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All you need to know about Buckingham Palace opening times

Best time to visit the Buckingham Palace

Weekday vs Weekend

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  • Weekdays are typically less crowded, especially during the early morning or late afternoon slots. It is easier to enjoy the exhibits and explore at a relaxed pace. There's also less competition for tickets and smaller crowds at the Changing the Guard.
  • Weekends see a lively atmosphere with more tourists and are ideal if you enjoy a bustling environment. Tickets can sell out faster, requiring booking. The area around the palace can be busier due to other events or the Changing the Guard.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

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  • Peak season (July-August): See seasonal exhibitions and displays, such as the Royal Collection. The palace gardens are lush and vibrant, ideal for photography. However, crowds are at their highest, especially around midday and on weekends.
  • Low season (November-January): Fewer visitors overall, allowing for a quieter experience around the palace’s exterior and nearby areas. There is also easier access to attractions like The King's Gallery and the Royal Mews, which are open year-round. However, the State Rooms are closed, limiting access to the palace interior.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long do you need to tour Buckingham Palace?

All indoor visitor attractions at Buckingham Palace, including the State Rooms, the Royal Mews, and The King's Gallery, are currently closed to the public until 2026. The following guide details the typical time required for touring the sites once they reopen, and suggestions for an immediate visit focused on the exterior and grounds.

1.5-2.5 hours

Focus on a single attraction: Dedicate your time to one primary site.

  • The King's Gallery: Allow 1–1.5 hours to fully appreciate the rotating exhibitions of masterpieces from the Royal Collection.
  • The Royal Mews: Spend 45 mins to 1 hour exploring the historic coaches and carriages, including the Gold State Coach.

3-4 hours

Combine two attractions (Half-day): Dedicate a half-day to the Palace grounds by combining two ticketed attractions (e.g., State Rooms and The King's Gallery). This allows for a comprehensive look at royal history, art collections, and gives you time to enjoy a refreshment break.

Full day (4+ hours)

For the complete experience, combine a visit to all three sites (State Rooms, Royal Mews, and The King’s Gallery). You can also immerse yourself in the royal atmosphere by spending extra time viewing the Palace exterior, watching the Changing the Guard ceremony, and strolling through the nearby St. James's Park or Green Park.

If you are visiting when Buckingham Palace is closed, your focus will be on the exterior and surrounding public areas, which are still highly recommended:

  • The Gates and Facade: View the iconic Palace gates and exterior.
  • The Victoria Memorial: This grand monument provides the best vantage point for photos.
  • Changing the Guard: Check the official schedule for this ceremonial event.
  • The Royal Parks: Stroll through St. James’s Park or Green Park for views of the Palace grounds.
  • Total time required: 1–2 hours.

​Inside Buckingham Palace

Frequently Asked Questions 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.