Overview
Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of Britain's monarchs since 1837. With 775 rooms including 19 State Rooms, the palace opens to visitors for 10 weeks each summer when the Royal Family is at Balmoral. The iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs year-round, drawing crowds to witness British pageantry. Walking through the State Rooms with a guide reveals details that escape even attentive visitors, from the hidden door in the White Drawing Room that the Royal Family uses for private access, to the seventy-metre Picture Gallery where works by Canaletto, Poussin, and Van Dyck hang in a room designed by John Nash in 1825. Guides explain why the Grand Staircase's gilt-bronze balustrade depicts acanthus scrollwork chosen by George IV himself, and they point out the bas-reliefs on the Marble Hall ceiling that celebrate British military victories. Outside, a guide positions you at the ideal vantage point along Spur Road to watch the Guards' precision drill during the ceremony, narrating the regimental traditions behind each musical selection and the significance of the bearskin caps worn since the Battle of Waterloo. See also the nearby Tower of London and British Museum for a full London itinerary.
Historical Significance
Throne Room: Where the King receives official guests. Picture Gallery: Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer displayed in a 70 metres long room designed by John Nash in 1825. State Dining Room: Banquets for 170 people. Changing Guard: 45-min ceremony with Guards band. The Grand Staircase's gilt-bronze balustrade depicts acanthus scrollwork chosen by George IV himself.
Architecture
The palace's neoclassical facade by Edward Blore (1847) and Aston Webb (1913) conceals centuries of construction. The East Wing facade of Portland stone faces The Mall. John Nash's State Rooms feature Beaux-Arts ceilings, gilded columns, and the White Drawing Room with a hidden door the Royal Family uses for private access. The Picture Gallery spans 47 metres and holds works by Canaletto, Poussin, and Van Dyck.
When to Visit
State Rooms: Late July-September only (10 weeks). Changing of Guard: 11 AM Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun (daily in summer). Book ahead: State Rooms tickets 2-3 months in advance
Admission and Costs
State Rooms: £33 (summer only). Changing Guard: Free (view from outside). Guided tour: £50-70 with Blue Badge guide. Private: £300-500
Tips for Visitors
Summer visit only: State Rooms closed Sept-July. Changing Guard crowds: Arrive 30 min early for good view. Photography banned: Inside State Rooms. Combo ticket: Include Royal Mews and Queen's Gallery