Highlights of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British royal family. It stands on the western side of St James’s Park in central London, where state events welcoming foreign heads of state, official banquets and garden parties hosted by the royal family are held.
Originally, it was a residence called Buckingham House, built in 1703 and purchased in 1762 by George III. Later, during the reign of George IV, architect John Nash converted it into a palace, and Queen Victoria, who ascended the throne in 1837, became the first monarch to reside there.
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a traditional ceremony in which the guards responsible for protecting the palace are relieved. The sight of guards in red uniforms and black bearskin caps marching to the music of a military band has become one of London’s most iconic tourist attractions.
The guards are serving soldiers belonging to the British Army’s Household Division. During the Changing of the Guard, the new guards march from Wellington Barracks to the palace and take over from the guards who had been responsible for security until then.
The mounted unit of the Metropolitan Police leads the Household Cavalry. The Household Cavalry is a long-standing unit of the British Army responsible for protecting the King and performing ceremonial guard duties at state occasions.
Basic information about Buckingham Palace
- 🔗 Official website
- Visitor and ticket information from the Royal Collection Trust.
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- 📍 Address
- Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
- 🕒 Opening hours
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- State Rooms: Open to visitors in summer; guided tours take place on specific dates at other times.
- East Wing Exclusive Guided Tour: Held on selected dates from 6 November 2026 to 31 January 2027.
Guided tours must be booked in advance, and you must arrive 15 minutes before the time shown on your ticket.
- 💶 Price
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- East Wing Exclusive Guided Tour: £100 for 1 person.
- ⏱ Recommended duration
- Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for the exterior and 2 to 3 hours for the interior. ⚠️ Allow plenty of time, as the duration varies depending on crowds, events and the scope of the visit.
Getting to Buckingham Palace
It is about 10 minutes on foot from Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park and Hyde Park Corner Underground stations to the palace. This is the approximate time given in the official transport guidance for school visits. Before and after the Changing of the Guard, access from the Victoria side rather than Green Park is recommended, and the surrounding roads are closed before the ceremony.
The usual entrance route has steps. To use a step-free route, advance arrangements with the Specialist Sales team are required.