Frequently Asked Questions

The standard State Rooms ticket includes access to all 19 State Rooms, the Palace Garden, and the complimentary audio guide (available in 10+ languages). The audio guide is considered essential and adds considerable depth to the visit. The Combo Ticket additionally includes the Royal Mews and entry to the Queen's Gallery.

Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be exchanged for a different date, subject to availability, if contacted at least 48 hours before your visit. In cases where the palace closes due to a Royal event, full refunds are provided automatically. Check the official RCT website for the current cancellation policy.

The Royal Collection Trust offers an Annual Pass, which provides unlimited admission to all three palaces throughout the year (subject to opening times) at a substantially discounted rate. It represents excellent value for visitors who wish to return multiple times or explore all three sites. No specific London resident discount is currently available.

The Standard ticket includes the 19 State Rooms, the Palace Garden, and audio guide. The Combo Ticket adds entry to the Royal Mews (the royal stables and carriage collection) and the Queen's Gallery (changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection). The Combo Ticket typically represents a significant saving versus purchasing each venue separately. For current pricing and a full comparison, see our Tickets page.

The State Rooms are open to the public each summer, typically from mid-July to the end of September, from 9:30am to 7:30pm daily (last admission 5:15pm). Selected openings also occur in April and during specific winter dates. The Queen's Gallery and Royal Mews are open year-round. Always verify dates on rct.uk.

Yes. Buckingham Palace is a functioning Royal residence, and closures can occur at short notice due to State Visits, Royal events, or other official duties. We strongly recommend checking the RCT website no earlier than 3 days before your visit to confirm opening. If the palace closes on your booked date, a full refund is automatically issued.

Yes, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is completely free to watch from the public areas outside the palace gates and along The Mall. No ticket or booking is required. The ceremony takes place at approximately 11:00am — from April to July daily, and from August to March on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It lasts approximately 45 minutes and can be cancelled without notice.

The nearest stations are St. James's Park (Circle and District lines — approximately 5 minutes walk) and Victoria (Circle, District, and Victoria lines — approximately 10 minutes walk). Green Park (Victoria, Jubilee, and Piccadilly lines) is also close — roughly 12 minutes on foot through St. James's Park.

There is no on-site parking at Buckingham Palace. The surrounding streets have minimal public parking, and the area is covered by the Congestion Charge Zone. The nearest NCP car parks are in Victoria (approximately 12 minutes on foot). We strongly recommend arriving by public transport.

The visitor entrance is via the Ambassadors' Gate on Buckingham Gate (not the famous main gate facing the Victoria Memorial). The postcode for navigation is SW1A 1AA. This entrance leads directly to the ticket desk, cloakroom, and the start of the State Rooms tour.

Yes. All 19 State Rooms are accessible for wheelchair users via ramped entrances and level access routes. Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available at the visitor entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are also welcome. Audio guide headsets for hearing aid users (hearing loop compatible) are available at the desk.

British Sign Language (BSL) guided tours are available on selected dates throughout the summer season and must be pre-booked. The standard audio guide includes a specially produced audio-described version for visually impaired visitors. Large-print guides and braille versions are available free of charge at the entrance desk.

Yes. One companion or personal assistant accompanying a disabled visitor is admitted free of charge, provided the disabled visitor holds a valid concession ticket. Please mention this when booking to ensure the carer admission is noted on the booking.

Personal photography is welcomed and encouraged in most State Rooms. However, flash photography and tripods are not permitted. Selfie sticks are also not allowed inside the palace. Photography is strictly for personal use — commercial photography requires prior permission from the Royal Collection Trust.

Video recording is restricted inside the palace. Photography may be prohibited in certain rooms or on certain days — particularly if special exhibitions are in place with lender restrictions. Room stewards will indicate with signage if photography is not permitted in a particular area.

There is no formal dress code, but visitors are asked to dress respectfully, in keeping with the palace setting. Smart casual is recommended. Practical, comfortable footwear is advisable as the visit involves a considerable amount of walking, including some of the Palace Garden grounds.

Yes. The Garden Café is open to all ticketed visitors and is set within the Palace Garden overlooking the lake. It offers a fine selection of sandwiches, salads, hot food, afternoon teas, cakes, and refreshments. There is also a kiosk near the exit for lighter refreshments.

Absolutely — the visit is very suitable for children and families. There is a dedicated children's audio guide available. Children aged 4 and under are admitted free of charge. Prams and pushchairs are welcome throughout the State Rooms and garden. Family tickets offer the best value for groups with children aged 5–17.

Yes. The Palace Shop is situated near the exit and offers a wide range of official souvenirs, gifts, books, and publications inspired by the Royal Collection and the palace history. Products range from affordable keepsakes to fine china, silver, and luxury items. The shop can become very busy — allow extra time.

Yes, a complimentary cloakroom is available at the visitor entrance. Bags larger than A4 size (approximately 30cm × 21cm) must be deposited before entering the State Rooms. The cloakroom is staffed and items are held securely. Only small bags (including small handbags) may be carried inside.