Buckingham Palace
The official residence and workplace of the British monarch. The State Rooms, 19 of them, open in summer, and the Changing of the Guard in front of the palace is London's most classic free spectacle.
Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the British monarch since Queen Victoria's reign in 1837. It has 775 rooms. The Victoria Memorial in front of the palace and The Mall, the tree-lined avenue leading to it, serve as the stage for national celebrations. The image of royal family members waving to the public from the balcony on the East Front is widely known.
The Changing of the Guard is the main attraction for most visitors. Guards in red tunics and bearskin hats march from Wellington Barracks and St James's Palace to the forecourt, accompanied by a military band. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and usually takes place at 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. From June to July it is held daily. It may be cancelled in rain or for state events, so check the official schedule. The best viewing spots are the railings directly in front of the palace gates, the steps of the Victoria Memorial, or along The Mall. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early to secure a place. For a quieter option, you can watch the guards set off from Marlborough Road near St James's Palace.
From mid-July to late September, when the monarch is away on holiday, the 19 State Rooms (the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery, the Ballroom, and the gardens) are open to the public. Tickets cost about 32 pounds and must be booked on the official website. Allow about 2 to 2.5 hours for the visit. The Royal Mews, which houses the Gold State Coach, and the Queen's Gallery are open all year, but they require separate tickets.
Green Park, Victoria, and St James's Park Underground stations are each about a 10-minute walk away. The lake in St James's Park, just in front of the palace, is home to pelicans and offers a view of the London Eye. It is a lovely spot for a picnic or a rest.
On changing days, crowds can be heavy, so watch out for pickpockets. Photography is not allowed inside the State Rooms.
Opening hours
Changing of the Guard at 11:00 (schedule per official website); State Rooms mid-July–end Sep 09:30–19:30
Nearby sights
- Piccadilly Circus
- Churchill War Rooms
- Westminster Abbey
- Trafalgar Square
- National Gallery
- Palace of Westminster & Big Ben
- Harrods
- London Eye