Buckingham Palace Opening Hours

Buckingham Palace is open to the public during summer months when the monarch is not in residence. For 2025, the palace opens from July 10 to September 28, with daily opening at 9:30 am and varying closing times throughout the season.

The opening period is pretty short compared to many tourist attractions. This seasonal restriction reflects the palace‘s primary function as a working royal residence rather than a dedicated museum.

All visits require timed admission tickets, and entry isn’t permitted before or after your chosen slot. This system helps manage crowd flow but reduces flexibility for visitors.

2025 Opening Schedule

All visits require timed admission tickets, and entry isn’t permitted before or after your chosen slot. This system helps manage crowd flow but reduces flexibility for visitors.

Period	Dates	Days Open	Opening Time	Closing Time	Last Admission
Peak Season	July 10 – Aug 31	Daily	9:30 am	7:30 pm	5:15 – 5:30 pm
Late Season	Sept 1 – Sept 28	Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun	9:30 am	6:30 pm	4:15 – 4:30 pm

Note: The palace is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September, except for scheduled group bookings.

The September closures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays probably reflect reduced visitor numbers as the season ends. This can disappoint visitors with limited travel dates.

Timed Entry System

All tickets specify exact entry times, and arrival at least 15 minutes before your slot is advised for security screening. The system aims to prevent overcrowding in the State Rooms.

But the rigid timing can create stress for visitors navigating London transport or dealing with unexpected delays. Missing your slot typically means losing your admission entirely.

Entry times are spread throughout the day, though popular slots (mid-morning and early afternoon) sell out faster than early morning or late afternoon options.

Tour Duration and Planning

The palace tour takes about 2 to 3 hours, including time in the State Rooms and gardens. This duration assumes a reasonably thorough visit rather than a rushed walk-through.

Visitors exit through the palace gardens, which adds to the overall experience time. The garden visit is included in admission and provides a welcome outdoor break after the formal interiors.

The multimedia guide is included with admission and available in multiple languages. Using the guide extends visit time but significantly enhances understanding of what you’re seeing.

Best Times to Visit

Early morning entries at 9:30 am often provide smaller crowds, shorter security lines, and a quieter experience in the State Rooms. The trade-off is an early start for visitors staying outside central London.

Late afternoon slots may offer better photography lighting in some rooms but can feel rushed if you’re trying to see everything thoroughly.

Weekdays generally see smaller crowds than weekends, though the difference might be less pronounced during peak summer tourist season.

Advance Booking Requirements

Tickets must be booked for specific entry times, and booking weeks ahead is highly recommended during peak season (mid-July to mid-August). Weekend slots and midday entries sell out particularly quickly.

The advance booking requirement means spontaneous visits aren’t possible. This can frustrate visitors with flexible itineraries who prefer to book activities based on weather or mood.

Last-minute availability sometimes happens due to cancellations, but planning a London visit around this possibility isn’t smart.

Seasonal Variations

The earlier closing time in September (6:30 pm vs. 7:30 pm) reflects shorter daylight hours and reduced visitor numbers as summer ends. Last admission times move correspondingly earlier.

These time changes can catch visitors off guard if they’re not checking current schedules. The September schedule also introduces weekday closures that don’t apply in July and August.

Weather becomes more variable in September, which can affect the garden portion of the visit. Rain may make the outdoor elements less enjoyable.

Practical Considerations

Security screening is required for all visitors and can take additional time beyond your scheduled entry. Arriving 15 minutes early isn’t just recommended but practically necessary.

The palace queuing and entrance areas are partly outdoors. London’s changeable weather means bringing umbrellas or sun protection depending on conditions.

Large bags aren’t permitted, and storage facilities are limited. Traveling light makes the security process faster and more comfortable.

Special Closures and Exceptions

The palace may close or modify hours for royal events, state occasions, or unforeseen circumstances. These changes are typically announced with as much notice as possible.

Special events like state visits or ceremonial occasions take priority over public visiting. While rare, such closures can disappoint visitors with fixed travel plans.

Always check official information before traveling, especially if visiting during periods when royal events might be scheduled.

Alternative Times and Options

Group bookings and school visits may be available during otherwise closed periods, though these aren’t typically accessible to individual tourists.

The Royal Mews and Queen’s Gallery maintain different opening schedules and may be available when the State Rooms are closed.

Consider combination tickets that include multiple royal sites if your visit timing is flexible.

Visitor Flow Management

The timed entry system aims to prevent the overcrowding that happened before its introduction. However, bottlenecks can still occur in popular rooms during peak times.

Some rooms may feel crowded even with timed entry, particularly the Throne Room and other highlight spaces where visitors tend to linger.

The garden exit helps distribute crowds but means you can’t easily return to State Rooms if you want to see something again.

Tips for Success

Book tickets as early as possible, especially for summer weekends or if you have specific date requirements. The limited opening season makes flexibility valuable.

Consider your preferred pace when choosing entry times. Early slots allow for a more leisurely visit, while later times may feel rushed.

Check weather forecasts since part of your visit will be outdoors in the gardens. Wet weather can affect enjoyment of the garden portion.

Plan transport to arrive with time to spare. London traffic and public transport delays can easily cause missed entry slots.

FAQ

Map & Address

Buckingham Palace

London SW1A 1AA, UK · Google Maps