does “occasionally experiment with editing”.

“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused,” the post continued. “I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.”

Harry’s relationship with his immediate family appears to be on poor terms. He has not seen his father since the announcement of his cancer diagnosis in February.

While Harry did see William at their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’s funeral in August, the pair are said to have kept a distance. They were last photographed together in public at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.

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Buckingham Palace denies cropping Meghan out of photo used to mark Prince Harry's birthday

By Natalie Oliveri | 18 hours ago

Buckingham Palace has denied cropping the Duchess of Sussex out of a photo shared to mark Prince Harry's 40th birthday .

It follows earlier reports the image was edited to remove Meghan, who can be seen sitting next to her husband in the photo taken in 2018.

On Sunday, the official social media account for the royal family posted the photo with the caption: "Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!"

READ MORE: Prince Harry says he's 'excited' about turning 40

The same image was then re-shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales' account with the words: "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex."

It was taken when the couple was still working royals, in Dublin, during their first visit abroad as a married couple.

Many royal fans online pointed out the photo had featured Meghan sitting next to Harry, prompting speculation it had been cropped to remove the duchess.

In the original photograph, Meghan is seen alongside her husband at a table with two other people.

However, she was partially obscured and a photographic agency cropped the image in order to release a second, square version focused solely on Harry.

The two images were uploaded by the Press Association to Getty Images on the same day in 2018.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace confirmed the image used was not altered and was used in the format it was received, The Independent reported.

Many were surprised by the royal family wishing Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday, considering how strained relations with the Sussexes have been since their royal exit in 2020.

His birthday in 2023 was not recognised publicly, with palace sources insisting they only marked the birthdays of working members of the family.

In 2022, the family was observing a period of mourning following the death of Elizabeth II, ahead of her funeral on September 19.

READ MORE: Reconciliation unlikely after royals unite for Harry's birthday messages

But in 2021, the royals wished Meghan a happy 40th birthday, Prince Harry's birthday was acknowledged and Prince Andrew's 60th in 2020 was also recognised by the official social media account.

Palace sources said they had simply been following tradition by marking "significant" birthdays, even for non-working members of the family.

Prince Harry was spotted the day before his 40th with Meghan attending the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament, benefitting the Alliance for Children's Rights.

The event, held at the Los Angeles Tennis Club, was in honour of Kelly & Julian Zaifen's son, George, who died aged nine in July 2022.

At the time of the child's death, Meghan and Harry donated $5000 to a crowdfunding page made in George's honour. The donation was made under the name "Archie & Lilibet".

Kelly thanked Prince Harry and Meghan for their ongoing support at the weekend and wished the duke a happy birthday.

"Harry and Meghan, you have been such a guiding light for our family not just In the way you have shown up in friendship but how you have shown up through the incredible work The Archewell Foundation does everyday," she wrote on her Instagram page _heartmom_

"I'm in awe of your commitment to community and to friendship. On behalf of the Alliance for Children's Rights, we thank you. On behalf of our family, we love you.

"Extra special day too…HAPPY 40th Birthday H! May this trip around the sun be the best yet."

• British Royal Family
• Prince Harry
• Duke Of Sussex
• Meghan Markle
• Duchess Of Sussex

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