Summary
Buckingham Palace is Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence and has served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereign since 1837. Originally a townhouse owned by the Dukes of Buckingham in the eighteenth century, George III purchased Buckingham House in 1761 to serve as a family home for his wife, Queen Charlotte, near St James’s Palace where many court functions took place.
Buckingham Palace: History and Introduction
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace have opened to the public for the Annual Summer opening in August and September since 1993, following the Windsor Castle fire in November 1992. Initially, the Summer Opening aimed to fund repairs at Windsor Castle, but it gained popularity, prompting continued public access during summer months. Notably, the Queen vacates Buckingham Palace during this time, opting for one of her country residences.
Visitors can anticipate extravagant State Rooms adorned with treasures from the Royal Collection including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto, alongside exquisite examples of English and French furniture.
Buckingham Palace Opening Hours
2015 Dates:
25 July to 27 September 2015: Open daily 09:30-19:30
Buckingham Palace employs a timed-ticket system for admission every 15 minutes throughout the day, with tickets valid only on the specified date and entrance time. Unfortunately, late arrivals cannot be admitted, and a visit typically lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours.
How to Get to Buckingham Palace
Address:
Buckingham Palace
London
SW1A 1AA
Utilize Citymapper or Journey Planner to plan your public transport route.
Nearest Train Station:
London Victoria
National Rail Enquiries
Nearest Tube Stations:
- Victoria
- Green Park
- Hyde Park Corner
Bus routes:
Numbers 11, 211, 239, C1, and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road.
Buckingham Palace Tickets
Advance tickets are available at www.royalcollection.org.uk or by calling 020 7766 7300. You may also discover ticket deals with Viator.
Purchasing your ticket directly from the Royal Collection provides access to a year’s unlimited admission to Buckingham Palace, which allows you to explore the palace at your leisure.
Note that this palace operates a timed-ticket system with entries every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Unlimited Admission/One Year Pass at Buckingham Palace
When you buy a ticket to The State Rooms or The Royal Day Out combined ticket, you can register for 12 months of unlimited admission starting from the date of your first visit. This Unlimited Admission Scheme is now referred to as a ‘1-Year Pass,’ allowing continued access to the sites visited.
How do I convert my ticket into a 1-Year Pass?
Before leaving the site, sign and print your name on the ticket’s reverse.
Hand the ticket to a staff member for stamping and validation.
Retain your ticket for future visits as it will only be accepted for re-admission if stamped on the day of the initial visit.
Buckingham Palace Visitor Facilities
Refreshments
Visitors can purchase drinks and ice-cream on the Terrace overlooking the Garden at Buckingham Palace, with ample seating available.
Toilets
Restroom facilities, including baby care amenities, are located at the visit’s conclusion in the garden.
No Buggies
While young children are welcome at Buckingham Palace, buggies are prohibited inside the building. Visitors with strollers can check them in at the cloakroom and retrieve them upon exiting the State Rooms and heading into the garden. Baby carriers are available free of charge for use within the State Rooms, designed for children no older than 2 years.
The Palace Shop
A variety of merchandise, much of it exclusive to the Royal Collection, can be found in the shop.
Photography Rules
Photography and filming (for private use) and mobile phone use are permissible only in the Palace garden. However, mobile devices must be switched off while inside the Palace.
Disabled Access
Due to numerous steps within the Palace, advance arrangements for assistance are necessary. Wheelchair users should coordinate bookings through the Ticket Sales and Information Office at 020 7766 7324.
Family Activities
A family audio guide is available for an engaging exploration of the Palace, along with quizzes featured on the garden activity trail.
The family activity room, offering insights into the palace, operates on a ‘drop in basis’ throughout August. All activities cater to children aged 5-11, and parental supervision is required. Materials are provided free of charge.
Telephone: 020 7766 7300
Email: education@royalcollection.org.uk
The Queen’s Gallery – Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace hosts changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, a vast array of art and treasures held in trust for the nation. This permanent exhibition space, rebuilt from the bomb-damaged remnants of the former private chapel, reopened to the public on 21 May 2002.
This expansion represents the most significant addition to Buckingham Palace in 150 years, funded entirely by the Royal Collection Trust.
Highlights
Visitors can expect to encounter works by Caravaggio, Rubens, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, and Canaletto, with the Royal Collection hosting the largest assembly of Canaletto’s works globally.
Visit Duration: At least 1 hour.
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1A 1AA
Tel: 020 7766 7301
Email: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk
Opening Hours: Open daily from 10am – 5.30pm (last admission at 4.30pm).
The Queen’s Gallery features a timed-ticket system with entries scheduled every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Tickets: Available for purchase online or at the venue, with the official website providing the latest ticket pricing information.
The Royal Mews – Buckingham Palace
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace presents a distinctive experience to visitors, showcasing the transportation responsibilities of the Royal Household, which includes both horse-drawn carriages and motor vehicles used for official events.
Permanent displays encompass grand State vehicles, including the majestic Gold State Coach utilized for Coronations, along with carriages employed during Royal and State occasions. Additionally, a State motor vehicle is usually on exhibit.
Throughout much of the year, the stables are home to the working horses essential to The Queen’s ceremonial duties, predominantly Cleveland Bays and Windsor greys, which traditionally draw The Queen’s carriage. However, horses may not always be visible due to training or rest schedules.
Visit Duration: A minimum of 1 hour is recommended.
Top Tip: Enjoy photography during your visit!
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1A 1AA
Tel: 020 7766 7302
Email: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk
Tickets: Available online or at the site, with the official website offering the latest pricing details.
