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Take a Close Look at What's Inside Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is a royal attraction in London, United Kingdom (UK). Built in 1703 as the home of the Duke of Buckingham, the palace now serves as the official residence of the British monarch, Charles III. It is an opulent palace with stunning guest rooms, offices, and beautiful gardens. Buckingham Palace has over 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.

What's Inside Buckingham Palace?

Inside Buckingham Palace

State Rooms

State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace are a popular attraction. Opulent and intricately designed, they comprise a series of rooms used for official and state occasions by the royal family.

The Throne Room is the most popular of the State Rooms. It features the magnificent throne that seats the monarchs of the United Kingdom. It also has golden decorations and is mostly used for significant ceremonies, such as the state opening of the Parliament. The Picture Gallery and the Ballroom are two other impressive State rooms; the former houses Buckingham Palace’s most valuable paintings while the latter is used for state banquets and receptions.

Inside Buckingham Palace

The Grand Staircase

The Grand Staircase inside Buckingham Palace is a masterpiece that visitors can’t wait to admire. It has witnessed several important events in British history, including the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, and is where the Changing of the Guard ceremony begins.

It features 17 steps made from Portland stone and decorated with bronze balustrades adorned with gilded lamps and intricate designs. They are divided into two separate flights and lead to the State Rooms on the first floor. It also features an amazing ceiling painting created by artist Paul Sandby in 1800. It depicts a scene of the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora.

Inside Buckingham Palace

The White Drawing Room

The ground floor at Buckingham Palace has several rooms, including the White Drawing Room. Among the most beautiful and elegant rooms, the White Drawing Room is named after its colour scheme consisting of white and gold. Intricate mouldings and large windows give the room a beautiful and aesthetic feel, with plenty of room for natural light.

The amazing chandelier hanging from the centre of the ceiling is another stunning feature of the White Drawing Room. It is made of crystal and adds to the room's grandeur. You’ll also find several important pieces of artwork, including a portrait of Queen Victoria by Franz Xaver Winterhalter and a painting by Joshua Reynolds, inside the room.

Inside Buckingham Palace

The Queen's Gallery

The Queen’s Gallery located in the west front of Buckingham Palace is where you’ll find the best paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces of the Royal Collection. It was opened in 1962 and has since hosted several exhibitions showcasing the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt. You can also view an extensive collection of royal portraits, including those of Queen Elizabeth II and her predecessors.

The gallery is divided into thematic rooms, displaying different aspects of the collection, from portraits of monarchs to masterpieces of European art.

More Attractions Inside Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace complex also has several other attractions worth exploring. Here are a few of our favourites:

Rose Garden: The Rose Garden is a beautiful garden featuring over 25 varieties of roses. It is open to visitors during the summer months.

Buckingham Palace Lake: Buckingham Palace Lake is located inside St James’ Park, which is adjacent to Buckingham Palace. The man-made lake is a popular attraction for visitors.

Royal Mews: The Royal Mews is a working stable and carriage house of the royal family. You can see a collection of coaches, carriages, and horses.




Buckingham Palace Tickets and Tours

Tickets to Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Instant Confirmation
1 hr.
Audio Guide
Guided Tour
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Changing of the Guard with Optional Buckingham Palace Grounds Guided Walking Tour
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr.
Audio Guide
Guided Tour
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The Royal Mews Entry Tickets with Optional Access to Buckingham Palace
Flexible Duration
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Royal London Luxury Coach Tour with Changing of the Guard
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
3 hr.
Guided Tour
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From London: Full Day Guided Tour of Buckhingham Palace & Windsor Castle
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
9 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
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London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
Free Cancellation
Extended Validity
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
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The London Pass® by Go City: Choose 1 to 10 Days
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
More details

How to get inside Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace, renowned for its summer openings, allows visitors to marvel at its elegant State Rooms and rich collections of art from July to September. To gain entry, visitors should focus on the designated visitor entrance on the left-hand side of the palace, which is meticulously planned to accommodate all, including those requiring wheelchair access. It is essential to prebook tickets to secure a spot. Upon arrival, guests are advised to be at this entrance 30 minutes before their confirmed entry time, ensuring a smooth admission process. Notably, the palace is equipped to welcome visitors with disabilities through alternative access arrangements upon request, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity.

Visitor Tips

  • Dress appropriately when visiting the palace. Avoid wearing flip-flops, shorts, or ripped clothing.
  • Avoid touching artwork and be respectful of the palace's rules and traditions.
  • Ensure you have plenty of time as Buckingham Palace has several interesting rooms.
  • Avoid bringing large bags as they’ll require a security clearance, which may take time.
  • Bring your camera to capture beautiful memories.

Frequently Asked Questions About What's Inside Buckingham Palace

What's inside Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarchy. It has staterooms, the royal family’s personal rooms, and several invaluable artworks.

Can you tour inside Buckingham Palace?

Yes. You can tour inside Buckingham Palace with a ticket.

How big is Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is spread over 39 acres.

Can you take pictures inside Buckingham Palace?

Yes. You can take pictures inside Buckingham Palace.

Is it free to view inside Buckingham Palace?

No. You need a ticket to view inside Buckingham Palace.

Is Buckingham Palace worth it?

Yes. Buckingham Palace is a must-visit in London. It introduces you to the opulent lives of the royal family.

Who designed Buckingham Palace?

Architect John Nash designed most of Buckingham Palace in 1826. Further remodelling and expansion were done by architects such as Edward Blore, Aston Webb, and William Wilkins.

Where is Buckingham Palace located?

Buckingham Palace is located in the city of Westminster in central London.

When was Buckingham Palace built?

Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 as the official residence of the Duke of Buckingham.