London · Westminster
Buckingham Palace
The King's London residence, viewed from the gates and the Victoria Memorial. Combine it with a walk along The Mall and through St James's Park.
- 45 min
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Westminster
Data checked on October 4, 2026
The palace has been the monarch's London home since Queen Victoria moved in during 1837. Most visitors stop at the gates and the Victoria Memorial, then walk along The Mall or into St James's Park. The Changing of the Guard happens on set days, so check the official schedule before planning around it. The State Rooms open only on selected dates.
What to look for
- The Victoria Memorial and the palace front
- The Changing of the Guard on its set days
- The Mall and Admiralty Arch
- St James's Park next door
Opening hours
Always open.
The State Rooms open to visitors in summer only. In autumn the Palace opens just on selected dates for guided tours, so for most visits this is an outside stop.
Source: Royal Collection Trust, checked October 4, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free. Watching from the gates is free. The State Rooms and tours are ticketed and run on selected dates only.
Getting there
Green Park station (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines) is the shortest walk, and Victoria and St James's Park stations are a little further.