The Royal Mews
London, United Kingdom (UK)
These grand old stables are home to royal transport in all its finery: gilded carriages, the nodding heads of Windsor Greys and some vintage Bentley State Limousines.
Adult price: £14
Best for ages 18+
Travel bucket list idea:
Adopted as the British monarch’s official London residence on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837, the world’s most famous – if architecturally bland – royal palace is viewed by most visitors from the outside only. Walk up the Mall to get the most impressive view, and once you’ve mingled with the crowds, dip into leafy St James’ Park for coffee with the squirrels, who eat out of the hands of passersby.
In the summer months, the State Rooms and gardens open up to visitors; you can take your own picnic if visiting the gardens, and there are pre-bookable Gardener’s Tours for green-fingered visitors.
The Queen’s Guard, the poker-faced chaps in the big fuzzy bearskin hats, change posts with great fanfare outside the palace – check exact times for this Changing of the Guard during the month you’re visiting.
The Queen’s Gallery is open year-round, exhibiting treasures from the Queen’s personal art collection, including works by Rubens and Rembrandt.
London, United Kingdom (UK)
These grand old stables are home to royal transport in all its finery: gilded carriages, the nodding heads of Windsor Greys and some vintage Bentley State Limousines.
Adult price: £14
Best for ages 18+
London, United Kingdom (UK)
The main public art gallery of Buckingham Palace, the Queens Gallery exhibits works of art from the Royal collection on a rotating basis – there are usually around 450 works on show.
Adult price: £8.50
Best for ages 18+
The closest Underground station is Victoria (Victoria Line).
‘Royal Day Out’ tickets allow access to all three public areas – the State Rooms, the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews – otherwise ticketing is separate. Free hour-long audio guides are provided for each of the three attractions within Buckingham Palace.
Head to the Garden Café on the Palace’s West Terrace for very English refreshments such as macaroons, scones and tea.
The State Rooms summer opening times are changeable – check the website. As a general rule, visit between July and September to catch the State Rooms, checking the website in advance for any exceptions and closing dates. The Queen’s Gallery and Royal Mews are open all year round, from Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
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