The official London residence of His Majesty the King is open to tourists during a couple of months each summer whilst he and Queen Camilla are spending time in Balmoral in Scotland. Buckingham Palace is one of the world’s few remaining working palaces and the Buckingham Palace Tour gives you a window on the world of British royalty in the 21st century. This magnificent building is an amazing 108 metres wide and an imposing 24 metres high. And it boasts 775 rooms!
This is where to watch Changing the Guard.
Palace tours
You can take a tour. Highlights of the Buckingham Palace tour include the 19 beautiful State Rooms which are lavishly decorated and used for receiving guests and official ceremonial functions. See the regal splendour of the Throne Room often used as a backdrop for royal photos. Marvel at the magnificent Grand Staircase. And enjoy seeing the fine art including works by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Special exhibition
A new special exhibition is housed in the Palace every year. The special exhibition for 2020 will feature the Royal Family’s love of animals. Notably, the Queen has been a lifelong dog lover. She was given her first corgi, Susan, for her 18th birthday and has since owned more than 30. The exhibition will feature photographs of many royal pets through the ages.
The Palace also boasts a magnificent garden in which you can stroll. It is a walled oasis in the middle of the capital. It has over 350 different species of wild flowers and a beautiful lake. Her Majesty the Queen hosts annual garden parties in this “largest private garden” in London as well as large functions to celebrate major royal milestones. Jubilees and “big” birthdays are celebrated in style. There is a helicopter landing pad as well as a tennis court in the garden.
A standard entry ticket will give you entry to the State Rooms and Buckingham Palace. Or, the slightly more expensive option available which allow you to visit the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery.
The Royal Mews is located just adjacent to the Palace and houses the royal carriages including the Gold State Coach. The coach was built in 1762 and has been used for every coronation since George IV. The coach horses used on ceremonial occasions are also housed here.
If you are visiting London outside the summer months then you might like to go along and watch the Changing of the Guard. You will hear the band playing and the soldiers marching. The pageantry is stunning. It is a great place to take photos and people watch.
Enjoy a visit to Buckingham Palace – it will give you memories to treasure.
Address
Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA
Getting there
Travel by underground: The nearest tube stations are Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner.
Take a bus: Several buses stop nearby.
By coach: To Victoria Coach Station which is only 10 minutes’ walk away.
The Palace is generally accessible but please visit the accessibility section of the royal website for further details before you plan your journey.
Accommodation
There are some good family apartments nearby. Accommodation close to Buckingham Palace…..
