Planning a trip to Buckingham Palace in 2025? It's an experience you definitely won't want to skip! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning royal fan, there are plenty of exciting new updates and tours waiting for you. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know for a seamless visit to one of the world's most iconic landmarks.
Updated Dates and Tours for 2025
The Palace has recently released its updated dates for 2025, including exciting new tours like the East Wing Highlight Tour. For Summer 2025, the Palace opens its doors for tours from 10 July to 28 September. For the first time in history, visitors will be able to enjoy a unique East Wing experience, showcasing rooms filled with Victorian-era art and royal treasures. If you’ve never been, or if you haven’t visited in a while, now’s the perfect time!
How to Tour Buckingham Palace
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping inside Buckingham Palace, the good news is you can! Since the reign of Queen Victoria, the Palace has been a royal residence, and while it's still a working palace, you can book guided or self-guided tours. Tours typically run during the summer months (June-August) but also happen during winter and spring for smaller groups. Booking in advance is crucial, especially for popular dates, so make sure you check their website and subscribe to updates from the Royal Collection Trust.
What Kind of Tours Are Available at Buckingham Palace?
There are several types of tours at Buckingham Palace, catering to a wide range of interests and budgets. The most popular is the State Rooms Tour, where you can explore the grandiose rooms that make the Palace so magnificent. For an extra fee, you can add the Garden Highlights Tour, where you'll stroll through the royal garden, or the East Wing Highlights Tour, which takes you through exclusive rooms with royal treasures. Keep in mind, tours can get crowded, so it's best to book early.
The State Rooms and East Wing Highlights Tour
One of the crown jewels of Buckingham Palace tours is the State Rooms and East Wing Highlights Tour. The East Wing is home to some of the most opulent rooms, such as the Principal Corridor, filled with priceless art, and the Yellow Drawing Room, decorated with Queen Mary’s antique wallpaper. The Center Room, where the royal family gathers before heading to the famous balcony, is breathtaking. This tour runs from 11 July to 31 August 2025 and will set you back £90 per adult.
Exclusive Guided State Rooms Tour of Buckingham Palace
For those seeking a more intimate and in-depth experience, the Exclusive Guided State Rooms Tour is a must. Limited to only 30 people, this tour provides a personal and leisurely exploration of the magnificent rooms. The tours are offered in winter, spring, and some summer months, but they fill up quickly, so it's wise to book well in advance. At £100 per person, the price may be steep, but the experience is well worth it.
Family Tours
Visiting Buckingham Palace with kids? Don’t worry – there are special family-friendly tours designed for younger audiences. These shorter, guided tours focus on stories of the royal family and the fascinating history of the Palace. It’s a great way to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, from little ones to adults. These tours typically take place during certain times of the year, so be sure to check the schedule.
Visiting the Royal Mews
After your tour of the Palace, don’t miss a visit to the Royal Mews! Located within Buckingham Palace, the Mews are responsible for all royal transportation, including horses, carriages, and even cars. Here, you’ll see the iconic Gold State Coach, which has been used in numerous royal ceremonies, including King Charles III’s Coronation. It’s a fascinating look into royal history and one of the most memorable parts of the visit.
Royal Day Out
For a full Buckingham Palace experience, consider the Royal Day Out. This incredible tour package runs from July to October and includes access to the Queens Gallery, a stop at the Royal Mews to see the historical carriages, and a tour of the State Rooms. You’ll also enjoy a stroll through the Palace’s royal garden, with the option to relax at the Garden Café. This tour lasts about four hours and is ideal for those who want to see it all.
What Will I See on the State Rooms Tour of Buckingham Palace?
The State Rooms Tour gives visitors a chance to explore some of the most elegant rooms inside Buckingham Palace. You’ll see the Grand Entrance, Green Drawing Room, and Throne Room, each rich in royal history and filled with stunning art. As you move through the rooms, your guide will share fascinating stories about the royal family’s traditions and events. Be sure to save room for a visit to the gift shop before you leave – they have all sorts of royal memorabilia!
Is Touring Buckingham Palace Worth It?
Is it worth the money? Absolutely! Touring Buckingham Palace is one of the highlights of any trip to London. If you can afford the Exclusive Guided Tour, you’ll get a relaxed, personalized experience that’s truly unique. Even if you’re on a budget, the State Rooms Tour is an incredible experience that lets you feel like royalty for a day. Whether you're a royal fan, history buff, or simply someone who appreciates grand architecture, it’s definitely worth the visit.
The Changing of the Guard
If you’re visiting Buckingham Palace, no trip would be complete without witnessing the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. While you can watch this event at the Palace, you can also see it from St. James Palace or Wellington Barracks. The ceremony is a tradition that symbolizes the royal protection and security of the Palace, and it’s one of the most photographed events in London.
Why the Changing of the Guard is a Must-See
The Changing of the Guard is more than just a ceremonial duty – it’s a quintessential British experience. The guards in their traditional red uniforms and bearskin hats are a sight to behold. The ceremony is also accompanied by a brass band playing familiar tunes, which adds to the spectacle. Whether you're a history lover or simply love British culture, it's an unmissable event.
Best Time to Visit Buckingham Palace
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace depends on what you want to see. For the East Wing Highlights Tour and most of the State Rooms, summer is ideal. If you’re visiting in winter or spring, you may want to consider the Exclusive Guided Tour for a more intimate experience. If you're hoping to catch the Changing of the Guard, check the schedule as it’s performed daily, but times may vary depending on the season.
What to Expect from the Tour Experience
Expect to be amazed by the grandeur of Buckingham Palace. From the grand staircases to the luxurious rooms, the tours take you through the most opulent spaces in the royal residence. Guides provide fascinating insights into the Palace's history, offering context and stories behind the artwork, furniture, and royal family traditions. No matter which tour you choose, the experience is sure to be unforgettable.
Practical Tips for Visiting Buckingham Palace
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your visit goes off without a hitch:
Book your tickets in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot!
Be prepared for security checks.
Don’t bring a backpack unless you want to carry it in front of you.
Take your time and enjoy the experience – there’s so much history to absorb.
Conclusion
A visit to Buckingham Palace in 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for history lovers, royal fans, and curious travelers alike. With a variety of tours available, including the newly launched East Wing Highlights Tour, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to plan ahead, book your tickets early, and enjoy all that this royal landmark has to offer.
FAQs
How do I book a tour of Buckingham Palace?
You can easily book your tour through the official Royal Collection Trust website, where you’ll find available dates, types of tours, and pricing information.
When is the ideal time to visit Buckingham Palace?
The summer months (July to September) are ideal for visiting due to extended tour availability. However, winter and spring also offer exclusive tours for smaller groups.
Are family tours available at Buckingham Palace?
Yes, family-friendly tours are available during specific times of the year. These tours are shorter and focus on royal stories that will engage younger visitors.
Do I need to follow a dress code when visiting Buckingham Palace?
There is no strict dress code, but comfortable shoes are recommended as you'll be walking a lot. Be sure to check the weather and dress suitably.
Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside Buckingham Palace during the tours to preserve the artwork and furnishings. However, you can snap plenty of photos outside!