Exploring the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace in London: What to Know Before You Go

The state rooms of Buckingham Palace aren’t open all year, so if you’re living in London or just around for a while, timing is everything. They usually throw open the gates in late July and keep them open until the end of September. Ignore TikTok influencers who say you can just walk up – you’ll need to book tickets online, ideally from the Royal Collection Trust’s site, and sooner is always better during peak summer weekends.

If you’re jumping on the Tube, Green Park is the best station for a quick stroll to the palace. Black cabs can get you close, but watch for traffic on The Mall, especially during state events or the London Marathon. For anyone with mobility needs, staff are genuinely helpful; there’s step-free access and, if you call ahead, they’ll even bring out a comfy wheelchair.

• Getting Tickets and Planning Your Visit
• What to Expect Inside the State Rooms
• Hidden Gems and Royal Oddities
• Tips for Locals and Frequent Visitors
• Nearby London Spots to Check Out

Getting Tickets and Planning Your Visit

You can’t just rock up to Buckingham Palace and expect to walk in. To check out the famous state rooms, grab your tickets in advance. The Palace usually opens these rooms to visitors from late July to late September, right after Trooping the Colour wraps up and the Royal Family heads off to Balmoral.

Booking is made simple on the Royal Collection Trust’s website. Adults pay £32.00, with discounts for students, kids, and those over 60. Pricey, yes, but you get a solid couple of hours exploring rooms that have hosted everything from Jubilee celebrations to historic state dinners.

Pick your date and time slot wisely. Mornings right after opening are quieter and you’ll deal with fewer selfie sticks. If you’re hoping to tie your visit into a special London event, like Notting Hill Carnival or the BBC Proms, book tickets as soon as the Palace announces opening dates each spring.

For group visits (15 or more), there’s a slight discount and an option for a guided tour. London primary schools often organise class trips in early September, so these days can be busier than you expect. For Londoners who want that local feel, weekday visits mid-August are usually less hectic.

If you’re coming by Tube, exit at Green Park and follow signs; there’s clear crowd control at the gates, especially if the Changing of the Guard is happening (usually every other day during summer). For those needing step-free access, notify staff ahead—it’s sorted fast and without fuss.

If you’re thinking, “Can I get a refund?”—the answer is yes, but only up to a week before your visit, and only if you booked through the official site. Don’t bother with third-party sellers. They mark up prices or tack on ‘convenience fees’. Go direct, keep it simple.

"Many visitors are surprised by how smoothly the ticketing works—plan ahead and you’ll avoid queues at the gate," says Joanna Mackenzie, a London-based travel writer.

One last tip—if you’re a Londoner or plan to return, ask for a ‘1-Year Pass’. Trade in your used ticket on the day and get unlimited entry for the rest of the season, no extra cost. Handy if family pops over and wants you to play tour guide again.

What to Expect Inside the State Rooms

Once you walk through the doors of Buckingham Palace’s state rooms, don’t expect to roam freely like in some London attractions. The route is set, and headphones guide you along with a no-nonsense audio tour (don’t skip it—there are bits you’d miss otherwise). Usually, you’ll visit nineteen state rooms, each crammed with art and furniture that’s been part of royal history for centuries. The Picture Gallery is a real highlight, with original works by Rembrandt and Rubens that remind you this place is more than a backdrop for royal selfies.

Ever wonder what happens during royal banquets? You’ll be able to see the actual Ballroom, where long tables are set for over a hundred people with sparkling silverware and porcelain. The Throne Room’s big red chairs—yep, the famous ones—see action during things like investitures. Look out for details you’ve spotted in the King’s Christmas addresses—they film them here.

The palace doesn’t allow photography, so if you’re hoping to up your Insta game, you’ll have to do it in the palace garden at the end of the tour. Bags get checked pretty thoroughly and big backpacks aren’t allowed, so pack light.

If you’re a London local, you’ll appreciate some touches you wouldn’t spot on the telly: for example, British oak used in the décor, or the Sèvres porcelain set given as a diplomatic swap back in the day. You’ll move past the musicians’ gallery, where an orchestra once played behind a golden screen (they still break out the violins for special events).

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll see on the standard tour:

• The Grand Entrance and Grand Staircase
• The Green Drawing Room, where royals wait before processions
• The White Drawing Room, sometimes used as a VIP waiting room during big events
• The Music Room—watch for the grand piano
• State Dining Room serving up to 170 guests during state visits
• The Picture Gallery—real masterpieces, not prints
• The Throne Room and Ballroom

Each room is done up with furniture and art from the Royal Collection, and there’s usually a special exhibit running, linking a piece of London or UK history to the monarchy. In 2024, the talking point was original coronation robes and royal photos; check what’s up this year before you go—it changes.

Hidden Gems and Royal Oddities

If you’ve been to Buckingham Palace once or twice, you might think you’ve seen it all. Not quite. The state rooms hide way more than just gold-plated ceilings and red carpets. For starters, the White Drawing Room isn’t just for show – it’s where the Royal Family actually gathers before stepping out to meet visitors. And that giant mirror? It’s not just for selfies; behind it, there’s a secret door the Queen used to pop in discreetly. Nobody expects a secret passage in the middle of central London, but there you go.

The Music Room is another one that gets overlooked because it isn’t flashy from the outside. But every royal baby from Prince Charles to Prince Louis had their christening here. And if you’re a fan of British porcelain, keep an eye out for the Sevres porcelain collection on display. Most people cruise right past it thinking it’s just for decoration, but it’s one of the finest collections in the world.

People are surprised that the palace’s art collection includes original paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, not just British artists. If you geek out over royal history, check out the Throne Room. Yes, those are the actual thrones used for official portraits. The detail work on the chairs shows off the best of British craftsmanship – the kind you don’t see in high street shops like Liberty or Heal’s.

Here’s a fun list of oddities to look for on your visit:

• The Bow Room doubles as the entrance for garden parties, and if you go in August, you’ll smell fresh grass even inside the palace.
• The Palace has its own Post Office. Sadly, you can’t nip in to send a postcard, but employees can – it’s a proper Royal Mail counter, complete with its own postmark.
• Look closely at the clocks. There are 350 of them, and there’s a dedicated clockmaker who keeps them ticking. British punctuality, right down to the last second.
• Check out the Grand Staircase. It was designed by architect John Nash – and if you look up, the gallery’s ironwork spells out the initials of George IV.

For those interested in some numbers, here’s a quick table:

Don’t just walk through the state rooms with your head in the clouds – make a game out of spotting these little details. You’ll end up with much better stories than just another selfie by the gates.

Tips for Locals and Frequent Visitors

If you’re a Londoner, you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeve that tourists might not know. The good news: Buckingham Palace hands out special deals sometimes for local residents and those who come in groups, and it’s worth checking the Royal Collection Trust website before you book your next trip. If you’ve got a National Art Pass, you might be able to knock a chunk off the price—worth flashing at the desk.

Hate crowds? Go for the earliest entry slot in the morning or mid-week during term time when school trips are rare and tourists haven’t poured in yet. The last two weeks of September are quieter—by then, most out-of-towners have headed home and you’ll get a more relaxed look around the state rooms.

• If you live in Westminster borough, keep an eye out for those occasional residents’ days. Sometimes you can snag entry for free or close to it.
• Hold on to your ticket after your visit. You get a free re-entry for up to a year if you get it stamped before you leave. Locals love this—you can just drop in after work and catch a bit you missed the first time.
• Check the palace shop for London-themed goods that aren’t all tourist tat. The homeware and limited edition teas are favorites with regulars.

Here’s a quick look at ticket price differences (2024 rates):

*Offered on select days, proof of address needed.

If you keep getting drawn back to London attractions like the palace, invest in an annual London Pass. It covers tons of landmarks and pays for itself after a couple of visits. And look, if you’re nearby during a royal event—King’s birthday parade or the changing of the guard—sneak by for the buzz even if you’re not headed inside.

Nearby London Spots to Check Out

Once you’ve wandered through the Buckingham Palace state rooms, don’t rush home—some of London’s best sights are just a short walk away. Here's a breakdown of top spots you should consider checking out:

• St James’s Park: Right across from the palace, this park is surprisingly peaceful first thing in the morning. Grab a coffee and watch the pelicans that have lived here since a Russian ambassador gifted them in 1664. The footbridge has a killer view of the palace and the London Eye.
• The Queen’s Gallery: This isn’t your average art spot. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection—think Rembrandt, da Vinci drawings, or rare Fabergé eggs. Booking ahead is smart since the gallery skips the long queues the palace attracts.
• Wellington Barracks and the Guards Museum: If you’re into all things military, stop by the Guards Museum—it’s just a few minutes down Birdcage Walk. Their collection covers everything from historic uniforms to medals. The Changing of the Guard kicks off from here, so check the day’s schedule online if you want a good spot.
• Green Park: Londoners don’t just use Green Park for picnics. During summer, you’ll spot locals on deck chairs or popping into the Ritz for afternoon tea—proper London tradition if you fancy a splurge.
• Victoria Memorial: It’s right in front of the palace, but locals sometimes skip actually looking at it. The statues represent charity, truth, and constancy—classic London photo op, especially just before sunset.

If you’re feeling peckish, there’s no shortage of cafes in the area. "You can grab a sausage roll at Gail’s or treat yourself at the English Rose Café," says

"St James’s is where Londoners go to unwind after facing the tourist crowds—plus it’s got the best park benches in town,"

Here’s how close these spots really are:

So, plan a full afternoon. Pair your London attractions with a stroll, a bit of culture, and something sweet from a classic British bakery. That’s how locals make the most of a trip to Buckingham Palace.