Ticket prices, timing, what is actually open this year, and the mistakes that catch out first time visitors
Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms open to the public for just ten weeks each year, and this year’s window runs from 9 July through 27 September, meaning anyone visiting London within that stretch has a genuinely rare opportunity most of the year’s visitors simply do not get.
Ticket Prices And Booking, Clearly Laid Out
Standard adult tickets cost £33 when booked in advance, rising slightly if purchased on the day, with reduced pricing of £21.50 for visitors aged 18 to 24 and £16.50 for children over five, while under fives enter free but still require a booked ticket. Booking ahead is strongly advised rather than optional in practice, since this remains one of the most consistently in demand tickets in the entire city and popular time slots do sell out.
What Your Ticket Actually Includes
The standard State Rooms ticket covers all nineteen state rooms open this season, a free multimedia guide available in nine languages, and access to the palace gardens at the end of your visit, including views across the lake. Note that the White Drawing Room is not accessible this particular summer due to ongoing reservicing works at the palace, a detail worth knowing in advance if you had specifically hoped to see it.
Timing Your Visit Sensibly
The palace opens daily from 9.30am to 7.30pm through the end of August, shifting to a shorter Thursday through Monday schedule from 9.30am to 6.30pm in September. Arrive within your specific timed fifteen minute entry window, arriving too late genuinely risks not being admitted at all, so build in extra time for the walk from the nearest tube stations, Green Park or Victoria, particularly if you are also planning to queue for the adjacent gift shop or cafe.
What You Cannot Bring In
Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside, with only limited cloakroom space available, so plan to travel light on the day, and note that photography is not permitted inside the State Rooms themselves, a rule that is actually enforced rather than a polite suggestion, so do not plan your visit around getting the perfect interior shot.
Beyond The Standard Ticket
For a more immersive experience, the East Wing Highlights Tour combines a guided route through the East Wing with State Room access at a higher price point, though this option is not available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September, worth checking before you commit to a specific date. The Royal Day Out ticket bundles State Rooms access with The King’s Gallery and the Royal Mews for a fuller day, a sensible option if you want to make the most of a single visit to the area rather than the quickest possible look inside.
If Your Budget Is Tighter
The Royal Mews alone offers a considerably cheaper standalone ticket, starting around £18 for adults, and remains open considerably more of the year than the State Rooms themselves, a good option if the full State Rooms price feels steep but you still want a genuine royal residence experience.
Accessibility Notes
While the State Rooms are largely accessible, wheelchair users should contact the Royal Collection Trust in advance to arrange the most suitable accessible route through the building, since not every area is fully navigable without some advance planning.
A Final Practical Tip
Late July and August tend to be the busiest stretch given school holidays on both sides of the Atlantic, so if your travel dates are flexible, early September, right before the season closes, tends to offer a noticeably calmer visit at the same ticket price.
Where To Book
Book directly through the Royal Collection Trust’s official site to avoid third party booking fees, and find more seasonal London visitor guides at my author page on The London Prat.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com
