Buckingham Palace is the London home and office of the British monarch and one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. Most visitors come to see the famous facade and the Changing the Guard ceremony, both free from outside the railings. For part of the year, usually in summer, you can also buy a ticket to tour the State Rooms inside, which is the only regular chance to see the palace interior.
Why visit Buckingham Palace
The building began as a large townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham in the early 18th century and was bought by George III. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live here, from 1837, and it has been the official London residence of the sovereign ever since. The famous east front, with the balcony where the royal family appears on great occasions, was refaced in the early 20th century.
Even without going inside, a visit is a good introduction to royal London: the palace forecourt, the Victoria Memorial in front, and the great avenue of The Mall leading to Trafalgar Square.
The palace remains a working building, with offices, staff and state events throughout the year, and a flag flies above it at all times. When the King is in residence, the Royal Standard is flown instead of the Union Flag, a small detail many visitors enjoy looking out for.
Getting to Buckingham Palace by Tube
The nearest station is Green Park, served by the Victoria, Piccadilly and Jubilee lines. Follow the signs for Buckingham Palace and walk south through Green Park itself, which takes about ten minutes and brings you out by the Victoria Memorial.
Other stations within walking distance:
- St James's Park on the District and Circle lines, around ten minutes away via Birdcage Walk.
- Victoria, served by the Victoria, District and Circle lines and mainline trains, about ten to fifteen minutes to the south-west. The visitor entrance for the summer State Rooms opening has been on Buckingham Palace Road, on this side.
- Hyde Park Corner on the Piccadilly line, at the other end of Constitution Hill.
Contactless bank cards and Oyster cards both work on the Tube.
Buckingham Palace tickets and opening times
Viewing the palace from outside is free. The State Rooms open to visitors for a period each year, typically in the summer when the King is not in residence, with some additional guided tours at other times. Tickets are sold by the Royal Collection Trust, and the official Royal Collection Trust website is the place to check dates, prices and booking. Tickets often sell out for popular dates, so book early.
The King's Gallery, which hosts exhibitions from the Royal Collection, and the Royal Mews, where the state coaches are kept, are also run by the Royal Collection Trust and have their own tickets and opening times.
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
The Changing the Guard ceremony, when the Foot Guards in red tunics and bearskin hats hand over duty, with a military band, takes place in the palace forecourt on set days. The schedule changes through the year and can be cancelled in bad weather or for state events. Check the official Household Division or Royal Family website for the current schedule.
Crowds gather well before the ceremony starts. For a good view, arrive early and stand by the railings or on the steps of the Victoria Memorial. You will see parts of the guard marching along The Mall and Birdcage Walk too.
Best time to visit
For photos without crowds, come early in the morning. On Changing the Guard days, late morning is the busiest. If you are touring the State Rooms, allow two to two and a half hours for the visit, including the garden walk at the end.
Nearby on the same stop
- Green Park and St James's Park: two royal parks either side of the palace. St James's Park has a lake with pelicans and good views of the palace from the bridge.
- The Mall and Horse Guards Parade: walk east toward Trafalgar Square, passing Clarence House and St James's Palace.
- Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament: around 15 minutes on foot through St James's Park.
- Piccadilly and Fortnum & Mason: north of Green Park station.
For more around Green Park, open Buckingham Palace on Around the Metro, or browse every station on the London Tube map.