- Visit Buckingham Palace During its Summer Opening - Photo by Cartrain
For most of the year visitors to London are unable to see inside Buckingham Palace. During the summer, however, some areas inside the building, including the State Rooms, are open to the public. How long does the summer opening last, what is there to see and how much do tours cost?
Summer Opening Dates for the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
In 2010 the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open from the 27th of July until the 1st of October. Visitors can look round from 09:45 until 18:00, although last admission is given as 15:45. Typically, most people find that 2-2½ hours will given them ample time to see everything.
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
The main draw for those that visit the Palace is often the fact that this is a rare opportunity to get inside the building and to look around the Queen's State Rooms. These nineteen rooms are used by the Royal Family when they receive and entertain guests for state, official and ceremonial reasons.
Visitors are also given the opportunity, as they tour through each room, to see many different pieces from the Royal Collection that are not normally on view to the public. These include:
- Paintings by Canaletto, Poussin, Rembrandt and Rubens.
- Fine examples of English and French furniture.
- Part of the Queen's collection of Sevres porcelain.
During 2010, a special exhibition, The Queen's Year, is also available. This showcases the work of the Queen and the national and ceremonial events with which she is involved. It also includes displays of robes, dresses, jewellery, uniforms and gifts.
At the end of a visit, access is given to part of Buckingham Palace's gardens which are, again, not usually open to the public. Those that are interested can also visit the Royal Mews and the Queen's Gallery. These areas are open more widely during the year but many like to make a visit to all three sites on the same day.
Buckingham Palace Ticket Prices
There are various ticket options on offer to those that wish to visit the Palace. Standard costs for State Room tours are currently set at:
- Adults: £17.00 ($28)
- Over 60s/Students (with valid ID): £15.50 ($25)
- Under 17s: £9.75 ($16)
- Under 5s: Free
- Family tickets (2 adults and 3 under 17s): £45.00 ($73)
Buckingham Palace also offers limited places on an evening guided tour on certain dates during the summer opening. This tour costs £65 per person and includes a glass of champagne, an official guidebook and a 20% discount in the Royal Collection shop.
Combined tickets for the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The Queen's Gallery (known as "A Royal Day Out") are also available during the summer opening at the following prices:
- Adults: £30.50 ($50)
- Over 60s/Students (with valid ID): £27.50 ($45)
- Under 17s: £17.50 ($28)
- Family tickets (2 adults and 3 under 17s): £80 ($130)
Tickets can be purchased from ticket agencies or from/at Buckingham Palace direct. Those that buy a ticket from the Palace can ask for it to be stamped as a 1-Year Complimentary Pass. This gives free re-admission for a year, subject to opening/event restrictions.
For many, this is an ideal opportunity to see inside one of London's greatest palaces. Keep in mind that visitors are, however, unlikely to bump into the Queen or any members of the Royal Family during a tour. Summer opening is set at the time of their annual holiday at Balmoral in Scotland.
Those planning to stay in London rather than visiting on a day trip may also find the following article useful:
- Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace Schedule & Times
- The London Pass: Discounts on Sightseeing, Travel & Restaurants
- The Ace Card: Get Two for One Offers & Discounts in London
- How to Find Cheap Hotels in London
Source: The Royal Collection
Carol Finch - Carol Finch is the Topic Editor for Retirement Planning, E-Commerce & Technical/Business Writing on Suite101.
