Buckingham Palace Tour
Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British Royal Family in London since 1837 and is currently the largest royal palace in the world. Now it is a tourist attraction, open to all.
Britain’s most famous home and official residence of the royal family since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of the British constitutional monarchy. Its walls have witnessed countless decrees, luxury banquets and diplomatic receptions.
Built more than 300 years ago for the Duke of Buckingham, the palace has grown over the centuries. Today, it is one of the most visited sites in the world.
Cross the threshold of Buckingham Palace, reach the Great Hall and admire the grand marble staircase adorned with portraits hung by Queen Victoria. Decorated with golden chandeliers, the Throne Room is used during royal meetings and receptions. This is the room leading to the famous balcony on which Prince William and Catherine Middleton celebrated their wedding moment in 2011.
The palace may not be a museum, but it houses an art collection that museums envy. Discover handcrafted furniture created for kings and a family heritage that collected works of great masters, including Rembrandt.
The palace has more than 700 rooms. In August and September, during Queen Elizabeth II’s annual visit to Scotland, 19 magnificent State Chambers are open to the public. These rooms exhibit many masterpieces from the private collection of the royal family. Tickets allow you to visit Buckingham Palace with guides and you should book your ticket online earlier. Little curiosity: if the royal flag flies on the roof of the palace, the Queen is at home.
Complete your stay in London by attending the Changing of the Guard. A ceremony which takes place on certain days at 11:30 am. Most tourists try to distract the famous Queen’s Guards. From the palace you can walk to Hyde Park, the Kensington area and Green Park.
If you prefer, take the metro.
Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster. To get there, take a bus or stop at St. James’s Park underground station. Guided tours of the State Chambers are only available during the months of August and September.
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Buckingham Palace Through History
Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, the building was acquired by King George III in 1762 as his private residence. Since its construction, the palace has undergone many improvements and extensions on several occasions.
The palace has remarkably survived the two world wars. During the First World War, the building was fortunate not to be attacked, while it was bombed several times during the Second World War. The most significant bombardment destroyed the Royal Chapel in 1940.
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Visit Buckingham Palace
Visits are only permitted for a few weeks a year , between August and September . There are two different types of entry: the first allows you to visit the State Apartments , while the second also includes the Royal Stables and the Queen’s Gallery .
Apart from the visits inside the palace, it is possible to attend the Changing of the Guard throughout the year. This tourist attraction can attract thousands of visitors right in front of the palace.
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Buckingham Palace: Location, How to go, Opening Times, Nearby Places
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom.
Tube : Green Park , Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines. Bus : lines 11, 211, 239, C1 and C10.
From July 21 to August 31 : 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. From September 1 to September 30 : 9:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Green Park (256 m),
St James’s Park (613 m),
Apsley House (739 m),
Westminster Abbey (955 m),
Piccadilly Circus (1.1 km)
| The State Rooms | Royal Day Out* | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £26.50 | £49.00 |
| Over 60 | £24.00 | £44.50 |
| Student | £24.00 | £42.00 |
| Under 17 / Disabled | £14.50 | £26.50 |
| Under 5 | Free | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 3 under 17s) | £67.50 | £124.50 |
* Royal Day Out tickets includes entrance to the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The Queen's Gallery.
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