garden tour buckingham palace

We tour the Buckingham Palace gardens and discover its secrets

We tour the expansive gardens found at Buckingham Palace, from the secret beehives to the impressive rosebeds

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The British Royal Family is famous for its love of gardening, so it is unsurprising that the Buckingham Palace gardens are some of the best in the world. 

Spanning a massive 42 acres, the Palace gardens in London are some of several expansive royal residence gardens cared for by a team of elite gardeners year-round. The garden fulfils many roles year-round, both as a private garden for the Royal Family and as a venue for royal events. The most famous of these were the late Queen's Garden Parties, which saw around 24,000 guests from around the world welcomed to the gardens each summer. 

Here, we take a look around the Buckingham Palace gardens for ourselves and discover some of the secrets of this immense space in the heart of London. 

Tour the Buckingham Palace Gardens

The starting point for many of the gardens tours, the herbaceous border spans a massive 511 feet. Far from standard low-maintenance garden border ideas , the garden borders feature a large proportion of the garden's plant varieties, including many humble cottage garden plants – a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.

Despite the garden's urban surroundings, some plants in and around the border are some of the only of their variety in England, with rare flora and fauna making the garden a unique biodiverse habitat.

The borders are backed by trees dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria, and some were planted by the Queen and Prince Albert themselves.

One of the main features of the gardens is the three-and-a-half acre lake, complete with a waterfall and private island that provides a safe haven for the large array of wildlife that lives within the walls of the garden. 

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Wildlife conservation is a cause close to the hearts of many of the Royal Family, with King Charles III fostering a close relationship with the Word Wildlife Fund and nurturing his own garden at his private home, Highgrove House . 

The Buckingham Palace gardens continue to provide aspirational wildlife garden ideas with a collection of five bee hives added to the property in 2008. 

Overlooking the lake and the rose beds, the bee hives help to produce around 160 jars of honey per year to cater for the royal kitchens. 

The rose garden ideas are by far some of the most impressive beds in the royal collection. The garden itself contains 25 beds, each with 60 rose bushes of different varieties. 

The striking beauty of the rose beds comes from the fact that no two adjacent beds are planted with roses of the same color. Flowers were often cut from these bushes to present to the late Queen in seasonal posies each Monday when she was staying at the Palace. 

Once an extensive grass meadow designed for grazing cows and sheep, the Buckingham Palace garden meadows are now rich with wildflower garden ideas , encouraging the wild growth of native flora and a natural habitat for visiting wildlife.

The meadow, found in the southwest of the gardens, is home to over 320 different types of wildflowers and grasses, making it one of the most diverse meadows in England, and features a gorgeous summer house for private escapes.

Besides the flowers, the Buckingham Palace gardens are also home to over 1,000 species of tree including 98 plane trees, 85 different species of oak, and 40 different types of Mulberry tree, making the garden the official site of the National Collection of Mulberries in 2000. 

The trees in the Palace gardens are also some of the oldest additions to the garden, with the first Buckingham Palace mulberry tree having been planted in the gardens in 1608 by James I, for example. Other special trees include the named Victoria and Albert plane trees planted by the couple during their reign.

Trees have been continuously planted by each generation of royals throughout the long history of the Royal Family.

The Buckingham Palace garden is also a shining example of sustainable garden ideas . 

With the family's growing recognition and support of sustainable practices, such as King Charles' refusal of Buckingham Palace as his home on the grounds of its impractical and unsustainable running costs, it is unsurprising that their gardens follow a similar philosophy. 

In 1991, a sustainable recycling center was established in the gardens at the Queen's request. The facility now recycles 99% of all green waste produced by London's royal gardens. 

The result of this sustainable approach means that the gardens are now also a haven for wildlife, playing host to more than 50 species of birds each year, 30 of which are permanent residents. On a smaller scale, the gardens are home to over 300 types of beetle too, hinting at the immense amount of biodiversity hosted at this single site. 

Buckingham Palace: A Royal Garden available on Amazon

Buckingham Palace: A Royal Garden  provides unique insight into the activities of the Palace's gardening team, such as mulberry harvesting and creating winter bouquets for the Palace. Practical advice is accompanied by atmospheric photography, royal anecdotes, and an engaging and authoritative narrative from leading gardening author, Claire Masset.

Can you walk through Buckingham Palace gardens?

The Buckingham Palace gardens usually open between July and October each year, allowing visitors to explore areas of the Palace and the Palace gardens and take tours around the property. Dates may vary depending on events taking place in the Palace and booking is required. 

Chiana has been at Homes & Gardens for two years. She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips. She was named one of Fixr's top home improvement journalists in 2024.

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Buckingham Palace gardens

The gardens of buckingham palace are a hidden gem in the heart of london, offering a serene retreat from the bustling capital city.

Spanning 39 acres, these gardens are a testament to centuries of royal horticulture and landscape design. Visitors can stroll through beautifully manicured lawns, enjoy the vibrant seasonal blooms, and explore the tranquil lake. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, the gardens of Buckingham Palace provide a unique opportunity to experience the splendor and tranquility of this royal sanctuary.

The gardens of Buckingham Palace are an enchanting oasis in the heart of London, offering visitors a chance to experience the tranquility and beauty of one of the world’s most famous residences. Spanning 39 acres, these gardens have evolved over centuries, showcasing the finest in royal horticulture and landscape design. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, highlights, and visitor tips for exploring the Buckingham Palace gardens.

A Glimpse into History

The origins of the Buckingham Palace gardens date back to the early 18th century when Buckingham House was built. Over the years, the gardens have been shaped by renowned landscapers such as Capability Brown and William Townsend Aiton. The transformation from a private garden to a public attraction began under Queen Victoria’s reign when Buckingham Palace became the official royal residence. Today, the gardens reflect a blend of traditional English landscape design and modern elements, creating a serene environment for both the royal family and visitors.

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Garden Highlights

• The Lake: Created in the 19th century, the lake is a central feature of the gardens. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including swans, ducks, and even herons. A walk around the lake provides a peaceful retreat and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
• The Rose Garden: This section is a must-visit for flower enthusiasts. It features a stunning array of roses, arranged in meticulously designed beds that create a symphony of colors and fragrances.
• The Herbaceous Border: Stretching over 156 meters, the Herbaceous Border is the longest in the UK. It showcases a vibrant mix of perennials, annuals, and biennials, providing a spectacular display throughout the summer months.
• The Summer House: Nestled within the gardens, the Summer House offers a quaint spot to relax and take in the views. Historically, it has been used as a retreat by members of the royal family.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan Ahead: The gardens are open to the public during the summer months, usually from July to September. Check the official Buckingham Palace website for exact dates and ticket information.
• Book Early: Tickets can sell out quickly, so it’s advisable to book in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The gardens are expansive, and you’ll want to be comfortable while exploring the various sections.
• Bring a Camera: The scenic beauty of the gardens is perfect for photography. Capture the stunning landscapes and the vibrant flora.
• Join a Guided Tour: To gain deeper insights into the history and features of the gardens, consider joining a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides can provide fascinating details that enhance your experience.

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Visiting Buckingham Palace in 2024

The State Rooms are open everyday in July and August. In September they are open to the public from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

11th July - 31st of August

Open Daily: 09.30 - 19.30 - Last admission: 17.15

1st - 29th of September

Open Thursday to Monday: 09.30 - 18.30 - Last admission: 16.15

Visitors Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit buckingham palace, when is buckingham palace open to the public, how can i purchase tickets to visit buckingham palace, what areas of buckingham palace can visitors explore, are guided tours available at buckingham palace, is photography allowed inside buckingham palace, how long does a visit to buckingham palace typically take, are there facilities for visitors with disabilities, is there a café or restaurant on site, can i see the changing of the guard during my visit, what other attractions are nearby, buckingham palace.

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For the First Time in History, the Queen’s Buckingham Palace Gardens Are Open to Visitors

Visitors to Buckingham Palace this week have the opportunity to make history, as the Queen has opened up the palace gardens to the public for the very first time. While the Queen’s London home opens every summer for public tours of the state apartments and has been doing so since 1993, the Royal Collection Trust is now offering extended guided tours of the gardens.

It will be the first time members of the public will be allowed to bring picnics into the palace (or purchase them from various food stations on site) since the Big Lunch initiative to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The royal palaces have suffered huge financial losses in the past year because of the pandemic-induced decline in tourists and visitors, and it is hoped that opening the splendid gardens will boost the number of visitors into the palace. Ticket holders will be able to explore the 39 acres of gardens and woodland which include a man-made lake. There is also a chance to see one of the Queen’s tea rooms complete with her very own furniture and a wicker Corgi. The gardens are home to birdlife including coots, moor hens, cranes and geese as well as a vast number of insects including Italian honey bees, which provide 200 jars of honey used in royal kitchens each year.

The gardens are also home to two resplendent plane trees planted by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at some point in the mid 1800s. A meticulous writer of journals, Victoria never made any record of planting the trees, so palace curators have not been able to ascertain which tree was planted by whom and exactly when.

The gardens are rich in history. The lawns and beds were first laid down by the Duke of Buckingham, who owned the palace before the Royal Family. Most famous for the Queen’s annual garden parties, which the palace hopes to resume next year, the verdant lawns are also used for official occasions including festivals and various royal engagements. Prince William met with members of the NHS in the palace gardens earlier this week.

While visitors won’t get to see a glimpse of the Queen, who is in residence at Windsor Castle and will shortly be heading to Balmoral for her annual summer holiday, the guided walk does allow visitors to walk past the private apartments and the palace swimming pool where Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge sometimes takes her children swimming.

The tour includes a walk around the colorful rose gardens, which include the Prince William rose planted to celebrate the future King’s birth and a bed of pink roses planted in honour of the late Queen Mother. Visitors can also take a seat in the Queen’s summer house and admire a great urn across the lawn which stands as tall as a double decker bus.

The tour follows camelia-lined walkways and there are various points of interest, including the sun dial that the Queen pointed out to David Attenborough in a 2018 TV special. There is also the Prince Albert Gate which leads to an island in the lake that forbids all visitors, in order to preserve rare grasses, plants and wildlife.

While the gardens are vast they are tended by a team of just eleven gardeners who work at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, the Prince of Wales’ official London residence. Mark Lane, the head gardener, has been at the palace since the 1970s, and is so connected with the history of the palace gardens that one of the scuttle flies discovered in the gardens has been named Megaselia Marklanei.

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Explore The Garden at Buckingham Palace

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to the press preview of the The Garden at Buckingham Palace. Although tickets are now sold out, some do occasionally become available on the day so it’s worth trying your luck on their website .

But, don’t worry if you missed out because I’m here to share a sneak peek behind the walls and some of the history of this 42 acre garden, the largest private garden in London…

The Garden at Buckingham Palace

Walking alongside the walls in Victoria, you might not guess at the oasis hiding behind them.

It’s really only from the air that you get a sense of the scale of the garden. It’s almost as big as Green Park.

Image from Wikimedia Creative Commons

The history of the garden starts with a King and the story of a spectacular business fail.

In 1608 King James I, envious of European silk production, requested the planting of 10,000 mulberry trees. These were important because fussy-eater silkworms will only eat mulberry leaves.

But. Disaster. James ordered the wrong ones; black rather than white or it’s possible that Londons’ cold damp climate didn’t suit. In any case silk production didn’t flourish.

The site of this plantation stands on the site of the garden and today you can find 45 different types of mulberry trees.

Buckingham Palace

To tell the story of the Garden, we first need a bit of background on the palace itself. It started as Buckingham House, a large home that was present from the early 1600s but gets its name from 1698 when it was let to John Sheffield, the Duke of Buckingham.

Image from Wikimedia Creative Commons – Buckingham House c.1702

The Duke promptly demolished his new home, building a bigger, modern one which stayed in their family until 1762.

It then passed into Royal hands when King George III bought it for his family and yet again it was remodelled. Then his son – King George IV – comes to the throne in 1820 and has huge plans for a new palace.

George IV hires John Nash to create a huge U-shaped block with a triumphal arch at the front. They blew the budget and conveniently George IV then dies, leaving poor old Nash to answer to parliament for the spiralling costs. He was fired and new architect Edward Blore was hired to finish the job.

It was only with Queen Victoria that Buckingham Palace was finally used by a Royal as a family home and palace. In 1845 she too caught the renovation bug and Edward Blore was employed to build a new wing along the front, the iconic Portland Stone facade that we see today.

It’s quite different from the warmer Bath stone that you can see from the gardens.

It’s also worth noting that the arch was moved but did survive. It went to Hyde Park Corner and give us today’s ‘ Marble Arch ’.

But what about the gardens?

The design of the private, enclosed garden is the work of King George IV. He appointed William Townsend Aiton to landscape the grounds into a more natural feel than arranged, manicured gardens you might see in Versailles.

With over 1,000 trees and 325 wild-plant species, here are some of the highlights of the Garden at Buckingham Palace.

I have to admit I had to double check I was allowed to walk on it. But I needn’t have worried, the lawn is the main site for official events and hosts 24,000 guests during the annual Summer Garden Parties.

During the 18th century the garden was home to an exotic menagerie including an elephant and zebra.

It’s also used to land the Royal helicopter, naturally!

The Terrace

Decorated with Coade stone urns and sculpture, there’s also a 3-part frieze along the West front of Buckingham Palace.

Carved by Richard Westmacott the frieze shows King Alfred (according to Architectural Historian Pevsner).

In the middle is a depiction of Fame displaying Britain’s triumphs, also made of Coade Stone.

To the far left hand side, you’ll spy part of the building has tinted windows. These provide privacy for the palace’s very own indoor swimming pool.

The central feature of the garden, the lake is artificial and lined with clay. In Queen Victoria’s time it had a fountain in the middle and would frequently freeze over to allow for Royal skates on the ice.

In the middle of the lake is an Island, made into a wildlife sanctuary and home to over 60 types of wild birds. Prince Albert built two bridges to lead into the Island so he could feed and admire them.

The current Royal family have tried to keep up this green attitude with 99% of green waste recycled on site and the use of pesticides kept to a minimum (eventually planning to be phased out completely).

The Herbaceous Border

The burst of colour runs for 156 metres, packed with a diverse mix of flowers.

Each Monday the Head Gardener, working with the Royal florist, creates a small posy of fresh flowers from here  to be popped into a vase on the Queen’s writing table.

Other Highlights

Only parts of the gardens are available to freely stroll past and some parts are only accessible on one of the guided tours which sadly I didn’t get a chance to join.

However, the tour would take in sights like the 18th Century Summer House. Here’s a picture inside from my Blue Badge Guide colleague David Kelleher

You can also see the Waterloo Vase , an epic – 4.5m high – urn made of carrera marble. Originally Napoleon Bonaparte had his eyes on it having spotted the huge chunk of stone in Tuscany. However, the vase was instead presented to the Prince Regent (later King George IV) by the Duke of Tuscany after Napoleon was defeated a the Battle of Waterloo. It was then given to the National Gallery who promptly returned it to the Palace in 1906, presumably because it was far to big to put anywhere!

Have you been lucky enough to peer beyond the walls of Buckingham Palace and wander through the garden? Maybe you’ve even been to a garden party? Let me know in the comments!

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Chris Williams

I’ve visited the gardens before, but as part of a visit to the state rooms in the palace a couple of years ago. It looks like these visits are not operational any more. When I checked their webpage, only organised tours at the weekend are available, although tickets to the gardens only seem to be available quite easily.

Gary Curtis

I am due to go in August after a tour with yourself. So looking forward to seeing John Nash’s palace close up. Oh and the gardens of course!

Pam Lorraine

Yes I’ve been to one of the garden parties. At the time I was organising Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and courses in St Albans and Harpenden. Wasn’t introduced to any royals but saw them at fairly close quarters! Enjoyed the teas and a walk round the garden including the flamingos. On the way through to the garden I took the liberty of trying out one of the sofas.

I have been to a garden party enjoyed wandering round the garden and seeing the flamingos. Saw the Royals at fairly close quarters! The dainty afternoon tea was a treat, well worth dressing up for!

Geraldine Beare

I took my mother to a Garden Party in 2010. For her it was second time around as she had first gone, as a child, in the 1930s. At that time, she was studying at Italia Conti alongside Freddie Bartholomew and they were taken to one of the Children’s Garden Parties. As for the tale of the Mulberry Garden as it was originally known, Bruce Graeme tells the story in his book A Century of Buckingham Palace 1837-1937. It became somewhat notorious under Charles II though Pepys thought it ‘a very silly place, worse than Spring-Gardens.’

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How to have a picnic at Buckingham Palace this summer

Apr 9, 2021 • 2 min read

Visitors can check out the Rose Garden © Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021. Photographer John Campbell

If you've ever fancied checking out the garden at Buckingham Palace in England, or would enjoy the prospect of having a picnic in it, you can avail of the opportunity this year.

The grounds of Queen Elizabeth’s official London residence can be explored through self-guided tours for the first time. Visitors can also still take official guided tours. The current landscape of the historic 39-acre garden dates back to the 1820s when George IV turned Buckingham House into a palace. Despite its urban location, the garden is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna, including rare native plants seldom seen in London.

The garden is a rich biodiverse habitat, with more than 1000 trees and 320 different wildflowers and grasses, and features include the Rose Garden, summer house and wildflower meadow. Visitors will be free to explore a route through the garden that encompasses the 156-metre Herbaceous Border, plane trees planted by and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and views of the island and its beehives across the 3.5-acre lake. The unique opportunity to enjoy a picnic on one of the sweeping lawns will be part of the visit.

On weekends in April and May, garden enthusiasts can enjoy the tranquillity of the garden and discover its history and highlights by joining a guided tour. Visitors will experience the garden in springtime, with its meadows carpeted with primroses and bluebells, and flowering camellia, magnolia and azalea shrubs and trees. From May to September, special guided tours of Buckingham Palace will be available, and from July, access to the garden will be included in these visits.

Buckingham Palace Garden Guided Tours will run on weekends from 17 April to 16 May 2021. Tickets are priced at £21.50 ($29.47) for adults. Buckingham Palace Spring Guided Tours will run on Fridays and weekends from 21 May to 20 June 2021 and tickets are priced at £47.50 ($65.11) for adults. The Garden at Buckingham Palace will open from 9 July to 19 September and tickets are priced at £16.50 ($22.62) for adults.

The Garden Highlights Guided Tours should be booked with the main ticket and are priced at £6.50 ($8.91) for adults. The State Rooms and Garden at Buckingham Palace will run from 10 July to 19 September 2021, and tickets are priced at £60 ($82.24) for adults. Bookings can be made on the Royal Collection Trust website here.

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Buckingham Palace Gardens: How to Visit the Queen’s Garden

Until now, the only people allowed into Buckingham Palace Gardens were the Royal Family and those people lucky enough to have an invite to one of the Queen’s garden parties. But this summer, for the very first time, visitors can book tickets to visit the garden and have a picnic on the famous lawn.

So many people fancied walking round Buckingham Palace Gardens that tickets sold out within days of being released – but what’s it really like behind those high palace walls? Harry Brocklehurst  is here to tell you all…

The formal facade of Buckingham Palace is perhaps the most recognisable sight in Britain. The appearance of it rarely changes with its closed windows and curtains, gilded gates and uniformed Grenadier Guards. But the 39 acre garden that stretches behind the palace could not be more different. With its hundreds of trees and rare plants, the garden’s blooms put on an impressive show for each season.

Buckingham Palace is a residence built for formality but the gardens provide an escape for the Queen (and a jolly good walk for the corgis). On a guided tour, I was struck by just how personal the garden felt as the guide points out the Queen’s favourite bench and her summer house, complete with 1960s furniture and a wicker corgi.

For £16.50 visitors can wander around the main areas of the garden including the lawn where garden parties are held, the 3.5 acre lake that contains 2.5 million gallons of water and the 150 metre herbaceous border that is one of the longest in Britain. It is from this flower bed that the gardeners create a posy that is placed on the Queen’s desk each Monday so that she can view the garden’s progress through the seasons.

The Queen gave Pope Francis a pot of honey from these bees when she first visited him at the Vatican. The story goes that the Pope liked the honey so much that he asked his assistant to write to the Palace asking if he could have some more. Apparently his request was turned down.

These islands are rarely visited as they are mostly used as nesting areas for the many resident birds. The islands are so wild and dense in plants that eight years ago the white helleborine was discovered on the banks – these are very rare orchids that were last seen in London in 1900.

For an additional £6.50 visitors can join a guide for a tour of the more private areas of the garden. This tour is a must-see as without it you cannot see the famed rose garden (planted with 25 different rose beds), the Waterloo Vase (commissioned by Napoleon for his intended victory at Waterloo but later presented to King William IV), the Queen’s bench and the family tennis courts. The Queen’s father, King George VI, was a keen tennis player and competed at Wimbledon in the Mixed Doubles in 1926.

The gardens of Buckingham Palace act as a sort of living museum. Next to the North Terrace of the palace you’ll find two plane trees planted in 1840 to celebrate Victoria and Albert’s wedding. It’s not known who planted which one so they are both known as Victoria and Albert. Lining the lake are five willow trees dating from the 1880s. Although they are slowly dying off, the gardeners plant a new seedling for every dead tree to continue the garden’s rich diversity of plants.

Buckingham Palace is home to the largest private garden in London. It feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. You can still hear the noise of the traffic but the garden is hidden from the outside world. Our guide told us that the palace gardeners sometimes ride at the top of the number 52 bus which goes past the gardens to double check that the gardens can’t be seen from the top of a double decker. They plant fast growing trees wherever they see gaps.

Buckingham Palace is describing this summer’s opening as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to explore the gardens. We hope that the gardens are opened up to the public more frequently particularly given the high demand to visit them. It is still possible to book tickets to visit the gardens this summer. If you keep checking the Royal Collection website you’ll find some dates still available although it might not be possible to book onto one of the private tours.

Top Tips for Visiting

• Buckingham Palace Gardens are open to visitors this summer from 9th July to 19th September.
• Tickets for Buckingham Palace Gardens cost £16.50 for adults and £9 for children aged 5 to 16.
• Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics to have on the lawn. You can bring your own food and drink or buy something from the café in the garden. Alcohol is not permitted.
• The Garden Highlights Tour is an absolute must as it will take you round the more private parts of the garden. You need to book tickets for this before you arrive and you will not be allowed to take photos in this part of Buckingham Palace Gardens. Tickets cost £6.50 per person.

Disclosure: We were very kindly given free admission to Buckingham Palace Gardens but all opinions are honest and my own.

If you’re inspired to visit more Royal palaces and gardens take a look through some of these:

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It looks beautiful! The lake is especially nice. Glad you were able to look around and enjoy it.

We were really lucky, Lisa. I couldn’t believe how wild some of it felt, right in the middle of London.

What a wonderful opportunity! The photos are lovely.

Thanks Hilary. It was one of Harry’s summer highlights, that’s for sure!

Wow, so very beautiful. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks so much for commenting, Patrick. Really glad you enjoyed the post.

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Buckingham Palace & Garden Highlights Tour 2024

The 19 State Rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection and the Garden Highlights Tour includes the 39-acre garden - 'a walled oasis in the middle of London'. It boasts more than 350 types of wild flower, over 200 trees and a three-acre lake.

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Buckingham Palace & The State Rooms and Garden Highlights Tour

Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as the home and official residence of the King, the focus of national and royal celebrations, as well as the backdrop to the regular Changing the Guard ceremony.

Explore the magnificent State Rooms with a complimentary multimedia guide. Open to visitors for a limited number of weeks each summer. Dates for 2024 are Wednesday 11 July 2024 - Sunday 29 September.

The State Rooms are the public rooms in the Palace where The King and members of the Royal Family receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. There are 19 State Rooms, which mainly reflect the taste of George IV, who commissioned the architect John Nash to transform Buckingham House into a grand palace in 1825. The State Rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculpture by Canova, Sèvres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.

Many of the State Rooms have particular uses today. The Throne Room is used by The King for court ceremonies and official entertaining, and was the setting for the wedding photos of Prince and Princess of Wales. The White Drawing Room, perhaps the grandest of all the State Rooms, serves as a royal reception room for The King and members of the Royal Family to gather before official occasions.

At the end of your visit you can enjoy a walk through the 39 acres of gardens with splendid views of the Palace and the famous lake. 'A walled oasis in the middle of London'. It boasts more than 350 types of wild flower, over 200 trees and a three-acre lake.

Enjoy a summer’s day out at Buckingham Palace and combine a visit to the State Rooms with a guided walking tour of the famous Palace Garden. The Garden Highlights Tour explains the history of the Garden, taking you to the beautiful Herbaceous Border, the summer house and Rose Garden, the enormous Waterloo Vase and the Palace tennis court, where King George VI and Fred Perry played in the 1930s.

Between your self-guided multimedia tour of the State Rooms and guided tour of the Garden, the itinerary allows time for your group to take in the panoramic views of the lawn and the lake, enjoy tea and cakes from the Garden Café and to visit the Garden Shop.

Your Garden Highlights Tour will start 2 hours and 15 minutes after your State Rooms entry time and will last 45 minutes. Meet for the Garden Highlights tour at the bottom of the steps in to the Garden when you leave the State Rooms.

You should allow around 3-3.5 hours for the full experience at Buckingham Palace.

PLEASE NOTE: The East Wing is not part of the State Rooms tour.

Access Information

The State Rooms are fully accessible and they welcome visitors with different access requirements. If you require Special Access tickets they must be pre-booked by Bakers Dolphin at the time of your booking. Wheelchair access and step-free access are available via a separate entrance at the front of the Palace.

Timed entry to the Gardens and Palace State Rooms is usually booked for 12.30 and 15.00.

Depart 17.30.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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Pick-up Point Times

To make a booking firstly select the correct number of passengers that will be travelling. This will perform an availability check to see that there is sufficient space on the tour. If the date you want is available select the Book Now button and you will be guided through the online booking process. If your date is unavailable you can use the Call Back facility to discuss further options.

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The 5 Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

O n a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Check online for a current schedule of the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area, while sharing knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the Victoria Palace Theatre. The outings end at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

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Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour

Price: From $161

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.

Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines.

The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m.

Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection. The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

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Best of London Tour Including Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

Price: From $144; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here, you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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London: Explore the Parks and Palaces on a Morning Bike Tour

Price: From $37

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were impressed by the guides' knowledge. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

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The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $482

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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