When the Queen is away from her royal residence for her annual visit to Balmoral, the grand entrance of Buckingham Palace opens for curious holidayers who want to get a glimpse of royal life. Nineteen exquisite state rooms contain unbelievable treasures like paintings of from such famous artists as Rubens, Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Poussin to refined English and French furniture. The rich decorations will dazzle any tourist leaving them simply speechless. The magnificent ballroom, the highly disciplined Royal Guards, and the luxurious garden and lake all make for life-long memories. The tour runs from late July or early August to late September depending on the time of the Queen's departure and return.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Buckingham Palace?
Between late July and late September is the ideal time to visit Buckingham Palace as this is when the state rooms are open to visitors. During these periods, the interior of the Palace is accessible, and visitors can witness the grandeur of the royal household. Crowds are smaller during mid or late August compared to early August or September. So to have a more comfortable and less crowded experience, one should consider visiting during this time. Show more
Where are the state rooms located in the Palace?
The state rooms occupy the heart of Buckingham Palace, specifically on the first floor. These 19 rooms, which are used for state occasions, display some of the finest works of art, furniture, and treasures of the monarchy. Visitors are taken through each of the rooms in a specific order to enable them to have a more comprehensive understanding and immersive experience of the Palace. Show more
What famous artists' paintings can be found in Buckingham Palace?
At Buckingham Palace, there is a vast collection of highly-selected artworks that date back centuries ago. Some famous artists whose paintings can be found at the palace are Rubens, Poussin, Canaletto, and Rembrandt. Maintained by a professional curator, these works of art are relevant and changing to reflect the Palace's taste and interests. Visitors, unfortunately, can only see a limited portion of the collection that has been pre-selected to provide a comprehensive overview of the Palace's art and taste. Show more
How long is the tour of Buckingham Palace?
Typically, the tour of Buckingham Palace lasts for about two hours. Visitors follow a specific route that takes them through the main State rooms and the garden. The tour allows for proper witnessing of the Changing of the Guard performance, which is quite an experience. The Palace ensures the tour is informative and gives unforgettable experiences to all visitors. Show more
Are there any other unique experiences to have in the Palace besides the state rooms?
Apart from being taken through the State rooms, visitors can witness the state vehicles available in the Royal Mews or buy souvenirs from on-site shops. During summer openings, the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties are a fantastic spectacle that everyone should witness. These parties celebrate the love of food, music, and merrymaking in lush gardens surrounding the Palace. Inviting people from all over the world, these parties bring together cultures to celebrate together. Show more
