Buckingham Palace
The London home of the monarch - the grand royal palace whose forecourt hosts the Changing of the Guard, its opulent State Rooms open to visitors each summer.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Real photos (1)
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch, a grand palace of some 775 rooms facing down The Mall behind its famous railings and forecourt. The ceremonial Changing of the Guard draws crowds to watch the red-coated, bearskin-capped soldiers, and each summer, when the monarch is away, the opulent State Rooms of gilt, chandeliers and royal art open to visitors.
What you actually see
- The Changing of the Guard - the ceremony of the red-coated guards.
- The State Rooms - the opulent staterooms, open in summer.
- The forecourt and railings - the famous facade down The Mall.
- The Royal Mews and gallery - the state coaches and the King's Gallery.
When to go
The State Rooms open only in summer, roughly July to September, when the monarch is away, so time your visit for those months to go inside; the exterior and guard ceremony can be seen year-round. Check the Changing of the Guard schedule, as it varies.
Honest expectations
The lavish State Rooms open only in summer and must be booked; outside that window the interior opens only on occasional small-group guided tours, otherwise you see the exterior. The Changing of the Guard is popular and does not run every day, so check the schedule and arrive early for a view over the crowds. Flag-watchers note the Royal Standard flies when the monarch is in.
Nearby
St James's Park, Green Park and The Mall surround it; Westminster is a walk away.
What to pack for Buckingham Palace
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
