How to Visit Buckingham Palace in 2023: Tickets, Hours, Tours and More
Buckingham Palace is the most iconic place in London and must be part of your London visit. There are multiple places to visit in this Palace. I will share the maximum information regarding your visit to Buckingham Palace.
If you are looking for comfortable & affordable accommodation in London, consider Mowbray Court Hotel London. Budget-friendly hotel near Earls Court Tube Station provides the perfect base for your Buckingham Palace adventure.
How Can You Visit Buckingham Palace?
You can visit Buckingham Palace by booking tickets for available palace tours, State Rooms access, garden visits, or nearby royal attractions depending on the season. Visitors should always book tickets online in advance, check the latest opening dates, and plan extra time for security checks.
If you are staying in Earl’s Court or Kensington, Buckingham Palace is easy to reach by London Underground, taxi, or bus, making it a practical half-day London attraction.
About Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the Official residence of the British Royal Family since 1837, and it’s a historic place, located in the city of Westminster, London, England. It is a residence and an administrative headquarters of the British Monarch.
Buckingham Palace remains a main tourist attraction due to its historical value. Millions of people visit this historic place each year and perform different activities there.
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Why Buckingham Palace Should Be on Your London Itinerary
Buckingham Palace is not just a royal residence. It is one of London’s most recognised landmarks and a key part of the city’s history, culture, and ceremonial life. Many visitors include it in their itinerary because it connects easily with nearby attractions such as St James’s Park, The Mall, Green Park, Westminster, and Victoria.
For first-time visitors, Buckingham Palace is also a good starting point for exploring central London. You can enjoy the palace exterior, watch royal ceremonies when available, walk through nearby parks, and continue towards Westminster or Trafalgar Square on the same day.
About Opening, Closing Hours, and Tickets
Opening & Closing Hours
You can visit Buckingham Palace several weeks a year, but the access is only to the State Room and Palace Garden. But there is no open access for security reasons, and there are always Palace guided tours. Availability of tickets may vary as per the tours offered by the Palace. Opening dates, ticket prices, and tour availability can change each year, so it is always best to check the official Buckingham Palace or Royal Collection Trust website before planning your visit.
Palace Guided Tours
These tours are offered from November to May, only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Friday, the tour starts at 04:00 p.m.; on Saturday and Sunday, the tour is from 11:00 a.m. to 02:30 p.m.
Palace guided tours are offered on selected dates during the year. These tours usually provide access to important rooms, historic interiors, and royal collection highlights depending on the ticket type available at the time.
Because these experiences are popular, visitors should book in advance, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak travel months.
Summer Opening
The summer opening is from July 14 to September 24 for the whole week, but the State Room will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. You have to buy the tickets online in advance because it has a timed entry.
The opening time of the Palace in summer is 09:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. in July and August, but the last admission in September is till 04:15 p.m.
Guard Changing Ceremony
The Guard Changing Ceremony takes place outside Buckingham Palace and is free for the public to watch. The ceremony is very popular with tourists, so arriving early is recommended if you want a better viewing spot.
The schedule can change due to weather, security, royal events, or operational reasons. Always check the latest confirmed schedule before you travel
Tickets Prices
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of palace experience you choose, such as a guided tour, State Rooms visit, garden tour, Royal Day Out ticket, or special exhibition. Prices may also differ for adults, young adults, children, disabled visitors, groups, and families.
Before visiting, check the official booking page for the most accurate ticket prices and availability. Booking online in advance is usually the safest option because Buckingham Palace visits can sell out quickly during peak season.
Best Time to Visit Buckingham Palace
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace depends on what you want to experience. Summer is ideal if you want to see the State Rooms during the seasonal opening. Spring and early autumn are good for walking around nearby parks and enjoying central London with milder weather.
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard, plan your visit around the official ceremony schedule and arrive early. Morning visits are usually better for photographs and for combining Buckingham Palace with nearby attractions later in the day.
What to See in Buckingham Palace?
While you are on a visit to Buckingham Palace, try to see all the historic things and rooms. Here is a list of the most incredible things and places in the Places.
- Witness the Guard Changing Ceremony
- Walk into the White Drawing Room
- Walk through the Palace Garden and enjoy the nature
- Visit the Queens Gallery
- Visit the Throne Room
- Go into the Ballroom
- See the Iconic Gold State Coach
- Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Coach
- The Bronze Grand Staircase
- The State Rooms
- The Sculptures in the Marble Hall
Suggested Buckingham Palace Half-Day Plan
If you are planning a relaxed visit, start with the Changing of the Guard if it is scheduled that day. After the ceremony, take photographs outside Buckingham Palace and enjoy a walk through St James’s Park or Green Park.
If you have tickets for the State Rooms or a guided tour, keep enough time for security checks and the full visitor experience. Afterwards, you can continue towards Westminster, Victoria, or nearby dining options.
A simple half-day plan could be:
- Morning: Travel to Buckingham Palace
- Late morning: Watch the Changing of the Guard if scheduled
- Afternoon: Visit the State Rooms or nearby royal attractions
- Later: Walk through St James’s Park or return to your hotel
Places to Eat Near Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is located in the heart of London, so it’s easy to find multiple places to eat nearby. There are many options for dining on Buckingham Palace Road; choose according to your taste and budget.
Some of the famous ones are;
- The English Grill is a Traditional British Fare restaurant
- Bon Custo, an Italian Cuisine
- The Rubens at the Palace, a British Cuisine
- Cafe Bella Maria, an Italian Restaurant
You can also find cafés, casual dining spots, and quick food options around Victoria, Green Park, and Westminster. If you are visiting during busy tourist hours, it is a good idea to book restaurants in advance or plan a flexible lunch stop.
How to Reach Buckingham Palace from Earl’s Court
If you are staying near Earl’s Court, Buckingham Palace is easy to reach using London public transport. Visitors can take the Underground towards central London and connect through nearby stations such as Victoria, Green Park, or St James’s Park depending on the chosen route.
A taxi or ride-share is also an option if you are travelling with family, have mobility needs, or want a direct journey. Public transport is usually the better choice during busy traffic hours.
Where to Stay When Visiting Buckingham Palace
Choosing the right hotel location can make your Buckingham Palace visit easier. Earl’s Court and Kensington are practical areas for travellers because they offer strong transport connections, a quieter stay compared with some busier tourist zones, and easy access to central London attractions.
Mowbray Court Hotel offers a convenient base near Earl’s Court Tube Station, making it suitable for visitors who want to explore Buckingham Palace, museums, parks, shopping areas, and other London landmarks without staying far from public transport.
Why Stay at Mowbray Court Hotel London?
Mowbray Court Hotel is a smart choice for guests who want comfort, convenience, and access to London attractions. The hotel is located in Earl’s Court, close to transport links that help visitors move around London easily.
Guests can use the hotel as a base for sightseeing days, museum visits, shopping trips, theatre plans, and royal landmark tours. After visiting Buckingham Palace, you can return to Earl’s Court for a more relaxed evening while still staying well connected to the rest of London.
Book Direct for Your London Stay
If you are planning to visit Buckingham Palace, booking your accommodation early can help you secure better availability and a smoother travel experience. Mowbray Court Hotel London offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location for guests exploring central London.
For the best direct booking experience, check the official website, explore the latest room options, and plan your stay around your London itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the information in this blog is helpful for you and clarifies How to Visit Buckingham Palace in 2023.
There is nothing technical here; book online tickets before visiting the Palace because of limited tickets and security issues. Don’t rush everywhere; focus on the points mentioned in the blog, collect memories, and learn about the history.
Additionally, for those needing accommodations near Buckingham Palace, there are excellent hotels near Buckingham Palace that provide convenience and comfort.