What inspired the architectural design of the State Rooms?

The State Rooms were designed by architect John Nash, whose theatrical background greatly influenced the rooms' dramatic style.

Are there any hidden features in the State Rooms?

Yes! The White Drawing Room has a clever hidden door that's camouflaged as a mirror. It allows royal family members to move discreetly between rooms, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Palace's design.

Is photography allowed inside the State Rooms?

Unfortunately, no. Photography isn't allowed in the State Rooms to help protect the incredible artworks and delicate furnishings from damage.

How can visitors access the State Rooms during public openings?

To visit the State Rooms during their summer openings, you need to book tickets in advance for a specific time slot.

Is Buckingham Palace wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the State Rooms are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Step-free access is available with prior booking, ensuring everyone can enjoy the royal experience!

Are there accessible toilets in the State Rooms?

Yes, accessible toilets are located inside the Palace at the end of the route, with additional facilities available in the Garden for your convenience.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms Tickets | Plan for Summer Opening 2026

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Guided Tours

The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace Tickets

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr. 45 min.

Audio guide

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Get rare access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, open to visitors for only 2 months each year.

Everything you get: Entry to the State Rooms, between Jul 10 and Sept 28, 2025, including the Throne Room and White Drawing Room. View artworks by masters like Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Rubens as you explore the rooms with a multimedia guide for in-depth insights.
Why choose this: This is your exclusive opportunity to step inside one of the most famous palaces in the world, usually closed to the public.
Upgrades: Join a Royal London walking tour with a live English or multilingual audio guide or witness the Changing the Guard in a small group setting.

Inclusions #

Entry to Buckingham Palace
Audio guide for Buckingham Palace in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and British Sign Language (BSL) with subtitles
Headsets when necessary

Additional paid upgrades:

Royal London walking tour before palace entry
Expert English-speaking guide
Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese
Changing the Guard ceremony
Small group tour

What's not allowed

For safety reasons, pushchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms. They must be checked in and reclaimed at the exit. Baby carriers are available for loan.
A one-way system operates along the entire visitor route, so be sure to check out the attractions thoroughly as you won’t be allowed to revisit them.
This tour is not meant for individuals with impaired movement.

Additional information

Photography and filming are allowed for private use and only in the Palace Gardens.
The Changing of the Foot Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (subject to availability). On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, there is no Foot Guards ceremony. Instead, you'll explore Westminster on a guided walking tour. The Horse Guards may be on parade, but it's not always guaranteed.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Jonathan

Oct 2025

A unique experience, well managed by palace staff for an efficient and flexible experience that allows you to linger or move on at will. Unfortunately that stands in stark contrast to Headout's customer service. Too much automation in s poorly thought out process. In total a dozen emails and not enough space here to describe the wasted time.

Georgina

Oct 2025

A privilege to explore the beautiful State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. So much history contained in those rooms which host a wide range of both intelligent and imbecile world leaders! It's a good thing I'm not Queen as I wouldn't have the patience... but I do love a good Garden Party!

Vikas

Oct 2025

Very well-designed self-guided tour. Audio guide has good information on all areas. Navigation through various halls is well planned . All the staff is very polite, patient and well informed to answer my questions. Unforgettable experience .

Maria

Oct 2025

Not what I expected, at the end of the day this was something that I will remember for years to come. Wishes they had later times available.

Steve

Sep 2025

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Great day out at Buckingham Palace. Weather was great too. Communication very good with emails too on the day. Queuing wasxeast for tickets using voucher we bought. The Palace was stunning and staff very knowledgeable and friendly. Yea in the garden nice too.

Nedaa

Sep 2025

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Amazing experience, enjoyed every minute!! Felt like a dream with an incredible atmosphere Recommended to everyone. London is such an amazing city 😍😍😍

Kerren

Sep 2025

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It was a wonderful experience and quite unexpected the level of access. Quite privileged to think our Royal Family walk those very corridors! Highly recommend the tour

Norris

Sep 2025

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The state rooms truly amazing especially the gallery paintings,outdoor view is spectacular,garden is absolutely peaceful, cafeteria,gift shop.

State Rooms | The ceremonial heart of Buckingham Palace

These chambers form the working heart of Buckingham Palace, where the Royal Family hosts official events, receptions, and audiences. Lavishly decorated, the State Rooms offer a rare and fascinating glimpse into royal life and the ceremonial functions of the monarchy.

Where is it located?

The State Rooms are situated within the main Buckingham Palace building, forming its central, ceremonial core.

How to access?

Access to the State Rooms is only with the Buckingham Palace State Rooms ticket. Tickets are currently unavailable as the Summer Opening for 2025 has ended. However, you can plan your visit for 2026!

Why visit Buckingham Palace State Rooms

Buckingham Palace State Rooms with ornate staircase and historical portraits.

Bask in royal opulence: When John Nash designed the State Rooms in the 1800s, he blended a Neoclassical style with Italian Renaissance influences. The rooms feature stunning columns, pilasters, and a grand façade, with artworks by masters like Rubens.
Walk through history: The State Rooms have hosted everything from royal weddings to state banquets in the Ballroom and even investiture ceremonies in the Throne Room. Each room has a story!
Appreciate artistic treasures: If art's your thing, the State Rooms won't disappoint! You'll find works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Vermeer—each piece is like a VIP pass to see masterpieces that have shaped art history.
Attend rotating exhibitions: The rotating exhibitions at Buckingham Palace are packed with fresh art and new themes, and if you need more, you can also join special events like workshops and lectures that enrich the experience!

Things to know before booking State Rooms tickets

Ticketed entry: To enter and explore these interiors, you must purchase a dedicated State Rooms ticket. This is the primary internal tour available to the public and is only offered for a limited period each year.
Pricing and ticket options: The State Rooms ticket is priced as the core entrance fee for the Palace's interior. You'll find options to purchase the State Rooms ticket as a standalone entry.
Opening timings: The Buckingham Palace State Rooms are only open to the public during specific periods of the year, primarily the summer months (typically July, August, and September) when the monarch is not in residence. There may also be selected dates during spring and winter for special tours. These timings differ significantly from the year-round opening of The King’s Gallery and the Royal Mews.
Accessibility: While the State Rooms are largely accessible, wheelchair users must contact the Royal Collection Trust's team in advance to arrange a suitable accessible route. Not all areas may be fully navigable without prior arrangements.

Highlights of Buckingham Palace State Rooms

Buckingham Palace boasts an astounding 775 rooms, each serving a unique purpose. Among them are 19 grand State Rooms used for official events, state banquets, and ceremonies. These rooms are open to the public during the summer months when the royal family is away. Here are some of the must-sees!

The Grand Staircase

Talk about a dramatic entrance! The Grand Staircase at Buckingham Palace is a royal showpiece designed by John Nash with gilt bronze details. With portraits lining the walls and frescoes on the ceiling, over 7,000 guests ascend it annually for state events!

The Picture Gallery

The Picture Gallery is where history and art come together! Designed by John Nash, this 47-meter-long room houses Old Master paintings by the likes of Rembrandt and Titian. It's used for royal receptions, with art regularly rotated from the Royal Collection.

The Throne Room

The Throne Room is where royal tradition comes to life! Designed by John Nash, this grand room hosts everything from inaugurations to receptions. The thrones, originally created for Queen Elizabeth's 1953 coronation, were refurbished for King Charles in 2023.

The Ballroom

At 36.6 meters long, the Ballroom is the palace's largest room! Designed by James Pennethorne, it's where state banquets and royal events happen. With a beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling, it has even hosted royal balls and concerts by famous composers like Mendelssohn.

The White Drawing Room

Used for royal receptions and intimate moments, the White Drawing Room is a vision in white and gold. It features Louis XVI-style furniture, a secret mirror door, and has been the backdrop for the royal Christmas broadcasts and family photos.

State Dining Room

The State Dining Room is where royal dinners shine! Completed during Queen Victoria's reign, it can host up to 50 guests and is known for its decor and dessert centerpieces crafted by the Royal Confectionery.

Historical and cultural significance of the State Rooms

The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are far more than just lavish interiors; they are the living canvas of the British monarchy and history. Since Queen Victoria's reign, these 19 rooms have been the backdrop for pivotal moments, from State Banquets hosting world leaders to Royal Christenings and Investitures. They symbolize the continuous role of the monarchy, symbolizing centuries of tradition, diplomatic relations, and cultural heritage. Their annual public opening allows visitors a rare personal connection to this institution.

Architectural highlights of the State Rooms

Grand transformation & style

The State Rooms' current grandeur largely stems from King George IV's vision, who, from 1825, commissioned architect John Nash to transform Buckingham House into a palace. Nash infused the interiors with a lavish French Neoclassical style, blending it with Baroque and Rococo influences for a regal aesthetic.

Opulent design elements

These 19 State Rooms are characterized by their scale and symmetrical design. Key features include soaring ceilings adorned with intricate plasterwork and gilding, majestic columns, and grand doorways. The interiors are replete with Sèvres porcelain, English and French furniture, and chandeliers, showcasing 19th-century royal taste.

Know before you go to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms

The State Rooms are temporarily closed until July 2026.

Note: From October 2025 to May 2026, the Palace also offers exclusive guided tours that last 1 hour 45 mins and run from 10:30am to 3pm. These can be booked through the Royal Collection Trust website.

Detailed timings

Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

By train: Southern or Southeastern railway line (London Victoria or London Charing Cross station)
By tube: Jubilee line (Green Park station), District or Circle line (St. James Park station)
By coach or bus: Bus numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 (Victoria Coach Station, a 10-min walk from the Palace)
By car: Victoria Car Park or Q-Park Victoria is the nearest car park.

Afternoon tea set with floral china at Buckingham Palace State Rooms.

Photos: Photography, filming, and live streaming are strictly prohibited inside the State Rooms to preserve the artworks and maintain visitor flow. You will be asked to switch off your mobile devices.
Security checks: Expect airport-style security screening upon entry. All visitors and their belongings will be scanned.
Luggage policy: Large bags, suitcases, and excessive luggage are not permitted inside, and there are no storage facilities at the Palace. It's highly recommended to leave such items at your accommodation or a nearby luggage storage facility.
Food and drink: No food or beverages, other than bottled water, are allowed inside the State Rooms.