Buckingham Palace Garden | Lake, Roses, and Royal Views

Buckingham Palace Garden | London’s largest private garden

London's best-kept secret? Buckingham Palace Garden! Stretching over 39 acres, it's a royal haven with trees, wildflowers, and a sparkling lake. With over 1,000 trees, 325 wild plant species, and 30 types of birds calling it home, the gardens are bursting with wildlife everywhere you look. From hosting regal parties to sheltering rare birds, this garden blends elegance with nature, making it the ultimate escape for the British monarch—and a dream for any visitor.

Where is it located?

The Garden is situated directly behind Buckingham Palace, spanning 39 acres in the heart of London.

How to access?

Access is not included with Buckingham Palace tickets and requires a separate garden-only ticket during the summer opening.

Plan your visit

Things to know before booking Buckingham Palace Garden tickets

Access is seasonal: Access to the Palace Garden is a seasonal opportunity and is not part of a general Palace visit. The Garden is exclusively open to the public during the annual Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace (July to September). In 2025, it is open from July 10 to Sept 28.
Walking & accessibility: The tour involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 1 to 2 hours) on varied terrain, including grass and pathways. While the main route is accessible, visitors with mobility challenges should be prepared for the distance and contact the Royal Collection Trust in advance if they have specific requirements.
What to wear: As the entire experience is outdoors, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, whether it's sunny or rainy.
Restrictions: Picnics are not permitted within the Garden. Security checks are in place, so pack light and be prepared for bag inspections upon entry.
Photography: Unlike the strict no-photography rule inside the State Rooms, visitors are typically welcome to take photos in the Garden for personal use.

Buckingham Palace Garden in a nutshell

Buckingham Palace Gardens and flowers in it

Date of creation: Early 18th century
Architect: William Townsend Aiton
Number of visitors per year: Around 550,000 visitors
Must-see highlights: 39-acre landscape featuring a large lake, the Rose Garden, unique views of the Palace's west front, the Waterloo Vase, and a diverse collection of plants and trees.
Current use: Working royal garden, primarily used for the King's annual Garden Parties and other official outdoor events.
Unique fact: It is the largest private garden in London, boasting over 1,000 trees and 325 different wild plant species.

About Buckingham Palace

Why visit the Buckingham Palace Garden?

Green Park (Canada Gate) near Buckingham Palace, London

Biodiversity haven: Buckingham Palace Gardens is a wildlife lover's dream! With 325 wild plant species and 30 types of breeding birds, it's one of urban London's richest habitats, perfect for spotting rare plants and feathery friends.
Gorgeous landscape: Stretching over 39 acres, the gardens are packed with charm! The 156-meter-long Herbaceous Border and a serene, picture-perfect lake add to the magical vibes.
Special features: You can wander around and check out cool spots like the grand Waterloo Vase, a 15-foot stone urn presented to Napoleon I, and a charming summer house draped in wisteria. There's even a private island and trees planted by the Royal Family themselves.
Embrace history: These gardens have a fascinating history, dating back to the early 1700s! For over 200 years, they've been the backdrop for royal events, including those iconic garden parties every summer.

What to see in the Buckingham Palace Garden

Buckingham Palace Garden Lake with swans and lush greenery in London.

The Lake

Spanning 3.5 acres, the lake at Buckingham Palace Garden is a self-regulating haven for wildlife, complete with a waterfall, an island with beehives, and plenty of water birds. This peaceful spot has been part of the royal landscape for over a century!

Buckingham Palace garden with vibrant flowers in London.

The Herbaceous Border

The Herbaceous Border is a 156-meter-long floral showstopper with colorful perennials like delphiniums and phlox. Sweet pea wigwams line the border, and the whole thing is a haven for wildlife. Plus, it was created to make sure the Queen always had fresh blooms.

Rose Garden

Imagine walking through 25 perfectly manicured rose beds, each with 60 bushes. That's Buckingham Palace's Rose Garden, a royal treasure since the 1960s. Queen Elizabeth II even had seasonal posies made from these blooms, adding a personal touch to their beauty.

Magnolia Dell

Spring in Buckingham Palace Garden wouldn't be the same without the Magnolia Dell, with magnolia trees showing off their pink and white blooms every year. Queen Mary introduced this in the 1930s, and the Dell leads to breathtaking views and a meandering path that takes you to an oasis.

Beekeepers extracting honey from hives at Buckingham Palace, London.

Beehives

Tucked away on an island in the middle of the lake, Buckingham Palace's beehives are the gardens' buzzing feature. Five hives and about 20,000 bees each produce around 160 jars of honey annually, which is used in royal desserts like honey madeleines.

Waterfall

Head to the waterfall in the Buckingham Palace Garden to hear the perfect calming sound of water. Installed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, it keeps the lake fresh. Plus, it's a hotspot for wildlife, making it a lovely spot to pause and rest.

Plan your visit to the Buckingham Palace Garden

mother daughter having fun time in Buckingham Palace Garden

July 10 to August 31, 2025: 9:30am to 7:30pm (last entry: 5:30pm)
September 1 to September 28, 2025: 9:30am to 6:30pm (last entry: 4:30pm)

Closed on: Buckingham Palace is generally open to the public from July to September.

Best time to visit: Summer, from May to September, is the perfect time to explore the Buckingham Palace Garden. The flowers are blooming, and you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and royal events during open days.

Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom

Find on map

Buckingham Palace is located in the heart of London, just a short walk from St. James's Park and close to landmarks like Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

Closest landmark: Lancaster House (0.4 km)

Book your Buckingham Palace tickets

Buckingham Palace State Room Tickets

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

Audio guide

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The Buckingham Palace Ticket

Free cancellation

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Flexible duration

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Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Free cancellation

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

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From London: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Full-Day Tour

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7 hr. 30 min.

Transfers included

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The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace Ticket

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Flexible duration

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Combo (Save 5%): Changing the Guards Ceremony + Afternoon Tea Cruise

Guided tour

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Buckingham Palace Garden

Can I bring my pet to Buckingham Palace Gardens?

Unfortunately, pets aren't allowed in the gardens, except for assistance dogs.

Is Buckingham Palace Gardens wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the gardens are fully wheelchair accessible, featuring smooth gravel paths and designated routes to ensure easy navigation for all visitors.

Can I take part in a garden tour if I have mobility issues?

An accessible buggy is available for guided tours, ensuring everyone can enjoy the gardens. Just remember to book it in advance!

Are there seating areas available throughout the gardens?

Yes, there is plenty of seating scattered throughout the gardens, perfect for resting while exploring the beautiful surroundings.

What unique wildlife can I spot in the gardens?

Look for rare species like the common sandpiper and beautiful wild orchids, including spotted orchids, which add to the garden's charm.

Is there a specific time of year when the gardens are at their best?

The gardens are breathtaking in spring when the magnolias bloom and in summer when the herbaceous border and rose garden burst with vibrant colors.

Can I take photographs in the gardens?

Photography is welcome, but if you plan to use it for commercial purposes, you'll need permission from the palace first.

What is the most photographed spot in Buckingham Palace Gardens?

The Rose Garden, with its breathtaking backdrop of Buckingham Palace, is a favorite photography spot.

Can I attend a garden party?

Garden parties are by invitation only, but you can still enjoy the beauty of the gardens during their public opening periods.

Is there any special etiquette to follow while visiting?

To ensure a pleasant experience for all, you must respect the peaceful atmosphere, avoid picking flowers, and follow any guidelines provided during your visit.