Buckingham Palace & Guided Garden Tour

Enjoy a very special visit to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of His Majesty The King and one of the most iconic royal buildings in the world.

 

Begin the day with a self-guided visit to the magnificent State Rooms, where you can explore the grand interiors used for official ceremonies and royal receptions. Admire the beautiful furnishings, priceless works of art and impressive architecture, while discovering the history and splendour of this remarkable royal residence.

 

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided Garden Highlights Tour with an expert Palace Warden. Discover the history and highlights of Buckingham Palace Garden, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of London. See the Herbaceous Border, Rose Garden, summer house and the impressive Waterloo Vase, while learning more about the gardens and their royal connections.

 

 

Good to know

 

• Your visit will start with a self-guided tour of the magnificent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace. Your visit includes a complimentary multimedia guide available in nine languages.

• After the State Rooms there is time for you to take in the panoramic view of the lawn from the Garden Café on the West Terrace and to visit the Garden Shop.

• Your Garden Highlights Tour will start from near the steps on the West Terrace, 2 hours and 15 minutes after your State Rooms entry time and will last around 45 minutes. The tour starting location is clearly signposted.

• The guided tour of the gardens will take place in English.

• This is a walking tour and takes place in all weather, unless it is unsafe to do so.

• Please allow around 3-3.5 hours for the full experience at Buckingham Palace.

• Photography is not permitted on the garden tour.

 

Palace Entry Time: 11.15

Garden Tour: 13.30

 

 

 

 

Information from Buckingham Palace

• You must arrive 30 minutes before the entry time printed on your ticket.

• When you arrive, you will pass through an airport-style security check. Read more about  security & luggage

• You cannot take photographs within the State Rooms. Read more about  photography, filming & mobile phones.

• Eating and drinking aren't allowed inside the Palace, with the exception of bottled water.

• Toilets and baby-care facilities are available at the end of your tour.

 

Photography, filming and mobile phones

Strictly no photography or filming at all is permitted inside Buckingham Palace.

Once you enter the Garden during the Summer Opening of the Palace, photography and filming for non-commercial purposes are encouraged. We love seeing your photos on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!

Applications for commercial filming should be submitted through this application form.

Out of consideration to other visitors, we ask that you refrain from making or answering phone calls inside the State Rooms.

 

Security and Luggage

For safety and security reasons, a one-way system operates along the visitor route.

 

Security screening

On arrival, you and your belongings will be subject to airport-style security checks. Try to bring as little as possible with you as it will help you to get through security screening more quickly.

Just as at the airport, please remove all metal objects from your pockets before going through the security arch. For efficiency, we advise packing cameras, phones, keys and wallets in your bag before placing the bag through the security scanner.

We do not have airport-style restrictions on liquids, so please feel free to bring bottled water in to the Palace.

You may use pacemakers, hearing aids and other electrical or electronic equipment needed for health reasons. Please approach a member of staff if you have any concerns or require assistance.

 

Luggage

Backpacks may not be worn and large items may not be carried inside the Palace. 

Bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm cannot be taken into the Palace at all. Luggage storage can be found nearby, including at Victoria Station. 

Handbags and small backpacks are permitted inside, but must be carried by your side and not worn on your back during your visit.

 

Animals

Animals, other than guide, hearing or assistance animals, will not be admitted.

 

Restricted and prohibited items

Neither smoking nor vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes) are permitted anywhere in Buckingham Palace or Gardens.

Some items must be checked in and reclaimed at the end of the visit. Other items may not be brought into the Palace at all. 

The following items must be checked in on arrival and reclaimed at the end of your visit:

• Pen knives and knives with blades under 7.7cm (3”)

• Scissors

• Kirpans (the Sikh article of faith) where the blade exceeds 7.7cm (3”)

• Long umbrellas

• Pushchairs and buggies (baby-carriers and hip-carriers are available to borrow, subject to availability)

• Alcoholic drinks in sealed containers

• Paints/aerosols

The following items may not be brought into Buckingham Palace and Gardens:

• Bicycles, folding bikes, roller-skates or skateboards

• Suitcases and bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm

• Drones

The following items are unlawful to carry in a public space in the United Kingdom and may be confiscated from you if you attempt to bring them into the Palace:

• Knife with a blade over 7.7cm (3”)

• Knife with a lockable blade (unless you have a reasonable excuse for having it with you)

• Butterfly knife

• Flick knife

• CS or pepper sprays

As Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.  Check closure details.

 

PICK UP ROUTE: B