Buckingham Palace Tours and Activities

Buckingham Palace featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and a city
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace featuring heritage architecture, a monument and street scenes
Buckingham Palace which includes a city, a castle and a square or plaza
Buckingham Palace showing a fountain, heritage architecture and a monument


Explore the magnificent royal residence, home to Queen Elizabeth II.

Buckingham Palace is the centrepiece of Britain’s Constitutional Monarchy, serving since 1837 as the official London residence of the British Royal Family. Originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705, the then smaller Buckingham House has been expanded over the centuries, and this magnificent structure is now among the most visited sites in the world.

Buckingham Palace is working building, with a large staff supporting The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in their official duties. This is the venue for many state banquets, foreign dignitary receptions, and Royal ceremonies.

Imagine stepping into Buckingham Palace via the Grand Hall, sumptuously decorated with gilt details and marble columns. Two broad marble staircases sweep up to the State Apartments, which include the magnificent Green Drawing Room, accessed via mirrored doors. The Throne Room, decorated in regal scarlet, still holds the two thrones used by Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during the coronation in 1953. This room leads to the East Front Balcony, where millions witnessed the kiss between the newly-wed Prince William and Catherine Middleton following their marriage ceremony in April 2011.

Of the 775 rooms in Buckingham Palace, 19 state rooms are open to the public in August and September, when Queen Elizabeth II stays in her Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle. Look out for the flag flying above the palace: if the Queen is in residence you will see the Royal Standard, the Queen’s official flag if she is not in residence, the Union Flag will be hoisted.

Whilst the palace is neither an art gallery nor a museum, you will have the opportunity to view many works from the palace’s private art collection, including furniture crafted for Kings and Queens and masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt. It’s advisable to book your visit in advance on the official Buckingham Palace website, and there is an admission fee, which includes an audio tour.

Don’t miss the famous Changing the Guard ceremony. This takes place from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm on scheduled days, apart from during winter months, accompanied by the Guards Band. This event is the epitome of traditional pageantry.

Buckingham Palace is located in Westminster, and is easily accessible by bus. The nearest Underground station is St James’s Park.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Shows & concerts

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Reviews of Buckingham Palace

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
233
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
242
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
42
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Walking shoes and lots of stairs

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved being able to look around a working castle and think about all the things that happen there. Booking a tour means that you don't need to join the queue.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Busy! Police lovely:)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go early for changing of the guard to get good spot

5/5 - Excellent

Shara

Only saw it from the outside, however it is an impressive building.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very busy

Popular places to visit


Top Buckingham Palace Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

4 out of 5
1 Neathouse Place, London, England
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
citizenM London Victoria Station

citizenM London Victoria Station

4 out of 5
292 VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD, London, England
citizenM London Victoria Station
The Clermont London, Victoria

The Clermont London, Victoria

4 out of 5
101 Buckingham Palace Road, London, England
The Clermont London, Victoria
Hub By Premier Inn London Westminster - Westminster Abbey

Hub By Premier Inn London Westminster - Westminster Abbey

2 out of 5
21 Tothill Street, Westminster, London, England
Hub By Premier Inn London Westminster - Westminster Abbey
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
30 John Islip Street, Westminster, London, England
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Buckingham Palace

While visiting Buckingham Palace, immerse yourself in the rich history with a palace tour, marvel at the grand parade, and indulge in relaxing spa treatments nearby. The area also boasts vibrant theatre performances, captivating art galleries, and excellent shopping options, making it a delightful hub for both culture and leisure during your stay in London.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Buckingham Palace, visit Harrods, only 1.4km away, offering luxury goods. Borough Market, 3.2km away, has a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce. Paddington Central, also 3.2km away, caters to families with its variety of shops.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, located 9.7km from Buckingham Palace, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for energising activities. For relaxation, Hampstead Heath, 6.4km away, provides tranquil green spaces ideal for unwinding. Experience luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 9.7km distant, where you can indulge in premium leisure activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 11.3km from Buckingham Palace, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, 1.6km away, provides an exciting indoor climbing experience. Alternatively, enjoy the adrenaline rush at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Buckingham Palace with a ride on the London Eye for stunning views or immerse yourself in the theatrics at the London Dungeon. For a romantic film night, Curzon Mayfair offers an intimate cinema experience, all within a short stroll from the palace.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Buckingham Palace

When visiting Buckingham Palace, you'll find a wealth of attractions including nearby streets, piazzas, and urban parks perfect for exploring. This area offers a rich cultural experience and is ideal for families. Don't miss the chance to visit iconic sites like the royal palace and other top tourist attractions that showcase London's charm and history.

  • Hyde Park: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic in this expansive urban park, just 1.6km from Buckingham Palace. With its beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, and playgrounds, Hyde Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Experience the vibrant energy of this iconic street, located 1.1km away. Known for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere, Piccadilly Circus is a hub for shopping and entertainment, making it a must-visit for city vibes.
  • Big Ben: Marvel at the magnificent clock tower, also 1.1km from Buckingham Palace. A symbol of British culture, Big Ben boasts stunning architecture and is a perfect spot for a photo op while soaking in the rich history of Westminster.

Best time to go to Buckingham Palace

The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Buckingham Palace

To save money on your trip to Buckingham Palace, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Booking your hotel about a month in advance often yields the best rates, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals on Expedia. Additionally, combining your hotel stay with flights and activities can lead to significant savings. For public transport, walking is a great way to explore the area without added costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Buckingham Palace are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Buckingham Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Buckingham Palace is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Buckingham Palace is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near Buckingham Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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