Is there a specific entry time for my ticket?

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

Is Buckingham Palace open all year round?

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.

Do The King’s Gallery and Royal Mews have different hours?

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.

Can I see the Changing the Guard every day?

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.

How long does it take to explore Buckingham Palace?

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

How to get to Buckingham Palace?

You can get to Buckingham Palace via train, underground, bus, or car. If you’re driving to the attraction, follow these directions on <link linkType="custom" newTab="false" url="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Buckingham+Palace/@51.501364,-0.14189,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xa26abf514d902a7?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiRvurq3Pz9AhU7TmwGHaRUBRcQ_BJ6BAg1EAg" id="qEtRMh4i" shortCodeType="link" text="Maps" />.

Buckingham Palace Opening Times | Best Time To Visit

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, including the State Rooms, the Royal Mews, and The King's Gallery, are currently closed until 2026.

Jul 10 TO Aug 31 Timings Days (Jul 10 TO Aug 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–19:30	17:30
Tuesday	09:30–19:30	17:30
Wednesday	09:30–19:30	17:30
Thursday	09:30–19:30	17:30
Friday (Today)	09:30–19:30	17:30
Saturday	09:30–19:30	17:30
Sunday	09:30–19:30	17:30

Sep 1 TO Sep 28 Timings Days (Sep 1 TO Sep 28)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–18:30	16:30
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	09:30–18:30	16:30
Friday	09:30–18:30	16:30
Saturday	09:30–18:30	16:30
Sunday	09:30–18:30	16:30

Limited guided tours of the State Rooms are available from October 2025 to May 2026.

Royal Mews

Nov 3 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Nov 3 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	Closed
Friday (Today)	Closed
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

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

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Best time to visit the Buckingham Palace

Weekday vs Weekend

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

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.

All you need to know about Buckingham Palace opening times

Buckingham Palace

Royal Mews

Book Buckingham Palace tickets

Best time to visit the Buckingham Palace

Weekday vs Weekend

Peak season vs low season

How long do you need to tour Buckingham Palace?

1.5-2.5 hours

3-4 hours

Full day (4+ hours)

Frequently Asked Questions about Buckingham Palace opening times

Should I buy Buckingham Palace tickets in advance?

Is there a specific entry time for my ticket?

Is Buckingham Palace open all year round?

Do The King’s Gallery and Royal Mews have different hours?

Can I see the Changing the Guard every day?

How long does it take to explore Buckingham Palace?

How to get to Buckingham Palace?