Buckingham Palace

Though open to the public only during select months, Buckingham Palace welcomes hundreds of thousands each summer. Visitors eager to glimpse the intricate State Rooms or witness the Changing of the Guard should purchase tickets early, as afternoon lines can grow long, especially when schools break for holidays. Navigating transit links is simple, thanks to clear signs and frequent buses and trains. Accessibility options help families with strollers or travelers with mobility needs enjoy the palace at their own pace.

• Best time to visit: Late summer mornings (July–September), or right at opening time for fewer crowds.
• How to get there: St. James’s Park or Green Park stations (London Underground), city buses, or a short walk from Victoria Station.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access provided; family restrooms and ramps available; guided tours offer hearing loops.
• Average visit duration: 2 to 3 hours for State Rooms and gardens; 30 to 45 minutes for witnessing the Changing of the Guard.

Behind those world-famous gates, treasures and traditions unfold for curious guests. Each summer, the ornate State Rooms sparkle with gold-leafed ceilings, formal portraits, and sparkling chandeliers, open for guided tours that highlight the palace’s ongoing role in British life. Soft lawns, carefully trimmed hedges, and lakes fill the gardens, offering a rare sense of calm just steps from busy city streets. For photographers and history buffs, moments abound: scarlet soldiers march in precise formation, secret passages hint at palatial mysteries, and centuries-old artworks tell vivid stories of English royalty.

• Key sights: State Rooms tour, Throne Room, Grand Staircase, palace gardens, the famous gates and balcony.
• Unique experiences: Changing of the Guard ceremony (late morning), guided tours with royal facts, themed exhibitions (art, jewels).
• Photo-worthy locations: Front gates at sunrise, the Queen Victoria Memorial, palace façade with mounted guards, and the flowerbeds along Constitution Hill.
• Cultural or historical fact: Buckingham Palace has served as the monarch’s main home since 1837; more than 50,000 guests are welcomed annually for banquets, receptions, and garden parties.