- 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.
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 ticket during the summer opening.
Buckingham Palace Garden in a nutshell
Why visit the Buckingham Palace Garden?
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- 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.
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).
- 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.
Historical and cultural significance of Buckingham Palace Garden
The Buckingham Palace Garden holds immense historical and cultural significance as the backdrop for state occasions and royal events. Conceived by master landscape architect Capability Brown, they have evolved into a private sanctuary for the monarch. Today, they are most famous as the venue for the annual Garden Parties, a beloved tradition that connects the royal family with thousands of guests from all walks of life.
What to see in the Buckingham Palace Garden
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!
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.
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
The section of the Buckingham Palace Garden that is open to the public is currently closed and will re-open in July 2026.
- Best time to visit: Summer, from May to September, is the perfect time to explore the Buckingham Palace Garden from afar. The flowers are blooming, and you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and royal events during open days.
Address: Buckingham Palace, Constitution Hill, Spur Rd, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
Buckingham Palace Garden 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)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Buckingham Palace Garden
Unfortunately, pets aren't allowed in the Garden, except for assistance dogs.
Yes, the Garden is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring smooth gravel paths and designated routes to ensure easy navigation for all visitors.
An accessible buggy is available for guided tours, ensuring everyone can enjoy the Palace Garden. Just remember to book it in advance!
Yes, there is plenty of seating scattered throughout the Garden, perfect for resting while exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Look for rare species like the common sandpiper and beautiful wild orchids, including spotted orchids, which add to the Garden's charm.
The Palace Garden is breathtaking in spring when the magnolias bloom and in summer when the Herbaceous Border and the Rose Garden burst with vibrant colors.
Photography is welcome, but if you plan to use it for commercial purposes, you'll need permission from the Palace first.
The Rose Garden, with its backdrop of Buckingham Palace, is a favorite photography spot.
Garden Parties are by invitation only, but you can still enjoy the beauty of the Garden during its public opening periods.
To ensure a pleasant experience for all, you must respect the peaceful atmosphere, avoid picking flowers, and follow any guidelines provided during your visit.
