Stepping into the grand State Rooms of Buckingham Palace is a chance to witness the opulent legacy of the British monarchy. Visitors can explore these magnificent spaces, adorned with priceless artwork and extravagant furnishings, while an engaging audio guide provides captivating insights. Beyond the lavish interiors, the experience extends to the Royal Mews, offering a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations. While strict rules govern photography and accessibility, the opportunity to take in this historical setting is truly unparalleled. With a range of ticket options available, the chance to unveil the grandeur of the palace is within reach.
Key Points
- The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace offer visitors a rare glimpse into the lavish interiors and opulent furnishings associated with the British royal family.
- The entry ticket includes access to an audio guide available in 9 languages, providing fascinating insights into the history and significance of each room.
- Visitors can explore the palace’s magnificent architecture and priceless artworks from the Royal Collection Trust, including works by renowned artists.
- The State Rooms are open to the public for a few weeks each summer, but are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September.
- Visitors can upgrade their experience to include a tour of the Royal Mews, where the royal family’s historic carriages and horses are housed.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Palace State Rooms Overview
- Audio Guide and Languages
- Royal Collection Masterpieces
- Upgrade to Royal Mews
- Accessibility and Restrictions
- Timeslots and Arrival Times
- Reviews and Rating
- Ticket Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Visit the Palace Gardens During My Visit?
- How Much Time Should I Allocate for the Palace Tour?
- Are Discounts Available for Children, Students or Seniors?
- Can I Purchase the Ticket on the Day of My Visit?
- Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Palace?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in London
- More Tickets in London
- More Tour Reviews in London
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in London we have recnetly reviewed
Palace State Rooms Overview
The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace showcase the magnificent architecture, lavish furnishings, and priceless artwork that have long been associated with the British royal family.
These opulent rooms, which are open to the public for a few weeks each summer, offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the palace. Visitors can explore the spaces used for state business, marveling at the intricate details and learning about the palace’s rich history.
The audio guide, available in 9 languages, provides fascinating insights, while the option to upgrade and visit the Royal Mews allows guests to delve even deeper into the palace’s storied past.
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Audio Guide and Languages
Accompanying the State Rooms tour, an audio guide is available in 9 different languages, allowing visitors from around the world to fully enjoy the palace’s rich history and captivating details.
The audio guide provides comprehensive information about the opulent furnishings, priceless art, and the significant role the State Rooms play in the British monarchy.
Some key features of the audio guide include:
- Available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and Arabic.
- Offers insights into the history, architecture, and significance of each room.
- Allows visitors to explore the palace at their own pace and revisit areas of particular interest.
The audio guide enhances the overall experience, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for the grandeur and legacy of Buckingham Palace.
Royal Collection Masterpieces
One of the main highlights of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms tour is the opportunity to view masterpieces from the Royal Collection Trust, a vast and impressive assortment of artworks amassed by British monarchs over centuries. Visitors can marvel at the stunning paintings, sculptures, and tapestries that adorn the palace’s opulent interiors, offering a glimpse into the refined artistic tastes and cultural interests of the royal family.
| Artist | Title | Year | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rembrandt | The Wombwell Lions | 1638 | Oil on canvas |
| Peter Paul Rubens | The Apotheosis of James I | 1628 | Oil on canvas |
| Anthony van Dyck | Charles I on Horseback | 1637 | Oil on canvas |
| Canaletto | The Bucintoro at the Molo on Ascension Day | 1732 | Oil on canvas |
These world-renowned masterpieces provide visitors with a unique opportunity to appreciate the grandeur and prestige of the British monarchy’s artistic legacy.
Upgrade to Royal Mews
For those looking to further enhance their Buckingham Palace experience, visitors can opt to upgrade their ticket and gain access to the Royal Mews as well.
The Royal Mews, which serves as the working stables of the royal household, offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpse into the logistical operations that support the monarchy.
By upgrading, visitors can:
- Explore the meticulously maintained stables housing the royal carriages and horses used for state occasions.
- Witness the skilled equestrians responsible for the training and care of the Queen’s beloved Household Cavalry.
- Learn about the history and significance of the Royal Mews, which has served the British monarchy for centuries.
This exclusive add-on provides a truly immersive experience for those seeking a deeper appreciation of the grandeur and traditions of the royal family.
Accessibility and Restrictions
Despite the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, certain accessibility limitations and restrictions apply for visitors.
Wheelchair users, for instance, can’t access the State Rooms, as the historic building lacks the necessary infrastructure.
Photography is strictly prohibited within the State Rooms to preserve the ambiance and protect the priceless artworks on display.
Visitors are also not permitted to bring in outside food or drink, aside from bottled water. Strollers and pushchairs are also not allowed inside the palace.
On top of that, the State Rooms are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September, so visitors must plan their trip accordingly.
The palace’s fascinating history and stunning interiors make it a must-visit destination for many.
Timeslots and Arrival Times
Visitors planning to explore both Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and the Royal Mews must carefully coordinate their timeslots, as entry times are staggered.
Those wishing to visit the Royal Mews can do so at either 10:15am or 12:15pm, while the Buckingham Palace State Rooms are accessible at 11:15am or 1:15pm.
To ensure they don’t miss their timeslot, guests are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled entry. Late comers won’t be admitted, so punctuality is key.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September.
No photography is allowed inside the State Rooms.
Pushchairs and strollers aren’t permitted.
Reviews and Rating
Travelers have shared their experiences with the Buckingham Palace State Rooms entry ticket, leaving behind a collection of 327 reviews. The attraction has garnered a strong rating, with the majority of visitors expressing satisfaction with their visit. To give you a closer look at the reviews, here’s a breakdown of the ratings:
| Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | 157 |
| 4 stars | 123 |
| 3 stars | 30 |
| 2 stars | 12 |
| 1 star | 5 |
Visitors frequently praise the audio guide, the impressive interior design, and the behind-the-scenes access provided by the tour. The Buckingham Palace State Rooms entry ticket seems to offer a memorable and worthwhile experience for those seeking to explore the iconic royal residence.
Ticket Details
The Buckingham Palace State Rooms Entry Ticket grants visitors behind-the-scenes access to the iconic royal residence, allowing them to discover parts of the palace used for state business and view masterpieces from the Royal Collection Trust.
The ticket includes:
- Entry to the Palace’s State Rooms, where visitors can explore the grand halls and apartments used for official functions.
- Access to an audio guide available in 9 languages, providing insightful commentary on the history and significance of the rooms.
- The option to upgrade and visit the Royal Mews, where the royal family’s historic carriages and horses are housed.
With over 300 positive reviews, this ticket offers a unique opportunity to step into the heart of the British monarchy and experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit the Palace Gardens During My Visit?
Unfortunately, the Buckingham Palace State Rooms ticket doesn’t include access to the palace gardens. The gardens are only open to the public for a limited time each year, with separate tickets required.
How Much Time Should I Allocate for the Palace Tour?
Visitors should plan to spend 2-3 hours touring the Buckingham Palace State Rooms. The audio guide provides in-depth information, and there’s plenty to see, from lavish interiors to the Royal Collection’s masterpieces. Arrive early to make the most of your time at the palace.
Are Discounts Available for Children, Students or Seniors?
Yes, discounts are available for children, students, and seniors. Children under 5 get free entry, while those 5-16 and students with valid ID receive reduced ticket prices. Seniors 60+ also qualify for discounted admission.
Can I Purchase the Ticket on the Day of My Visit?
Yes, visitors can purchase the Buckingham Palace State Rooms entry ticket on the day of their visit. However, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance as entry times may be limited and the palace can get quite crowded.
Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Palace?
There’s no strict dress code for visiting Buckingham Palace, but guests are expected to dress smartly and avoid overly casual attire like shorts, ripped jeans, or t-shirts. Visitors should aim for smart-casual or formal wear to respect the palace’s regal setting.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms Entry Ticket
“We never received our Afternoon Tea. We did not have the Buckingham Palace experience we were hoping for:(“
Recap
The Buckingham Palace State Rooms offer a truly remarkable and immersive experience, providing visitors with a rare glimpse into the grandeur and history of the British royal family.
From the magnificent architecture and lavish furnishings to the priceless artwork and behind-the-scenes operations, the audio guide and Royal Collection masterpieces deliver a captivating and educational journey.
With strict accessibility and photography restrictions, this unique entry ticket grants an exclusive and memorable visit.
