Buckingham Palace and Royal London: Complete Guide

Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837. With 775 rooms, it is one of the world's most famous buildings. The State Rooms are open to visitors during the summer months (typically late July to early October) and on selected dates throughout the year. Tours take about 2-2.5 hours and include the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase, and the Picture Gallery with works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11am. It runs daily from April to July and on alternate days the rest of the year (check the schedule online as it can change). The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and features the Old Guard handing over to the New Guard, accompanied by a military band. Arrive by 10:15am for a good viewing spot near the palace gates.

For a less crowded alternative, the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall happens daily at 11am (10am on Sundays) and is much easier to see up close.

The childhood home of Queen Victoria and more recently the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Palace sits at the western edge of Kensington Gardens. The exhibitions cover the palace's rich history, from the Hanoverian monarchs to Diana's famous fashion collection. The gardens and Orangery are lovely. Tickets cost around £23 for adults.

While most associated with prisoners and executions, the Tower of London was originally built as a royal palace. It remains a working royal residence (the Constable of the Tower lives there) and houses the Crown Jewels. It is the most historically significant royal site in London and deserves a full 2-3 hour visit. See our complete Tower of London guide for detailed planning tips.

London is full of royal connections:

• Hampton Court Palace - Henry VIII's magnificent Tudor palace, with a famous hedge maze and stunning gardens, about 40 minutes by train from Waterloo
• Windsor Castle - the world's oldest and largest occupied castle, a 40-minute train ride from Paddington
• The Royal Mews - see the Gold State Coach and royal carriages at Buckingham Palace
• Clarence House - the official residence of King Charles, occasionally open for tours
• St James's Palace - the most senior royal palace in London, viewable from the outside

For a perfect Royal London day: start at Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard at 11am (arrive at 10:15am). Walk through St James's Park to Whitehall, passing Downing Street and Horse Guards Parade. Continue to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Alternatively, walk from Buckingham Palace through Green Park to Kensington Palace and spend the afternoon in Kensington Gardens.

Check out our Westminster and Big Ben guide to continue your royal day into the afternoon.