Unlocking the Secrets: A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Exclusive Buckingham Palace Tour
Planning Your Royal Adventure: When and How to Book
If you’re eager to delve into the grandeur and history of Buckingham Palace, the first step is to plan your visit carefully. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process of booking your exclusive tour.
Choosing the Right Time
Buckingham Palace is primarily open to the public during the summer months, but there are special tours available during other times of the year. For instance, you can enjoy guided tours of the State Rooms from November to January, a period when the palace is not usually open to the public.
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- **Summer Months (July to September):** The State Rooms are open to the public.
- **Winter Months (November to January):** Special guided tours are available.
- **Specific Dates:** Tours are available every Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday, with some exclusions.
Selecting the Right Tour Type
There are various types of tours to suit different interests and preferences. Here are a few options:
- Exclusive Guided Tour: This 1.5-hour tour takes you through the magnificent State Rooms, including the Music Room, Blue and White Drawing Rooms, and the Picture Gallery. It includes a complimentary guide book and is available in English only.
- Family Guided Tour: Designed for families with young children, this 1-hour tour is a fun-filled experience that highlights stories about the palace and its history. Children under 5 years old go free.
- Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour: This tour combines the Changing of the Guard ceremony with an independent audio tour of the State Rooms. It lasts around 2.5 hours.
Booking Your Tour: A Step-by-Step Guide
Booking your tour in advance is crucial due to limited availability. Here’s how you can do it:
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Pre-Booking Requirements
- Limited Availability: Each tour has a maximum of 30 places, so it’s essential to book early.
- Pre-Booking: Tickets must be pre-booked. You can do this online or by contacting the Specialist Sales team.
- **Contact Information:**
- Phone: +44 (0)303 123 7324
- Email: [email protected]
Access Information
For visitors with different access requirements, the State Rooms are fully accessible. However, wheelchair and step-free access must be pre-booked.
- **Accessibility:**
- Wheelchair access and step-free access available
- Pre-book by contacting the Specialist Sales team
- Free access companion ticket for disabled visitors
Exploring the Palace: What to Expect
Once you’ve booked your tour, here’s what you can expect during your visit to Buckingham Palace.
The State Rooms
The State Rooms are a highlight of any Buckingham Palace tour. These rooms are used for official events and receptions and are adorned with gilded ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.
- **Music Room:** Features a unique curved wall and a gorgeous parquet floor with the cypher of George IV under dazzling chandeliers.
- **Blue and White Drawing Rooms:** Elegant rooms connected by the fabulous Picture Gallery.
- **Picture Gallery:** A 47-meter-long gallery filled with Old Master paintings by artists like Rubens and Van Dyck.
- **Throne Room:** A grand room used for official events.
Other Highlights
In addition to the State Rooms, you might also get to experience other notable aspects of the palace.
- **Changing of the Guard:** A traditional ceremony that takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11am. It's a must-see event that features the iconic Old Guard and New Guard.
- **Marble Hall:** Adorned with exquisite white marble statues of Greek and Roman deities, including Canova's masterpiece featuring Mars and Venus.
Combining Your Tour with Other London Landmarks
To make the most of your day in London, you can combine your Buckingham Palace tour with visits to other iconic landmarks.
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace Guided Tour
This 4-hour tour allows you to visit three of London’s most famous sites at a discounted rate. It includes a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, a visit to Big Ben, and an exploration of Buckingham Palace.
- **Duration:** Around 4 hours
- **Guide:** English-speaking guide
- **Highlights:** Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour
For a more extensive royal experience, you can take a day trip to both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. This 8.5-hour tour includes an audio-guided tour of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace and a visit to Windsor Castle, including St George’s Chapel.
- **Duration:** 8.5 hours
- **Highlights:** Buckingham Palace State Rooms, Windsor Castle, and St George’s Chapel
Practical Insights and Tips
Here are some practical tips to make your tour even more enjoyable:
Getting There
Buckingham Palace is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train stations are London Victoria or London Charing Cross.
- **Nearest Train Stations:** London Victoria or London Charing Cross
- **Entrance:** Via The King’s Gallery, London
What to Wear
Dress comfortably and appropriately for the tour. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking, as you will be exploring the palace on foot.
Photography
While photography is allowed in some areas, it’s always a good idea to check with your guide for any specific restrictions.
Comparing Tour Options: A Detailed Table
Here is a comparative table to help you decide which tour is best for you:
| Tour Type | Duration | Guide | Highlights | Price | Free Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusive Guided Tour | 1.5 hours | English-speaking | State Rooms, Music Room, Picture Gallery | £100.00 | No |
| Family Guided Tour | 1 hour | English-speaking | State Rooms, family-friendly stories | £65.00 | No |
| Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour | 2.5 hours | Audio guide | Changing of the Guard, State Rooms | £72.00 | Yes |
| Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour | 8.5 hours | Audio guide | Buckingham Palace State Rooms, Windsor Castle, St George’s Chapel | £379.00 (per group) | Yes |
| Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace Guided Tour | 4 hours | English-speaking | Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace State Rooms | £84.00 | Yes |
Quotes and Testimonials
Here are some quotes that capture the essence of visiting Buckingham Palace:
- “The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace provide a perfect setting for many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection,” – Royal Life Magazine.
- “Imagine a gorgeous parquet floor featuring the cypher of George IV under dazzling chandeliers,” – London-Tickets.co.uk.
- “The Picture Gallery dazzles with works from legends like Rubens and Van Dyck,” – London-Tickets.co.uk.
Visiting Buckingham Palace is an experience that combines history, grandeur, and a glimpse into the lives of the British royal family. By carefully planning your tour, choosing the right type of tour, and being prepared for your visit, you can make the most of this royal adventure.
Whether you opt for an exclusive guided tour, a family-friendly tour, or a combination tour with other London landmarks, each experience offers a unique perspective on the palace and its rich history. So, book your tour today and get ready to unlock the secrets of Buckingham Palace.
