Buckingham Palace Timings | Opening Hours, Closing Hours, Best Time To Visit

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is open from July 10 to September 28 from 9:30pm to 7:30pm.

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 (Today)	09:30–19:30	17:30
Friday	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

Buckingham Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during September.
The State Rooms are open daily during July and August.
Limited guided tours are available from November to January.

Buckingham Palace Ticket Options

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

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Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

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Combo (Save 5%): Changing of 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 of 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 of 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 Queen’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?

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.

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