Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket

The Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket offers a chance to explore one of London’s most iconic landmarks for around $43.10 per person. This 2.5-hour tour, operated by the Royal Collection Trust, provides access to the magnificent State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, where the royal family hosts official functions. It’s a perfect choice for those interested in royal history, art, and luxury furnishings, especially since the tour includes a multimedia audio guide in 9 languages.

A key highlight is the privileged access to the publicly open rooms, furnished with paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens, sculptures by Canova, and exquisite porcelain from Sèvres. However, it’s worth noting that photos are not permitted inside, and there can be long queues at the start, as some reviews mention. This tour suits visitors who enjoy self-paced exploration and want to combine a cultural experience with easy access to the palace’s treasures.

Key Points

• Includes a multimedia tour in 9 languages, allowing flexible pacing.
• Access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with treasures from the Royal Collection.
• Tour duration of 2.5 hours—ideal for a comprehensive visit.
• Meet at the South Side of Buckingham Palace, with the entrance at Gate A.
• No live guide included, but the audio tour offers detailed commentary.
• Visit the Palace’s Garden Café at the end for refreshments and views.

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Starting Point: Buckingham Palace’s South Side Entrance

This tour begins at Buckingham Palace, located at London SW1A 1AA. The State Rooms Visitor Entrance (Gate A) is on the south side of the Palace, at Buckingham Gate. Participants must arrive before their scheduled time to avoid missing the entry, as late arrivals are not admitted. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

The meeting process involves exchanging your voucher at the entrance, with some reviews recommending arriving early to avoid long lines. The tour duration is set at 2.5 hours, but it’s advisable to arrive a little earlier to ensure a smooth start.

What You Will See Inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms

The State Rooms serve as official spaces used by the Royal Family for formal occasions, entertaining dignitaries, and ceremonial events. As you explore, you will see furnishings and artwork that represent the best of British craftsmanship. The rooms are decorated with paintings by renowned artists, and the collection includes sculptures, porcelain, and furniture.

The audio guide enhances this experience by providing detailed descriptions of each room, explaining the history, artwork, and royal significance behind the treasures. The self-paced nature allows visitors to spend ample time appreciating the exquisite furnishings without feeling rushed.

The Treasure from the Royal Collection

Among the priceless items on display are paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens, sculptures by Canova, and Sèvres porcelain that exemplify superior craftsmanship. The rooms are also furnished with some of the finest English and French furniture in the world, presenting a visual feast of luxury and artistry.

The collection is carefully curated, highlighting royal tastes and regal splendor. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the detail and opulence of each piece, making it clear why the State Rooms are considered London’s most exquisite public interiors.

Exploring the Private Gardens and Café

After the tour, visitors can head to the Garden Café, which offers a relaxing spot to enjoy refreshments and views of the Palace lawns. The café is a popular feature, providing an opportunity to rest and take in the surrounding gardens, which are part of the Palace grounds.

The garden area is praised for its scenic beauty, creating a peaceful end to the visit. Some reviews mention that the café offers good value with affordable treats, though specialty items like the cream tea may be considered expensive.

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Accessibility and Practical Tips

While the tour offers step-free access for those with mobility needs, pushchairs are not allowed inside the State Rooms and must be checked in. Baby carriers and hip seats are available free of charge, subject to availability.

Visitors should arrive early to avoid queues, especially at peak times. The ticket exchange process can sometimes be slow, so planning extra time is wise. Remember, photography is not allowed inside the State Rooms, so fans of taking pictures should prepare to enjoy the experience visually.

Group Size and Audio Guide Experience

The tour is designed as a small group experience, limited to 5 participants, which helps ensure a more intimate and relaxed exploration. The audio guide is available in 9 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian. This flexibility makes it accessible for international visitors.

The audio guide is praised for being informative and easy to use, allowing visitors to move at their own pace. The self-guided format means there are no live guides, but the audio commentary compensates by providing detailed explanations throughout the tour.

Ticketing, Cancellation, and Flexibility

The ticket includes entry to the State Rooms with a voucher exchange, and can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now, pay later option adds flexibility, especially for uncertain travel plans. Keep in mind, this ticket does not include a 1-year pass, only access for the booked day.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews mention long queues at the start, which could be a frustration. The absence of a live guide means visitors rely solely on the audio guide for information. The no photography inside policy may disappoint those wanting souvenir photos of the rooms’ details.

Baby strollers are not allowed into the State Rooms and must be checked in, so visitors with young children should plan accordingly. Also, late arrivals are not admitted, so punctuality is crucial for a smooth experience.

Overall Value for Money

At $43.10, this tour offers direct access to the Palace’s State Rooms, a detailed multimedia experience, and the opportunity to see priceless royal artworks and furnishings. Many reviews highlight the well-organized experience and the quality of the audio commentary as excellent value.

The exclusion of a live guide is balanced by the flexibility of the self-paced audio tour, making it suitable for those who prefer independent exploration. The Garden Café adds a relaxing finish, making the overall visit worth the price for those interested in royal interiors and art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults; pushchairs are not allowed inside the State Rooms, so young children and babies may require extra planning.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography, video recording, or filming inside the State Rooms are not permitted to protect the privacy of the royal collection.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The multimedia tour is available in 9 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese,, and Russian.

How long does the tour last?
The scheduled duration is 2.5 hours, but the self-paced audio guide allows flexibility to spend more or less time inside.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Buckingham Palace, at the State Rooms Visitor Entrance on Gate A, on the south side of the Palace.

Are meals included in the ticket?
No, food and beverages are not included. The Garden Café is available at the end of the tour for refreshments.

Is this tour available during the year?
Yes, the Palace is open during the summer months when it’s not in official use, and the tickets are for those specific open days.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now, pay later option offers added flexibility.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the small group size is limited to 5 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Arrive early, bring your voucher for exchange, and prepare for no photography inside. The audio guide enhances the experience, so headphones are recommended.

The Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket provides a well-rounded view of royal art and furnishings in a convenient, organized format, making it a recommended choice for those passionate about British royalty and interior design.

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