Buckingham Palace on a Budget: Secret Tips Revealed!

A trip to Buckingham Palace should be on the cards for anyone planning to visit London this year.

The palace, which has been home to King Charles and numerous royal ancestors, is deeply rooted in history and undeniably grand.

Originally constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, and then purchased by George III in 1761, this architectural marvel spans a remarkable 775 rooms. Among these are 19 opulent State Rooms designed for grand events, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff quarters, and no less than 78 bathrooms.

The Palace is renowned not only for its grandeur but also for housing an impressive array of artwork and statues. Pieces from artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Canaletto can be discovered throughout its interiors.

Although it serves as the official residence of the Royal Family, the palace is not accessible to visitors throughout the entire year. It opens its gates exclusively during the summer season when the King travels to his Scottish homes, welcoming tourists in London.

Keeping that thought in mind, we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you cut costs during your peak season trip, whether it’s exploring the state rooms or enjoying the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Additionally, we’ve included some advice for royal buildings you can visit during the winter season.

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Best Buckingham Palace ticket deals at a glance
Is it free to walk around Buckingham Palace?
How much is a ticket to visit Buckingham Palace?
What are the Buckingham Palace opening times?
Best Buckingham Palace tours and ticket deals in 2025
Is there a dress code for Buckingham Palace?

Best Buckingham Palace ticket deals at a glance

Book in advance to get the best tour price
Visit the King’s Gallery for just £19
Get Changing of the Guard guided tour for £14
See the Royal Mews stables from £17
Save money with Buckingham Palace ticket bundles
Spruce up your visit with an afternoon tea

What are the Buckingham Palace opening times?

During the off-season spanning from November to May, Buckingham Palace offers guided tours exclusively for smaller groups that need to be reserved ahead of time. These tours take place daily between 10:30 am and 3 pm.

During the summer season, stretching from July to September, the palace will be accessible to all visitors. Specifically, this year it will be open from July 10th up until September 28th, 2025.

From July through August, the palace is open every day of the week, from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. However, come September, it will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Is it free to walk around Buckingham Palace?

It’s not possible to stroll around Buckingham Palace without paying a fee. The minimum cost for an adult ticket during the summer is £32, while it increases to £90 during the winter season.

How much is a ticket to visit Buckingham Palace?

During summer, guided tours of Buckingham Palace’s state rooms cost £32 for adults, £20.50 for young adults (ages 18-24), and £16 for children (ages 5-17) if booked online in advance. If you decide to visit without prior booking, the prices increase to £35, £22.50, and £17.50 respectively.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a more affordable option, consider booking tickets for specific areas such as the King’s Gallery at £19 or the Royal Mews (the stables) for £17 instead.

If you’re looking to get a guided tour in the off-peak months, prices start at £90 per person.

Best Buckingham Palace tours and ticket deals in 2025

Book in advance to get the best Buckingham Palace tour price

During the summer season, which spans from July to September, an adult’s pre-booked online ticket for Buckingham Palace costs a minimum of £32. Should you decide to visit without prior reservation, the entrance fee increases to £35.

During these visits, you’ll have an opportunity to stroll through 19 beautifully adorned State Rooms within the Palace, spaces where guests are welcomed and important Royal events occur. You’ll also get a peek at significant spots like the Throne Room, Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room, and Music Room. Additionally, your tour will include a walk in our gardens and grounds.

Save with Buckingham Palace young adult prices

Today presents a great opportunity for young adults aged 18 to 24! Ticket prices to Buckingham Palace have been slashed to just £20.50; however, if you prefer booking on the spot, it will cost £22.50 instead.

Visit the King’s Gallery for just £19

If you prefer not to spend £32 or if your planned visit to London is beyond the gallery’s summer operating months, consider booking a ticket to the King’s Gallery at a reduced price of £19 instead.

The gallery, located permanently outside Buckingham Palace, serves as a permanent venue for displaying artworks from the royal collection. It’s accessible year-round, and at present, it features an exhibition titled “Drawing the Italian Renaissance.” This showcase highlights drawings by esteemed Italian artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian.

The King’s Gallery is part of the attractions covered by the London Tourist Pass, a ticket that grants free access to more than 100 sites in London. You can purchase this pass for durations ranging from one day up to ten, with costs beginning at £104.

Get Changing of the Guard guided tour for £14

One captivating aspect of Buckingham Palace’s charm is the Changing of the Guard, a ceremony where the red-coated Yeomen Warders pass on their duties to a fresh group of guards. This ritual unfolds every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, at 11 o’clock in the morning.

While it’s possible to witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace gates without charge, it might be more advantageous to opt for a guided tour instead. This way, not only will you secure an optimal viewpoint, but you’ll also gain access to intriguing behind-the-scenes tales and fascinating facts that you likely wouldn’t discover on your own.

See the Royal Mews stables from £17

The Royal Mews, which serves as the official working stable of the Royal Family and houses an extensive collection of vintage carriages, coaches, and the horses that still transport the family on formal events today, is open for visits from March 13th to November 2nd, 2025. Tickets are affordably priced at £17.

Save money with Buckingham Palace ticket bundles

A cost-effective method is combining your Buckingham Palace admission with another London landmark, such as a tour that includes Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Currently, this combination costs only £77 (originally priced at £82).

Spruce up your visit with an afternoon tea

To enhance your palace visit, consider combining it with the Royal Afternoon Tea event! Following your exploration of the King’s Gallery, you’ll have the pleasure of visiting Rubens at the Palace to indulge in an exquisite assortment of tea, sandwiches, and scones.

Is there a dress code for Buckingham Palace?

Visitors at Buckingham Palace aren’t obliged to follow a specific dress code; instead, it’s recommended that they opt for smart attire and choose comfortable footwear since there will be quite a bit of walking involved.

Feel free to don your denims, but do keep in mind that Buckingham Palace is accessible only during the summer season. Therefore, it’s quite probable that it will be rather warm there.

2025-02-28 13:07