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The King’s official London residence is not only a symbol seen around the world but also a working palace where ceremonial occasions and public rituals take place. Visitors can time their trip to witness the famous Changing the Guard ceremony, wander through the grand State Rooms when they are open, or combine several experiences in one day.
Seasonal access varies: the palace normally opens the State Rooms each summer and runs small-group guided tours outside that period. For 2026, the summer openings are listed from 09 Jul 2026 – 27 Sept 2026, while the East Wing Exclusive Guided Tour runs from 09 Jan 2026 – 01 Jun 2026. Planning ahead and booking tickets early is essential to secure preferred dates and add-ons.
Plan your visit
Tickets and opening times should be checked before you travel. Standard summer admissions give access to the palace State Rooms, and combined options such as the Royal Day Out include visits to the Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery on the same day, saving around 10% on combined ticket prices. There are also specialist combinations: for example, a Garden Highlights Tour or an East Wing guided add-on run on selected summer dates (for summer 2026 some combined visits run from 11 Jul 2026 – 27 Sept 2026). Some discounted £1 tickets are available for people on certain UK benefits; check eligibility and book via the official channels.
Booking for groups and schools
Group bookings must be made in advance and groups of 15 or more qualify for a group discount. Coaches can drop passengers off at Grosvenor Place for collection after the visit, but there is no coach parking directly outside the palace. Schools can create curriculum-linked experiences during the summer with workshops and learning resources; outside the main summer openings, curriculum sessions continue at the Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery. Contact the booking team for group arrangements and schedules.
What you will see inside and out
The palace tour leads through a sequence of lavish rooms used for state occasions and official receptions. The State Rooms showcase ceremonial interiors and art collections; audio or multimedia guides describe the function of major spaces. If you prefer a more focused visit during closed months, the East Wing Exclusive Guided Tour provides access to parts of the palace only available on these small-group, expert-led walks.
The garden and outdoor highlights
Beyond the building, the Buckingham Palace Garden is the largest private garden in central London and functions both as a leisure space and a venue for official entertaining. The grounds include a long Herbaceous Border (156 metres), a lakeside habitat, a Rose Garden and features such as the Waterloo Vase. The garden supports diverse wildlife: more than 1,000 trees, roughly 325 wild-plant species, and over 30 breeding bird species have been recorded. Guided garden highlights tours are offered as add-ons and provide context on planting, ecology and the garden’s role in royal events.
Accessibility and visitor services
Accessibility arrangements aim to make the palace welcoming. Concessionary rates exist for visitors with disabilities, and a free access companion ticket can be reserved online. The standard public route is not fully step-free; if you need step-free access or accessible parking you must pre-book through the Specialist Sales team at +44 (0)303 123 7324 or email [email protected]. Accessible toilets, limited seating, and BSL and audio-descriptive multimedia options are available. A number of wardens are trained as Dementia Friends; please ask staff for support during your visit.
Practical tips and contact details
Guided commentary by third parties is not permitted inside the palace, but a free multimedia guide is provided in multiple languages and includes a BSL option. If you are travelling by coach, plan your pick-up at Grosvenor Place. For general visitor enquiries and ticket purchases call +44 (0)303 123 7300 or visit the official website to sign up for email alerts about ticket releases and seasonal announcements. Arrive prepared: the indoor State Rooms can warm significantly during summer openings, and some tours finish with an exit across a gravel garden path.
Whether you aim to see the ceremonial rooms, learn about the palace’s history, or stroll in the private garden, advance planning and awareness of the available services will help you make the most of a royal day out at Buckingham Palace.