Buckingham Palace has a lot of rooms. In total, there are 775 rooms including a post office, cinema, swimming pool, surgery room and even a jeweller’s workshop. Let’s hope Prince George doesn’t like hide and seek! The entire grounds of Buckingham Palace spans 39 acres. That’s equivalent to over 29 football fields. That’s why, understandably, the palace needs a lot of guards. In fact, there is one for every acre on duty at all times; for a total of 39 soldiers.
DIRECTORY
Buckingham Palace
Perhaps the most known building in the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace has housed the Head of State (King or Queen) for over 180 years. Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster, a region in London. Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, the Royal Family did not acquire the building–originally called Buckingham House–until King George III bought the residence in 1761. The building was expanded in the 19th century by architects John Nash and Edward Blore.
Surprisingly, then, there have been security incidents where intruders somehow navigated their way through the veteran guards. Such as a case involves Michael Fagan – a London born man who was a “champion safe-breaker”. If Michael is to be believed, he actually broke into Buckingham Palace twice. In June 1982, Fagan supposedly shimmed his way up a drainpipe and made his way into the palace through an unlocked window. Before being spotted by a housemaid, Fagan reports he ate cheese and crackers for half an hour. He escaped before capture. He returned, however, one month later. Using the same drainpipe, this time Fagan broke into the Queen’s bedroom. When the Queen arrived, he even asked her for a cigarette. Showing true British class, the Queen complied before police arrested Fagan and removed him from the palace.
Many ceremonies take place at Buckingham Palace. Investitures–the process of knighting men and women by a ceremonial sword–occur in the palace’s ballroom to military bands playing celebratory music. Banquets happen in the ballroom, too, when the Monarch meets with the rest of the Royal Family and honoured guests. 50,000 guests are invited to Buckingham Palace every year. As the longest reigning Monarch Queen Elizabeth II's dedication to the country was unquestioned. This same dedication is being shown by King Charles III.
During the Second World War, Buckingham Palace was a target of German bombing. It may surprise then, that the entire 39-acre grounds was only hit by bombs sixteen times–only nine of which were direct. The closest Buckingham Palace came to destruction was actually by a British pilot. In 1940, during the Battle of Britain, Ray Holmes, an RAF pilot, rammed a German bomber after believing it primed to bomb the palace. If not for precise aviation, his own plane would have crashed into Buckingham Palace. It instead crashed into Victoria Station.
Buckingham Palace and all it stands for is steeped in history and heritage. Heritage is the full range of our inherited traditions, monuments, objects and culture, and the Palace certainly fulfills all these criteria. From a 'traditions' angle we have all the pomp and ceremony associated with the royals including investitures and the Changing of the Guard and from a 'monuments' viewpoint there's the imposing façade of the building that has come to symbolise monarchy and authority throughout the world.
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. When you visit, be sure to watch the changing of the Royal guards.
Address and Contact Details
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA.
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
Telephone - General Enquiries (during working hours): 0303 123 7300
Telephone - Ticket Sales and Information Office: 0303 123 7300
Website: Buckingham Palace Royal Collection Trust (opens in new window).
Travel Connections
Buckingham Palace is centrally located and well-served by various transport options.
Underground (Tube)
- Victoria Station (District, Circle, and Victoria lines): Approximately a 10-minute walk.
- Green Park Station (Piccadilly, Jubilee, and Victoria lines): Approximately a 10-minute walk.
- St James's Park Station (District and Circle lines): Approximately a 10-minute walk.
- Hyde Park Corner Station (Piccadilly line): Approximately a 15-minute walk.
- Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo or Northern lines): Approximately a 15-minute walk.
Train
- London Victoria Station: Approximately a 10-minute walk. This is also a major railway terminus with connections across the UK.
Bus
Numerous bus routes serve the area around Buckingham Palace. Key bus stops include:
- Buckingham Palace / Royal Mews: Routes 6, 13, 38, 52, 390, N32, N38.
- Victoria Station: Routes 2, 11, 24, 36, 44, 148, 170, 185, C1, C10, N2, N11, N26, N44, N136.
- Wilton Street: Routes 11, 211, C1, C10 (approximately a 3-minute walk to the Palace entrance).
Cycling
- Santander Cycles docking stations are available nearby at Warwick Row, Bressenden Place, Allington Street, and Buckingham Gate.
Car
- Parking facilities are not available at Buckingham Palace itself, as it is a working royal residence. Nearby public car parks may be an option, but visitors are generally encouraged to use public transport due to the central London location and limited parking.
River Boat
- While there isn't a direct river boat stop at Buckingham Palace, visitors can take a Thames River Cruise to Westminster Pier, which is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Palace.
Facilities
- Toilets: Available on site.
- Cafes: The Garden Cafe is available during the Summer Opening, offering panoramic views of the lawn.
- Shops: A gift shop is available selling royal-themed merchandise.
- Multimedia Guide: Included with admission, available in multiple languages.
Access
- Buckingham Palace aims to be accessible to all visitors. Visitors requiring mobility access must book directly with Buckingham Palace to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
- Pushchairs (strollers) cannot be taken into Buckingham Palace and must be checked in.
- Animals, other than guide, hearing, or assistance animals, are not permitted.
- Photography is not allowed inside the Palace.
- Eating and drinking are generally not allowed inside, with the exception of bottled water.
Entry Fees (2025)
- Adult: £35.00
- Child (5-17): £17.50
- Young Adult (18-24): £22.50
- Disabled Concession: £17.50
- Under 5: Free (tickets must be booked in advance)
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance as they often sell out. On-the-day tickets may incur an additional charge.
Opening Times (2025)
Buckingham Palace is generally open to the public during the summer months.
- 10th July - 31st August: Open Daily, 09:30 - 19:30 (last admission 17:30)
- 1st September - 28th September: Open Thursday to Monday, 09:30 - 18:30 (last admission 16:30)
The Royal Mews and The King's Gallery have different opening times, which can be found on the Royal Collection Trust website.
Other Places of Interest Within 15 Minute's Walk
The Queen's Gallery (Adjacent to the Palace): Located at Buckingham Palace, this gallery hosts changing exhibitions of art from the Royal Collection, providing a glimpse into royal history and artistic treasures.
The Royal Mews (Adjacent to the Palace): Houses the historic royal carriages, including the Gold State Coach, and some of the finest horses used for ceremonial duties.
The Mall (1 minute): A grand ceremonial road leading from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square, often used for royal processions and national events. It's lined with trees and statues (starts at the Palace gates).
St. James's Park (2 minute): A beautiful Royal Park offering picturesque lakes, vibrant flower beds, and diverse wildlife, including pelicans. It's a tranquil escape in the heart of the city with views of the Palace.
Green Park (2-5 minutes): Another of London's Royal Parks, offering open meadows and shaded paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll or relaxation, directly adjacent to Buckingham Palace.
Horse Guards Parade (10-12 minutes): A large parade ground where the Trooping the Colour ceremony takes place, and visitors can witness the Changing of the Horse Guards. Surrounded by grand buildings.
Churchill War Rooms (12 minutes): Explore the underground bunker from which Winston Churchill and his government directed the Second World War. This immersive museum offers a fascinating insight into wartime operations.
Westminster Abbey (14 minutes): A stunning Gothic abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the traditional place of coronation and burial for British monarchs. It has been the setting for numerous royal weddings and significant national events.
Parliament Square Garden (15 minutes): A small green space featuring statues of influential figures like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, located near the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, offering excellent photo opportunities.
