Can tourists go inside Buckingham Palace?

From July-October each year, visitors can walk through 19 of the magnificent State Rooms and explore the Palace's Garden. During most of the year Buckingham Palace is the office and London residence of The King and Queen. But since 1993, during the summer months, the palace is open to the public.



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Though the Palace is generally not open to the public, during summer you can visit its State Apartments (admission charge) and see the Queen's large garden and collection of artwork. You can however see the Changing of the Guard for free at 11.30 am every morning during summer and every second morning during winter.

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Every first-time visitor to London takes photos outside Buckingham Palace. Whether it's the Changing of the Guard ceremony or just selfies outside the gates, the draw of the Palace is irresistible. But there is so much more to see inside! Luckily for us, tours of the palace are available.

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Best Things To See at Buckingham Palace
  1. The Ballroom. Photo courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust.
  2. Queen Victoria Memorial. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons. ...
  3. The Throne Room. ...
  4. The White Drawing Room. ...
  5. The Picture Gallery. ...
  6. The Grand Staircase. ...
  7. The Queen's Gallery. ...
  8. The Changing of the Guard. ...


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Buckingham Palace Summer Opening is now closed for 2023. Check back nearer the time for details of the Buckingham Palace Summer Opening in 2024.

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Buckingham Palace Guided Tours You must arrive 30 minutes before the entry time printed on your ticket. You cannot take photographs within the State Rooms. Read more about photography, filming & mobile phones. Eating and drinking aren't allowed inside the Palace, with the exception of bottled water.

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According to those in the know, the Queen stays at her London home Monday to Friday. Buckingham Palace is her administrative hub where all decisions are made, so it is considered to be her 'working residency'. She is of course joined by her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, and they stay in private quarters.

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Use of mobile phones are permitted in the Palace garden. Mobile phones must be switched off elsewhere on the visitor route. Photography is not permitted inside Buckingham Palace. Clients that require mobility access must book directly with Buckingham Palace.

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If you want make Changing of the Guard a part of your Buckingham Palace experience, plan accordingly. The ceremony starts at 11 am sharp, but people start gathering at the gate quite early. If you hope to get a good spot, showing up around 10 am is a good idea.

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Can you wear jeans to Buckingham Palace? Their guidelines state: “Smart attire for men includes the wearing of a jacket and tie, and for women a trouser or skirt suit. Those wearing jeans or trainers will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away. This also applies to technicians.”

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How many toilets are there in Buckingham Palace? Buckingham Palace became the official London home to the Royal Family in 1837. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms with 78 bathrooms. Therefore the number of toilets within Buckingham Palace will be at least 78.

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