Essential Tips for Visiting Buckingham Palace

 

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

If you’re planning a visit to Buckingham Palace, you’re in for a treat. This iconic symbol of British royalty is not only an architectural wonder, but also offers unique insights into the royal family’s world. From exploring the opulent State Rooms to witnessing the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, there’s something for everyone. Ensure you plan your trip properly – check opening hours, book tickets in advance, and think about transport options to enhance your experience. Follow our top tips for a royal day out!

 

Table of Contents:

• Buckingham Palace at a Glance
• Planning Your Visit: Practical Essentials
• Getting There: Best Ways to Reach Buckingham Palace
• The State Rooms: Inside the Heart of the Palace
• Don’t Miss: The Picture Gallery
• Experience the Royal Mews
• Explore the King’s Gallery (Queen’s Gallery)
• Changing of the Guard: An Iconic London Tradition
• Grab a Royal Souvenir: Palace & Gallery Gift Shops
• Relax at The Garden Café: A Seasonal Treat
• Accessibility: Inclusive Experiences at Buckingham Palace
• The Cumberland London: Your Gateway to Royal London
• Top Tips from Locals and Experts

 

Buckingham Palace at a Glance

If you’re searching for top tips for visiting Buckingham Palace, you’ve landed in the right spot. This legendary London attraction isn’t just an icon—it’s the beating heart of the city’s royal and cultural life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a curious Londoner, or a lover of British musical history, exploring Buckingham Palace offers you a rare peek behind the velvet rope of royalty. Let’s get straight to the essentials for organizing your best Buckingham Palace visit, with some cool, expert insights from The Cumberland London team.

 

Planning Your Visit: Practical Essentials

Before you stride through the front gates, a bit of planning goes a long way.

 

Check the Buckingham Palace Opening Times

The palace’s famed State Rooms are only open to the public for roughly 10 weeks a year, usually from late July through September. Always check the official schedules in advance for the most up-to-date Buckingham Palace hours.

For year-round experiences, the Royal Mews and the King’s Gallery (often still called the Queen’s Gallery) welcome visitors nearly every day, with rotating exhibitions and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

For details on exact opening dates and times for each area, it’s best to consult the official site. Here’s everything you’ll need for scheduling and ticketing from the source at the Royal Collection Trust.

 

Book Tickets in Advance

If you want to tour the palace interiors (especially during busy summer weeks) book tickets online as soon as dates go live. The Buckingham Palace visit commonly sells out, especially for weekends.

Consider a “Royal Day Out” ticket to see the State Rooms, Royal Mews, and the King’s Gallery all in one go. It saves you time, hassle, and a bit of money.

 

What to Wear and Bring

Dress for comfort: expect a fair bit of walking, some waiting outdoors, and variable London weather. Smart casual is the norm, much like any London hotel or theatre visit.

Large bags aren’t allowed inside the palace; you’ll need to check backpacks and coats into the cloakrooms for the State Rooms and King’s Gallery. Small handbags are fine, but expect some security screening.

Photography is not permitted inside the palace rooms, but you’re welcome to snap photos in the palace gardens at the end of the State Rooms tour.

 

 

Getting There: Best Ways to Reach Buckingham Palace

Location, Location: Central London Hotel Perks

Buckingham Palace sits squarely in Westminster – easy walking distance from Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, and St. James’s Park. If you’re staying at a Central London hotel such as The Cumberland Hotel, you’re less than 20 minutes away on foot or by Tube. That means you can enjoy a lie-in, a brilliant breakfast, and still make it in plenty of time for your Buckingham Palace visit.

 

Best Transport Tips for Buckingham Palace

Via Underground: Victoria Station, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner are the nearest Tube stops. Victoria is the major hub, with plenty of line options and lots of pre/post-visit cafes for Londoners and travellers alike.

By Bus: Routes 11, 211, C1, and C10 all stop close to Buckingham Palace.

Walking: If you’re already exploring London attractions on foot, the palace is at the heart of everything. Piccadilly, Mayfair, Oxford Street, and the West End are all within easy reach.

Train: If you’re coming from outside London, use Victoria Station and follow the well-signed pedestrian route straight to the forecourt.

Pro tip: Give yourself at least 30 minutes extra travel time at weekends and during school holidays. Crowds build fast in this part of town!

 

The State Rooms: Inside the Heart of the Palace

Step into Royal History. Set foot in the State Rooms and you’re quite literally treading in the footsteps of kings, queens, presidents, and musical icons (a Beatle or two have popped by over the decades). This is the grand route for official events and public investitures, and it’s only open during the summer months.

 

What You’ll See

A typical State Rooms tour covers the majestic Grand Staircase, the over-the-top Throne Room, and the glittering Ballroom – plus the State Dining Room and, of course, the legendary Picture Gallery.

The décor is opulent, sure, but you’ll also spot familiar sights from state occasions shared daily on the news – crystal chandeliers, gold-leaf detailing, and art treasures you’d expect in a national museum.

 

Tips for the State Rooms

• Entry is strictly by timed ticket. Don’t be late!
• Allow at least two hours to take everything in at a relaxed pace.
• Official guides and audio handsets (in multiple languages, including British Sign Language) add a rich layer of detail, so grab them at the entrance.
• There are no toilets inside the State Rooms. Head to the facilities either before your slot or once you exit to the garden.

For full info on what’s included, be sure to explore the main Buckingham Palace overview.

 

Don’t Miss: The Picture Gallery

Within the State Rooms, the Picture Gallery is a real highlight for any art lover. It regularly displays masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Canaletto, all picked from the Royal Collection. The gallery rotates selections, so there’s always something new – whether you’re a tourist on a one-off trip or a returning London local.

Keep your eyes peeled for temporary exhibitions tied to royal anniversaries or important historical events: you might spot original Beatles photos one visit, and Tudor portraits the next.

Pro tip: You cannot view the Picture Gallery independently – it’s integral to the full State Rooms tour.

 

Experience the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace

The Royal Mews is so much more than a fancy garage. It’s the working stable for the royal family’s coaches, horses, and ceremonial cars, located just around the corner from the palace’s main gates.

 

Why It’s Worth a Visit

• The Gold State Coach: Used in every major royal occasion since George IV, this is Britain’s answer to the Oscar statue, only much bigger.
• State vehicles: From Rolls-Royces to sleek Bentleys, peek inside the garages to see how the royals travel in style.
• Working stables: Grooms and staff are often on hand to answer questions and talk about the horses’ daily routines.

 

Practical Tips

• The Royal Mews is open year-round (closed most Fridays and select holidays).
• Bags are allowed inside – so it’s ideal if you’d rather not check your possessions.
• Audio guides included in the ticket.

For schedules and visitor info, take a look at the Royal Mews page.

 

Explore the King’s Gallery (Queen’s Gallery)

Just across from the main entrance, you’ll find the King’s Gallery. Before her passing in 2022, it was called the Queen’s Gallery, and most locals still use the old name. Whatever you call it, it’s a stylish, modern art gallery carved out from a former royal chapel.

• Changing exhibitions: Each show draws on works from the Royal Collection. Recent highlights include Fabergé eggs and Leonardo da Vinci drawings.
• Cloakroom: You’ll need to check in backpacks.
• Shop: At the exit, there’s a wonderful gift shop with exhibition souvenirs, art prints, and high-end keepsakes.

For what’s showing now and more, check out the Queen’s Gallery official site.

 

 

Changing of the Guard: An Iconic London Tradition

This open-air spectacle is free, ever-popular, and as quintessentially London as afternoon tea or The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park.

• Occurs daily from April to July, and most alternate days the rest of the year (weather permitting)
• Starts around 11:00 am, but aim to arrive at least 45 minutes early for the best spot

 

Where to Stand?

The area outside the palace gates is prime, but it fills up first. The Victoria Memorial’s steps across the road provide a sweeping view and space for great photos. If music’s your thing, stand close to the gates, the regimental band often performs a cracking (sometimes surprising) playlist.

For the most reliable calendar and daily timings, the official Changing the Guard calendar is spot-on.

 

Tips for Crowds

• Keep belongings to a minimum; crowds and extra bags don’t mix.
• If you’re short, bring a small fold-up stool – it’s popular with local photographers!
• Don’t push for the railings (there’s no need); stay relaxed.

 

Grab a Royal Souvenir: Palace & Gallery Gift Shops

Main Buckingham Palace Shop

Almost everyone exits the State Rooms through the official Buckingham Palace Shop – your go-to for a curated haul of royal-themed gifts: fine china, posh homeware, and limited edition commemorative creations. Everything’s official, and you’ll see plenty of locals snapping up items for special occasions.

Look out for Christmas baubles (even in August), Queen Elizabeth II tributes, and a handy guidebook selection.

 

Queen’s Gallery Shop

Distinct from the main palace outlet, the Queen’s Gallery Shop focuses on art print editions, books, and unique gifts inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions. It’s a quieter option, especially during summer months.

Both palace shops have a robust online presence, ideal for post-visit shopping sprees – peruse the offerings at the Royal Collection Shop.

 

Relax at The Garden Café: A Seasonal Treat

If you’ve booked tickets to the State Rooms during the summer opening, don’t rush off at the exit. Make time to unwind at the palace’s secret garden oasis: the Garden Café.

• Open only for ticket holders, July to late September
• Offers classic teas, freshly baked scones, sandwiches, and a fine selection of cakes
• All with a peaceful view of the palace lawns, away from the city noise

Top Tip: Space is limited, and it’s always busy after lunchtime. Early or late visits give you more room to stretch out and soak up those garden vibes.

 

Accessibility: Inclusive Experiences at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has improved accessibility services, so all guests can enjoy its treasures:

• Multimedia guides are available in British Sign Language, plus descriptive audio for visually impaired visitors
• Special Access Route: This avoids steps and offers an easier route through the State Rooms for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges
• Companion tickets: Free entry for a registered carer/companion
• Accessible toilets in the visitor entrances and exits

Advance booking is necessary if you require step-free access or Blue Badge parking, so be sure to request these when buying tickets. The official accessibility details are regularly updated.

 

The Cumberland London: Your Gateway to Royal London

Discover London’s Rhythms, Royalty, and Rock ’n’ Roll

When you’re plotting a Buckingham Palace visit, where you stay makes all the difference. At The Cumberland Hotel, we’re perfectly tuned to Central London’s beat – just moments from Hyde Park, across from famous Oxford Street shopping, and footsteps to the West End.

• Morning stroll to Buckingham Palace? Less than 20 minutes via Green Park or Park Lane
• Soundtrack your trip: our hotel’s musical roots echo in every detail, from our lobby to our live music stage, giving you a royal welcome with a cool London twist
• Concierge that actually cares: we’ll suggest concert venues, museum nights, and best local events alongside tips for the palace

It’s a clever base for navigating London attractions, beating the crowds, and mixing cultural hotspots with late-night London soundtracks.

 

Top Tips from Locals and Experts

• Go for Off-Peak Hours: If you want to beat the crowds, aim for the first or last time slots of the day during the public State Rooms opening. Early morning and late afternoon tours are generally quieter, ideal for a reflective wander.
• Download the Multimedia Guide: It’s included with tickets, and it’ll guide you from room to room with just the right amount of insider detail. Don’t want to use your phone? The official handsets are clean and easy to use.
• Plan for London Weather: Pack an umbrella. Even summer days can be rainy. There’s no shelter when queuing at the forecourt, so dress smartly and prepare for changeable skies.
• Combine Your Visit: There’s so much to explore nearby. Pair your palace trip with a stroll through St. James’s Park, a visit to the Royal Academy, or a behind-the-scenes tour of the West End’s musical theatres (The Cumberland London team can organise tickets and give local tips).
• Dine Like Royalty (on a Smart Budget): Lunch at the Garden Café is a treat, but if it’s full or out of season, wander back towards Victoria for a range of cafes and classic London pubs—perfect for post-palace chats.
• Check Out Live Music Nearby: If you’re inspired by London’s musical history, take time post-visit to experience a gig or open-mic night. The Cumberland Hotel hosts regular live sessions and is a mere stroll from iconic venues like the 100 Club. Our team can fill you in on what’s hot that week.
• Be Flexible: It’s London; transport can be unpredictable, parades may close roads, and sudden showers can send crowds indoors. Keep your plans adaptable—a little improvisation is all part of the adventure.

 

 

Ready to make the most of your Buckingham Palace experience? Whether you’re in London for work or fun, staying at The Cumberland puts the city’s royal, musical, and contemporary culture within strolling distance. Let us be your home base for exploring London’s grand traditions and cutting-edge scenes. Book your stay then step right into the energy, elegance, and rhythm of the capital.