Buckingham Palace tour: summer opening 2021

Book Buckingham Palace tickets to visit the official London residence of the Queen, which is only open to the public during the summer months.

Explore the lavishly furnished State Rooms of one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces and look out for some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures on display.

What's inside Buckingham Palace? 

Buckingham Palace is a grand royal residence with 775 magnificent rooms. Highlights of the Buckingham Palace summer opening include:

• The 19 beautifully decorated State Rooms, used for receiving guests and official functions.
• The Throne Room – often used as a backdrop for royal wedding photos.
• The magnificent Grand Staircase.
• Pieces of fine art, including works by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Vermeer.
• A multimedia tour introduced by Prince Charles.

Buckingham Palace tour tickets

Check back nearer the time for information on Buckingham Palace 2021 tickets.

If you're looking for an alternative to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle is a royal residence close to London which is open all year round. See Windsor castle tickets and tours (including coach tours).

What is the best tour of Buckingham Palace? 

There are many Buckingham Palace tickets on offer, from standard tours to tickets including entry to the Royal Mews. You can also book Buckingham Palace tour packages, combining your visit with an afternoon tea, a tour of royal London or a day trip to another location, such as Windsor Castle.

Does the Queen live at Buckingham Palace?

Yes, Buckingham Palace is the Queen's residence in London. She has other residences, including Windsor Castle (which you can also visit), Sandringham House and Balmoral.

Is Buckingham Palace open to the public? 

Buckingham Palace is open to the public during the summer months, when the Queen is not in residence.

When can I visit Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace tours usually take place between July and September. If it’s out of season, take a look at London's other royal attractions.

How long does it take to tour Buckingham Palace? 

It usually takes between two hours and two hours and 30 minutes to explore Buckingham Palace. 

Where is Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is located in central London. The closest Tube stations are Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner. Several buses also stop nearby. If you are arriving by coach, Victoria Coach Station is only a 10-minute walk away.

Are the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery part of Buckingham Palace?

Both the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery are part of the Buckingham Palace site, but have their own visitor entrances and so can be visited separately, or as part of a combined ticket. Both venues are open for most of the year, including when the palace itself is closed.