Discover Buckingham Palace | History, Architecture & More

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0SR, UK

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

Closed today

VISITORS PER YEAR

530000

TICKETS

From $19.11

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Buckingham Palace survived 9 German bombs during WWII.

The wine vaults, located beneath the West Wing, are the oldest part of the palace.

If a royal standard flag is flying over the palace, then the King is in the palace. However, if the Union Flag is, then he is elsewhere.

Buckingham Palace tickets and tours

The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace Tickets

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr. 45 min.

Audio guide

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Buckingham Palace Ticket

Free cancellation

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Flexible duration

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Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

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Why is Buckingham Palace a must-visit attraction?

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A glimpse into royal grandeur

Step inside and be awestruck by the opulence of the State Rooms. Adorned with priceless art from the Royal Collection and exquisite furniture, these rooms are where The King hosts official engagements and receptions.

Witness British tradition

The world-famous Changing the Guard ceremony is a spectacle not to be missed. The precise drills, the scarlet tunics, and the music create an unforgettable display of British pomp and pageantry.

Discover hidden gems

Stroll through the Palace Garden, normally reserved for royal garden parties, for an opportunity to wander through maintained landscapes. Or explore the Royal Mews and marvel at the collection of historic coaches and carriages, including the Gold State Coach used for coronations and royal weddings.

Connect with living history

Buckingham Palace is a symbol of British heritage and the enduring monarchy. Visiting allows you to connect with centuries of tradition. Keep an eye out for the Royal Standard flying high above the palace – it signifies that The King is currently in residence!

What to see at Buckingham Palace

Interior of the state room inside Buckingham palace

State Rooms

These are the magnificent rooms used by the King and Royal Family for official and ceremonial occasions. Walk through opulent halls, including the Throne Room and the Ballroom, filled with priceless works of art, chandeliers, and royal furniture. The tours are typically available only during the summer.

Changing the Guard

This famous ceremony takes place outside the palace, where the Old Guard hands over duty to the New Guard. Happening Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11am, this 45-min tradition is free to watch and a must-see for every London trip.

Royal Mews

The Mews is a working stable and garage for the royal family's transportation. Here, you can see the state coaches, including the famous Gold State Coach, as well as the royal motor cars. It also houses the horses that are trained for royal duties.

Interior of the queens gallery at the buckingham palace

The King's Gallery

Located adjacent to the palace, this public art gallery showcases a rotating selection of works from the Royal Collection, one of the most important art collections in the world. Exhibitions change regularly, so each visit offers a fresh look at masterpieces by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.

Brief history of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace started as Buckingham House in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, but it wasn't until 1761 that King George III made it a royal residence for Queen Charlotte. Under King George IV, architect John Nash turned it into a grand palace. By 1837, Queen Victoria made it her home, and it's been the royal family's base ever since. Over the years, it survived suffragette protests and bombings during WWII and has seen many royal events like royal weddings and the birth of future crown holders.

With 775 rooms, today, Buckingham Palace is not just a monarchial landmark—it's a bustling hub of royal activity, the monarch's official London home, and the heart of British royal life.

Detailed history

Buckingham Palace East Front with tourists gathered in London, England.

Who built Buckingham Palace?

It all started in 1703 with William Winde, who built the first version of Buckingham Palace—then called Buckingham House. Fast-forward to the 19th century, when John Nash transformed it into the grand Palace we know today. Edward Blore wrapped it up in 1830, putting the finishing touches on the design. Later, Sir Aston Webb worked his magic in 1913, adding the iconic east front and royal balcony.

Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms marching during Changing of the Guard, London.

Architecture of the Palace

Built in a Neo-classical style, the exterior was initially made with Bath stone and revamped with Portland stone in 1913. Inside, it's a royal wonderland with ornate ceilings, grand chandeliers, and artworks by legends like Rembrandt and Rubens. The State Rooms are filled with gilded furniture, intricate plasterwork, and sculptures.

About Buckingham Palace's architecture

Buckingham Palace on film

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The Crown (2016)

The interior of Buckingham Palace in The Crown was a meticulously crafted illusion, with production designers using a clever combination of real-life stately homes and custom-built soundstage sets. The goal was not to create an exact replica but to capture the palace's atmosphere and historical detail.

The Queen (2006)

When crafting the film The Queen, director Stephen Frears and screenwriter Peter Morgan were faced with the challenge of depicting Buckingham Palace as both an imposing symbol of the monarchy and a private residence where Queen Elizabeth II (played by Helen Mirren) struggles with personal and national crises. The film does not have the sprawling scope of a series, so it focuses on key interiors and the palace's external presence to tell its story.

King Charles III (2017)

Just like The Crown, the 2017 BBC television film King Charles III also relied on a number of stand-in locations to portray the interiors of Buckingham Palace.

The Young Victoria (2009)

The 2009 film The Young Victoria, which follows the early life and reign of Queen Victoria, provides a lavish on-screen depiction of Buckingham Palace. However, like many period dramas, the production relied on a number of spectacular real-life locations to stand in for the royal residence.

Victoria & Abdul (2017)

In the 2017 film Victoria & Abdul, Buckingham Palace is a prominent setting, but just like in other productions, filming didn't take place at the actual palace. Instead, the filmmakers used a combination of historical British homes and other locations to stand in for the royal residence.

The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)

In the action-comedy film The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017), Buckingham Palace serves as the backdrop for a key action sequence. The movie uses a combination of on-location shooting and visual effects to create the illusion of being at Buckingham Palace.

Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

In Michael Bay's 2017 film Transformers: The Last Knight, Buckingham Palace is featured prominently as a location for a high-octane action sequence. Filming did not take place on a soundstage but directly on the streets of London, giving the scene a sense of authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buckingham Palace in London

What is the significance of Buckingham Palace as a royal residence?

Serving as the primary domicile for the monarchy, Buckingham Palace is central to national ceremonies and state affairs. Its ongoing role in hosting official events underscores its importance in upholding British royal traditions and heritage.

What can I do at Buckingham Palace?

You can tour the State Rooms, explore Buckingham Palace Gardens, check out The King's Gallery, and watch the Changing the Guard ceremony.

Are guided tours available at Buckingham Palace?

At the moment, you can get a guided tour for the Changing the Guard ceremony.

Do I need a ticket to see the Changing the Guard?

The Changing the Guard is a free public ceremony that takes place outside the palace. It does not require a ticket. However, you can book a Changing the Guard guided tour to learn more about the ceremony and get up-close views of the ceremony.

Can I explore The King's Gallery separately from the rest of the Palace?

Absolutely! You can buy tickets just for The King's Gallery and enjoy it on its own, separate from the full Buckingham Palace tour.

What's the best time to visit Buckingham Palace to avoid crowds?

To beat the crowds, aim for early mornings, right when it opens at 9:30am, or later in the afternoon, just before closing. Weekdays are also a great choice, as weekends tend to be busier with tourists.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to Buckingham Palace?

You should plan to spend about 3-4 hours at Buckingham Palace, depending on how much you want to explore and soak up all the royal history.

Is there a dress code to visit Buckingham Palace?

There's no formal dress code, but since Buckingham Palace is a royal residence, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully. Casual attire like jeans and a shirt is fine, but avoiding flip-flops, athletic wear, or anything too revealing is best.

Is Buckingham Palace accessible to people with mobility issues?

Yes, Buckingham Palace is fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. You can borrow manual wheelchairs and rollators for free, and mobility scooters are allowed in designated areas to ensure a smooth visit.

Are pets allowed at Buckingham Palace?

Pets aren't typically allowed at Buckingham Palace, but guide dogs are welcome to accompany visitors.