United Kingdom London Buckingham Palace Entry Tickets

Yes. The Changing of the Guard is a free ceremony that takes place outside Buckingham Palace on certain days at 10:45, with the actual handover at 11:00. In 2026 the ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays subject to availability. Arriving early to secure a good viewing position is strongly recommended as the ceremony is very popular with visitors.

In 2026 the Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open to the public from 9 July to 27 September. From 9 July to 31 August the palace is open daily from 09:30 to 19:30 with last entry at 17:30. From 1 to 27 September the palace is open Thursday to Monday only from 09:30 to 18:30 with last entry at 16:30. The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout September.

Buckingham Palace is a working royal residence actively used by His Majesty The King and the Royal Family throughout the year. The State Rooms are only open to the public during the summer months when The King is not in residence, typically from July to September. This limited seasonal opening is what makes a Buckingham Palace visit such a special and exclusive experience.

Buckingham Palace is located in central London at the end of The Mall. The closest Underground stations are Victoria on the Circle, District, and Victoria lines, Green Park on the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines, and Hyde Park Corner on the Piccadilly line. Several bus routes including 11, 211, and C10 also stop nearby.

The self-guided State Rooms tour takes between two and three hours at a comfortable pace. Adding time in the garden and at the Garden Cafe brings most visits to around 2.5 to 3 hours in total. Arriving at opening time and planning to spend a full half-morning or half-afternoon gives the most relaxed and rewarding experience.

Photography is not permitted inside most of the State Rooms to protect the historic furnishings and respect the privacy of the working royal residence. Visitors are asked to put cameras and phones away for the majority of the indoor tour. Photography is permitted in the palace garden at the end of the tour where visitors can photograph the famous lake and the west front of the palace.

Yes, a visit to Buckingham Palace is a wonderful experience for families. Children under 5 enter free and the grandeur of the State Rooms tends to captivate younger visitors with an interest in history and royal life. The garden walk at the end of the tour provides welcome outdoor space for families. Parents should note that the interior tour involves considerable walking and photography is restricted inside the State Rooms.

A standard State Rooms ticket includes a self-guided tour of all 19 State Rooms and an audio guide in multiple languages. The tour ends with a walk through the palace garden alongside the famous lake with views of the west front of the palace. The Royal Mews and The King's Gallery are separate attractions with their own tickets and opening schedules.