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New virtual tour of Buckingham Palace takes public inside royal residence

Now anyone can take a peek inside the regal rooms of Buckingham Palace without stepping foot in London — or even the airport.

A collaboration between the British monarchy and Google Expedition has yielded a virtual reality tour of the royal palace, allowing visits inside some of the state rooms that have welcomed dignitaries from around the world, as well as up-close look at the art collection, furniture and fixtures inside Queen Elizabeth’s official residence.

The tour can be accessed on a computer through the official British Monarchy YouTube channel , but is perhaps best viewed on a smart phone, where a mere swipe of the screen provides full panoramic views of each room.

RELATED: Man who sent Queen Elizabeth Christmas cards for 60 years gets royal reply

Photos for the tour were taken last week by 16 cameras placed in circle, each taking a different shot at the same time and then pulled together to provide 360-degree images of the palace.

The tour lasts just under 10 minutes and is guided by Tony Johnstone-Burt, the "Master of the Household,” or chief operations officer, for the queen, and royal art curator Anna Reynolds.

The official tour was launched at an event featuring students from a school in east London.

"We asked them, if you could go anywhere in the world where would you want to go and they replied — Buckingham Palace," said Jennifer Holland, Google Expedition's program manager.

Other virtual tours using the Google Expedition program have allowed viewers to tour places Japan's Mount Fuji and the Borneo rainforest, among other locations around the world. The program often is used by teachers as an education project for students.

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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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Top 9 Things Not To Miss at Buckingham Palace in London in 2024

Angel Castellanos Last Updated: February 21, 2024

Heading to London and want to know why Buckingham Palace is a mega-monument? It is the epicenter of the royal family in London and full of history. That’s why I created this article on the top things to see at Buckingham Palace in London.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our best Buckingham Palace tours  for a memorable trip, and the  how to see London in a day.

Best Things To See at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Currently the official London residence of King Charles III, it has been the residence of the British Monarch since only 1837.

It’s hard not to think of London or the royal family without Buckingham Palace. It has been the backdrop of significant events in the 20th century and, with many working offices, it’s the British monarch’s headquarters. Buckingham Palace hosts a variety of banquets, receptions, and State events throughout the year.

The palace is in the center of London, so you can’t miss it. The massive Queen Victoria memorial is right out front, and a wide boulevard called Pall Mall extends to Trafalgar Square and intersects with White Hall.

On one side of the street of the Mall, you have the picturesque St. James’ Park. On the other side, there’s the Tudor-era St. James’ Palace and various other royal residences.

Not ready to book a tour? See if London tours are worth it .

9. The Front Facade of Buckingham Palace

Originally, the palace had a three-sided open courtyard with a triumphant Roman-style arch made entirely out of Carrara marble that stood prominently in front. Queen Victoria eventually built the fourth wing across the front and facade.

The stone facade and famous balcony we know today are new compared to other palaces as it was built in 1913 by the Queen’s grandfather, King George V.

Throughout the 20th century, the British public have seen the monarch and the royal family appear on the balcony for important national events and celebrations. The Queen famously made her last appearance on the balcony during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

8. The Changing of the Guard

The traditional British ceremonial pomp isn’t just reserved for the inside of royal palaces and castles. You can catch the Changing of the Guard, which happens in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

Elite soldiers and an accompanying military band participate in this ceremony, which dates back to 1689. The whole thing lasts about an hour and is a free spectacle. The ceremony occurs every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11 am. If you like music, history, or just a good parade, then definitely schedule it into your travel plans, but be sure to get there early.

If crowds aren’t your thing but you still want some of that British royal grandeur, head to the Horse Guard’s Parade to see the changing of the Queen’s Life Guard. This lesser-known mounted calvary ceremony is a one-of-kind event and less packed than the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This ceremony happens every day at 11 am and at 10 am on Sundays.

Popular London Tours

Best Selling Tour

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

How can you explore London’s top attractions without getting overwhelmed? By joining this guided small group tour! With 1,000 years of history and acres of buildings, the Tower of London is easier to explore and understand with the help of your local guide. Best of all, you’ll even see the famous crown jewels and have a boat ride down the River Thames.

Top Selling Tour

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

This is the perfect tour for someone who wants to get to know the real Westminster Abbey. With skip-the-line entry, you get some quiet time in the nave of the abbey with your guide and small group before exploring the tombs of notable kings, queens, philosophers, and more. Depending on the day, you’ll even get to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out the best London tours to take and why .

7. The Queen’s Gallery

The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace contains the private art collection of Queen Elizabeth II that King Charles III has now inherited. The more than 7,000 paintings are the world’s finest private art collection, rivaling Europe’s most significant national art galleries.

The gallery has a permanent collection, a small jewelry collection on display, and a temporary exhibit section that rotates. The gallery is small compared to the National Gallery or the British Museum, but any lover of art will appreciate this lovely gallery. Admission to the gallery is not included in a Buckingham Palace ticket; tickets are sold separately.

6. The Grand Staircase

The gold and white Grand Staircase with rich red carpet has all of the trappings of a perfect entrance. It was built by John Nash in the early 19th century but redecorated in white and gold for Edward VII in the early 20th century.

The upper balcony has two staircases leading down both sides to the lower landing. The Grand Staircase features family portraits chosen by Queen Victoria. They include her grandparents, parents, and her uncle and immediate predecessor, King William IV.

5. The Picture Gallery

The Picture Gallery in Buckingham Palace is a special treat for art lovers. The Royal Collection, owned by the sovereign, is one of the most significant collections of art in the world. The British royal family has collected art throughout the generations from various masters, and this gallery gives the public a taste of the fantastic Royal Collection.

The room is 47 meters long and contains some of the most notable works within the Royal Collection, with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, and Van Dyck. The red brocade gallery sets off the artwork like Canaletto’s celebrations of Venetian beauty and Van Dyke’s portraits. Pieces from the Royal Collection can be seen throughout the palace and in other royal palaces, but there are always standouts in the Picture Gallery worth enjoying.

4. The White Drawing Room

Buckingham Palace is a royal office, a place for ceremonial State occasions, a venue for formal entertainment, an official residence, and a private home. George IV’s vision to turn Buckingham House into a palace resulted in 19 State Rooms. The White Drawing Room is one of the more well-known State Rooms of the palace.

Queen Elizabeth II frequently made appearances, was photographed, and held gatherings to meet special guests in this room. It’s also the location of the wedding photos of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The White Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace has accents of gold emblems and details that sparkle, making the whole room look like a royal wedding dress fit for a queen. English and French furniture adorn this room, and one highlight is the exquisite portrait of Queen Alexandra by French artist François Flameng.

3. The Throne Room

The Throne Room of Buckingham Palace gives all the vibes of splendor and pageantry visitors look for when visiting a royal palace. This grand room is resplendent with gold and scarlet, high ornate ceilings, and golden sconces. The room’s focal point is the two crimson silk throne chairs known as the Chairs of Estate, used for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Other coronation chairs used by Queen Victoria and King George VI are also in the room. The thrones, with their rich scarlet brocade and golden trim, are set on a stage surrounded by ruby red tapestry. No visit to Buckingham Palace is complete without taking in the majesty of this room.

2. Queen Victoria Memorial

The iconic circular memorial to one of Britain’s most famous queens, Queen Victoria, sits right in front of Buckingham palace. This tribute is fitting since Queen Victoria was the first reigning monarch to live in Buckingham Palace. She even started the tradition of the balcony appearance when she appeared in 1851 for the Great Exhibition.

The memorial is the tallest monument to any British monarch standing at 82 feet tall. A golden Winged Victory statue sits on top, and Queen Victoria herself sits enthroned, facing the Mall and Admiralty Arch.

Other statues representing courage, justice, motherhood, and constancy adorn the Memorial. Besides the fence along Buckingham Palace, this is the best place to view the Changing of the Guard .

1. The Ballroom

This enormous room is the largest State Room in Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria used it to hold magnificent costume balls. Today, it is the location for State dinners with foreign dignitaries and investitures.

The Ballroom also has a canopied throne with two throne chairs. These belonged to Queen Elizabeth II’s great-grandparents (King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra) for their coronation in 1902. King Edward VII began to modernize the palace in the early 20th century and many of his renovations have gone unchanged.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit Buckingham Palace .

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About Angel Castellanos

Angel Castellanos, www.AngelsTravelLounge.com , is a multi-media travel expert and travel journalist that has appeared on BBC News, Los Angeles Times, Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS, Univision, Frommers Radio, USA Today. Angel is also an acclaimed speaker appearing as a featured travel expert with the Travel & Adventure Show and New York Times Travel Show. 80+ Countries, 5 Continents and counting. He's passionate about travel to Europe, especially to Italy & France, countries he's visited every year of his adult life.

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Now You Can Tour Buckingham Palace From Anywhere in the World

By Brooke Bobb

Never been inside the home of Queen Elizabeth II before? Thanks to Google, you can finally “walk” the royal halls. Mere commoners can head over to YouTube to watch the tour, but for the full experience, you’ll need to add a piece of cardboard to the mix. Google’s cardboard virtual reality headset allows viewers to use their smartphones to download and watch 3-D videos as part of the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program —a tool created specifically for teachers that allows them to distribute the headsets to their students and take them on virtual trips around the globe. Google polled schoolchildren and found that Buckingham Palace was their most desired place to visit, landing the royal residence a spot on the ever-growing roster of journeys. The existing 150 trips include sites like Yosemite, Mt. Fuji, and the Great Barrier Reef.

buckingham palace

The new tour takes viewers on a “stroll” through seven staterooms, including the Green Drawing Room and the Picture Gallery, with accompanying commentary from the queen’s Master of the Household and Curator of Paintings. The tour also features the White Drawing Room and its secret door leading to the queen’s private apartments. Thrones, grand ballrooms, silk wall coverings, and ornate chandeliers—quite the regal experience for a $20 piece of cardboard.

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Tips for visiting Buckingham Palace with kids

One of London’s most iconic sights, there’s only a 10-week period each year when you can get a look inside the monarch’s official London residence – so I’ve pulled together these tips for visiting Buckingham Palace with kids (or without) to make the most of it.

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There’s also a brand new Coronation exhibition for 2023, so if you’re planning to take the tour of the Buckingham Palace state rooms, you’ve got an added incentive to book this year.

The home of the British royal family since Queen Victoria moved in in 1837, it’s still a working palace with the ornate rooms used for state events and a rare chance to glimpse the gilded splendour behind the famous facade. So if you’re planning to visit Buckingham Palace with kids, here’s everything you need to know.

Contents - click to jump to a section

Should you visit Buckingham Palace with kids?

A tour of the State Rooms isn’t the cheapest thing to do in London with kids , so the first question to answer must be, is Buckingham Palace family-friendly?

And you can absolutely visit Buckingham Palace with kids – with a few provisos.

Personally I think this is somewhere that’s better for school age kids and older. There’s a great free family multimedia tour and family activities in the gardens but otherwise it’s (understandably) not very hands on.

For older kids, getting to see inside a palace and its impressive rooms, imagining kings, queens and mischievous corgis as they go, it’s fantastic. But the thought of chasing a bored toddler who wants to run off, while surrounded by priceless art and furniture makes my blood run cold.

Having said that, there’s nothing to stop you bringing younger kids in and I did see one young toddler during my visit, so it’s certainly possible – just be prepared to go round faster than you might like.

Do check out the interactive map online before you visit, to give kids a taste of what they’re going to see as well, and explore the palace virtually. There’s also a list of 10 highlights to spot , which makes a fun treasure hunt.

You can’t use your own buggy/stroller – these have to be checked at the start of the tour and collected at the end – while toilets and baby changing facilities are only available at the end of the tour.

You can’t eat or drink inside the palace (except for bottled water), although you can breastfeed anywhere, and there are benches in some of the rooms.

Do you have to prebook tickets?

You don’t have to, tickets may be available on the day, but as the Buckingham Palace state rooms are only open for part of the year, it’s a good idea to book in advance.

There’s also a discount if you prebook tickets online – currently from £30 for adults, £16.50 for children aged 5-17, under fives go free.

Get a discount if you book using my link and the code MUMMYTRAVELS6

You can also convert tickets into a one year pass, if you think you might return within 12 months.

There’s a family discount which is automatically applied if you book at least one adult and two children, up to two adults and four children, saving up to £24 when you book direct .

Tickets have a 15-minute time slot, and you’re asked to arrive at the time shown on your ticket.

When are the Buckingham Palace state rooms open?

The main public opening runs for 10 weeks from mid July to late September. This year’s opening dates are July 14-September 24, 2023.

The Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, otherwise opening time is 9.30am. Last entry is 17.15 during the summer months (with the palace closing at 19.30), and at 16.15 from September 1-24 (with the palace closing at 18.30)

If you’re visiting London outside these dates, scroll down for more details of the guided tours which take place on selected dates between November and May

Where’s the entrance to the Buckingham Palace tour?

You won’t get to go through the grand gates at the front, sadly. Instead the entrance for the summer opening of the Buckingham Palace state rooms is on Buckingham Palace road.

If you’re standing looking at the front of the palace, simply head round to the left, follow Spur Road to Buckingham Palace Road, and you won’t be able to miss the entrance, with staff checking tickets before security.

The closest underground stations are Victoria, Green Park and St James’s Park. If you’re walking from Victoria station, just follow Buckingham Palace Road from the station past the entrance for the Royal Mews and the King’s Gallery and you’ll see it on the left.

Be prepared for security

You’ll need to pass through airport style security with bag searches and X-ray, although this was very quick and efficient.

If you’re visiting with Buckingham Palace with kids, you can’t bring a buggy/stroller into the state rooms, so will need to leave that at the start of the tour and collect it at the end in the gardens.

You can’t bring large bags (or various other items including bikes, folding bikes and rollerskates) in at all, while some other items need to be left and collected after the tour, such as large umbrellas (smaller fold-up ones that go in your bag are fine).

Check the full list of security restrictions here – but it’s mostly common sense.

Do get the audio guide

The audioguide is included in your ticket, in nine languages, plus British Sign Language (as well as a descriptive tour for the blind and visually impaired). There is very little information in the rooms otherwise, so without the guide, you’ll miss most of the detail.

You can choose the adult version or the family multimedia tour (and it’s easy to flick between the two if you do want to hear bits of both).

I started off alternating between the different options, but switched to the family audio a few rooms in, as it did a great job of bringing the state rooms to life, picking out quirky details and adding some fun elements.

The tour is narrated by footman Alice, along with Rex the corgi, and is aimed at kids under 12. Having said that, it still packs in similar amounts of information to the adult tour, just in a more easily digestible fashion.

There are also some fun games for kids to play – I’m ashamed to say it took me three attempts to correctly set a table – as well as details to spot in the rooms, challenges and other interactive fun.

One highlight was being asked to spot the secret door in the White Drawing Room: closed during our visit (it’s normally ajar), it really wasn’t easy to spot but led to a great conversation with the member of staff in the room – and also the discovery that one other set of more obvious doors are fakes, designed to balance the room, with nothing but wall behind them.

You won’t be able to take photos inside

For once, you can put phones and cameras away, as photos aren’t permitted inside the state rooms – only in the gardens at the end of the tour.

We were also given permission to photograph the Coronation Exhibition and Diamond Jubilee coach in the courtyard but ordinarily that isn’t allowed.

Don’t be tempted to sneak a few snaps – staff were keeping a close eye on all visitors and reminding them if they had phones out, so if you’re caught, you may well be escorted out.

Allow plenty of time

There are 14 rooms with multimedia guide commentary during the tour of the state rooms at Buckingham Palace, quite apart from the chance to explore some of the gardens.

Allow at least two hours for your visit, more if you want to enjoy the activities in the family pavilion at the end, or visit the cafe.

You can go at your own pace though, so if you feel inclined to linger – or if your kids are going to get bored after around an hour – you can speed up and slow down as you want.

What can you see in the state rooms at Buckingham Palace?

The tour of the Buckingham Palace state rooms takes you through 14 separate rooms with audioguide commentary.

Starting in the Grand Hall and climbing the Grand Staircase, you’ll visit the Green Drawing Room, the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery, the East Gallery, the Ballroom, the State Dining Room, the Blue Drawing Room, the Music Room, the White Drawing Room, the Marble Hall and the Bow Room.

Needless to say, it’s impossible to capture every detail in a blog post, especially one focused on tips for visiting Buckingham Palace; you need to go on the tour to really appreciate it. But expect huge rooms, priceless art, lots of gold and ornamentation, and impressive decor as you go!

To pick out a few highlights, you can spot everything from a delicate pot pourri holder in the shape of a ship, one of only 12 ever made by Sevres (and one of only 10 still in existence) right up to the thrones embroidered with the King and Queen’s cyphers and some fake marble columns.

The art in the picture gallery is just a small fraction of the million works in the royal collection – which also includes sculpture, furniture and other artworks – including everything from Rubens, Rembrandt and Vermeer to Canaletto and Van Dyck.

There are also some insights into royal family life as you stroll through the long East Gallery, whose carefully placed mirrors make it seem to stretch on forever.

Built for Queen Victoria, along with the ballroom, to allow her to host balls for up to two thousand guests, the walls are covered with portraits of the Queen and her family – with a reminder in the family audio guide that Victoria was only 19 when she was crowned, a year after she inherited the throne.

Or the jaw-dropping information that the table in the state dining room can be extended so it’s as long as a cricket pitch – and the spare leaves are stored in one of the many secret rooms and cupboards in the palace, tucked away behind mirrored doors.

There’s modern-day trivia too – seeing the room where the current Prince of Wales was baptised, or learning how to clean a chandelier – as well as information about the palace itself, from the number of staff (around 800) to the number of lightbulbs (around 40,000).

My favourite was perhaps the White Drawing Room (actually far more gold and yellow), which has fake doors, real doors and a secret door to find…

What is the Coronation exhibition at Buckingham Palace?

The new Coronation exhibition includes the outfits worn by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the coronation in May, on display for the first time.

Staged in the ballroom – which was used for Coronation rehearsals, the grand robes with their embroidered trains are joined by other items of regalia, as well as the Throne Chairs and the Anointing Screen used during the ceremony.

There’s also the chance to see sketches for the invitations, alongside one of the finished creations, plus other symbolic items including the Coronation glove and girdle, not to mention the diamond necklace worn by the Queen Consort.

It’s fascinating to get chance to see some of the gold embroidery up close, hand embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace, with personal touches as well as more symbolic emblems – something even the best TV coverage of the day couldn’t provide.

The exhibition will run until September 24, when the State Rooms close to the public once more. The Diamond Jubilee State Coach will also be on display as you enter the courtyard before heading inside the state rooms themselves.

If you buy a Royal Day Out ticket , also including entry to the Royal Mews, you can see the historic Gold State Coach – among other royal coaches and carriages – which carried the King back to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey

Will you see the royal family?

Sadly not – or not unless you’re very lucky. Traditionally, the royal family heads to their Scottish home of Balmoral for the summer, so they’re away from London while the state rooms are open – and King Charles has confirmed he’ll be continuing the tradition, as Queen Elizabeth did.

In any case, the tour takes you though the public state rooms rather than the private rooms, so even if members of the royal family are in residence, they’ll be elsewhere in the huge palace.

You can check before you go in: if the monarch is in residence, the royal standard will be flying, otherwise you’ll see the union flag above the palace, if the royal family is at another residence such as Windsor Castle or Sandringham .

Don’t miss the family pavilion

If you’re visiting Buckingham Palace with kids, do save time to check out the family pavilion in the gardens.

You’ll find it just after the point where you return the multimedia guides and there are some great activities for kids.

There’s a small soft play area for the youngest visitors, as well as tables with crafts and activities. You’ll also find a dressing up box, lots of chances to pose for photos, and other games and quizzes to test kids on their royal knowledge.

You can also download a garden trail, colouring and drawing activities from the Royal Collection Trust website, plus there are sometimes additional events for families .

Save time to enjoy the gardens

The path from the palace to the exit on Grosvenor Palace leads through the gardens, with a view back to Buckingham Palace over the lake.

You are limited to where you can explore in the gardens however – the lawns are roped off, for example – so you can’t spend long wandering and you do need to keep to the paths.

What facilities are there at Buckingham Palace?

Most of the facilities for visitors are towards the end of the tour, including toilets and baby changing in the gardens.

If you are visiting Buckingham Palace with kids, it’s worth finding toilets before you head inside – there are public toilets at Victoria station – as it’s likely to be over an hour before you reach the gardens (and you can’t leave and retrace your steps). And no, you can’t use the king’s bathroom on the way!

In the main block in the gardens, there are family toilets and very nice handwash though. Arrangements can be made for visitors with disabilities, but you’re asked to contact the specialist sales team in advance.

There’s also a cafe in the gardens, as well as stands serving ice cream and drinks – sadly the coronation ice cream (which is red, white and blue) wasn’t on sale during our visit.

There’s no eating and drinking inside the palace (apart from bottled water).

You’ll also find the shop along the path through the gardens on your way out.

Can you visit the state rooms at Buckingham Palace at any other time?

Yes, there are limited chances to explore the Buckingham Palace state rooms outside the main summer opening, with guided tours running on selected dates from November to May.

These cost £90 per person, or there are also Family Guided Tours available where tickets for children aged 5-17 cost £49.50, and under 5s are free.

If you are joining a guided tour, you’ll enter through the Royal Mews and there are toilet facilities available at the start as well as the end of the tour. You’re also asked to arrive 30 minutes before the entry time on your ticket, and will have to go through a similar security process as the self-guided tour.

Tours usually take around 90 minutes to two hours, and the other restrictions (such as no photos inside) remain the same.

Apart from that, you’d need a personal invitation from a member of the royal family or be invited to an official event to get in!

What else is there to do near Buckingham Palace with kids?

You’re in easy walking distance of both St James’s Park, with its pelicans (and a lovely view of the palace from the Blue Bridge) and of Green Park if your kids need to run off some energy.

You could also combine a visit with the Changing of the Guard ceremony , or a chance to see the guards at Horseguards Parade.

There are also two other Royal Collection Trust attractions at the Palace – the Royal Mews , which houses the Gold State coach, among other historic carriages, and the King’s Gallery . There’s a discount if you book using my link and the code MUMMYTRAVELS6 .

For more royal places in London with kids , check out my pick of the best for families who love history (or mini monarchists)

Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are around a 15-minute walk from the entrance to the State Rooms, and the family attractions on the South Bank are only a short walk further on.

Or download this Royal London Walking tour , designed to take around 50 minutes, introducing you to some of the history around Buckingham Palace and Westminster.

Disclosure: My entry to Buckingham Palace was free for the purposes of review – all opinions and tips for visiting Buckingham Palace are my own. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Main image/Buckingham Palace gates courtesy of Depositphotos; Throne Room courtesy Royal Collection Trust/© His Majesty King Charles III 2023 ; White Drawing Room courtesy  Royal Collection Trust/© His Majesty King Charles III 2023 / Derry Moore ; all other images copyright MummyTravels

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

Throughly enjoyed our visit this week,with a mixed adult and child coach trip. Sadly no changing of the guard on this Saturday, which, was disappointing for the youngsters. Very efficient entrance route, no waiting, staff friendly and helpful. Easy to use audio guide, comfortable head phones. Able to stroll through the Palace at your own pace, lots of staff offering advice and additional information. Loved the White dinning room. We called into the cafe for a pot of tea as we were leaving oh my gosh ! Prices for a slice of cake, cream tea or a child’s food “box” were so expensive. Likewise the gift shop, almost £9 for a pencil with plastic crown on the top we all left empty handed. St James’s Park was a delight, lots of delightful places for refreshments and to sit and watch the antics of the wildlife. It was a great day, throughly enjoyed it.

Glad you had a great day – it is a lot of fun for kids (although I saw a few eye-watering prices in the gift shop). A shame it didn’t coincide with the changing of the guard, but sadly that never takes place on Saturdays – a good excuse to come back again?

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Tatler Asia

Take a virtual tour of buckingham palace on google.

Visitors are welcomed by a virtual Master of the Household and then guided by curator Anna Reynolds through lavish chambers including the Throne Room.

Web surfers will be able to peek into the gilded interiors of Queen Elizabeth II's home in a new virtual reality tour launched by Google on Wednesday.

Buckingham Palace , the queen's primary residence, has opened its doors to the tech giant for 360-degree photos of some of its richly-decorated rooms.

The tour can be viewed on a computer or in 3D on a mobile phone through the official British Monarchy YouTube channel -- one of several digital initiatives adopted by the royal household in recent years.

At the end of the video, which lasts around 10 minutes, virtual visitors are also shown a secret door through which the queen arrives at receptions.

The programme is intended for schoolchildren and was created under Google's Expedition programme.

Instead of having a virtual guide, teachers dictate the tour and highlight interesting topics for pupils.

"For schoolchildren, Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic, magical buildings in the world," said Jemima Rellie, director of content at the Royal Collection Trust which worked together with Google.

Jennifer Holland, Expedition's programme manager, launched the tour at an event in London with pupils from a school in east London.

"We asked them, if you could go anywhere in the world where would you want to go and they replied -- Buckingham Palace," she said.

The photos for the tour were taken last week with a 16-camera rig placed in a circle. The virtual tour will also be available through the official British Monarchy YouTube channel.

More insider photos to the life and times of the royal family: Check out the official images from Princess Charlotte's christening.

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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 !

RELEVENT POSTS

• 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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The picture, posted to their joint Instagram on March 14, 2021, was of a cake they said their three children made to remember Princess Diana. It was endearing and casual, far from Kate and William's typical social-media content.

Fast-forward three years, and the royal family has found themselves surrounded by controversy yet again. But this time, Kate and William are at the center of it, igniting weeks of speculation with a match in the shape of a digitally altered Mother's Day photo .

Kensington Palace ... sounds exasperated and very defensive. Kristen Meinzer, royal commentator

The scandal has been breathtakingly swift, turning the once-golden Prince and Princess of Wales into joke fodder for American late-night hosts — not to mention all of social media . The publicity has been so bad that even the British tabloids' loyalty is starting to crack.

Where did it all go wrong? When Kate and William stopped acting like a united front.

A comeback for the ages

The royal family went on the charm offensive after Harry and Meghan's interview with Winfrey, and they knew Kate and William had to be on the starting lineup.

As the world slowly emerged from lockdown, William and Kate were suddenly everywhere . They visited Westminster Abbey to mark their 10th wedding anniversary, hung out with children on a farm, launched a joint YouTube channel, played soccer with more kids, and hosted a drive-in movie night — all before June.

The ensuing photos were a PR dream for the royal family: Kate with a goat! Kate laughing with a golf club! Kate holding a tarantula! Kate in sneakers!

There were also plenty of snaps of the couple together, and many noticed that William and Kate were suddenly more affectionate in public . That May, they visited the University of St Andrews — where they first met — and an Access Hollywood story noted that William "even affectionately put his hand on Kate's back in a tender moment we don't often see from the perfectly poised heir."

It came just a month after the couple released an anniversary portrait , accompanied by a playful Instagram video far more relaxed than their previous pictures.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)

Taking a page from Meghan and Harry's playbook

William and Kate's public appearances in 2021 were a huge PR shift for the royal couple, celebrity brand management expert Eric Shiffer previously told Business Insider.

"They were manicured to the nth degree," he said, adding that they "played their public persona with a Buckingham Palace excellence, out of the playbook that's been mastered for centuries."

Kate and William's formal and polished persona was opposite to Meghan and Harry's easygoing and affectionate demeanor, which didn't go unnoticed by the public or press. By sharing their mental health struggles during the Oprah interview, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex positioned themselves as the antithesis of the royal family's tight-lipped and stone-faced "never complain, never explain" mantra.

"Harry and Meghan successfully came off as more human, more approachable, and more affectionate with their subjects," royal commentator Kristen Meinzer recently told BI. "Meghan was doing these things that came off as her own heart's desires, rather than 'I am doing this because I have to cut another ribbon.'"

Royal historian Clare McHugh previously told BI that Kate and William "really adjusted their style" after the Oprah interview.

"They realized if they don't, they'll be overshadowed by this couple living in California, so they have to show themselves," she said. "They have to reveal who they are more because that's the currency now. So they let the anniversary film out, and they have YouTube, and they make jokes. It's a new world."

Until it wasn't.

A shroud of secrecy

In the weeks leading up to the Mother's Day photo fiasco, rumors swelled around the royal family, who are underwritten by UK taxpayers and cost about $300 million annually . Kate's most recent royal appearance was on Christmas, and there have been minimal updates since Kensington Palace's announcement in January that she'd be undergoing a "planned abdominal surgery" and wouldn't resume her public duties "until after Easter."

Eyebrows were raised when William released a rare solo statement in February regarding the conflict in Gaza and when he pulled out of his godfather King Constantine's memorial service "due to a personal matter" a week later.

As speculation over Kate's whereabouts grew, Kensington Palace told BI on February 29 that she was "doing well" and that "we shall not be providing a running commentary or providing daily updates."

"With Kate, there's been a shroud of secrecy," Meinzer told BI. "The vague language around Kate's health, William's absence from the funeral, and an update from Kensington Palace that sounds exasperated and very defensive."

"It's so glaringly different from the messaging coming from Charles' office," she added. "Charles seems more human these days than William and Kate."

King Charles' cancer diagnosis was announced on February 5, a few weeks after Kate's hospitalization. And while the public still doesn't know exactly what type of cancer he has, nor how severe, Charles has been photographed multiple times since resuming public duties.

"The Buckingham Palace team has been far more transparent than the Kensington Palace team," Meinzer said. "When we look at Charles' case, they were forthright about him having cancer, they did tell us he'd be having outpatient treatment, and they gave us photographic updates."

"Less than a week after the announcement of his cancer, he was attending church with Camilla and waving at the camera people and his subjects," she added. "There are hundreds of witnesses to see that this is actually happening in real time while these photos are being taken."

The (altered) photo seen around the world

Unlike Charles, only three photos of Kate have been released since the January announcement from Kensington Palace.

The first, a grainy paparazzi photo published by TMZ on March 4, showed Kate's face obscured by big sunglasses as she sat in the car with her mother, Carole Middleton. The third, published by the Daily Mail on March 11, showed Kate in the car with William — but her face was turned away from the camera.

The only recent clear photo of Kate's face was the picture she and William released on Mother's Day on March 10. The snap shows Kate smiling with the couple's three children, and the caption credits William with taking the picture this year.

Within hours, the Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse announced they would no longer distribute the image due to concerns it had been digitally altered. They sent kill notifications to media outlets worldwide with instructions to remove the picture from all platforms, including social media.

According to ABC News , the Mother's Day photo was edited twice with Adobe Photoshop — once on the night of March 8 and once on the morning of March 9 — before it was released. During an appearance on BBC Radio 4's "The Media Show," Phil Chetwynd, the global news director at Agence France-Presse, said Kensington Palace is no longer a trusted source.

"'Photogate' is a PR disaster, no matter how you look at it," royal historian Marlene Koenig told BI. "It's a major, major story, whether the fangirls like it or not. It's not about Kate being sick. It's not about Kate being a member of the royal family. It's about someone who manipulated a photograph to make it look better. Now there's definitely a lack of trust."

Kate took responsibility for the photo on Monday, writing on X : "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused."

It was a move that only heightened confusion — and fuelled more rumors.

Blame the princess

Royal fans and pundits alike were shocked to see an explanation come from Kate rather than a joint statement by Kensington Palace.

"An organization of this size and this international level would normally put out a statement that does not throw one of its most esteemed members under the bus," Meinzer told BI. "I'm kind of surprised that they specifically chose to essentially hang Kate out to dry."

Kate's post on X went against the PR strategy helping her and William for years. Where was the royal family's united front?

But the Prince and Princess of Wales have been diverging from the tactics of their successful 2021 comeback tour for a while now. There's only a handful of photos and videos of the couple together in the past six months on their Instagram page, the most recent being the official Christmas card .

With the black-and-white color, matching outfits, and plain backdrop, it starkly contrasts the sunny, laid-back, and cheerful picture they had shared the year before.

There's no denying Kate and William have reverted to the royal family's former strategy of stiff formality. It's led to increased speculation surrounding the stability of their marriage and a lack of connection to the public that's crucial to the monarchy's popularity and, in turn, its survival.

"I would have focused more on the realness of what Kate's going through. Not everything has to be elevated," Schiffer recently told BI. "People understand that when you're coming back from surgery, it can be difficult, and that's OK too. Part of Kate's charm has always been her ability to be fairly approachable and down to earth, so why move away dramatically from that strategy?"

"One thing that Kate and William should have learned from Harry and Meghan is to come across as more human," Meinzer added.

It remains to be seen if the royal rota — the British tabloids that Harry said have an "invisible contract" with the royal family — will continue to support Kate and William. While stories with sympathetic spins have continued to run on the likes of the Daily Mail, The Mirror, and The Sun, there have also been several negative takes calling Prince William "ungentlemanly" or saying that "the palace can no longer be trusted."

"We're starting to see some very, very loyal members of the royal rota who have always been in William and Kate's corner suddenly not 100% in their corner," Meinzer said.

"I'm surprised any of them are asking any questions right now," she added. "I usually expect them to be firmly in the pocket of the palace."

While it's rare for the royal rota to go against the heir, or the crown for that matter, it's not unprecedented. One only needs to look at how the tabloids covered the Queen's response to Princess Diana's death .

"Show us you care," one headline screamed.

"SPEAK TO US," another shouted.

When it comes to being royal, that stiff upper-lipped silence can be your downfall.

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