Why Visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world and the official London residence of the British monarch. Even if you do not go inside the palace, it is still one of the most important places to visit in London because of its royal history, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and its location at the end of The Mall.
For many visitors, Buckingham Palace represents modern British royal history, rather than medieval or ancient history. This is where the King lives when he is in London, where royal events take place, and where crowds gather during national celebrations and royal occasions. Seeing Buckingham Palace in person is often one of those moments where London suddenly feels very real and recognisable.
One of the main reasons people visit Buckingham Palace is to watch the Changing of the Guard, which is one of the most famous ceremonies in London. The ceremony involves soldiers in red uniforms and bearskin hats marching with a band and changing the guard at the palace. It is free to watch and is often included in London itineraries, especially for first-time visitors.
Another reason Buckingham Palace is worth visiting is its location next to St James’s Park and Green Park, which are two of the most beautiful parks in central London. Many visitors walk from Westminster Abbey and Big Ben through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, which is one of the nicest walking routes in central London.
Although many people think Buckingham Palace is just something you look at from the outside, it is actually possible to visit the State Rooms inside the palace during certain times of the year, which allows visitors to see some of the royal rooms used for official events and ceremonies.
For most visitors, Buckingham Palace is not just a building — it is part of a Westminster, Royal London, and park walking route, and it is usually combined with Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St James’s Park, and sometimes the London Eye on the same day.
Buckingham Palace Quick Overview
Buckingham Palace is located in the Westminster area of London at the end of The Mall, the wide ceremonial road that runs from Trafalgar Square through Admiralty Arch to the palace. The palace has been the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837, when Queen Victoria became the first monarch to live there.
Today, Buckingham Palace is both a working royal residence and an administrative headquarters, meaning it is not just a historic building but also an active workplace where official royal events, receptions, and ceremonies take place. The palace has 775 rooms, including state rooms, private royal apartments, offices, and staff rooms.
In front of Buckingham Palace is the Victoria Memorial, a large monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, and the open area in front of the palace is where crowds gather during royal celebrations, events, and ceremonies. This area is also where most visitors stand to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Buckingham Palace is surrounded by St James’s Park, Green Park, and The Mall, which makes this one of the most pleasant areas in central London for walking. Many visitors walk from Westminster Abbey through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, then continue towards Green Park, Hyde Park, or Trafalgar Square.
Even if you do not go inside the palace, the area around Buckingham Palace is still worth visiting because of the parks, The Mall, the Victoria Memorial, and the royal setting, which feels very different from other parts of central London.
Changing of the Guard Explained
The Changing of the Guard is one of the most famous ceremonies in London and one of the main reasons visitors go to Buckingham Palace. The ceremony involves soldiers in traditional red uniforms and bearskin hats marching to Buckingham Palace with a military band, where the guard currently protecting the palace is replaced by a new guard.
Changing of the Guard usually takes place at Buckingham Palace at around 11:00am on selected days, but the schedule changes throughout the year and ceremonies can be cancelled due to weather or official events. You should always check the official Household Division website before visiting to confirm the ceremony schedule.
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard, it is best to arrive early and choose your viewing spot carefully. Many people stand directly in front of the palace gates, but this area can become very crowded. Some visitors prefer to watch the guards marching along The Mall or near St James’s Park, where it can be easier to see the soldiers and the band.
The ceremony usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, and while it is free to watch, it can be very busy, especially during peak tourist season. Watching the Changing of the Guard is often included in London in 1 Day and London weekend itineraries, especially for first-time visitors who want to see some traditional British ceremony.
Even if the ceremony is not taking place on the day you visit, Buckingham Palace and the surrounding area are still worth visiting because of St James’s Park, The Mall, and the royal setting.
Visiting the State Rooms
Many visitors do not realise that it is actually possible to go inside Buckingham Palace, but this is only possible during certain times of the year when the State Rooms are open to visitors, usually during the summer months when the King is not in residence.
The State Rooms are the grand rooms inside Buckingham Palace that are used for official events, ceremonies, receptions, and meetings with world leaders and dignitaries. These rooms include large halls, throne rooms, ballrooms, and rooms filled with paintings, chandeliers, and royal furniture.
Visitors follow a set route through the State Rooms with an audio guide, which explains the history of the palace, royal events, and how the rooms are used today. The visit usually ends in the palace gardens, which many visitors enjoy because they are not normally open to the public.
Tickets for the State Rooms are limited and can sell out during summer, so if you want to go inside Buckingham Palace, it is important to book tickets in advance.
Many visitors are happy just seeing Buckingham Palace from the outside and watching the Changing of the Guard, but if you are interested in royal history, palaces, and historic buildings, visiting the State Rooms can be one of the most interesting royal attractions in London.
Buckingham Palace Tickets and Prices
Many visitors are surprised to learn that you cannot normally walk around inside Buckingham Palace all year round, because it is still an official royal residence. However, during certain periods, usually in the summer months, visitors can buy tickets to visit the State Rooms, which are the grand ceremonial rooms used for official events and receptions.
Tickets for the State Rooms are limited and can sell out in advance, especially during summer holidays, so if you want to go inside Buckingham Palace, it is important to book tickets ahead of your visit. The visit usually includes an audio guide that explains the history of the palace, the rooms, and how the palace is used today for official events.
If you do not want to pay to go inside the palace, you can still visit Buckingham Palace for free by watching the Changing of the Guard, walking along The Mall, visiting the Victoria Memorial, and walking through St James’s Park, which are all part of the Buckingham Palace experience even without entering the State Rooms.
It is also worth checking whether Buckingham Palace State Rooms are included in any London attraction passes, especially if you are planning to visit several paid attractions in London. Depending on your itinerary, this can sometimes reduce overall sightseeing costs.
Many visitors are happy to see Buckingham Palace from the outside and watch the Changing of the Guard, but if you are interested in royal history, palaces, and ceremonial buildings, visiting the State Rooms can be a very interesting experience and very different from other London attractions.
Opening Hours and Practical Information
Buckingham Palace opening hours depend on whether you are visiting the outside of the palace, watching the Changing of the Guard, or visiting the State Rooms, as these are three different types of visits.
The area outside Buckingham Palace, including the Victoria Memorial and The Mall, is open all the time, so you can visit the palace exterior whenever you like. Many people visit early in the morning or in the evening when it is quieter and easier to take photographs.
The Changing of the Guard usually takes place in the morning on selected days, but the schedule changes throughout the year and ceremonies can be cancelled due to weather or official events. You should always check the official Household Division website before visiting to confirm the ceremony schedule.
The State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace are usually only open to visitors during the summer months, when the King is not in residence. Opening dates and times change each year, so tickets must be booked for specific time slots.
If you are planning to watch the Changing of the Guard, it is best to arrive early, especially during summer when crowds are large. Many visitors arrive 45 minutes to an hour early to get a good viewing spot.
There are toilets, cafes, and restaurants nearby, especially around St James’s Park, Green Park, and Victoria. This area is also very easy to combine with other attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye.
Best Time to Visit and How Long You Need
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace depends on what you want to see. If you want to watch the Changing of the Guard, you will need to visit in the morning on a day when the ceremony is scheduled. If you want to avoid crowds and just see the palace and surrounding area, early morning or late afternoon is usually quieter.
Many visitors spend around 30 to 60 minutes at Buckingham Palace if they are just visiting the outside, taking photos, and watching the Changing of the Guard. If you are visiting the State Rooms inside the palace, you should allow around 2 to 3 hours for the full visit including the gardens.
Buckingham Palace is usually visited as part of a Westminster and St James’s Park sightseeing route, rather than as a standalone attraction. A typical sightseeing route might include:
- Westminster Abbey
- Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
- Walk through St James’s Park
- Buckingham Palace
- Walk along The Mall or towards Trafalgar Square
- Cross Westminster Bridge to the London Eye and South Bank
Because many major attractions are located close together in this area, Buckingham Palace is very easy to include in London in 1 Day, London in 2 Days, and London weekend itineraries.
Buckingham Palace With Kids
Buckingham Palace is a good place to visit with children, especially if they are interested in kings, queens, guards, and royal buildings. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is usually the most interesting part for children, as it involves soldiers in red uniforms, marching bands, and a ceremonial handover of the guard.
However, it is important to remember that Buckingham Palace is not an interactive attraction, so younger children may not want to spend a long time just standing outside the palace gates. If you are visiting with children, it is best to combine Buckingham Palace with St James’s Park, which is right next to the palace and has a lake, ducks, paths, and open space where children can walk around and take a break from sightseeing.
If you are visiting the State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace, older children and teenagers are more likely to enjoy the visit, especially if they are interested in royal history or historic buildings. The visit includes an audio guide and a walk through several large ceremonial rooms and the palace gardens.
This helps combine historic sightseeing with outdoor space, which usually works well for families visiting London.
Tips for Visiting Buckingham Palace
There are a few tips that can make your visit to Buckingham Palace much easier and more enjoyable. The first and most important tip is to check the Changing of the Guard schedule in advance, because the ceremony does not take place every day and can be cancelled due to weather or official events.
If you want to watch the Changing of the Guard, try to arrive early, especially during summer when crowds are large. Many visitors arrive 45 minutes to an hour early to get a good viewing spot near the palace gates or along The Mall.
Another tip is to combine Buckingham Palace with St James’s Park, which is one of the nicest parks in central London and provides a pleasant walking route between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Walking through the park is much nicer than walking along busy roads.
If you are planning to visit the State Rooms, remember that they are only open during certain months of the year, usually in summer, and tickets should be booked in advance. Many visitors are happy just seeing the palace from the outside and watching the Changing of the Guard, but visiting inside the palace is a different experience and worth considering if you are interested in royal buildings.
Finally, try to plan Buckingham Palace as part of a Westminster, St James’s Park, and London Eye sightseeing day, rather than travelling across London just to see the palace on its own.
How to Get to Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is located in central London, and it is easy to reach using the Underground, buses, or by walking from nearby attractions in Westminster.
The closest Underground stations are:
- Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines)
- St James’s Park Station (District and Circle lines)
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District, Circle lines and national rail)
- Westminster Station (Jubilee, District and Circle lines – slightly further but useful if visiting Westminster Abbey first)
Many visitors walk to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey through St James’s Park, which is one of the nicest walking routes in central London and takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses also stop near Buckingham Palace, and many walking tours of Westminster and royal London include the palace as part of their route.
Because Buckingham Palace is located near Westminster, St James’s Park, Green Park and The Mall, it is very easy to include in a sightseeing day without travelling far across the city.
Accessibility and Facilities
Buckingham Palace is located in a very accessible area of central London, with wide pavements, parks, pedestrian crossings, and nearby Underground stations. The area around the palace, including the Victoria Memorial and The Mall, is mostly flat and easy to walk around.
If you are visiting the State Rooms, accessibility arrangements are available, including step-free access and assistance for visitors who need help. It is recommended to check accessibility information in advance if you plan to visit inside the palace.
There are toilets, cafes, and restaurants nearby, especially around Green Park, St James’s Park, and Victoria. St James’s Park is a good place to sit and rest if you are spending a full day sightseeing in the Westminster and Buckingham Palace area.
Because the palace is located next to several parks and wide open spaces, this area is generally less crowded and more relaxed than some other parts of central London, especially compared with areas like Leicester Square or Oxford Street.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Planning to visit Buckingham Palace? Here are a few useful tips to help you make the most of your visit to one of London’s most famous royal landmarks:
- Check the Changing of the Guard schedule: The ceremony does not take place every day and can be cancelled due to weather or official events.
- Arrive early for the ceremony: If you want a good viewing spot near the palace gates or along The Mall, arrive at least 45 minutes early in summer.
- Walk through St James’s Park: The walk between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace through St James’s Park is one of the nicest walks in central London.
- Combine nearby attractions: Buckingham Palace is very close to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St James’s Park, and the London Eye, so plan a full sightseeing day in this area.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Buckingham Palace Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go inside Buckingham Palace?
Yes, but only when the State Rooms are open to visitors, usually during the summer months.
Is Buckingham Palace free to visit?
Yes, it is free to visit the outside of Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard. You only need a ticket if you want to visit the State Rooms inside.
How long do you need at Buckingham Palace?
Most visitors spend around 30 to 60 minutes at Buckingham Palace if visiting the outside. Visiting the State Rooms usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
What is the closest Underground station to Buckingham Palace?
The closest stations are Green Park, St James’s Park, Victoria, and Westminster.
What time is the Changing of the Guard?
The ceremony usually takes place in the morning on selected days, but the schedule changes, so you should check the official Household Division website before visiting.
Is Buckingham Palace worth visiting?
Yes, especially for first-time visitors to London, as it is one of the most famous royal buildings in the world and located near several other major London attractions.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are planning your trip, make sure to read our London Attractions Guide, which covers where to stay, transport, attractions and how to plan your time in the city. This will help you build your itinerary properly and group attractions together so you don’t waste time travelling back and forth across London.
Because Buckingham Palace is located in the Westminster area, many visitors combine it with nearby attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St James’s Park, and the London Eye. These attractions are all located close together and are easy to visit on the same day.
If you are planning your itinerary, you may also want to read our London in 3 Days and London in a Weekend guides, which explain how to group attractions by area and make the most of your time in the city.
Before travelling around London, it is also worth reading our Getting Around London guide and Oyster vs Contactless guide so you understand how London transport works and the easiest way to travel between attractions.
Reading these guides together will help you plan your London itinerary more efficiently, group nearby attractions together and make the most of your time in the city.
Last Updated
This guide to Buckingham Palace was last updated in April 2026. Opening times, Changing of the Guard schedules, and State Room visiting dates can change, so always check official information before visiting.
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