Official residence of the British monarch in the heart of London, featuring 775 rooms and magnificent State Rooms. Witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the palace's lavish interior during summer opening.
Buckingham Palace in Westminster, London, has served as the official London residence of the British monarch since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. The building's 775 rooms include 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and Guest Bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms — a scale that visitors can only partially appreciate from the public pavement outside the gold-tipped Victoria Memorial. The exterior facade facing the Mall was redesigned by Sir Aston Webb in 1913 and provides the backdrop for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, one of London's most recognisable pageants. The ceremony typically takes place at 11:00 on selected days (the schedule varies seasonally) and involves the New Guard marching from Wellington Barracks to relieve the Old Guard, accompanied by a band; the ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes and viewing positions along the forecourt railings and surrounding Mall fill quickly. The State Rooms open to the public for a limited summer season, typically from mid-July to late September, during which visitors can walk through opulently decorated rooms containing Old Masters paintings, Sèvres porcelain, and furniture assembled by monarchs from George III onwards. The Throne Room features the chairs used at the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. Queen Mary's Dolls' House — one of the most intricate ever made — is on permanent display within the palace. Visitors in summer can also explore the Garden, which stretches 39 acres behind the palace. The Royal Mews on Buckingham Palace Road houses the working stable, historic carriages including the Gold State Coach used at every coronation, and the horses that draw ceremonial vehicles. Admission to the palace State Rooms must be booked in advance; the Mews and the Queen's Gallery have separate ticketing and are open year-round.
Good to know
- Hours
- State Rooms open July-September, 09:30-19:30
- Best for
- royal enthusiasts, families, first-time visitors, culture lovers
Location
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA
51.5014, -0.1419 View on map
Highlights
- State Rooms open in summer, displaying Old Masters paintings, Sèvres porcelain, and the Coronation Throne chairs
- Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11:00 on selected days — a 45-minute military pageant at the forecourt
- Royal Mews housing the Gold State Coach and working horses used for state occasions
- The Queen's Gallery displaying rotating works from the Royal Collection on Buckingham Palace Road
- 39-acre Palace Garden — one of London's largest private green spaces, accessible during summer opening
Tips for visiting
- Changing of the Guard happens at 11:00 on selected days (check schedule)
- Book State Rooms tickets months in advance for summer visits
- Free to watch Changing of the Guard from outside gates
When to visit
For the Changing of the Guard, arrive by 10:15 to secure a position along the forecourt railings. State Rooms are least crowded on weekday mornings in July; August sees the highest visitor numbers during the summer opening season.
Accessibility
The State Rooms are accessible to wheelchair users via a dedicated entrance on the south side of the palace. A pre-arranged wheelchair loan service is available. Some garden paths are grass and may be uneven; the main terrace is surfaced. The Royal Mews and Queen's Gallery are both accessible with level or ramped entry.
Frequently asked questions
When can visitors go inside Buckingham Palace?
The State Rooms are open to the public for a limited summer season, typically mid-July to late September. The Queen's Gallery and Royal Mews on Buckingham Palace Road are open year-round with separate admission tickets.
How do visitors watch the Changing of the Guard?
The Changing of the Guard is free to watch from outside the palace railings. Arrive at least 45 minutes early to secure a view along the forecourt. Positions along the Mall and at the Victoria Memorial also offer good sightlines. Check the official royal.uk website for confirmed ceremony dates, as it does not happen every day.
Is Buckingham Palace worth visiting for families?
Yes — the State Rooms are genuinely impressive for older children, and the Royal Mews with its horses and historic carriages appeals strongly to younger visitors. An audio guide (included with admission) provides child-friendly commentary at each room.