Top things to see and do at Buckingham Palace
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Enjoy the ultimate royal experience at the home of the British monarchy. The Palace doors swing open to the public every summer as well as for selected dates during winter and spring for guided tours. We can’t wait to welcome you in and make some magical memories together.
INSIDE THE STATE ROOMS
The State Rooms are the main reception chambers of Buckingham Palace, used by the monarch and members of the Royal Family for all kinds of ceremonial, official, diplomatic and personal occasions. There are many famous, must-see moments within these spectacular rooms. Don't miss the red-carpeted Grand Staircase, the Throne Room and the breathtaking Ballroom.
1. Take a Look at the Throne Room
Walk through the famous Throne Room and see the pair of throne chairs which are known as Chairs of Estate. They were made for the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1953 and were also used for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Don’t forget to look for Queen Victoria's throne chair.
2. View a Vermeer
A visit to the State Rooms is a chance to see some of the finest paintings by some of the biggest names in art history.
The Picture Gallery inside Buckingham Palace displays some of the greatest paintings in the Royal Collection. A highlight has to be the Music Lesson by Johannes Vermeer. There are just 5 Vermeer paintings in the whole of the UK and only 34 in total anywhere in the world, so this is a rare opportunity to see one first-hand.
Let our curators take you on a tour of the State Rooms in our short film.
3. Walk in the Footsteps of Queen Victoria
The Grand Staircase gives visitors a dramatic welcome as they enter Buckingham Palace. The sweeping staircase features a magnificent gilded bronze balustrade and the walls are decorated with portraits of Queen Victoria’s family, including her grandparents, George III and Queen Charlotte.
Each year, more than 7,000 guests walk up the Grand Staircase on their way to investitures, receptions, and State Banquets held in the State Apartments.
4. Marvel at the Marble
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the sculptures in the Marble Hall of the Palace. The beautiful sculptures were created by Italian maestro Antonio Canova, who is considered to be one of the greatest artists of his time. Canova created three masterpieces for King George IV, including the sublime Mars and Venus which was carved from a single block of stone.
AFTER THE STATE ROOMS
You may have been through all the State Rooms, but the Buckingham Palace experience is not over just yet. You exit the building into the Palace garden, where there is plenty more to see and do. For security reasons, photography is not permitted inside, but out here you can snap away with the lawn, the lake and the Palace's garden front as your backdrop.
5. Treat Yourself on the Terrace
Could there be a more British welcome than tea at Buckingham Palace? During the Summer we have our Garden Café on the West Terrace so you can enjoy a cup of tea with a view. It is a moment to rest your feet and indulge a little. As well as tea, we also serve coffee, cold drinks, sandwiches, and sweet treats. If you prefer a pick-me-up on the move, there are also ice cream stands as you walk along the Garden path.
Don't forget to pick up a souvenir to remember your visit from our Garden shop.
6. Keep the Kids Keen
While our free multimedia guides have a children’s version, where Alice the footman and Rex the corgi help to keep kids entertained during the State Rooms tour, that’s not the only helping hand for parents at the Palace. Be sure to visit the Family Pavilion during the summer, set up on the terrace. There are activities and spaces to play to help burn some of that energy! See our family page and highlights page to discover more.
7. Be Guided Through the Garden
Ever wondered what was on the other side of those Palace walls? You can find out when the Palace is open in summer by booking a Garden Highlights Tour. Enjoy a 45-minute stroll around the private side of Buckingham Palace Garden with a guide. Soak up the colour in the Rose Garden, spot London’s most exclusive tennis court, and learn about the amazing wildlife in this little oasis in the middle of the city.
OUTSIDE THE PALACE
Even more royal spectacle awaits outside of the State Rooms tour, with Buckingham Palace's art gallery and working stables both open for visitors, and of course the world-famous Palace façade, with the balcony, the gates and the guards.
8. Catch the Coronation Carriage
Sometimes, all that glitters really is gold! One of the stars of King Charles III's Coronation in 2023 was the magnificent 260-year-old Gold State Coach. This carriage is a spectacular, living part of British history, having transported every king and queen to their Coronation since 1831.
The Gold State Coach is on display at the Royal Mews, the working stables of Buckingham Palace.
9. Greet the Guards
No trip to London is complete without experiencing the world-famous Changing the Guard ceremony where the New Guard replaces the Old in front of Buckingham Palace.
Changing the Guard takes place, weather permitting, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11:00, and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 15:00. The event is organised by the soldiers of the Household Division of the British Army. Dates and times can change though, so we recommend checking the Household Division website for further details. Make sure you arrive well in advance of the ceremony to find a good spot, as the area around the Victoria Memorial, St James’s Park and the Mall can become very busy at these times.
