The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace Tickets at Buckingham Palace
The Buckingham Palace State rooms are only open to the public for 2 months a year!
Customer reviews
Summarised reviews
- Spectacular visuals
Visitors to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace have praised the tour for its unique insight into the heart of the British monarchy. With its stunning architecture, beautiful artwork, and fascinating history, the State Rooms are a must-see for anyone interested in royalty and history. While some visitors have noted that the tour can be quite crowded, the vast majority have praised the tour for its informative and engaging guides, as well as its stunning setting. Overall, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are a truly unforgettable experience that is sure to leave visitors in awe.
Choose your experience
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace Tickets
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace open for just two months each year, offering rare access to nineteen lavishly decorated chambers used for official royal entertaining and state functions. You'll see priceless artwork from the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto. The Throne Room showcases the magnificent chairs used during coronation ceremonies, whilst the Ballroom displays royal treasures and ceremonial objects that tell stories of diplomatic meetings, state banquets, and royal celebrations throughout British history.
This experience takes you inside Britain's most famous royal residence, which serves as both the administrative headquarters of the British Monarchy and the official London residence of the sovereign. Professional guides share fascinating anecdotes about royal life and palace traditions as you explore rooms normally reserved for heads of state and foreign dignitaries. Your ticket also includes access to the palace gardens, spanning thirty-nine acres of pristine lawns, rose borders, and the famous lake that remains largely hidden from public view.
Highlights
- Nineteen State Rooms featuring priceless artwork from masters including Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto
- The Throne Room with magnificent coronation ceremony chairs
- The Ballroom displaying royal treasures and ceremonial objects
- Access to thirty-nine acres of private palace gardens with pristine lawns and rose borders
- Professional guided commentary revealing royal traditions and palace history
- Photography opportunities in designated areas to capture your royal visit
Plan Your Visit to The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
The State Rooms open seasonally when the Royal Family is not in residence, typically during summer months from July to October and select spring periods. Tours last approximately two hours and operate with restricted numbers to preserve the experience and protect the palace interiors. Advanced booking is essential due to limited daily capacity and exceptional demand.
Allow at least thirty minutes before your scheduled time for airport-style security screening. Large bags cannot be stored on-site, so travel light. Audio guides are available in multiple languages including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Mandarin. Smart casual attire is recommended with comfortable walking shoes essential for walking on various surfaces including gravel paths and marble floors.
While exploring royal London, consider visiting nearby Westminster Abbey tickets to see the coronation church, or experience the London Eye tickets for panoramic views across the capital. The palace is easily accessible by tube to Victoria, Green Park, or Hyde Park Corner stations.
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy walking through the State Rooms as you witness numerous masterpieces by legendary painters like Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Rubens
- Admire the antique French and English furniture scattered throughout the palace in the Green Drawing Room and the Ballroom
- Learn more about Buckingham Palace from a multilingual multimedia guide and exit to a small section of the manicured Palace Gardens that are open to the public
- Upgrade to see the Changing the Guard ceremony with a small group or go on an audio-guided or English-guided walking tour through the city of Westminster.
What's included
- Entry to all nineteen State Rooms
- Royal Collection works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto
- Access to the Throne Room and coronation chairs
- Access to the Ballroom and royal ceremonial displays
- Audio guide for self-guided tour
- Guided tour with a palace guide
- Restaurant meals and refreshments
- Tips and gratuities for on-site staff
Good to know
- Age suitability
- The State Rooms tour is suitable for children aged 5 and above. However, please note that the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the length and content of the tour.
- Know before you go
Security Screening: All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks, so arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Large bags and prohibited items cannot be stored on-site.
Seasonal Availability: State Rooms access is limited to specific periods when the Royal Family is not in residence. The Changing of the Guard ceremony operates year-round but may be cancelled during severe weather.
Dress Code: Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the tour involves considerable walking on various surfaces including gravel paths and marble floors.
Photography Rules: Photography is permitted in designated areas only. Flash photography and commercial filming require special permission. Respect all photography restrictions to protect priceless artwork.
Weather Considerations: Parts of the experience occur outdoors, so dress appropriately for London weather. The ceremony continues in light rain but may be cancelled during storms.
Booking Confirmation: Keep your tickadoo confirmation readily available on your mobile device or printed copy. Valid photo identification is required for all adult visitors for security purposes.
Group Size Limits: Tours operate with restricted numbers to preserve the intimate experience and protect the palace interiors. Late arrivals may result in denied entry due to strict scheduling requirements.
- Visitor guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please follow these guidelines. Photography is allowed for personal use, but tripods and commercial photography require permission from the Royal Collection Trust. Mobile phones should be kept on silent mode, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully towards other guests and the royal collection. Smoking and eating are not permitted within the State Rooms. Please follow the instructions of staff and security personnel at all times.
- Cancellation policy
These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked
How long does the complete tour experience last?
The full experience typically lasts 3-4 hours, including both the State Rooms tour (approximately 2 hours) and the Changing of the Guard ceremony (45 minutes), plus time for security checks and transitions between areas.
What times does the Changing of the Guard ceremony take place?
The ceremony usually occurs at 11:00 AM on scheduled days (typically Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), though times may vary seasonally. Check your tickadoo confirmation for exact timing.
Are the State Rooms accessible when the Royal Family is present?
No, State Rooms tours only operate when the Royal Family is not in official residence, typically during summer months (July-October) and select spring periods. Check availability when booking.
Can I take photographs inside Buckingham Palace?
Photography is permitted in designated outdoor areas and some interior spaces, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited. Specific restrictions apply in certain State Rooms to protect artwork.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues?
Yes, the palace provides wheelchair access to most areas via lifts and ramps. Audio tours and seating areas are available. Contact tickadoo when booking to arrange accessibility requirements.
What should I bring and what items are prohibited?
Bring valid photo ID and confirmation details. Large bags, food, drinks, and sharp objects are prohibited. Small cameras and mobile phones are permitted. Security screening applies to all visitors.
What happens if the ceremony is cancelled due to weather?
The Changing of the Guard may be cancelled during severe weather conditions. In such cases, alternative indoor activities or rescheduling options are typically offered through your booking platform.
Are guided tours available in languages other than English?
Audio guides are available in multiple languages including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Mandarin. Live guided tours are primarily conducted in English with some foreign language options available.
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