Is The Buckingham Palace Tour Worth It?

Buckingham Palace is a royal residence and the administrative headquarters of the monarch. Located in Central London, Buckingham Palace has been open to the public for tours in the summer months since 1993.

If you’re a fan of history, art, and royal culture, a tour of Buckingham Palace is very much worthwhile.

Visitors to Buckingham Palace can take a self-guided or private tour of the staterooms and gardens. Each stateroom at Buckingham Palace is lavishly furnished. Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace’s gardens are London’s most extensive private gardens.

How Much Does The Buckingham Palace Tour Cost?

The cost of visiting Buckingham Palace depends on when you visit and when you buy your tickets.

Buckingham Palace is only open for self-guided tours in the summer. In 2024, the self-guided tours of Buckingham Palace run from 11th July 2024 to 29th September 2024.

A self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace costs:

• Adults: £32 – £35
• 18 to 24-year-olds: £20.50 – £22.50
• Children (5 to 17) & Concessions: £16.00 – £17.50
• Children Under 5: Free

If you buy your tickets online in advance, you’ll pay the lower price. However, if you buy your tickets at the gate, then you’ll pay the higher price.

Alternatively, if you would like to tour Buckingham Palace outside of the summer months then you’ll need a private guide at the cost of £90 per person.

What Do You See on a Tour of Buckingham Palace

A self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace takes between 2 – 3 hours. This tour includes a free multimedia guide and the opportunity to see:

• The State Rooms: The magnificent State Rooms include the Throne Room, White Drawing Room, and Ballroom. These rooms are used for official and ceremonial occasions.
• The Grand Staircase: This is a spectacular entrance to the State Rooms, adorned with beautiful artwork and a stunning ceiling.
• The Picture Gallery: This gallery houses a remarkable collection of paintings. You’ll find works by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens here.
• The Royal Gardens: These are the most extensive private gardens in London.

Photos of inside Buckginahm Palace are not permitted. However, you are allowed to take pictures in The Royal Gardens.

When & Where to Buy Tickets for the Buckingham Palace Tour

There are several places you can buy tickets for a tour of Buckingham Palace. However, I recommend booking directly with the Royal Collection Trust.

You will get the cheapest rate when booking in advance. However, tickets can also be bought at the gates of Buckingham Palace (subject to availability).

Buckingham Palace Tour Dress Code

There is no formal dress code for a tour of Buckingham Palace. However, comfortable and respectable clothing is highly recommended.

Small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside Buckingham Palace. However, these must be held at your side and not worn on your back. Bags larger than 45cm × 30cm × 20cm are not allowed in Buckingham Palace, and there are no luggage storage facilities onsite.

Is the Buckingham Palace Tour Suitable For Children?

A tour of Buckingham Palace is suitable for children. However, pushchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms.

Instead, all pushchairs must be left at the beginning of the tour and collected afterwards. Here, you’ll also find toilets with baby-changing facilities.

Is the Buckingham Palace Tour Disability Friendly?

Buckingham Palace has several facilities to make the tour accessible to guests with disabilities. These include:

• Descriptive audio guides
• Video Tours in British Sign Language
• T-coil compatible multimedia handsets
• Step-free route