Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most popular attractions; it also houses the monarch. I can say without a doubt that this beautiful palace would somehow provide a glimpse of Britain’s royalty’s past. Stately capital, well-made gardens, a beauteous garden, and the refreshing changing of the guard—this royal palace is something for which people visit the United Kingdom. Suppose you are an active lover of United Kingdom history or simply a tourist who wants to come face-to-face with the best parts of British culture. In that case, there are many things that one can do at Buckingham Palace to make this tour an enjoyable experience.
Discover Buckingham Palace
Explore top things to do in and near Buckingham Palace.
1. Explore the State Rooms
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Those staterooms are the primary object to observe in Buckingham Palace, where historical and modern perspectives can be enlightened together. These rooms are open in the summertime, and as a rule, there are excellent artworks in these halls, paintings of such famous painters as Rembrandt and Rubens, for instance. There is so much drama in this building that the most famous of all the chambers has to be the throne, which is used for investing, among other things. Visiting these stately rooms, one starts to comprehend the historical past and the presumed function of the palace within British monarchy history to the present day. Every room has a story, beginning with the pompous furniture and the complicated details of the British monarchy.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (July to September)
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
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2. Witness The Changing Of The Guard
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If everybody enjoys one performance and is most associated with London, it is the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. As it turns out, this very occasion—right in front of Buckingham Palace is one colourful spectacle of British royal pomp. The guards in red tunics with bearskin caps look like soldiers marching to military tunes, and the entire act of the guards’ performance is professional and carries the touch of ceremonial attire all along. It lasts approximately 45 minutes and is a chance to acquire knowledge of British traditions, at least to some extent. It is advisable to arrive early for this event because it is a jam-packed daily event. Everyone’s perseverance will be rewarded by the sheer elegance, the precise appearance of the façade, and the royal countryside location of the palace.
Timings: 11:00 AM (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
3. Visit the Royal Mews
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Indeed, the term royal mews goes beyond the notion of stables. This is essentially a functional department of the royal household, which manages all the road transport functions for the Quin and the rest of the royal family members. The Royal Mews houses a collection of used royal carriages, including the gold state carriage for hire for every George IV coronation. They get to see the stables where the glamour horses that pull the numerous carriages are kept and the talented workshops where this fantastic horse-drawn carriage collection remains in perfect working order. The sightseeing at the Royal Mews indicates the arrangements for the royal ceremony and the state occasion. It is a place of honour and longevity, but it still contains exciting points of view as to how the British monarchy functions.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (March to October)
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1W 1QH, United Kingdom
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4. Explore the Queen’s Gallery
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The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace serves as an art gallery for the public. It displays temporary exhibitions of the Royal Collection’s paintings and drawings, furniture, and decorations, all splendidly linked to the location. Each exhibition is tightly themed to give another aspect of the Royal Collection so that the exhibition gives people a rare opportunity to see some of the world’s best artwork and the gallery provides information about the history and relevance of the works. Regardless of whether one is an art lover or a historian, The Queen’s Gallery has to be delightful because it tells volumes about the British Monarchs, their sense of aesthetics, and the cultures that they brought in.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
5. Tour the Royal Gifts Exhibition
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More specifically, the Royal Gifts Exhibition, conducted at Buckingham Palace, has no equivalent and looks into the gifts given to the present monarch by various heads of state and other overseas visitors. This vast field of world-class performances presents exciting exhibits about the history of friendly relations between the two countries, from jewels to history and ethnography. For this reason, whenever you go through the various segments of the exhibition, you learn how the UK is connected to the rest of the world. With the Royal Gifts Exhibition, the world is shown the importance of the monarch in this kingdom, specifically that he or she was the most powerful. As I turned to the exhibition, I saw how royal diplomacy and the process of cultural exchange were also part of Britain’s imperial past.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (July to September)
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
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6. Attend a Garden Party
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That is why receiving an invitation to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace is an onerous honour for those individuals who have been privileged to be extended an invitation by the Queen. These mixed parties occur in the palace gardens, probably the only time thousands of people from all classes mix to take tea and cakes and have fun. Military bands keep the festive mood; people come and go dressed up for the occasion. Even though the invitation to the garden party can be regarded as one of the few expressly selected occasions of the year, this, somehow or another, is rather typical of British manners and hospitality. That is a rather peculiar opportunity to witness the friendly side of the British royal family without much pressure or fake smiles.
Timings: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Invitation Only)
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
7. Discover the Buckingham Palace Shop
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The Buckingham Palace Shop brings you a wide range of souvenirs and gifts, many of which are treasures in the Royal Collection. Whether commemorative china and fine jewellery or books and toys, something will interest everyone. Most items are store-specific and perfect for souvenirs from your visit to Buckingham Palace. For example, the shop has a wide range of exclusive merchandise and limited editions, including collectables for royalty enthusiasts. When you’re looking for the perfect present for someone or something to keep for your memories, stop by the Buckingham Palace Shop. It’s more than just a gift shop; it’s a curated collection that reflects the elegance and history of the palace itself.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
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Explore the splendour of the State Rooms, observe the world-famous Changing of the Guard, and enjoy the beautiful garden at Buckingham Palace. Whether you’re a fan of royal history or simply want to catch a glimpse of one of London’s most prominent landmarks, Buckingham Palace offers the opportunity to see it in all its royal glory. This landmark should be on your itinerary to make your trip to London City memorable.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Buckingham Palace
When is the best time to visit Buckingham Palace?
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is during the summer months when the state rooms are open to the public. The doors are open from July to September.
Do I get to see the changing of the guard ceremony?
Yes, there is no charge to view the Changing of the Guard, which occurs in front of Buckingham Palace every day at 11:00 AM, from April through July, and on alternate days throughout the rest of the year.
How much time do I need at Buckingham Palace?
To appreciate your visit to Buckingham Palace fully and see the state rooms, gardens, and exhibitions, you should allow about 2–3 hours.
Is Buckingham Palace visitable by people with disabilities?
Yes, Buckingham Palace accommodates visitors with disabilities. It has facilities for ramps, lifts, and other services meant for a comfortable tour.
Is it possible to take photographs inside Buckingham Palace?
Photography isn't allowed inside staterooms, but you may snap pictures of palace interiors within the palace gardens and outside.
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With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
