What Visitors Say
Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most famous landmarks and a strong symbol of the British monarchy. Its impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich traditions make it a memorable place to visit. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a major highlight, known for its color and ceremony. Originally built in 1703 as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham, it became the official royal residence in 1837 during the reign of Queen Victoria. Today, visitors can access parts of the palace, including the elegant State Rooms displaying royal art, furniture, and historic treasures. It is advisable to book tickets in advance. The best time to visit is in the morning, between 10 and 12 to watch the Changing of the Guard.
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
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.
Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837, stands as one of the most recognizable symbols of the United Kingdom’s royal heritage. Originally built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and later transformed into a palace by King George III, it impresses visitors with its grand façade, elegant gates, and the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. While the State Rooms open seasonally to the public, even viewing the palace from the outside offers a powerful sense of history, tradition, and national identity in the heart of London.
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.
