Buckingham Palace

Why Buckingham Palace and its Guards are special
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen and the venue of the immensely popular Changing of the Guards ceremony.

Buckingham Palace tips and insights
Magnificent rooms
Although the palace's exterior is not spectacular, some of the rooms are. They are opulently furnished - and paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and other masters grace the walls.

Tour
You can take an inside tour. The best time is in the summer when the Queen is away at her Scotland palace. This allows the magnificent State Rooms to be added to the tour.

Royal receptions
The State Rooms and the vast backyard garden are used to receive and entertain dignitaries, celebrities and other VIPs. Each year over 50,000 make the coveted guest list.

Changing of the Guards
Weather permitting, the traditional Changing of the Guards ceremony occurs daily at 11:30 a.m in July and August - and on alternate days the rest of the year.

It takes place behind the main gate. Arrive early to get a good-vantage spot along the fence. If you are unable to do that, you can view the guards and their marching band before and after the ceremony when they parade to and from Buckingham Palace.