How to Visit Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Just about every tourist to London will want to at least walk up to the gates to see it and its stone faced, red coated guards. However, in recent years it has become possible to tour the inside of the palace.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Plan your dates. Buckingham Palace is not open all year round for visits. You can visit the State Rooms from the end of July until the end of September. Hours are from 9.45am until 6pm, with the last admission at 3.45pm.

2. Plan your time. London has many historic sights, so finding time to visit all of them on your trip may need to military style timing. The palace estimates that a visit lasts between 2-2.5 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

3. Decide what option you want. There are 3 different areas of Buckingham Palace you can visit: the State Rooms, Royal Mews and The Queen's Gallery. You can visit them individually or purchase 'The Royal Day Out' package and see all 3. 'The Royal Day Out' is the best option as you can see and learn more about the palace. The ticket costs around £30 per adult. If you are a family there is a special family price.

4. Check for date exceptions. Each year there are a few days during the seasonal opening that you cannot visit. Make sure to check these in advance so you are not disappointed.

5. Book your ticket. You can purchase your ticket on the day at the palace's Ticket Office. However, since July-September is peak tourist season in London there will be a lot of people wanting to visit Buckingham Palace, so try to book in advance. This will avoid long lines. You can book over the phone by calling ([phone] or online (see link to the website below).

6. Get to Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace is easy to find and get to. It is centrally located in London and within walking distance of multiple tube stations. The nearest tube station is Green Park. Tube stations also nearby are St. James's Park, Victoria Station and Hyde Park Corner.

7. Ask for an audio tour. Once you have arrived at Buckingham Palace don't forget to request and audio tour or guide book. The guides are available in a number or languages.

8. Visit the gift shop. At the end of your visit make sure to check out the gift shop for some cute and fun souvenirs.

Tips & Warnings

• Book in advance
• Check your dates

Resources

• Buckingham Palace Visitor Information

[FrazzledNanny]

on 2/19/2009 Wow! Another great article. 5*