Things to do near Buckingham Palace

Set in lively Westminster, Buckingham Palace is surrounded by London’s charm in every direction. Green parks, impressive monuments, and world-class museums all sit within a short walk. You can spend hours exploring nearby attractions, relaxing in the gardens, or finding the best photo angles of the Palace before moving on to the next must-see stop.

Top Things to Do Near Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace Memorial with Queen Victoria statue under a blue sky.

Victoria Memorial

1-min walk (67 m)

Grand monument in front of Buckingham Palace, crowned with gilded angel sculptures.

Cost: Free

Hyde Park with trees lining a path, London Eye visible in the distance.

Green Park

1-min walk (90 m)

Quiet royal park with open lawns, mature trees, and peaceful walking paths.

Cost: Free

St James Park pond with ducks and swans, historic building in the background, London.

St James’s Park

4-min walk (320 m)

London’s oldest royal park is home to pelicans, flower beds, and palace scenery.

Cost: Free

Churchill War Rooms with map and officer during tour with audioguide.

Churchill War Rooms

14-min walk (960 m)

Underground wartime bunker near Parliament, where Churchill and leaders directed World War II.

Cost: From £44

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey viewed from the Shard, London.

Big Ben

18-min walk (1.2 km)

Iconic clock tower beside Parliament, chiming over the Thames and Westminster Bridge.

Cost: From £74.85

Explore all attractions near Buckingham Palace within a 20-minute walk. Click each marker for details and ticket links.

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Landmarks near Buckingham Palace

St. James's Palace on Pall Mall Street at sunset, London.

St James’s Palace

Historic royal residence near St James’s Park, hosting ceremonies and official events.

Distance: 10-min walk (640 m)

Cost: Free (only allowed to see from outside)

Tip: Arrive early to watch the ceremonial guards’ change and get clear photos.

Jewel Tower in London with stone architecture and surrounding courtyard.

Jewel Tower

Historic medieval tower near Parliament, preserving royal records and 14th-century architecture.

Distance: 20-min ride (1.4 km)

Cost: From £8

Tip: Read exhibit plaques carefully to learn about medieval administration and royal archives.

Visitors walking on spiral staircase in Tate Britain interior, London, with sculptures and patterned floor.

Tate Britain

Walk through Britain’s art history, featuring masterpieces from the 16th century onwards.

Distance: 26-min ride (1.9 km)

Cost: From £32

Tip: Don’t miss the Clore Gallery, housing an extensive Turner watercolors collection

Museums near Buckingham Palace

Historic Horse Guards building in London with clock tower and ornate gates.

The Household Cavalry Museum

Explore Britain’s mounted regiment with interactive displays and authentic cavalry artifacts.

Distance: 18-min walk (1.2 km)

Cost: From £11

Tip: Combine your visit with the nearby Horse Guards Parade for a full royal experience.

National Gallery exterior with fountain at Trafalgar Square, London.

National Gallery

Iconic gallery at Trafalgar Square showcasing European masterpieces from Renaissance to Impressionism.

Distance: 20-min walk (1.4 km)

Cost: Free

Tip: Start with the main highlights room to see Van Gogh, Turner, and da Vinci.

Visitors using audio guides in a museum exhibit.

Victoria & Alberta Museum

V&A features rich collections of ceramics, costumes, and intricate artistic masterpieces.

Distance: 35-min drive (2.5 km)

Cost: Free

Tip: Use the museum map to focus on favorite sections like fashion or ceramics.

Observation decks near Buckingham Palace

Millbank Tower and River Thames with Westminster in the background, London.

Millbank Tower (Altitude 360)

Tall central London building near Tate Britain with striking modernist architecture.

Distance: A quick drive away (1.9 km)

Cost: From £15

Tip: Use the lifts near the south entrance for fastest access and less waiting.

OXO Tower on the Thames River in London, featuring its iconic tower and riverside view.

Oxo Tower

Art Deco riverside landmark housing design studios, galleries, and a scenic viewing platform.

Distance: Short metro ride (2.8 km)

Cost: From £33

Tip: Pair your visit with dinner or drinks at the Oxo Tower Brasserie upstairs.

Where to eat & drink near Buckingham Palace

Friends enjoying pasta and wine together at a dining table.

Pronto A Mangia

Italian restaurant serving authentic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and classic dishes in a cozy London setting.

Distance: 5-min walk (320 m)

Cost: Mains from £10-20+

Tip: Pair your pasta with wines suggested by staff for authentic Italian flavor combinations.

Chef arranging fresh salmon slices on a black plate.

The English Grill

London dining destination presenting British classics, fresh local ingredients, and sophisticated atmosphere near the palace.

Distance: 8-min walk (650 m)

Cost: Mains from £30-35+

Tip: Ask for dish recommendations based on today’s freshest local market ingredients.

Cocktails with garnishes.

The @51 Restaurant & Bar

The @51 combines refined British cuisine, handcrafted drinks, and views in central London.

Distance: 8-min walk (650 m)

Cost: Mains from £20-30+

Tip: Ask the bartender for off-menu cocktail creations to complement today’s seasonal dishes uniquely.

Espresso shot pouring into glass, highlighting single-origin coffee experience.

Timmy Green

Brunch-focused eatery offering shakshuka, sourdough sandwiches, cold-pressed juices, and crafted espresso drinks.

Distance: 15-min walk (1.1 km)

Cost: Mains from £16-22+

Tip: Request a window seat to enjoy views of nearby Westminster streets while dining.

Budget-friendly things to do near Buckingham Palace

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.

Changing of the Guard

See the iconic palace guards switch duty with precision, uniforms, and fanfare.

Distance: At the palace

Cost: Free

Tip: Stand near the Victoria Memorial for a full view of the marching band.

Royal guard in red uniform standing by a cannon at the Tower of London, England.

Guards Museum

Museum showcasing British Guards’ history, ceremonial drills, and artifacts from past military campaigns.

Distance: 7-min walk (480 m)

Cost: Approx £7 entry

Tip: Allocate 60 to 90 minutes to see all key artifacts and displays fully.

Wellington Arch in London with Quadriga statue on top.

Wellington Arch Rooftop

The elevated platform at the Arch presents dramatic views across Hyde Park, Oxford Street, and central London.

Distance: 5-min walk (800 m)

Cost: Around £5–£10

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the rooftop involves a steep climb and narrow steps.

Dalmatian Pelican swimming in blue water.

Pelican feeding at Duck Island Cottage

Delight in seeing the resident pelicans fed while enjoying views across St James’s Park.

Distance: 14-min walk (960 m)

Cost: Free

Tip: Bring binoculars to observe pelican behaviors from different angles around the park.

Gardens and parks near Buckingham Palace

Aerial view of Hyde Park in London with Serpentine Lake and city skyline.

Hyde Park

Expansive central London park featuring lakes, gardens, walking paths, and iconic landmarks like Speaker’s Corner.

Distance: 14-min walk (960 m)

Cost: Free

Tip: Rent a bike to explore the park’s extensive paths efficiently and enjoyably.

Victoria Tower at the Palace of Westminster, London, with surrounding gardens.

Victoria Tower Gardens South

Landscaped park featuring notable memorials, scenic paths, and proximity to Parliament and London Eye.

Distance: 20-min walk (1.4 km)

Cost: Free

Tip: Take a riverside seat for reading or relaxing while watching London life unfold.

Statue in Victoria Embankment Gardens surrounded by spring flowers, London, UK.

Whitehall Gardens

Peaceful riverside garden featuring statues, seating areas, and walking trails near government buildings.

Distance: 20-min walk (1.6 km)

Cost: Free

Tip: Combine your visit with nearby Horse Guards Parade for historical context and sightseeing.

People relaxing on the grass in Jubilee Gardens, London, with a tall building in the background.

Jubilee Gardens

Family-friendly garden featuring green spaces, fountains, and riverside paths near Waterloo Station.

Distance: 30-min metro ride (1.9 km)

Cost: Free

Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns with views of the London Eye.

Public squares, streets, and more

Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column and fountains, view from Pall Mall East, London.

Pall Mall

Historic street in Westminster featuring gentlemen’s clubs, galleries, and prestigious London architecture.

Distance: 13-min walk (965 m)

Cost: Free

Tip: Use the street as a quiet route connecting Trafalgar Square and St James’s Park.

Crowd at Piccadilly Circus, London, with illuminated buildings and Eros statue at night.

Piccadilly Circus

Famous meeting spot with illuminated signage, nearby shops, and access to theaters and nightlife.

Distance: 20-min walk (1.2 km)

Cost: Free

Tip: Combine your visit with a West End theater show for full cultural experience.

Horse guards in ceremonial uniforms during a parade at Buckingham Palace, London.

Horse Guards Parade

Iconic open space in Westminster featuring Trooping the Colour and historic military traditions.

Distance: 18-min walk (1.2 km)

Cost: Free

Tip: Check the official schedule as ceremonies may change due to weather or special events.

Stone gate structure in Victoria Embankment Gardens, London, surrounded by greenery and city buildings.

Victoria Embankment

Scenic riverside walkway connecting Westminster to Blackfriars with statues, gardens, and city vistas.

Distance: 30-min tube ride (2.2 km)

Cost: Free

Tip: Use binoculars to appreciate distant landmarks like Cleopatra’s Needle.

Capture the best photos

💡 Tip: Capture Buckingham Palace symmetrically from Victoria Memorial. For scenic, leafy frames, use St James’s Park foreground.

Nightlife & evening activities near Buckingham Palace

Cocktails at Melbourne skydeck bar with city skyline in the background.

The Ritz London Bar

Enjoy refined cocktails and live piano music at The Ritz London Bar.

Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)

Cost: Cocktails from £25

Tip: Dress smartly; the Ritz has a formal dress code for bar and lounge areas.

Silhouetted performers on stage facing a full audience in a West End theatre.

The Royal Opera House

Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House showcases internationally acclaimed operas and ballets year-round.

Distance: 18-min tube ride (2 km)

Cost: From £20

Tip: Arrive early to explore the historic foyers and glass-roofed atrium before the performance.

Magic Mike Live London Tickets

Magic Mike Live

The show delivers interactive performances blending acrobatics and dance routines.

Distance: 18-min tube ride (1.7 km)

Cost: From £49

Tip: Opt for front-row or central seating for maximum engagement with performers.

Family-friendly activities near Buckingham Palace

Crowd watching a vibrant green laser show at night.

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience

Solve puzzles and physical challenges at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, London.

Distance: 17-min tube ride (1.4 km)

Cost: From £39.50

Tip: Bring a water bottle; sessions can be physically and mentally demanding.

Children on a train during The Paddington Bear Experience in London, enjoying interactive storytelling.

The Paddington Bear Experience

Explore Paddington’s station, Aunt Lucy’s home, and his London adventures firsthand.

Distance: 15-min walk (1.6 km)

Cost: From £31

Tip: Bring young children’s favorite Paddington toys for extra engagement and photo opportunities.

Children interacting with Shrek at Shrek’s Adventure! London.

Shrek’s Adventure London

Join Shrek, Donkey, and friends on a London-based interactive adventure experience.

Distance: 15-min walk (1.6 km)

Cost: From £24

Tip: Check showtimes for live performances to coordinate your visit with favorite segments.

Mirrored reflections in Penang maze create a kaleidoscopic effect.

Twist Museum

Navigate twisting corridors filled with glowing walls, interactive exhibits, and visual surprises.

Distance: 14-min tube ride (1.7 km)

Cost: From £19

Tip: Use wide-angle or portrait mode to capture full immersive rooms and light reflections.

Seasonal events

Runners participating in the Dubai Marathon.

London Marathon (April)

Watch thousands of runners pass by Buckingham Palace in the final stretch of this world-famous race.

Distance: The Mall

Cost: Free to watch

Tip: Follow marshals’ instructions; cordoned-off areas ensure safety and uninterrupted viewing.

Soldiers in red uniforms marching during Queen's Birthday Parade in London.

Trooping the Colour (June)

Experience London’s grand military pageantry and royal procession on Horse Guards Parade.

Distance: Starts from Horse Guards Parade, ends at the Palace

Cost: Free to watch

Tip: Pack a small foldable stool or mat for comfort during long standing periods.

Colorful unicorn balloons with rainbow flags at London Pride Parade.

London Pride Parade (July)

Thousands march, dance, and cheer along iconic streets celebrating Pride and diversity.

Distance: Various routes

Cost: Free

Tip: Wear bright or rainbow-colored outfits to fully join the festive spirit.

People gathered around a bonfire during a June evening in Barcelona.

Bonfire Night (November 5)

Experience London’s autumn skies ablaze with color during Bonfire Night festivities.

Distance: Various locations

Cost: Free–£15

Tip: Carry a small thermos with hot drinks to stay cozy during festivities.

Child admiring Christmas tree lights and ornaments, Buckingham Palace tour.

Christmas at Buckingham Palace

See the palace and surrounding parks decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees.

Distance: At the palace

Cost: Free

Tip: Bring a travel mug; hot drinks from nearby cafés enhance the festive stroll.

Changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.

Changing of the Guard (Year-round)

Red-coated guards march with precision, horses trotting past Buckingham Palace gates.

Distance: At the palace gates

Cost: Free

Tip: Listen for bugle calls and drum cadences to anticipate key moments in the performance.

Shopping near Buckingham Palace

Person browsing handbags in a London store.

Cardinal Place

Cardinal Place offers high-street fashion, gourmet food, and sleek indoor shopping vibes.

Distance: 7-min walk (640 m)

Cost: Free to browse, meals from £10

Tip: Start at the upper level for luxury stores, then explore casual shops downstairs.

Woman window shopping for watches in London.

Victoria Place Shopping Centre

Explore fashion, electronics, and eateries under one contemporary, glass-roofed space.

Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)

Cost: Free to browse

Tip: Combine your visit with nearby Victoria Place eateries for a full shopping day.

Shopping at a London market, browsing colorful clothes on a rack.

Piccadilly Arcade

Browse designer stores and specialty boutiques under ornate, glass-roofed walkways.

Distance: 12-min walk (1 km)

Cost: Free to browse

Tip: Take time to admire the ornate Victorian architecture while moving between stores.

Hand selecting an umbrella in a London shop.

Burlington Arcade

Historic covered arcade featuring luxury boutiques, jewelry, and classic London charm.

Distance: 14-min walk (960 m)

Cost: Free to browse

Tip: Check boutique websites in advance for exclusive collections or limited-edition items.

Two women smiling and holding shopping bags outside a store.

Fortnum & Mason

Elegant store renowned for gourmet products, unique gifts, and quintessential British style.

Distance: 14-min walk (965 m)

Cost: Free to browse, gifts from £5

Tip: Stop by the Tea Salon for a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience.

Harrods department store exterior in Knightsbridge, London, UK, with cars on the street.

Harrods

Check out seven floors of high-end fashion, jewelry, homeware, and fine dining.

Distance: 18-min tube ride (1.7 km)

Cost: Free to browse, gifts from £10

Tip: Start at the Food Halls to enjoy gourmet treats and iconic luxury hampers.

How to plan your day near Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms during Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Path: Palace forecourt → Victoria Memorial → St James’s Park

  • Changing of the Guard – 30 min
  • Victoria Memorial photos – 15 min
  • Park walk – 30 min

Alternative: Quick stop at The King’s Gallery or Royal Mews instead of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace with ornate carriage and horses, guide explaining to visitors.

Path: Palace → King’s Gallery → Royal Mews → Lunch at a nearby restaurant

  • Palace grounds and gallery – 1.5 hrs
  • Royal Mews – 1 hr
  • Lunch at The English Grill – 1 hr

Alternative: Add a quick stop at Victoria Memorial.

Nave of Westminster Abbey showcasing Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

Path: Palace → Westminster Abbey → Big Ben → Churchill War Rooms → Trafalgar Square

  • Buckingham Palace area – 1 hr
  • Abbey + Big Ben – 2 hrs
  • War Rooms – 1.5 hrs
  • Trafalgar Square – 1 hr

Alternative: Add a pit stop at the National Gallery.

Buckingham Palace illuminated at night, London, part of guided tour with Windsor Castle.

Path: Palace lit-up → Dinner → St. James Park stroll

  • Palace forecourt at dusk – 30 min
  • Dinner at @51 Restaurant & Bar – 90 min
  • Night stroll at St. James Park – 45 min

Alternative: Finish with cocktails at Millbank Tower.

Hands holding waffle cones with pink and blue ice cream in a sunny street.

Path: Palace gates → St James’s Park → Royal Mews → Ice cream stop

  • Changing of the Guard – 30 min
  • Park playtime – 45 min
  • Royal Mews visit – 1 hr
  • Ice cream break – 20 mins

Alternative: Walk to Guards Museum; kids would love to see the costumes of past military guards.

Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, London, surrounded by trees and visitors.

Path: Palace sunset → Park walk → Dinner near St James’s

  • Photos at Victoria Memorial – 30 min
  • Evening walk in Hyde Park – 45 min
  • Cozy Italian dinner at Pronto A Mangia – 90 min

Alternative: End the date with a ride on the London Eye, with champagne in your hands.

Visitor Information

Tube train with open doors at station platform, London.

The best way to visit Buckingham Palace and nearby attractions is on foot or via public transit. Here’s how:

Closest tube stations:

  • Green Park (Piccadilly, Jubilee, Victoria Lines): about 6 minutes’ walk through scenic Green Park
  • St. James’s Park (District, Circle Lines): roughly 8 minutes’ walk via Petty France and Buckingham Gate
  • Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle Lines): around 9 minutes’ walk; also a major train hub
  • Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line): approximately 13 minutes’ walk, passing Wellington Arch and Green Park
  • Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo Lines): around 18 minutes’ walk through Trafalgar Square and The Mall

Taxi / Ride-hailing: Designated taxi stands are near Victoria Station, with drop-off points around Buckingham Palace including Buckingham Gate and The Mall

Bikes & Scooters: Docking stations for bike-sharing and scooters are near Green Park Station on Piccadilly Road and around Victoria Station, providing convenient access to the palace

Blue parking sign with arrow pointing right.
  • Grosvenor Hill Car Park (Mayfair): Located in Mayfair, 15 min walk through Green Park, £8/0-1 h, £16/1-2 h, £32/2-4 h, £45/4-6 h, £55/6-24 h. 24-hour access, CCTV, wheelchair accessible. Pre-book via apps is recommended.
  • Q-Park Victoria: Secure car park near Victoria Station, 10 min walk. Safe, well-managed, convenient for public transit. Early booking is recommended for best rates.
  • Alternative Parking: Street parking and drop-off zones available on Buckingham Gate and Buckingham Palace Road, limited and regulated. Nearby public lots around Green Park and St James’s Park offer extra options.
Restroom sign near Westminster Abbey with male and female symbols.
  • Restrooms: Public toilets are in St James’s Park, a 5-min walk from Buckingham Palace, and inside the Palace gardens at the end of the State Rooms tour. Baby-changing facilities are available at both locations.
  • ATMs: Accessible at Victoria Station and commercial areas around Buckingham Palace Road and Victoria Street.
  • Lockers: Found at major transport hubs including Victoria Station and Green Park Station.
  • Water Fountains: Located along walking paths through St James’s Park and Green Park.
  • Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi is available in Green Park and major underground stations, including Victoria and Green Park.
  • Shaded Seating: Available near the Grenadier Guards Memorial and on park lawns in St James’s Park and Green Park.
Wheelchair access sign indicating barrier-free entry.
  • Metro: Green Park (Piccadilly, Jubilee, Victoria lines) and St James’s Park (District, Circle lines) are the nearest stations. Step-free access is available, though some escalators may require assistance.
  • Taxis: London black cabs are wheelchair accessible with retractable ramps and can drop off near Buckingham Palace on Buckingham Gate or Buckingham Palace Road.
  • Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available at the start of the State Rooms tour and in the gardens area. Baby-changing facilities are also provided.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: Step-free entrances via an alternative access gate, motorized buggy transport across the gravel forecourt, accessible lifts inside, and loaner manual wheelchairs or rollators available by prior arrangement.
  • Service Animals: Assistance dogs are welcome throughout Buckingham Palace and the gardens.
  • Hearing Loops & Tactile Paths: Available on request for State Rooms tours, with audio guides provided for visitors with hearing impairments.

Visitor Tips

  • Early arrival: Arrive early to secure a good spot for the Changing of the Guard; Victoria Memorial or The Mall offers quieter viewing.
  • Phone charger: Bring a portable charger as mobile signals can be patchy with large crowds and park walks.
  • Contactless travel: Use contactless or Oyster cards on public transport to skip queues at ticket machines.
  • Wi-Fi access: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi at Green Park and Victoria stations to check updates or book experiences.
  • Hidden gems: Check out nearby hidden gems like the Shepherd Market for extra historical and cultural experiences.
  • Bike Hire: Use bike hire points near Green Park and Victoria for flexible, scenic ways to explore parks and streets.

Frequently Asked Questions about things to do near Buckingham Palace

Is the area around Buckingham Palace safe at night?

Yes, the area is safe with regular police presence. St James’s and Green Park are open until dusk, and nearby streets remain lively after dark.

Is the area around Buckingham Palace easy to walk around?

Yes, it is highly walkable with flat, wide pavements. Key landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square are within 20 minutes on foot.

Which local favorites are near Buckingham Palace?

Locals enjoy relaxing in St James’s Park, dining at The Goring, and browsing exhibitions at The Queen’s Gallery.

Which is the best picnic spot near Buckingham Palace?

Green Park is the most popular for picnics thanks to its shady trees and open lawns, only five minutes from the palace.

Where are the best photo spots of Buckingham Palace?

The Victoria Memorial offers direct symmetry. St James’s Park lake gives a leafy frame, and The Mall provides ceremonial views.

What can I do with kids near Buckingham Palace?

Children enjoy the Royal Mews with carriages, playgrounds in St James’s Park, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

What are some rainy-day ideas near Buckingham Palace?

Head indoors to The Queen’s Gallery, Churchill War Rooms, or the National Gallery to escape the rain.

Is the area around Buckingham Palace easy to walk around?

Absolutely. The district is flat, with wide pavements and pedestrian crossings. Most attractions are within a 20-minute walk.

Is there luggage storage or lockers near Buckingham Palace?

Yes, Victoria Station offers left luggage services and lockers for travelers.

Are dogs allowed in parks or attractions near Buckingham Palace?

Dogs are welcome in St James’s Park and Green Park but must be kept on a leash. They are not allowed inside palace attractions.

Does the City Pass cover things near Buckingham Palace?

Yes, the London City Pass includes entry to Westminster Abbey, The Shard, and other nearby attractions.

Where can I take the best night views of Buckingham Palace?

The Victoria Memorial and The Mall are beautifully lit at night, offering great photo opportunities.

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