Nestled in the heart of London, Buckingham Palace is the jewel of the British crown estate that opens its door to visitors every summer. The good news is there is always something going on at the Palace!
Did you know? If The Queen is at Buckingham Palace, you will see the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom hung from the roof. Otherwise, Her Majesty may be in one of her other properties like Windsor Castle. But even when she is not home, you can always enjoy plenty at Buckingham Palace or even the Changing of the Guard that occurs every morning at 10:45 am on our guided London tour.
Because it is the first time since 2019 that The Palace is reopening its doors, now is the right moment to plan your visit. Discover Buckingham Palace State Rooms – The Throne Room, The White Drawing Room or even the Ballroom – each decorated with fine furniture, paintings and treasures. Here are a few more reasons why visit Buckingham Palace this summer.
The State Rooms are only opened ten weeks in the summer
The State Rooms are open to travellers only for ten weeks each summer. This year, since before the pandemic in 2019, it is the first time the Palace reopens its doors, and you can book your visit from 22nd July to 2nd October. Additionally, there will be opening times on selected dates during winter and spring, but London’s summer warmth is nicer to enjoy the Buckingham Palace experience!
Discover or rediscover the spectacular State Rooms
There are nineteen State Rooms at Buckingham Palace which are used as main reception chambers by The Queen and members of the Royal Family for official ceremonies, diplomatic visits and personal occasions. Key moments in the Royal Family happened within the walls of these beautiful rooms, and with such rich royal history, there are plenty of treasures not to miss.
An easy audio-guided tour
Enjoy the Tour at your own pace with an audio multimedia guide that explains the history of the palace and the various rooms within the State Rooms. At the end of your tour, you’ll walk along the south side of the Palace garden, where you’ll meet your guide before the next part of your Royal journey.
Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession
It’s a special year as we celebrate The Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee, and for the occasion, The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace feature a unique display looking at The Queen’s Accession to the throne in February 1952. Admire dazzling jewels from Her Majesty’s collection alongside iconic photographs of the young Queen Elizabeth from 1952. The exhibition centres around 24 official portraits of The Queen taken by the photographer Dorothy Wilding. Wilding’s original hand-finished prints are shown alongside items of jewellery worn by Her Majesty for the portrait sittings, some of which have never been on public display before.
See the Gold State Coach at the Royal Mews
The Royal Mews or stables are waiting for you at Buckingham Palace to discover what it takes to keep Britain’s Royal Family on the move. The Royal Mews are the world’s most impressive working stables where the gilded Gold State Coach is displayed. Commissioned by George III in 1762, it has been used at every coronation since 1821. On 2nd June 1953, it was also fitted for the day with a hologram of Her Majesty when she took the short hop to Westminster Abbey for her Coronation ceremony.
Indulge with a hot drink and a bite at The Garden Café
After you visit the State Rooms, make your way to The Garden Café located on the West Terrace of Buckingham Palace. Relax and treat yourself to a selection of light bites, cakes and hot and cold drinks overlooking the Gardens. A few tasty ice cream booths are set around the garden to make both adults and kids happy!
There are even activities for kids
The Palace offers a free multimedia guide version for children where Alice the footman and Rex the corgi describe anecdotes during the State Rooms tour. As you finish the tour, bring your kids to the Family Pavilion on the terrace outside. There are creative activities and appealing spaces to play to entertain your children.
Book a five-star afternoon tea a few steps away from Buckingham Palace
Want to add something special to your tour? Make your way to The Rubens at the Palace Hotel near the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace to enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the Palace Lounge while overlooking The Queen’s stables. Watch the comings and goings of the royal carriages as you dine on a selection of sumptuous sandwiches, delectable, fresh-made pastries and traditional scones with clotted cream and fruit preserve.
