Buckingham Palace SW1A 1AA
9.30am - 7.30pm (summer only)
Train: Victoria,Charing Cross Tube: Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park, Hyde Park Corner
2 - 3 hours
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About Buckingham Palace State Rooms
“I liked all the royal toys but I didn’t like the queue at the start – 9/10” – Lene, aged 9
Step inside Buckingham Palace and explore the royal State Rooms, open each summer while the King’s away. With chandeliers, art, and the iconic Throne Room, it’s a must for families who love a bit of grandeur – plus there’s cake, gardens, and the Changing of the Guard too.
Top tip from the KidRated team:
The State Rooms are only open for a few weeks each summer, so book early! The free Changing of the Guard happens outside – no ticket needed – but it gets busy fast so get there early.
Quick Inspiration
Yes, but best for kids aged 6+. There’s loads to see, but it’s more “look and listen” than hands-on. Great for royal fans and anyone who loves a bit of gold and glamour. Under-5s go free, but may get a bit fidgety. There’s a family craft pavilion in the gardens at the end of the tour.
Nope, they’re off on their summer hols while the State Rooms are open. But walking through their actual home is still pretty special, and you will see the thrones.
Ideally, yes. It’s full of priceless stuff, and there are rules like “no touching” and “indoor voices please.” That said, staff are kind and used to kids, just maybe don’t bring the sugar-fuelled toddler army.
Yes, the whole tour is indoors. Just bring a brolly for any queueing and photos outside, then dry off in the café with a slice of royal sponge.
The Throne Room is a showstopper. But for drama and fun, the Changing of the Guard (free, outside) is brilliant – brass bands, shiny boots and giant fluffy hats.
Ah, the full British spectacle! Shiny boots, military music, horses, and guards in those famous bearskin hats swapping shifts with great ceremony. It’s totally free and happens just outside the Palace gates usually at 11am Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays, but check the website before you go.
Loads – start with the Palace gates, nab a family shot in the forecourt, then treat yourself to a subtle café selfie with cake.
Yes, the Palace is fully accessible with lifts and help on hand. Buggies might need to be parked in some areas, but staff will guide you.
Yes, the Garden Café at the end of the tour is lovely. Or picnic in St James’s Park next door if the weather behaves.
Yes, clean, well-kept and even a bit posh. Baby-changing too. Possibly the most regal toilets you’ll ever use.
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Me and my sister went recently and it was brilliant. We took the audio tour and chose the family version with lots of fun facts and quizzes. We saw 13 rooms, including the room we saw on tv recently that Donald Trump got welcomed to! We saw the Kings garden where he has lots of animals like geese and had really good sponge cake in the cafe. It had all the normal cafe food but the cakes were better. We also saw all the amazing carriages and got to learn how to tack up a fake horse. There were real horses there too.