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- Changing the Guard Ceremony
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Contents
All You Need to Know About Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and has been the official residence of the British monarch since 1837. Serving as the administrative center of the monarchy, this iconic palace hosts numerous official events and recep...
Founded On
1705
Founded By
John Nash, William Winde, Edward Blore, Aston Webb
Quick Information
VISITORS PER YEAR
530000
TICKETS
From £ 15
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
2
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
Buckingham Palace survived 9 German bombs during WWII.
The wine vaults, located beneath the West Wing, are the oldest part of the palace.
If a royal standard flag is flying over the palace, then the King is in the palace. However, if the Union Flag is, then he is elsewhere.
Buckingham Palace Tickets and Tours
Buckingham Palace's State Rooms are closed for now. The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are only open from July to September, but do take the time to discover other parts of the Palace like the King's Gallery.
Quick facts about the Buckingham Palace
- Official name: Buckingham Palace
- Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
- Opened in: 1705
- Timings: 9:30am to 7:30pm (July 11-August 31) and 9:30am to 6:30pm (September 1-September 29)
- Architect: Aston Webb, Edward Blore, John Nash, Willian Winde
- Architectural style: Neoclassical, primarily
- Number of visitors per year: More than 5,00,000
- Function: Palace
Plan your visit to Buckingham Palace
Timings
Getting there
Opening hours:
- Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the public only a few times each year, typically from early July to late September. At the moment, the Palace is closed to visitors.
- You can still visit the King's Gallery, which is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10am to 5pm, or catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays!
Best time to visit: If you want to explore the Palace in peace, try visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. During these times, you will likely run into smaller crowds. But if you don't mind the lively and chirpy atmosphere that comes with a big crowd, you can visit anytime you like!
More about timingsAddress: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Buckingham Palace, nestled in London's heart, specifically in City of Westminister, is surrounded by notable landmarks and serene parks like St James's Park and Green Park, offering an escape within the bustling city.
Closest landmark: Victoria's Memorial (66m)
How to reach the palace?Highlights of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace offers a peek into the United Kingdom’s amazing history and culture. Mentioned below are a few things to do at the palace.
Tour the State Rooms
Ready to live like royalty? From mid-July to late September, you can wander the jaw-dropping State Rooms—think epic ceilings, priceless art, fancy furniture, and a handy audio guide to spill all the royal tea!
Explore Buckingham Gardens
Dubbed "a walled oasis in the middle of London," Buckingham Palace gardens stretch over 39 stunning acres and include a rose garden, rare birds, wild plants, a tranquil lake, and 1,000+ trees, including oaks and planes!
Watch the Changing of the Guard
Feel the royal energy at Buckingham Palace's Changing of the Guard! Happening Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11am, this 45-minute tradition is free, fabulous, and a must-see for every London trip.
Visit the Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is where royal rides meet history! From majestic horses to the Gold State Coach and sleek Bentleys, this 14th-century gem is a mix of stables, carriages, and stunning state vehicles.
Explore the art in Marble Hall
Calling all art lovers! The Marble Hall showcases incredible portraits of Queen Victoria's family, including her mom and Princess Feodora. Once home to marble sculptures, it's now a royal art treasure trove you can't miss.
Check out the Music Room
Nicknamed the Saloon State Room, the Music Room screams royal glam with its blue columns. It has hosted epic events, from royal parties to international diplomacy—this room is history wrapped in sophistication!
Visit the King's Gallery
The King's Gallery—formerly Queen Victoria's Chapel—is now a treasure trove of art! Packed with 450 Royal Collection works from Rembrandt and Vermeer, it gained gallery status in 1962 and was sleekly upgraded for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
Walk down the Grand Staircase
Enter Buckingham Palace like a VIP on the Grand Staircase! Draped in royal portraits, it's a stunning gateway to the State Rooms, where 7,000 guests annually join receptions, State Banquets, and more.
Construction of the Buckingham Palace
Who built it?
It all started in 1703 with William Winde, who built the first version of Buckingham Palace—then called Buckingham House. Fast-forward to the 19th century, when John Nash transformed it into the grand Palace we know today. Edward Blore wrapped it up in 1830, putting the finishing touches on the design. Later, Sir Aston Webb worked his magic in 1913, adding the iconic east front and royal balcony. Talk about an architectural team effort!
Architecture of the Palace
Buckingham Palace has had some serious glow-ups over the years! Built in a Neo-classical style, the exterior was initially made with Bath stone and revamped with Portland stone in 1913. Inside, it's a royal wonderland with ornate ceilings, grand chandeliers, and artworks by legends like Rembrandt and Rubens. The State Rooms are filled with gilded furniture, intricate plasterwork, and stunning sculptures—so much history in one place!
Buckingham Palace on film
Buckingham Palace’s elegant Neoclassical design, opulent interiors, and grand gardens work well as film sets. The palace has served as a location for several shows and movies throughout history, including:
- The Crown (2016)
- The Queen (2006)
- King Charles III (2017)
- The Young Victoria (2009)
- Victoria & Abdul (2017)
- The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)
- Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
Frequently Asked Questions about Buckingham Palace in London
Why is Buckingham Palace famous?
Buckingham Palace is famous as the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom. It has been the home of British royalty since 1837 and boasts grand architecture and an extensive art collection.
What can I do at Buckingham Palace?
You can tour the State Rooms, explore Buckingham Palace Gardens, check out the King's Gallery, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
How many entrances does Buckingham Palace have?
The Palace has two main entrances: the Central Gates on the west side, which welcomes official guests and state visitors, and the North Centre Gate, another key entry point.
Is photography allowed inside Buckingham Palace?
Photography is generally allowed inside Buckingham Palace, but only for personal, non-commercial use.
Are guided tours available at Buckingham Palace?
At the moment, you can get a guided tour for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Can visitors explore the King's Gallery separately from the rest of the Palace?
Absolutely! You can buy tickets just for the King's Gallery and enjoy it on its own, separate from the full Buckingham Palace tour.
What's the best time to visit Buckingham Palace to avoid crowds?
To beat the crowds, aim for early mornings right when it opens at 9:30am or later in the afternoon, just before closing. Weekdays are also a great choice, as weekends tend to be busier with tourists.
How much time should I allocate for a visit to Buckingham Palace?
You should plan to spend about 3-4 hours at Buckingham Palace, depending on how much you want to explore and soak up all the royal history.
Is there a dress code to visit Buckingham Palace?
There's no formal dress code, but since Buckingham Palace is a royal residence, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully. Casual attire like jeans and a shirt is fine, but avoiding flip-flops, athletic wear, or anything too revealing is best.
Is Buckingham Palace accessible to people with mobility issues?
Yes, Buckingham Palace is fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. You can borrow manual wheelchairs and rollators for free, and mobility scooters are allowed in designated areas to ensure a smooth visit.
Are pets allowed at Buckingham Palace?
Pets aren't typically allowed at Buckingham Palace, but guide dogs are welcome to accompany visitors.
