London visitor guide
Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace, so the public experience is seasonal and focused on the State Rooms rather than a year-round open-house visit. The main draw is seeing the official ceremonial rooms used for receptions and state occasions.
Photo by Andrzej PL
The story behind the place
Buckingham Palace began as Buckingham House, but its role changed as the monarchy became more public and ceremonial. Queen Victoria made it the official London residence of the British monarch in 1837, and later building campaigns turned it into the palace known worldwide today. The State Rooms are not just showpieces: they are still used for official entertaining, receptions, and state occasions, which is why public access is seasonal and carefully managed. That working-palace status gives a visit its appeal: you are seeing a place that remains part of the machinery of the British state, not a static museum. The palace also carries layers of change visible in its architecture and displays, from the historic interiors and royal art collection to the continuing reservicing work aimed at keeping the building functional and improving access for future visitors.
[6][5][3][1][4]Know before you go
Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace, so the public experience is seasonal and focused on the State Rooms rather than a year-round open-house visit. The main draw is seeing the official ceremonial rooms used for receptions and state occasions.
[3][5]Royal Collection Trust suggests allowing 2 to 2½ hours for the Summer Opening. The route ends with a long walk through the garden on a gravel path, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
[1]Advance booking is recommended; Summer Opening uses timed admission in 15-minute slots.
[1]Plan about 2 to 2½ hours for the Summer Opening visit.
[1]Pushchairs, scooters, and bikes cannot be taken into the Palace; baby-care facilities are at the end of the route, and baby carriers/hip seats can be borrowed subject to availability.
[1]Visit during the summer opening period; 2026 public opening runs 9 July–31 August daily, then 3–27 September Thursday–Monday, with last admission earlier than closing.
[7][4]The Palace and Palace Garden are accessible; step-free access is available via the Access route, and a free access companion ticket is offered for all visits.
[1][2]Best for a central London green escape with highly visible birdlife, a lake, and strong sightlines to royal/ceremonial landmarks. The Royal Parks highlights the pelicans, the lake, Duck Island, Horse Guards Parade, and classic views from the water’s edge.
Westminster Abbey is a working, inclusive church and the UK’s coronation church since 1066. Visitors come for the Gothic architecture, the shrine of Edward the Confessor, royal tombs, and the concentration of memorials and burials tied to British history.
Covent Garden is an open-air West End destination centered on the Piazza and Market Building, with heritage architecture, the Apple Market, street performers, dining, and shopping. The official site frames it as a place for browsing, eating, theatre-going, and seasonal visits.
Last updated September 14, 2026
