Want to have Tea with the Queen? This is the time to do it…
A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of England’s most famous landmarks, Buckingham Palace. This royal palace has served as the official London residence and administrative office of the British royal family since the 19th century. However, access to the public is limited and exclusive but worthwhile for those who arrange a visit.
Year round you can always view the palace’s opulent exterior through the gates. The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is during the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony when the royal guards change shifts. This tradition that dates back from 1689, and eventually moved to Buckingham Palace in 1837 when Queen Victoria started to use the palace. The best time to see this 45-minute ceremony would be on a Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at 11:00 am but can be canceled in bad weather.
If you are visiting London in the summer months, you can get a peek into some select state rooms. See the Throne Room, stroll through the palace gardens, and admire masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Canaletto in Queen Victoria’s Picture Gallery. The palace interior is only open to the public during summer, from late July until the end of September, with tours running daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (until 6:30 pm in September). You’ll want to book this coveted experience in advance with our travel agency.
Things to Know Before You Go from Viator.com
- The palace is a must for history buffs and royal enthusiasts.
- Pair a stop at Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard ceremony and afternoon tea for a quintessential London experience.
- Tours of the palace interior are only available in summer from late June to late September, while the queen is on holiday in Scotland.
- If the Royal Standard flag is flying atop the palace, it means the queen is in residence; otherwise, the Union Jack flag is flown.
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