Buckingham Palace: Is it worth a visit?

March 1, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

Buckingham Palace in London is the official residence of the British royal family and one of the most famous sights in london. Millions of tourists visit this iconic palace every year, but is a visit to Buckingham Palace worth it? In this blog we are going to tell you all about it.

History of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham House was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and was originally a magnificent country house. This private residence was later purchased by King George III. This king transformed and enlarged the mansion into a palace. And from 1837, Buckingham Palace became the main residence of the British royal family when Queen Victoria was the first to move into the palace.

Today, Buckingham Palace is more than just a palace; it is a symbol of British history and a venue for important events such as state visits, official ceremonies and famous appearances on the royal balcony.

What is the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace?

The changing of the guard is one of the most iconic moments at Buckingham Palace in London. This ceremony, steeped in tradition, is a true spectacle that draws people from all over the world.

What happens during the changing of the guard?

The changing of the guard, also known as Guard Mounting, is when the guards stationed at Buckingham Palace hand over their protective role to a new team.

The guards are easily recognized by their red uniform and impressive bear hat. In winter, they also wear a gray long overcoat. During the ceremony, the guards march and move to military music that adds a solemn dimension to this ritual.

Do you need to buy an admission ticket for the changing of the guard?

No, you do not need to buy an admission ticket to attend the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The changing of the guard ceremony is a free activity.

When is the changing of the guard?

In the winter, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11:00 am. And in summer (June and July), the changing of the guard takes place every day. Please note that this may vary depending on the season or weather conditions. We advise you to check the calendar on the official website.

How long does the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace last?

The official Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace lasts 45 minutes, but we recommend you arrive at least an hour in advance if you want a good spot to watch the changing of the eight properly.

How can you attend the changing of the guard?

During the changing of the guard, the guards follow a specific route. They gather at St. James’s Palace, in front of Wellington Barracks, and march to Buckingham Palace. Therefore, it is not easy to see the ceremony in its entirety.

If you want to enjoy a good view and see as much of the changing of the guard as possible, we recommend being there at least around 9:00/9:30 am. Take a seat on the steps of the Victoria Memorial from where you can get a better view and not only see the arrival of the guards and the music band, but also admire the ceremony on the forecourt.

Did you know. There are other changing of the guard events in London. Although less well known, they are still very beautiful to see.

1. At the Tower of London : every day at 3 p.m. there is a daily changing of the guard by the guards, the Beefeaters.

2. Horse Guards Parade : daily at 11:00 am (10:00 am on Sundays) outside Whitehall. This is a changing of the guard on horseback with the Royal Cavalry.

Visit Buckingham Palace

During a city trip in London you can also visit Buckingham Palace and admire the different parts of the palace inside.Keep in mind that some events take place only in the summer, between mid-July and the end of September, when the royal family is absent.

What can you see when visiting Buckingham Palace

During your visit to Buckingham Palace, you can not only watch the changing of the guard, but also admire the inside of the palace. including the rooms and parts of the palace listed below.

1. The 19 State Rooms
2. The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace
3. the Royal Collection
4. The east wing and balcony of the palace

1. The state chambers or ceremonial rooms.

The State Rooms are among the most prestigious rooms in the palace. These 19 rooms are used by the royal family during official receptions or important ceremonies.
These include:

1. The throne room is used for ceremonies such as royal weddings or official photos
2. The Grand Ballroom : This is the largest room in the palace. Banquets and other
3. prestigious events take place here.
4. The Photo Gallery
5. The Gallery of Paintings
6. The White Salon: here is a cylindrical desk
7. The Blue Salon
8. The Green Salon
9. And many more

Each room is richly decorated with tapestries, chandeliers and ornate ceilings. Also on display is a collection of artwork and furniture belonging to the Royal Collection, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens.

The State Rooms can be visited only in the summer, between mid-July and late September, when the royal family is on vacation.

2. Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace

Opened in 2002 on the occasion of Elisabeth II’s jubilee, this exhibition space allows you to discover works of art from the world’s most important art collection, the Royal Collection. The gallery consists of two parts: a permanent exhibition where visitors can discover paintings, photographs and portraits of the royal family, and a temporary exhibition.

3. The east wing and balcony of the palace.

Open only since July 2024, this new tour lets you discover areas of the palace not normally accessible, such as the Central Room or the Yellow Salon, and you can traverse the Main Corridor. You can also discover the distinctive central balcony where Elizabeth II appeared during her coronation in 1953 and Diana after her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981.

This tour is open only in the summer and consists of a tour of the state rooms and the east wing of the palace.

4. The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace

Open year-round, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace features a large collection of carriages and coaches used by the royal family for weddings and other special events. The most famous piece in this collection is the Gold State Coach , a carriage more than 260 years old that was used at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953.

Where is Buckingham Palace located in london?

Buckingham Palace is located in the Westminster district, at the intersection of James’s Park and The Green Park.

The nearest subway stations to the Palace are Victoria on the Circle line , Green Park on the Jubilee line or Hyde Park Corner on the Piccadilly line.

Special offers for a city trip to London

If you are going on a city trip to London and would like to visit Buckingham Palace in London, take advantage of the offers below!