Episode 150 – Essential Guide to Visiting Buckingham Palace: Tours, Tickets, Tips, and Must-See Highlights

In episode 150 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy shares everything you need to know about visiting Buckingham Palace—London’s most iconic royal residence. Doug turns interviewer, quizzing Tracy about her firsthand tour experience, ticket options, inside highlights like the State Rooms and gardens, and tips on booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

Learn practical advice on when to visit, how to get there, and what else to do nearby, plus insights into the palace’s fascinating history. If you’re dreaming of a royal London adventure, tune in for this essential guide to making the most of your Buckingham Palace visit!

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What you’ll learn in this episode

• 🇬🇧 Discover the fascinating history and fun facts about Buckingham Palace, including its origins, sheer size (750+ rooms!), and unique status as a residence held in trust by the Crown Estate rather than owned outright by the royal family
• 🏰 Get an overview of ticket options for visiting, from standard self-guided tours to exclusive small group tours and even the special Royal Day Out package
• 📅 Learn when you can visit the Palace – with State Rooms open July–September, plus limited small-group tours at other times – and why booking in advance is essential
• 🚩 Find out how to tell if the King is at home by checking which flag flies over the Palace, and where to get a visual guide to distinguishing the Royal Standard from the Union Jack
• 👑 Hear insider tips from Tracy’s personal experience on a small group tour, including how to subscribe for early tour notifications from the Royal Collection Trust
• 🚪Be among the first to hear about exciting new experiences for 2025, such as entering the Palace through the iconic front gates and crossing the forecourt, just like the royals!
• 🎨 Get the highlights of what you’ll see inside: the magnificent State Rooms, grand staircase, throne room with coronation chairs, royal art collection, and, in summer, the impressive garden
• 🚇 Plan your visit with practical tips on transport—how to reach Buckingham Palace by tube, bus, coach, or even an Uberboat
• 🥾 Maximise your experience with practical advice: arrive on time for your timed entry, expect airport-style security, travel light (no large bags), and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking
• 📷 Note the photo policy—photography is not permitted inside the Palace, but photos are allowed in the gardens
• 🗓️ Smart planning: book directly with the official website to convert your ticket into a one-year pass for free repeat visits, and discover how this also applies at Windsor Castle
• 🏞️ Explore nearby attractions like the Changing of the Guard, St. James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and more—all within walking distance
• 📝 Get Tracy & Doug’s top tip: book tickets as early as possible, and plan the rest of your London day around your timed Palace visit for a stress-free, memorable royal experience