All you need to know about Buckingham Palace opening times

As the Palace interiors are open for select days in a year, you should not wait to get tickets at the entrance. Buy in advance and plan your visit ahead of time to have a great experience.

Yes, entry to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, The King’s Gallery, and the Royal Mews operates on a timed-entry system. When you book your ticket, you'll select a specific entry slot. It's essential to arrive at the visitor entrance at least 15 mins before your allocated time to allow for security checks. Arriving late may result in denied entry

No, the State Rooms are only open to the public for a limited period each year. This typically includes the summer months (July, August, and September), and on selected dates during spring and winter for special guided tours of areas like the East Wing or the Semi-State Rooms. The King’s Gallery and the Royal Mews, however, are generally open for longer periods, often from Thursday to Monday for much of the year, and daily during the Palace's summer opening.

Yes, they do. The King’s Gallery opens from 10am to 5:30pm (last admission 4:15pm) on its open days (typically Thursday to Monday outside of the Palace's summer opening, and daily when the State Rooms are open). The Royal Mews tends to open from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm) on its open days, following a similar Thursday to Monday schedule outside of summer, and daily during the summer.

No, the Changing the Guard does not happen daily. The ceremony typically takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. However, the schedule can change due to weather conditions or major state events. The ceremony usually begins at 10:30am, with the relief taking place at 11am at Buckingham Palace. It's strongly advised to check the official Household Division website for the confirmed schedule on your chosen day.

A minimum of 2-3 hours is needed to explore Buckingham Palace.