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London Icons self-guided walk

Stage 1 westminster to horse guards.

This walk in a very short distance covers many of London's main sights including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey , Buckingham Palace and the London Eye to name a few.

If you walked this without stopping you'd do it in under an hour, but as there is so much to see you probably will have done well to complete it in one day.

These notes have focus on the logistics, no attempt is made to be a substitute for a good guide book on London.

With a good London street map or map app on your phone you'll have no problem following this walk and be fully equipped to make interesting diversions and adaptations with confidence.

The walk is split over two pages. While this page covers Westminster to Horse Guards, we have another page London Icons Walk: Stage 2 Horse Guards to London Eye & Houses of Parliament via Buckingham Palace.

London Icons Walk map   Getting started   Elizabeth Tower/Big Ben   St Margaret's Church   The Jewel Tower   Dean's Yard & Westminster School   Westminster Abbey   Cabinet War Rooms   The Cenotaph   Downing Street   Horse Guards   Banqueting House  

London Icons Walk map

Getting started on your london icons walk.

The walk is a circular walk, so it doesn't matter really where you start. If you want to see Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace late morning it will probably be best advised to start the loop at Westminster Abbey .

We have chosen Westminster Underground Station, served by the Circle, District and Jubilee lines of the London Underground.

The Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

We start at Westminster Underground. When you come out of the main exit, the Elizabeth Tower with its famous bell, Big Ben, perhaps London's most famous icon, towers above you. You are standing at the western end of Westminster Bridge. Cross over the busy main road in front of you, using the official crossing or underpass.

The Elizabeth Tower is part of the Palace of Westminster originally started in 1020. The palace was burnt down in 1834, so the Gothic architecture you see today is comparatively recent.

The palace houses both of the the UK's ruling bodies, the Houses of Parliament and the House of Lords.

When parliament is sitting after dark, a light shines from the top of The Elizabeth Tower. For obvious reasons, security is out in force.

It is possible to arrange tours, visit debates in the chamber, even climb the tower. However don't expect just to turn up and walk in. For UK residents going through their own MP it is much easier than for foreign visitors who can only tour during the summer opening with tickets purchased in advance.

Walk along the eastern boundary of Parliament Square heading south with Westminster Palace on your left.

On the green area in the centre of Parliament Square there are normally protesters of one sort or another with placards and sometimes tents.

This central area is not solid earth, if a vehicle strayed onto the green there is a chance it may fall into the London Underground line below.

St Margaret's Church

On the outside of the south side of Parliament Square is a church, St Margaret's. The famous Westminster Abbey dwarfs it behind. We visit Westminster Abbey later. Dating back to the 11th century, St Margaret's is steeped in history.

St Margaret's acts as the local church for the House of Commons opposite.

The printer, William Caxton and the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh are buried here. Free lunchtime concerts are held regularly during the summer. This is not a tourist attraction, but a working church in which you are welcome to worship.

The Jewel Tower

Going south from St Margaret's and immediately next door is the Jewel Tower. The Jewel Tower is a surviving part of Westminster Palace from the fire in 1834.

The tower was built to house the King's wardrobe and jewels in 1365. Today it is run by English Heritage and is used to house the 'Parliament Past and Present' exhibition about the history of Parliament (admission charge).

Now, keep going south and you come to a long piece of grass. This is a favourite place for TV people to carry out interviews with the politicians from parliament.

Dean's Yard & Westminster School

At the end of the grass area there is a road turning off right, Great College Street which we take. You immediately experience a different atmosphere. On your left are residential buildings, a favourite area for politicians to have apartments. On the right are the grounds of Westminster School.

At the end Of Great College Street turn right into Dean's Yard. Yes members of the public are allowed in. Dean's Yard is like a small village in the heart of London. It is a large square green surrounded by the buildings of Westminster School and Church House, the headquarters of the Church of England.

Westminster School dates back to 1340 when the Pope encouraged all monasteries (Westminster Abbey) to support a school. Exit the yard at the opposite corner to your entry. Turn right and Westminster Abbey faces you.

Westminster Abbey

Like Big Ben,  Westminster Abbey  is one of the main tourist mainstays and is on many people's itinerary on their first visit.

The building you see now was erected by Edward the Confessor in 1065, when he set his throne in the neighbouring Westminster Palace. Westminster Abbey has become the setting for coronations, burials, funerals and marriages.

Westminster Abbey is England's main religious building. Many kings and famous people are buried here.

On leaving Westminster Abbey, head west towards Victoria. On the other side of the road is a huge modern conference centre, Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, set back from the road.

Cross over to the side of the road of the conference centre. Turn right at the next road, Storeys Gate. Facing you when you turn is Central Hall. Central Hall played host to the first assembly of the United Nations in 1946. Continue northwards the length of Storeys Gate.

At the northern end of Storeys Gate at a T-junction with Great George Street. Turn left, then immediately right into Horse Guards Road. Keep on the right hand side of the road, St James's Park on the other side we will visit later.

Cabinet War Rooms

After just 100m you will come to the Cabinet War Rooms on your right. This is where in the Second World War Churchill directed the war from deep underground. This museum (admission charge) shows you the facility much as it was, with map room, cabinet room where government sat and Churchill's own private quarters.

By the Cabinet War Rooms are steps up to King Charles Street. You are now surrounded by imposing government buildings on either side, all along to the end of the street. On your right is the Treasury, on your left the Foreign Office.

Turn left at the end of King Charles Street, you are now in Whitehall. Immediately on your right in the centre of the road is the Cenotaph, pictured. Built in 1920, the monument is the centre of the nation on Remembrance Sunday, the nearest Sunday to 11th November.

Royalty, politicians and war veterans meet and the monarch lay down wreaths in memory of war dead. If you are in the UK around this time you will see many people wearing red poppies and volunteers selling them, proceeds go to the welfare of ex-military. There are similar memorials all over the country.

Downing Street

Next turning on your left is Downing Street. You've seen the Houses of Parliament and the home of government agencies all around you, this is where the Prime Minister lives and works at Number 10. The Chancellor, responsible for finance is next door in Number 11.

Until 1989, you could walk right up to the front doors of Number 10. Because of security there are now big black iron gates barring public entrance to Downing Street.

Horse Guards

Past more government buildings including the Cabinet Office and next on your left is Horse Guards. There will be invariably a crowd around the entrance, where two costumed soldiers on horseback offer a premier picture opportunity, (see right).

Built on land where jousting had taken place, this imposing guard house was built between 1750 and 1758. Only members of the royal family are allowed to ride through the arch.

Changing of the Guard is held here at 11am (10am, Sundays). Many people find this location much more satisfying than the more famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace . Here crowds are much, much smaller and you are much closer and get uninterrupted close up pictures.

Banqueting House

On the other side of the road (Whitehall) at the junction with Horse Guards Avenue is the Banqueting House, the only surviving building of Whitehall Palace.

Whitehall Palace was England's main medieval palace in Tudor and Stuart times. it once contained over 2,000 rooms. The palace was destroyed by fire in 1698, except for the Banqueting House. The Banqueting House is famous as the location of Charles I execution, every year on the anniversary a wreath is put outside.

You can visit this sumptuous building for which there is an admission charge.

On the other (northern side) of the junction with Horse Guards Avenue is the Old War Office, home to the Intelligence and Defence agencies. Underneath the building is a military command centre where Royalty and government would retire to in a Doomsday scenario. Margaret Thatcher directed the Falklands War from here.

This is the end of Stage one of the London Icons Walk.

For Stage two please see: Stage 2 Horse Guards to Houses of Parliament via Buckingham Palace

POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS - ADVANCE PURCHASE AND/OR FAST TRACK TICKETS

Interior Tour of Buckingham Palace with Royal Walking Tour - Limited Time Availability!

• Fall in love with the most regal sights and discover everything there is to know about the history of the Royal Family as you walk down the Mall, discover St James’s Palace and wander through St James’s Park.
• Showcasing the inside of Buckingham Palace - a rarity that most people will never experience - this tour gives you the chance to see the State Rooms, admire the treasures of the Royal Collection and lust over exquisite furniture!
• With an expert guide accompanying you, an audio headset when necessary and skip-the-line access , you’ll be straight in to experience the best of the monarchy during the two month window when the King gives a royal welcome inside the palace!

Tour Description

What's included.

• Expert local guide who will lead you on a guided walking tour prior to your Palace entry
• Entrance ticket for Buckingham Palace
• Audio guide for Buckingham Palace
• Headsets where appropriate so you can always hear your guide

Sites Visited

• Buckingham Palace (inside)
• St James's Park
• St James's Palace

No visit to London is complete without learning the quintessential traditions of the British monarchy. Our Buckingham Palace tours include a guided walk down The Mall and through one of London's most beautiful royal parks, as well as an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Royal Family.

Meet your local guide not far from the Palace itself, who will welcome you and take you on your tour of London’s most royal environs with fascinating background on both this immense iconic residence and the Royal Family themselves. You’ll pass by the magnificent St. James's Palace, built by Henry VIII, followed by a stroll through beautiful St. James's Park, once home to the royal zoo. The Mall, built to resemble a giant red carpet leads up to the Palace, and you’ll pass by Clarence House, also a Royal palace and previous home to King Charles III. After your relaxing walking tour, you’ll have the rare chance to visit the inside of the royal residence - Buckingham Palace.

The Royals open the doors of Buckingham Palace to visitors just once a year for two short months. This is a unique opportunity to catch a rare glimpse into the London residence of the Royals. Tickets are hard to come by but our entrance is pre-booked, which means access is guaranteed and there will be no lines to wait in. This is where the King extends a royal welcome to visitors, boasting lavish rooms, sparkling chandeliers, and sumptuous furnishings. These rooms house some of the greatest treasures of the Royal Collection, such as exquisite pieces of Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. With the official Palace audio guide, you’ll learn all about the palace’s residents, history, and traditions as well as the stories of the furnishings and ornaments. Many of these items were gifts from Heads of State spanning both the centuries and the globe.

Immerse yourself in London’s Royal heritage, history and traditions on our Buckingham Palace Visit with Royal Walking Tour for a compact and informative perspective on this amazing destination.

Tripadvisor

Know before you go, meeting point.

Duke of York Column - Open in Google Maps

Important Notes

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

We strongly advise against arriving at the meeting point without a booking as we cannot guarantee that there will be space left on the tour. Our guides are unable to accept payment for tours so any bookings made on the spot will still need to be processed over the phone with payment by credit card.

You can cancel your booking through the ' My Bookings ' section of the website, or  please contact our Customer Care team by phone , chat or email us at   [email protected] . If you have booked your tour through a third party distributor, please contact them directly to cancel or rebook your tour.

To amend your booking, please contact our Customer Care team by phone , chat or email us at [email protected] . If you have booked your tour through a third-party distributor, please contact them directly to amend your booking.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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London tours, buckingham palace tours, get to know city wonders.

A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

• All of our guides are experts in their field
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Full Royal Tour: Royal London & Buckingham Palace Tour

Start time: 10am , see westminster & visit buckingham palace.

I will guide you on an exploration of London’s Royal landmarks. This will give you a good idea of the history, culture & legends of the worlds best-loved Monarchy

After the walking tour we then head to Buckingham Palace where you will enter the Queens Royal Residence and visit the State Rooms!

We will head through Green Park to Buckingham Palace, where we’ll watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony (Daily during the summer months)

After witnessing this traditional ritual, we’ll head to Westminster. Sights we’ll see along the way include Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, Horse Guard Parade, Big Ben (sadly covered up), and the Houses of Parliament

Our last stop in Westminster is Parliament Square where we will gaze upon the largest of all the Royal Palaces : The Palace of Westminster.

Afterwards, you will be given tickets for your Buckingham Palace experience!

Please note : Changing of the Guard will take place daily in June & July, otherwise only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

Know before you go

What’s included:

• Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket
• Fun local guide!
• 15+ Top Royal Sights of London
• Small Tour Group Size (10 – 15 guests per group)

Please bring with you

• An umbrella if its raining
• Comfy Shoes
• Drinks & Snacks
• Camera (for all the photos you’ll be taking!)

Where we meet

We meet outside the Ritz hotel (SW1A 1BS). Next to two red telephone boxes. Nearest underground station is Green Park.

Once you have booked we will send you a confirmation email with all the details of how, where and who to meet on the day of your tour.

Tour Highlights

Visit Buckingham Palace 

• 19 State Rooms
• Queens Royal Residence

Westminster Tour Sights Include:

• Buckingham Palace
• Queen Victoria Fountain
• St James Park
• Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Admiralty Arch
• Downing Street
• Westminster Abbey
• Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace)
• Trafalgar Square
• Nelson Column
• Parliament Square
• Horse Guards Museum
• Churchill’s WW2 Bunker

For a Private Westminster Tour Click here .

Private London Tours of the Top 30 attractions in London. Click here

Fancy a London Food tour ? Click here

Want Southbank Tours? (London Bridge area) Click here

For more London Tours : Click here

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Self-Guided London Walking Tours: London Eye to Buckingham Palace (with map)

London’s Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace areas are among the most iconic tourist areas of this great city. These are large areas packed with tourist attractions and museums. Attempting a one day walking tour of London’s most prominent attractions requires determination and a good pair of walking shoes. Can it be done? Read on as you follow me through the streets of London.

What to Expect on Your Self-Guided London Walking Tours?

When doing a London walking tour of the Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey areas of London, expect to walk a lot! Even though these are large areas you can save a lot of time and frustration by walking instead of taking the tube. This particular walking route comes high on my list of self-guided London walking tours.

Table of Contents

1. London Eye

Let’s start our self-guided London walking tour at the London Eye. Buy a ticket to London Eye and go inside and enjoy the views from on top. Take a few more minutes afterwards to stroll through the small Jubilee Gardens and walk along the river bank towards London Bridge . Allow at least one hour for The Eye of London.

2. Big Ben and the Parliament

Cross the London Bridge and enjoy the iconic view a Big Ben and the Parliament . This is the view you see on many London postcards. If you have scheduled a visit to the Parliament then you need to coordinate your start time for now order to make your tour. If not, we will continue with my favorite of self-guided London walking tours to the world famous Westminster Abbey.

3. Westminster Abbey

From the Parliament building, we walk over to to the famous Westminster Abbey and visit the imposing interior. Make sure you check the Westminster Abbey website prior to visiting because their visiting times vary wildly depending on what events happen inside.

On three different Saturdays, during different times of the day I found the Abbey closed to visitors, so check the Abbey’s website before coming to visit.

The Abbey has amazing history and an equally amazing interior. You should allocate at least one hour and a half for visiting Westminster Abbey.

4. Downing Street and the Horse Guard Parade

Then cross the street to St. James Park . Before walking inside the park you may want to visit Churchill War Rooms Museum which are very close to Downing St. #10 which is the residence of the British Prime Minister. Just a bit further up the street you will find the staging ground for the famous changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

5. St. James Park

Continuing my favorite of self-guided London walking tours, we walk straight South through St. James Park. Follow the meandering walking paths through the meadows and around the small lake, slowly making your way down towards the imposing Buckingham Palace . In the summertime make sure not to miss the beautiful flower arrangements along the lake.

6. Buckingham Palace and Victoria Memorial

Take in the view of the large Buckingham palace from the large Victoria Memorial statue in front of the palace. This place is filled with tourists, so take your time and take in the grandeur of this place.

7. The Mall and Trafalgar Square

Then start walking up on The Mall right past the smaller but still functioning St. James Palace which you can walk right up to and admire it. Keep going up the mall all the way to Trafalgar Square .

Take in the views and the crowds and Trafalgar Square and make sure you take enough time to visit the amazing National Gallery .

8. Piccadilly

Walk over to Piccadilly Circus and take some time to watch the crowds in this very busy and famous square. When you have had enough shopping, noise and people you can start heading down Piccadilly towards Hyde Park Corner .

When you approach Green Park don’t miss the very first Hard Rock Cafe restaurant right here on Piccadilly across the street from Green Park. Established on June 14, 1971 Hard Rock Cafe has become one of the icons of London. If you want to eat there make sure you make reservations or come around 2:30pm so the crowds thin out. This place is always very busy and even if you don’t get to eat there make sure to at least peek inside and visit their gift shop next door. Lots of Hard Rock memorabilia on display.

9. Wellington Arch and Hyde Park

You can now cross Piccadilly and you should see Wellington Arch . This is one of the famous European triumphal arches . Finished around 1830, Wellington Arch is a little known gem when visiting London. Every tourist walks to Buckingham Palace but does not walk another 5 minutes to the Wellington Arch. Very few people know that you can climb to the top of Wellington Arch and get a great view of London. Also known as Constitution Arch or the Green Park Arch, Wellington Arch is a triumphal arch located to the south of Hyde Park in central London and at the western corner of Green Park.

This is a great place to start exploring the Royal Parks of London since you are right where Hyde Park start.

Plan your Self-Guided London Walking Tours

There are multiple routes you can take for visiting London. This particular route takes you to a few famous landmarks simply by walking and avoiding the very busy tube.

Can You See Everything in One Day?

Can you See Everything Around the Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey Areas in one day, on foot?

Well, it all depends on you. If you start earlier and have your research done and you have a good pair of walking shoes, then yes, you can. If however you have a few more days in London, then I would recommend taking two days to visit all the museums and attractions on this beautiful walk. My wife and I love this walk as it exposes the traveler to many of the iconic tourist destinations in London.

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King Charles' III Coronation Walking Tour

Home > Tours > King Charles’ III Coronation Walking Tour

King Charles’ III Coronation Walking Tour

An informative and fun walking tour of royal london. see st james’s palace and buckingham palace. visit jermyn street, a famous royal haunt.learn about royal warrants and the crown estate.

• Learn more about the Royals with a Walking Tour of London
• See where the Royals shop and hang out
• Witness the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace (when available)
• Learn about Royal Warrants and the Crown Estate
• See the Horseguards and visit regal Jermyn Street
• Walking Tour
• Professional Guide
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food or beverages
• Admission to Westminster Abbey or any other attractions

When would you like to go?

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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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A tour of Buckingham Palace is a must-do on your next London vacation.

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.

The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

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. Come on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning to see 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 two-hour 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 corner of Piccadilly and Arlington Street (between The Ritz and The Wolseley), ending 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.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Tour

Price: From $164

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.

Full-day London with Changing of the Guard and Private Cruise

Price: From $158; 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.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

The London Essentials Bike Tour

Price: From $38

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 really impressed by the knowledge of the guide. 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.

View & Book Tickets: GetYourGuide

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

Price: From $461

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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Buckingham Palace Tours

This post covers how to take a tour of these areas of Buckingham Palace. It describes what you will see, and makes suggestions as to how to make the most of your visit to this most famous of London attractions.

Note that if you're interested in learning more about the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, read our post Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace .

• Plan Your Visit
• Queen's Gallery
• State Rooms
• Combined Pass

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace is both the formal residence of the British monarch and his administrative headquarters.

Part of the complex that makes up the palace includes the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, which are used for ceremonial purposes.

These include the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery, the Ballroom, the Music Room, and the White Drawing Room.

Also part of the complex is the Queen's Gallery which exhibits works from the Royal Collection and the Royal Mews which holds the Royal Family's horses and carriages.

This is one of the most historic sites in all of London, and there’s plenty to see and do while you’re visiting.

Due to its popularity, we recommend planning your trip well in advance.

In this section, we will discuss some of the best times to visit, how to get a ticket, where you’ll find the landmark, security information, and other important details you will need to know before taking a tour.

How to Get To Buckingham Palace

Visitors can reach Buckingham Palace from several Underground stations, bus routes, and other means.

The closest Underground stations are Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, and Victoria. Bus numbers 11, 221, C1 and C10 make stops on Buckingham Palace Road.

Click here to get directions for your choice of transportation from anywhere in London.

If you need help figuring out which tube to take, make sure to read our posts covering the London Underground and which tube pass you should buy .

If you are considering purchasing a hop-on-hop-off ticket while in London, then keep in mind that all companies offer a stop at the palace.

Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster which is a separate jurisdictional area from the City of London located in the center of London.

The Palace has its own royal gardens on the west side of the building.

Two large and lovely parks, St. James Park on the east and Green Park on the north side are both worth taking a stroll in.

What You'll Find at Buckingham Palace

There are a few areas that are open to the general public.

The Queen’s Gallery is an incredible collection of artwork and antiques from throughout the history of England.

Admission includes a free audio tour to help visitors explore the area.

Their exhibits change from time to time, giving guests the opportunity to see new and interesting things with each visit.

Although the Royal Mews are closed during the winter, you can come and see them pretty much at any other time of the year.

This location handles all of the road travel arrangements for the Royal Family and this is where you will find the carriages used for special occasions.

During the summer months, you can also visit the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace.

These are public rooms that are used to entertain important guests from around the world.

Although photography is not allowed, they do provide an audio tour to make your experience much more enjoyable.

Weather permitting, visitors can also check out the Changing of the Guards , but there is so much to see nearby the palace. 

The Changing of the Guards takes place daily in the summer, but only every other day during the rest of the year.

NOTE:  From late July through September there is a  combination ticket that includes the Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews, and the State Rooms. 

How Long Does It Take to Visit Buckingham Palace

You can expect to spend around 1 ½ - 2 hours seeing everything on display at the gallery.

Expect to spend at least 60 minutes exploring the area and seeing all of the displays at the Royal Mews.

A visit to the palace and State Rooms will take about 2 - 2 ½ hours to see.

If you want to see the changing of the guards, plan on spending anywhere from 60-90 minutes waiting and watching the ceremony.

Timed Tickets to Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace tickets are timed.

Although the duration of your stay is not limited, you will need to purchase tickets for a specific time of day.

One-Year Pass to Buckingham Palace

Enjoy free re-admission for a year by asking a member of the staff to validate your ticket(s).

This allows re-entry for up to a year, so if you need to break up your visit at separate times, you can do so.

Gift Shops and Food at Buckingham Palace

There are gift shops at Buckingham Palace that sell souvenirs and bottled water.

You will also find garden café in the palace, and restaurants near the palace if you don’t feel like eating during your visit.

Buckingham Palace For Kids and Families.

Family activity bags are available free of charge, so be sure to ask for one when picking up your tickets.

In the State Rooms, there is a drawing and coloring room.

Toilets and baby-care facilities are available at the start and end of tours.

Baby carriers are available upon request.

Read our tips on visiting London with kids .

Wear Comfortable Shoes to Buckingham Palace

You will be doing a lot of walking while at Buckingham Palace. As such, we highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes during your visit.

This is also a good idea if you plan to take one of our walking tours in the area. Read our tour options below for more information. 

Buckingham Palace Security Information

The palace and all of its attractions have very strict security checkpoints.

The following items are not allowed on the premises, but they can be checked into a cloakroom and picked up later.

• Knives w/ blades under 3”
• Long Umbrellas

You should avoid bringing any of the following items as they will not be allowed and cannot be checked into the cloakroom.

• Roller skates
• Skateboards
• Pets/Animals
• Knives w/ blades over 3”
• Knives w/ lockable blades
• Butterfly Knives
• Flick Knives
• Pepper Spray

Thankfully, visitors are allowed to bring a few practical items with them:

• Smartphones
• Service Animals
• Hearing Aids

In addition to these items, food and drink are provided at certain attractions such as the Garden Cafe. Baby carriers/hip-carriers are available upon request.

Although personal photos are allowed in locations such as the Garden, you are prohibited from taking any kind of pictures in the State Rooms. 

For more security details, make sure to visit the respective sections for each attracti

THE QUEEN'S GALLERY

The Queen’s Gallery exhibits selected pieces of art from the Royal Collection. The collection is quite extensive.

It comprises over one million objects, including 7,000 paintings, 30,000 watercolors and drawings, and about 500,000 prints, as well as photographs, tapestries, furniture, ceramics, books, sculptures, and last but not least the Crown Jewels. 

Queen's Gallery Opening Times

The gallery is open year round.

• Open: Thursday - Monday from 9:30 am - 17:30 (5:30 pm).
• Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday, and as it's part of a working royal palace, there may be other closures that happen at short notice.

Queen's Gallery Admission Tickets

• £11/Youth (18-24)
• £9/Children | Under 5 FREE
• More information or to book a ticket . 

NOTE: Admission to the gallery is included free with the  London Pass .

NOTE: There is also a Royal Day Out combination ticket that includes the Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews, and the State Rooms.

Queen's Gallery Timed Tickets

When you book your tickets, you must select a time that you will begin your tour.  

Entry intervals are every 15 minutes throughout the day. You can spend as much time in the Gallery as you want.

Set aside additional time to pass through the airport-style security check. Large bags and backpacks must be checked in the cloakroom.

Read our security section for more information on prohibited items.

The gift shop has exclusive items inspired by works of art in the Royal Collection. The shop has housewares, china, clothing, jewelry, children’s toys, books, and postcards.

Proceeds of all purchases go to the care and upkeep of the Royal Collection. 

Queen's Gallery Highlights

The gallery has rotating exhibits centered on themes or particular artists. To see what the current exhibits are, check their website .

An audio guide is included in the cost of your ticket.

The commentary is excellent and you also have the option to listen to music selected for its suitability to the setting.

If you are an art aficionado, check out the official The Royal Collection podcast , which features news of current and forthcoming exhibitions and interviews.

Best Time to Visit Queen's Gallery

If you want to avoid crowds, consider making your trip sometime during the middle of the week.

These days are far less busy and you’ll have a much easier time seeing the various exhibits on display.

Additionally, you’ll also want to consider arriving either early in the day or later in the afternoon.

The crowds begin to dissipate at about 4 pm, and you should have more than enough time to explore the gallery if you arrive at least 2 hours before closing.

Queen's Gallery Reviews

The majority of reviews on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide are positive and it is rated 4 out of 5 stars. Read the reviews .

Some say, however, that the Gallery’s limited size and small number of items on display at any given time (about 450) just aren’t enough.

Other Galleries to Visit in London

If you have limited time in London or are on a budget, you may also want to consider a visit to the free National Gallery which houses a very large collection.

It's one of the dozens of free museums in London .

Read our post on Itineraries for Museum Lovers for more great galleries and exhibitions in London.

THE ROYAL MEWS

The Royal Mews is a collection of working stables which house the Royal Family’s horses, carriages, and other vehicles.

On display in the Mews is an array of historic coaches and carriages, including some that are still used by the Royal Family on special occasions to this day.

If you're interested in learning more about how the Royal Family gets around, this attraction is almost like a living museum filled with all the methods of transportation they use.

Tickets to this attraction are sold separately from the Queen's Gallery, the State Rooms, and Buckingham Palace.

For more details about what you can expect to see and how to get admission, please read our post covering the Royal Mews .

THE STATE ROOMS

There are nineteen State Rooms in all. Among them are the stunning White Drawing Room, the Music Room, the Picture Gallery, and the world-famous Throne Room, where all official wedding and coronation photos are taken.

There are dozens of fine art and objects on display including paintings by Van Dyck, Canaletto, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

There are also sculptures,  period furniture, rare porcelain and rotating exhibits.

State Rooms Opening Times

Every July to September, the Monarch goes on holiday which means that the doors to the public!

In 2024, the rooms are open from the 11th of July through the 29th of September.

• Open: Thursday - Monday | 10:00 am - 17:00 (5 pm)
• Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

State Rooms Admission Tickets

Entry is “timed” meaning you must select a time. The start time frequency is every 15 minutes.

• £19.50/Youth (18-24)
• £16.50/Children | Under 5 FREE
• Purchase your ticket here .

The best time to take this tour is early in the day to avoid crowds in later hours.

State Rooms Tour

The Royal Day Out combination ticket includes an excellent 1-hour multimedia guide that provides commentary on each of the 19 State Rooms.

Though the audio tour is only one hour, you can move at your own pace.

You will find guides in each room who can answer questions and who may point out interesting features that are not mentioned on the audio tour, such as the King’s secret passageway/entrance behind a mirror.

You’ll also have the opportunity to stroll through the garden at Buckingham Palace at the end of your tour.

We recommend that you give yourself 2 - 2 ½ hours to make the most of this ticket.

State Rooms and Changing of the Guard Tour  

If you want a guided tour of the State Rooms, but you don’t want to miss the Changing of the Guards, this combination ticket may be your best option.

In addition to seeing the ceremony at 10:45 am, you will also receive a tour of 19 famous rooms inside Buckingham Palace.

This combined tour is only available from July - October, and it is an excellent opportunity to experience some of the most notable sights at this historic location.

Admission Tickets

• £66/Adults | £61/Children
• Availability: July - October
• Duration: 2 ½ hours

NOTE: if you want to see the Changing of the Guards  while avoiding the crowds at the State Rooms, consider doing so on a different day than your tour.

This is because the Changing of the Guards will take up your morning, thus you would have to take an afternoon State Room tour which is typically more crowded.

See our post on how to watch the  Changing of the Guards .

State Rooms and Garden Highlights Tour  

This combined ticket gives you the opportunity to take a tour of the largest private garden in London after taking a stroll through the State Rooms.

You will be taken through select sections of the garden by an expert guide.

The tour includes the 3-acre lake, the Rose Garden, the enormous Waterloo Vase, and the Palace tennis court.

You will be given  2 hours and 15 minutes  to explore the State Rooms before beginning your  1 hour and 15-minute  tour in the Garden.

Each tour includes a multimedia guide.

2024 Advanced Price:

• Adult £47.00
• Young Person (18-24) £30.20
• Child (5-17) £23.50
• Disabled £23.50
• Under 5 Free
• Information and tickets

2024 On-the-Day Price:

• Adult £50.00
• Young Person (18-24) £32.20
• Child (5-17) £25.00
• Disabled £25.00

ROYAL DAY OUT COMBINATION TICKET

This combination ticket provides entrance to the State Rooms, the Queen’s Gallery, and the Royal Mews.

It’s a great value if you want to make a full day out of your visit to Buckingham Palace.

Your Royal Day Out will last for approximately 4 - 4 ½ hours . When purchasing your ticket, the entry time you select will be for admission to the Queen’s Gallery first.

You will then be allocated an admission time for the State Rooms, which will be 2 ½ hours after you begin your visit at the Queen’s Gallery.

It makes sense to visit the Royal Mews right after, but make sure you finish both in time to walk over to the State Rooms at the time you have been assigned.

Royal Day Out Opening Times

This ticket can be used between 13th July and 29th September, 2024.

• Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday

Royal Day Out Tickets

There are a few options when it comes to these combination tickets.

• Adult £61.20
• Young Person (18-24) £39.10
• Child (5-17) £30.60
• Disabled £30.60
• Adult £65.70
• Young Person (18-24) £41.80
• Child (5-17) £32.80
• Disabled £32.80

NOTE: families that book directly with the website can save up to £28.00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

More than 50,000 people visit the palace each year making it one of the most visited landmarks in the United Kingdom and one of the most visited royal palaces in Europe.

In preparation for a visit, a number of questions are asked. We've covered some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Who Was the First Soverign to Live in Buckingham Palace?

King George IV hired architect John Nash to enlarge what was originally called Buckingham House into a larger space.

Before the extension was completed, George IV died. It was Queen Victoria, and her husband Prince Albert, who oversaw completion of the Palace. She was the first soverign to rule from Buckingham Palace.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Buckingham Palace ?

It takes around:

• 1.5-2 hours to see the Queen's Gallery
• 1 hour to see the Royal Mews
• 2-2.5 hours to see the State Rooms
• 60-90 minutes to see the Changing of the Guards (which includes a wait time)

Can Tourists Go Inside Buckingham Palace?

They sure can! Since 1993 the general public has been able to visit parts of the palace complex.

Can You Walk Around Buckingham Palace?

Yes, visitors can absolutely walk around parts of the palace: the Queen's Gallary, the State Rooms, the Royal Mews, and the Gardens.

When Can You Tour Buckingham Palace?

Guided tours are usually allowed from November - May on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Between July and September the State Rooms are open to the public. The dates and times change each year, and can be found here .

Can You Visit Buckingham Palace Without a Tour?

Visitors are not allowed to walk freely through the palace (or gardens) for security reasons. But they are allowed in certain areas, with timed tickets, and at least an audio tour.

Can You Visit Buckingham Palace for Free?

If you have  London Pass admission to the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews are free.

You can also see the Changing of the Guards for free.

For more information about discount tickets and passes, see immediately below.

DISCOUNT TICKETS AND PASSES

As you can see, tickets to see the inside of the Palace can be quite expensive. 

If you’re on a budget, there are ways you can save money and still enjoy the Palace by purchasing one of several tourist attraction discount passes that include palace tours. 

The following discount passes provide either a discount or free admission to the Royal Mews and Queen’s Gallery, in addition to covering ticket prices for some of the following activities and attractions:

• Kew Gardens
• Tower Bridge
• Windsor Castle
• Tower of London
• Kensington Palace
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Westminster Abbey
• Hampton Court Palace

Check out our comparison post for even more details about London tourist passes .

FREE WALKING TOUR

If you are on a budget or don't have the time for one of the above tours, but still want a taste of Royal London, we offer a pay-what-you-like   Royal Walking tour which includes Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.

Although you won’t be able to go inside the palace, you might catch the Changing of the Guards ! 

Prefer to explore on your own? Enjoy our free self-guided tour . We also offer a  self-guided GPS-enabled audio tour !

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• Things to Do in London . 
• Things to Do in July in London
• Things to Do in August in London
• Things to Do in September in London .

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How to get tickets to the hidden quarters of Buckingham Palace

This summer the East Wing of Buckingham Palace will open to the public for the first time.

The East Wing forms the front of Buckingham Palace , meaning the general public will have the chance to see the famous balcony where members of the Royal family greet crowds during jubilees, coronations and other ceremonies. Previously, only the State Rooms were open to the public.

The opening of the East Wing comes after five years of works, part of a wider renovation programme across the palace designed to update the building’s infrastructure, improve access and to preserve its treasures for future generations. The introduction of East Wing tours comes as the Balmoral Estate in Scotland announced guided tours of its interiors for the first time.

The new Buckingham Palace tours will take place from mid-July to the end of September. Only a small number of tickets will go on sale, but royal fans can increase their chances of securing them by signing up to an exclusive (free) mailing list.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the East Wing of Buckingham Palace this summer, plus information on other ways to explore the royal residence including the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and the King’s Gallery.

What will you be able to see on the tour?

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace is the front section of the building, as viewed from the main gates, incorporating the famous balcony where members of the Royal family have appeared for special occasions since 1851.

Led by a tour guide, visitors will learn about the history of the East Wing, which was commissioned by Queen Victoria to make space for her growing family; previously, the plot was a horseshoe-shaped courtyard. The construction of the East Wing was financed through the sale of George IV’s Royal Pavilion in Brighton, in 1850, after which some of its Chinese-inspired furnishing and decorations were transferred to the new wing.

The tour will lead visitors to rooms on the Principal Floor including the Principal Corridor, which runs the length of the wing. Many artworks and antiques from the Royal Collection decorate the rooms, including paintings by Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Thomas Lawrence. There is also a spectacular painting by John Charlton showing Queen Victoria arriving at St Paul’s Cathedral during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

In the Yellow Drawing Room, decorated with restored hand-painted Chinese wallpaper dating from the 18th century, visitors can peruse fine features including the Kylin clock, featuring two Chinese lions, and two hexagonal, nine-tiered porcelain pagodas.

The tour concludes in the Centre Room, which leads to the famous balcony where some of the most iconic royal photographs have been taken. Within the room there are two Chinese 18th-century imperial silk wall hangings, presented to Queen Victoria by Guangxu, Emperor of China, to mark her Diamond Jubilee, plus a newly restored glass chandelier shaped like a lotus flower and a set of beautiful Chinese porcelain vases.

What happens on a State Rooms tour?

The State Rooms are the public areas of the palace where the Royal family entertain guests during state or ceremonial occasions. There are 19 rooms in total, featuring treasures from the Royal Collection, fine English and French furniture and artworks by Van Dyck and Canaletto. Visitors can roam these rooms – including the White Drawing Room (the royal reception room), the Throne Room (the work of architect John Nash) and the Ballroom, where state banquets take place – on a self-guided tour.

Visitors to the State Rooms can buy a combined ticket incorporating the highlights of the Palace Gardens (described as a “walled oasis in the middle of London”), led by an expert warden. 

When will the East Wing tours take place?

Self-guided tours of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will run from July 11 to September 29. The East Wing Highlights Tours will start from July 15. For the first time since 2019, Buckingham Palace will be open for visitors seven days a week in July and August but only five days a week (Thursday to Monday) during September.

How do I book tickets to Buckingham Palace?

Tickets for the East Wing Highlights Tours will go on general sale on April 10. However, subscribers to the Royal Collection Trust newsletter will be given priority access to tickets 24 hours before general sale, on April 9; you can subscribe to the mailing list here .

Admission to the State Rooms costs £32 in advance or £35 on the day. A State Rooms and Garden combined ticket costs £47 or £50 on the day. The East Wing Highlights Tour must be purchased alongside a visit to the State Rooms, costing £75 in total for adults. You can book tickets on the Royal Collection Trust website.

Other things to see at Buckingham Palace

One of the most popular (free) royal attractions in London is the Changing of the Guard, also known as the Guard Mounting, which takes place outside Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10.45am, lasting 45 minutes. 

You can also visit the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace (£17 for adults). Here you can witness what happens behind the scenes at the working stables, and take a close-up look at the 260-year-old Gold State Coach, used during jubilees and coronation ceremonies.

The King’s Gallery (formerly the Queen’s Gallery) has changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection (£19 for adults); the current exhibition is Holbein at the Tudor Court , which ends on April 14. The next exhibition, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography , begins on May 17 and charts the evolution of royal portrait photography since the 1920s.

Where to stay nearby

There is an entire suite of top-class hotels within a mile of Buckingham Palace. The pick, naturally, is The Goring , where Catherine, Princess of Wales and her family stayed on the night before the royal wedding in 2011. A fleet of footmen provide a butler service for suites, and all rooms come with complimentary do-it-yourself cocktails – much more fun than boring old champagne (rooms from £623).

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Inside Buckingham Palace’s exclusive East Wing set to open to public for first time

• Summer Raemason , News Reporter
• Published : 20:31, 3 Apr 2024
• Updated : 9:45, 4 Apr 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

ROYAL fans can take an exclusive tour of Buckingham Palace's legendary East Wing for the FIRST time ever.

The Royal Family have celebrated momentous occasions in the same rooms since 1851.

Now, the Palace is offering tourists the opportunity to take a look inside the East Wing this summer.

An expert guide will show visitors around the famous State Rooms as part of the exciting 45-minute package.

Fans can also see the masterpieces from the exquisite Royal Collection and the Centre Room.

Visitors can also view the room which leads onto the iconic balcony first stood on by Queen Victoria.

Royal Family's Easter Sunday in full including King's 'tweaked schedule'

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But, you'll have to act fast, with only 20 people allowed on each tour at one time.

East Wing Tour

• Next event: Monday, 15 Jul 2024 Daily (Monday, 15 Jul 2024 - Saturday, 31 Aug 2024)
• Selected times from 9.30am - 1.30pm
• Adult £75.00 Young Person (18-24) £63.50 Child (5-17) £59.00 Disabled £59.00 Access companion Free Under 5 Free

CREATING THE EAST WING

The main rooms of the East Wing are donned with oriental furnishings and hold the Royal Collection artwork.

Pieces were re-homed in the palace after originally decorating George IV's Royal Pavilion in Brighton .

The East Wing was added to the palace in 1849, for Queen Victoria and her family.

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She moved into the lavish estate after the death of her uncle William IV. Before then Buckingham Palace had never been used as a monarch's residence.

Edward Blore designed the new wing, which started out as a courtyard, and it was funded by the sale of the Royal Pavilion.

The architect is hailed for his crafting of the now famous central balcony - which was suggested by Prince Albert.

It is now considered one of the most valuable parts of the Palace as it symbolises the connection between the monarchy and the public.

DESIGNING THE EAST WING

As mentioned previously, the East Wing boasts a Chinese-theme decor, which was inspired by the Royal Pavilion.

This stemmed from George IV's love for the culture and its artefacts.

The wing includes the Yellow Drawing Room, the Principal Corridor and the Centre Room

It comes as tourists are also being offered a tour of the royal rooms at the home where Queen Elizabeth II died in an historic first.

King Charles is allowing visitors inside Balmoral Castle near Ballater, Aberdeenshire, for the first time ever - costing £150 with afternoon tea.

It is the first time that royal fans have been allowed into rooms used by the Royal Family.

Sources have previously claimed the King wants to extend the opening of royal homes - including Buckingham Palace - to make more money.

Previously paying guests have only been allowed in Balmoral's ballroom.

Balmoral announced guests 'can see a selection of rooms within the Castle that are used by Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family'.

The rooms are expected to include the Drawing Room where the late Queen was last pictured with ex-PM Liz Truss.

But the bedroom where the Queen died is expected to be off limits.

Only 40 tickets will be issued each day and come at a hefty price costing £100 each and £150 if an afternoon tea is included.

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It is described as an "adult only experience".

Tickets are available from July 1 till August 4

History of Balmoral

By Sofia Petkar and Catherine Micallef

BALMORAL CASTLE was privately bought by Prince Albert and is one of the Royal Family's  favourite getaway spots .

Balmoral Castle is a large estate house in Royal Deeside,  Aberdeenshire , Scotland, near the village of Crathie.

The vast property is situated 6.2 miles west of Ballater and 6.8 miles east of Braemar.

The estate and castle are privately owned by the Royal Family and are not the property of the Crown.

The existing house on site was found to be too small, so the royals purchased the estate in 1852.

In its place, the construction of the current Balmoral Castle was commissioned.

William Smith of Aberdeen was the architecht, although his designs were amended by Prince Albert.

Balmoral is a working estate, including grouse moors, forestry, and farmland, as well as managed herds of deer, Highland cattle, and ponies.

Balmoral Castle, of all the  royals' properties , was referred to as the  Queen's favourite home  where in summer, members of the Royal Family would meet and enjoy various activities together.

They range from fishing, hunting, picnicking and barbecuing while getting together with some of the royals which they might haven't seen in a long time.

The Queen  had often been seen riding horses or driving her beloved  Range Rover  over the estate’s rugged terrain.

In 2022, Her Majesty arrived at Balmoral in July, after the  Platinum Jubilee  celebrations held in London.

Later on September 8,  Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully , surrounded by her loved ones in Balmoral.

It is not used much now that the Queen passed away.

The castle gardens were first opened to the public in 1931.

Balmoral Castle is open to the public every day from April to July, while no members of the Royal Family are there.

Opening times are from 10am till 5pm, with the last recommended admissions at 4pm.

The ballroom is the only room within the castle that may be viewed by the public, the rest are the Queen's private rooms.

It is also possible to book a short stay at several of the guest cottages on the grounds.

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Fans of the royal family can now have their own viral Prince Louis moment .

For the first time ever, Buckingham Palace in London will allow visitors to take guided tours of the royal residence’s east wing — including the famed balcony room where the family gathers to wave at citizens on the Mall during special occasions.

Royals have waved on the palace balcony for decades for occasions like weddings and jubilees, and King Charles’ coronation in May 2023.

A limited number of East Wing Highlights Tours go on sale on April 9.

Running daily from July 15 to August 31, the East Wing Highlights Tours will take visitors through the principal rooms of the wing, including the Centre Room which then leads onto the palace balcony, which was first used by Queen Victoria.

Sadly, tourists will not be allowed to step foot on the famous overhang.

Other highlights of the balcony room include a newly restored glass chandelier, shaped to resemble a lotus flower, and two Chinese 18th-century imperial silk wall hangings, presented to Victoria by Guangxu, emperor of China, to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Visitors will also be led through the principal corridor, which runs the length of the wing, where paintings by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough are hung.

There are over 3,000 artifacts from the Royal Collection in the east wing alone, so visitors will have plenty to look at during the 45-minute tour.

The wing’s principal floor will be open to the public in July and August after more than five years of renovations. The palace’s 10-year plan to update its electrical cabling, plumbing and heating system will be on display.

After the east wing excursion — which is limited to 20 spots per tour and costs $95 per adult — visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the State Rooms.

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King Charles III opens parts of Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle for 1st time

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

King Charles III is giving the public a never-before-seen glimpse into two of the most iconic royal residences, Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle .

Starting this summer, members of the public will be able to tour the East Wing of Buckingham Palace for the first time, according to an announcement Wednesday from the Royal Collection Trust.

The tour will include a stop in the room that members of Britain's royal family gather in before stepping out on the palace's famous balcony, where they wave to the public after major events like coronations , jubilees and the annual Trooping the Colour .

The East Wing tour will also include visits to rooms used by the royals for official meetings and events, according to the Royal Collection Trust.

The tour, which will run daily in July and August, comes after five years of renovations to the East Wing to "upgrade the historic building's infrastructure, improve access and preserve it for future generations," according to the Royal Collection Trust.

MORE: Queen Camilla receives well wishes for Kate Middleton after cancer diagnosis

Also opening this summer for the first time is Balmoral Castle, the royal family's estate in Scotland.

Balmoral Castle was particularly beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II , who spent the final months of her life there in 2022.

Starting on July 1, guided tours of the interior of the castle will begin for the first time ever, according to the castle's website .

The tours will run through Aug. 4, and are only open to 10 people at a time. Tickets for the Castle Interior Tour start at just over $120 per person, according to the website. Tickets for the Castle Interior Tour with Afternoon Tea, which is offered to adults only, will cost around $190 per person.

"You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family," the description for the tour reads. "Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesty's The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family."

MORE: What's next for Kate Middleton, Prince William and their kids after cancer diagnosis

Starting in early May, the castle's gardens, exhibitions and grounds will also be open to the public on a daily basis through mid-August, as they are each summer, according to the castle's website .

Tickets for tours of the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral can be purchased online, with prices ranging depending on group size, age and tour experience.

King Charles III opens parts of Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle for 1st time originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

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Moscow Free Tour

• Page active

Description

Highlights:.

• Hit the Red Square;
• Explore the nooks and crannies of Alexander Garden;
• Get a taste of the ancient Kitay Gorod;
• Learn about the tragic destiny of the Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Roam through the heart of Moscow.

Walking Tour Itinerary:

Here are our TOP 7 things to help you start your Russian adventure or tick off before you say goodbye to Moscow.

Wander around the vast cobblestone square with rich past, gorgeous architecture, incredible GUM , bright colors of the Kremlin and swirling Saint Basil’s Cathedral .

Kitay Gorod

Walk across the Red Square to see the embankment of old Moscow river and plunge into the atmosphere of ancient Russian village where nobles preferred to settle in XV century.

Varvarka street

Walk up Varvarka street to find the landmark of Kitay Gorod - Palace of the Romanov Boyars, which was built in the XVI century and where lived the first Tsar from the Romanov dynasty.

Old English Court

Look at the Old English Court , which used to be the English Embassy in Moscow and where Ivan the Terrible confined the envoy from England, because Queen Elizabeth I refused to marry him.

Alexander Garden

Watch the solemn ceremony of the Changing of the guards , pay respect to the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , and the stone Grotto , The huge fountain in the centre adds a sophisticated feel to the almost 200 year old garden.

Christ the Savior Cathedral

Walk to the cathedral which is of a great cultural value to Russians. Its marvelous exterior, enormous golden domes, colossal bronze doors and pristine white walls will touch your feelings.

Patriarch’s Bridge

Pause on the bridge and marvel at the Kremlin, river cruises, monument after Peter the Great and Red October Chocolate Factory , which is now a nightlife hub for youngsters.

About Moscow:

We picked up a list of article that might be useful and helpful to you during your stay in Moscow. These are things to do in Moscow, tips about Moscow, best cafes in Moscow and simply fun facts about Moscow. Enjoy reading!

Before coming to Moscow:

• Our fun guides sharing their observations about their tours and best practices:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-private-guides-on-tours-in-moscow
• What you should know about Moscow:  
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/5-things-to-know-before-you-go-to-moscow

Off the beaten path of Moscow:

• Kitay Gorod:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-must-see-fun-facts-about-kitay-gorod
• Zamoskvorechye:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-must-see-fun-facts-about-zamoskvorechye
• White City:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-off-the-beaten-path-white-city  

The best parks in Moscow:

• Muzeon Statues Park:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-off-the-beaten-path-muzeon-park
• Gorky Park: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-gorky-park
• Tsaritsino Park: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-must-see-37-reasons-to-visit-tsaritsyno
• Kolomenskoe Park:
•   https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/things-to-do-in-moscow-kolomenskoe-museum-reserve

The most historical and beautiful streets of Moscow:

• Arbat  srreet: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/things-to-do-in-moscow-arbat-street
• Tverskaya street: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-things-to-do-tverskaya-street
• Downtown of Moscow: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/things-to-do-moscow-streets

What to do in Moscow:

• How to have a Real Russian Experience:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/real-russian-experience
• Things to do in Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/21-things-to-do-in-moscow
• Architectural masterpieces, hidden gems of Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/things-to-do-in-moscow-off-the-beaten-path
• Top Moscow attractions:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/top-10-moscow-attractions

Budget travel:

• How to have fun in Moscow for less than $4:
• How to save money in Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/7-ways-to-save-money-while-travelling-to-moscow

Cafes & restaurants in Moscow:

• Moscow cafes with Russian breakfast:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-cafes-with-russian-breakfast
• Best Moscow restaurants:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/best-moscow-restaurants
• Best coffee shops in Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-best-coffee-shops

Moscow Metro:

• Facts about Moscow Metro:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/fun-facts-about-moscow-metro
• Myths about Moscow Metro:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/7-myths-about-moscow-metro
• Facts about Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/fun-facts-50-facts-about-moscow
• Fun Facts about Kremlin:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/33-fun-facts-from-our-kremlin-tours
• The best flea markets in Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-best-flea-markets
• Top 5 Russian souvenirs:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/top-5-russian-souvenirs

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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