Buckingham Palace
What Visitors Say
Wonderful family atmosphere! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐We had a really nice time visiting Buckingham Palace with the family. We forgot to pre-reserve tickets, so we missed out on going inside. However, the outside area is amazing!The Fun: The energy was great and the guards were cool to see.The Photos: We got some absolutely beautiful family pictures by the gates.Tip: Make sure to pre-book tickets early if you want to see the inside!We still had lots of fun and made great memories.
A Day at Buckingham Palace After exploring the Tower of London, I headed to Buckingham Palace — the official London residence of His Majesty the King, and one of the most recognizable royal landmarks in the world. From the outside, the grand facade and iconic balcony are instantly familiar; seeing it in person felt so much more impressive than in photos. I watched the ceremonial guards in their striking red coats and tall bearskin hats standing with perfect stillness, and soaked in the atmosphere of the surrounding gardens and grounds. Inside, the elegant State Rooms are breathtaking — filled with magnificent furniture, priceless art, crystal chandeliers, and intricate decorations that show centuries of royal history. Walking through these spaces, used for official receptions and state visits, gave me a real sense of the grandeur of the British monarchy. The peaceful gardens at the back, with their green lawns and lake, offered a lovely, quiet contrast to the busy city outside. It was amazing to experience a place that is both a working royal headquarters and a symbol of nationhood — a perfect addition to my day of exploring London’s royal heritage.
The changing of the guards is a great event to watch and it is free! Check online for the time and schedule. Best to get there early to find a spot so you can see the event. I suggest arriving no later than 10 am. We sat on the large stone fence separating green park from the palace. It provided great views.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Came to see where the King lives. The palace is beautiful from the outside and definitely worth seeing at least once. The Changing of the Guard is fun to watch, but expect huge crowds, especially in summer. You’ll probably spend as much time looking at other tourists’ phones as the palace itself. It’s one of London’s most iconic landmarks, so I can’t complain too much. Just don’t expect to walk straight in for tea with the King.
Amazing royal palace to visit and see from outside. There's the change of the guard during some hours or days (not usre) so if you plan well, it can be even more interesting. The gardens just before the palace are also quite gorgeous. A must visit when in London.
Standing in front of Buckingham Palace was one of the highlights of my trip and one of those rare moments that truly lives up to the expectations. No photograph, video, or travel documentary can fully capture the scale, history, and significance of this iconic landmark. Seeing it in person gives you a genuine appreciation for the centuries of tradition and heritage it represents. What made the experience even more memorable was being fortunate enough to visit during a national event. Witnessing the parade firsthand transformed what would have already been an impressive sightseeing stop into something extraordinary. The precision, discipline, and pageantry on display were remarkable. Watching the soldiers march through the streets with military precision while crowds gathered from around the world created an atmosphere that felt uniquely British and deeply rooted in history. There was a sense that I wasn’t just looking at a famous building…I was witnessing a living tradition that has been carried on for generations. The energy of the crowd, the ceremonial spectacle, and the backdrop of Buckingham Palace combined to create an experience that felt both historic and unforgettable. London offers countless attractions, but few provide the same feeling of significance and grandeur. Being able to witness Buckingham Palace during a national celebration and see the parade unfold in person was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It was an incredible privilege to experience such an important piece of British culture and history firsthand, and it easily became one of the most memorable moments of my entire visit to the United Kingdom. 🇬🇧
Buckingham Palace is a truly iconic and impressive landmark in London. The architecture is stunning, and the atmosphere around the palace feels very historic and grand. Watching the Changing of the Guard is a unique experience. A must-visit place that represents the heart of British history and culture.
Pomp and Ceremony. Be careful about time. On Sundays it appears to start an hour earlier than most websites say, at 10 am not 11am. Also the big horses didn't appear on the Sunday we went on March 8th 2026. This seems to be random, we did see them on by chance on Friday, I've included one of those pictures.
Watching the parade at Buckingham Palace on a Friday was a great experience. The atmosphere was lively and well-organized, with impressive marching and traditional music. The palace itself is stunning and iconic. It can get quite crowded, so arriving early is recommended for a good viewing spot.
Nice little walk around. Obviously it gets very busy. There is also a nice little hut set to the right side of the palace that sells the most amazing hot chocolate. Great for keeping warm in the cold weather
Fun Facts
The ground beneath Buckingham Palace began as James I’s 1608 mulberry plantation for silkworms, but he chose the wrong variety and the royal silk scheme failed.
During George III and Queen Charlotte’s reign, the garden kept exotic animals including an elephant and one of the first zebras seen in England.
The central balcony was not in the original palace plan; Prince Albert pushed for it, and Queen Victoria made the first recorded royal appearance there in 1851.
Several East Wing rooms are Chinese-themed because furniture and ceramics were transferred from George IV’s Brighton Royal Pavilion after its sale in 1850.
Buckingham Palace was bombed nine times during the Second World War, and the chapel beside it was destroyed; the site later became The King’s Gallery.
