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Contents
All You Need to Know About Buckingham Palace Opening Timings
Today
Open 9:30am–7:30pm
Last Admission
5:15pm
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is open from July 11 to September 29, 2024.
Apr - Jun
Jul - Sep
May 5 TO Aug 31 Timings Days (May 5 TO Aug 31) | TIMINGS | Last Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:30am–7:30pm | 5:15pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–7:30pm | 5:15pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–7:30pm | 5:15pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–7:30pm | 5:15pm |
| Friday (Today) | 9:30am–7:30pm | 5:15pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–7:30pm | 5:15pm |
| Sunday | 9:30am–7:30pm | 5:15pm |
- Buckingham Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during September.
- The State Rooms are open daily during July and August.
Best time to visit the Buckingham Palace
Weekday vs Weekend
- Weekday: Visiting Buckingham Palace on weekdays, particularly Thursdays, offers a quieter, more intimate experience with shorter queues, facilitating a deeper appreciation of its historical grandeur and architectural magnificence.
- Weekend: Exploring Buckingham Palace on weekends, especially Sundays, is advantageous as it features guided tours between 10:15 AM and 1 PM, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the lavishness of the State Rooms.
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Peak season vs Low season
- Peak Season: Touring Buckingham Palace in peak season, July through August, affords comprehensive insights with guided explorations of the State Rooms and the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. During this period, you are likely to run into a bigger crowd, thus allowing you to enjoy the cheer and zeal of the enthusiastic tourists and locals alike.
- Low Season: From November to May, Buckingham Palace offers a more personal encounter with its majestic interiors, though it is important to note that guided tours are less frequent during these month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season
Buckingham Palace opening hours
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace facilities timings
Exclusive Guided Tours: Available from November to May
- Tours start at various times: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Tours last approximately 1.5 hours
- Check the latest availability for tours
Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace 2024: The State Rooms are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- 11 July - 31 August 2024: Opening Time: 09:30 AM, Last Admission: 5:15 PM, Closing Time: 7:30 PM
- 1 - 29 September 2024: Opening Time: 09:30 AM, Last Admission: 4:15 PM, Closing Time: 6:30 PM
Shop and eat
Garden Café
- Services - Cafe, refreshments
- Closed - October to June
- 14th July to 31st August - 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- 1st September to 24th September - 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Buckingham Palace Road Shop:
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Address: 7 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, London, England, SW1A 1AA
- Located outside of the Palace walls, Buckingham Palace Road is tucked around the corner from the grand façade, just a short walk from Victoria coach and rail station.
What is the best time to visit Buckingham Palace
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace will largely depend on what you want to see and do during your visit, as well as your personal preferences for crowd size and weather conditions.
Peak vs Low season
Low Season (November - March):
- Benefits: Shorter lines for tickets, exclusive guided tours available, potential for deals on tours, milder temperatures with occasional rain.
Peak Season (July - September):
- Highlights: Thriving atmosphere with vibrant energy, State Rooms open for exploration, daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, potential for larger crowds, peak season pricing, warmest weather with longer daylight hours.
Weekend vs Weekday
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace in terms of crowds is generally during the weekdays, as weekends tend to be more crowded. However, keep in mind that some events, such as the Changing of the Guard ceremony, only take place on specific days and times, so it's important to plan accordingly.
On the day
It's a good idea to arrive early in the day to make the most of your visit and avoid crowds. Keep in mind that the palace may close early on some days for official ceremonies or events, so it's always best to check the schedule beforehand.
How long do you need to tour Buckingham Palace?
The amount of time visitors spend inside Buckingham Palace can vary depending on their interests and the activities they choose to participate in. If you're interested in touring the State Rooms, it's recommended to allow at least two hours for your visit. This will give you enough time to explore the State Rooms, which feature historic artworks, furnishings, and other treasures, and learn about their rich history through the audio guides provided.
If you're also interested in visiting the palace gardens, then you may want to allocate an additional hour or two to your visit, especially if you plan to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery.
2-3 Hours
Focus on the State Rooms: This self-guided tour through 19 opulent rooms showcasing art, furniture, and royal treasures like the Throne Room and Grand Entrance is the palace's core attraction. Allocate 1.5-2 hours for a leisurely stroll with the audio guide.
Inside Buckingham Palace
4-6 Hours
Deepen your Palace Experience: Combine the State Rooms tour with the Royal Mews, home to the Queen's carriages and horses. This adds another 45 minutes to an hour. Consider venturing into the Queen's Gallery, hosting special exhibitions (allow 1-2 hours depending on the exhibit).
Full Day (6+ Hours)
Immerse Yourself in the Royal World: Take the "Royal Day Out" package, encompassing the State Rooms, Royal Mews, and the beautiful Buckingham Palace Gardens. Explore the 16 hectares of landscaped lawns, lakes, and follies at your own pace (1-2 hours recommended).
Frequently asked questions about Buckingham Palace opening hours
What are Buckingham Palace opening hours?
A. Buckingham Palace is open to visitors in the summer from July to September. The opening timings for 2023 at 9:30 Am to 7:30 PM (14th July to 31st August) and 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (1st September to 24th September). The last admission is at 5:15 PM in July and August and 4:15 PM in September. The palace is also open for guided tours on some days between November to March.
Should I buy Buckingham Palace tickets in advance?
As the palace is 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.
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 Maps.
How many entrances does Buckingham Palace have?
Buckingham Palace has five gates in total.
How long does it take to explore Buckingham Palace?
A minimum of 2-3 hours are needed to explore Buckingham Palace. If you take guided tours, you will need to spend 90 minutes as the guide takes you through different sections of the palace.
Where is Buckingham Palace?
The official address of Buckingham Palace is London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom. You can find it on Maps.