Buckingham Palace tour: summer opening 2022

Book Buckingham Palace tickets now to step inside the Queen’s iconic residence this summer.

Enjoy a self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace to see the lavishly furnished State Rooms at one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces, see a special display celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, plus discover some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures.

When can I buy Buckingham Palace tour tickets?

Buy Buckingham Palace 2022 tickets online now. Tickets for this attraction are always popular, so book ahead to avoid missing out. 

What's inside Buckingham Palace? 

Buckingham Palace is a grand royal residence with 775 magnificent rooms.

Your visit this year gives access to a special display, Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession, which features early portraits of the monarch and some of her personal jewellery, including a diamond tiara.

Full details of the summer opening are yet to be confirmed, but highlights of the Buckingham Palace summer opening usually 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.

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 take place between July and October. If you're not able to visit during this time, take a look at London's other royal attractions.

What are the Buckingham Palace opening times?

Buckingham Palace is open on Thursdays to Mondays from 9am to 5.45pm, from 22 July to 2 October. Entry is on a timed admission basis and ideally you should arrive no later than 10 minutes before the entry time on your ticket.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets to visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms cost £19.50 for adults aged 18 to 24, £30 for adults over 24 years of age, and £16.50 for children over five years of age – children under five enter for free, but tickets must be booked in advance.

You can also buy an add-on ticket, which includes a 45-minute guided tour of Buckingham Palace gardens following your visit to the State Rooms, from the Royal Collection Trust’s website.

How long does it take to tour Buckingham Palace? 

It takes between 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. Buy a combined ticket to visit Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews.

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).