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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sarah Barrell

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.

While you’re there

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.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

A bright red exhibition room with statues and furniture with gold accents
Experience

Queen’s Gallery

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.

Best for ages: 18+ | £850

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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.

Best for ages: 13+ | £14

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London

London

Get up close to the world famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! The Changing of the Guard is the changeover of the Royal guard ...

£10 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [170 ratings]

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Changing of the Guard Walking Tour Experience

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour Experience

London

See British tradition come to life on this fully-guided Changing of the Guard walking tour that ensures you get the very best views of this ...

£15 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [284 ratings]

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Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

London

The most fun 1.5-hour tour in London. Watch the Changing of the Guard with an experienced and acclaimed guide, where you'll be taken to the ...

£22 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [789 ratings]

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March with the Guards: Changing of the Guard Tour

March with the Guards: Changing of the Guard Tour

London

Don’t just watch the Changing of the Guards; get as close as you can to the action. On this exclusive Buckingham Palace tour, you’ll discove...

£22 | Rating 4.05 / 5 [20 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Ham Yard Hotel

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Set in the heart of the buzzing West End, this super-chic hotel is as popular with Londoners as visitors, giving it a vibrant, authentic vibe.

Official star rating:

Artists Residence London

London, United Kingdom (UK)

An agreeably-priced boutique hotel filled with a dizzying variety of artworks, tucked away in a quiet corner of charming Pimlico. Away from the rush, but with excellent transport into the city centre.

Official star rating:

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

London, United Kingdom (UK)

A gloriously opulent Edwardian hotel, with Michelin-starred dining, a subterranean spa and a wonderful location overlooking Hyde Park – one of the capital’s most expensive, most luxurious addresses.

Official star rating:

Claridge’s

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Undeniably the most glamorous and timeless of all London’s five-stars. This glorious Art Deco landmark and Mayfair institution is beloved by royalty, rock stars and fashionistas.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

London

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination. 

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

British Pullman

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Step back to the golden age of rail travel, touring the British countryside on this glamorous 1920s vintage train while enjoying five-star food and drink.

Best for ages: 18+ | £350 | 4+ hours

Churchill War Rooms

London, United Kingdom (UK)

A secret subterranean bunker from which Churchill directed operations during WWII – exactly as it was during the blitz of 1945 – offering a fascinating historical insight to the war and Churchill himself.

Best for ages: 8+ | £25

Trooping the Colour

London, United Kingdom (UK)

World-famous, incomparable military parade dating back to the 17th century, involving thousands of soldiers, horses and musicians in full regalia, occurs each June to mark the Queen’s official birthday.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 2.5 hours

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Royal Academy of Arts

London, United Kingdom (UK)

An 18th-century mansion of masterpieces sitting pretty on Piccadilly, home to one of Britain’s oldest collections of fine art and regular blockbuster exhibitions.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Exterior view of front facade with people walking in front
Experience

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

London, United Kingdom (UK)

London’s impressive aquarium, set on the South Bank, home to hundreds of species of fish and a selection of sharks.

Best for ages: Any | £27

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Exterior view of the grand building surrounding a large square
Experience

Somerset House

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Famous for its picturesque alfresco ice rink in winter and the Edmund J Safra fountains in the summer, this elegant neoclassical building is also home to an art gallery and upscale restaurant.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Round-ups that include this experience

101 World’s greatest historic buildings

Multiple countries

The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.

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