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Take a tour of Britain’s most famous building
Ever wanted to step inside a real working royal palace? Well, we’re going to let you in on a secret. London consistently ranks among the top 10 cities to visit around the world, and what’s a trip to the capital without seeing the King’s official residence? Every summer, for six weeks only, you can take a tour of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms! It’s also one of the grandest things to do in London when it rains, letting you swap a grey sky for gilded ceilings.
Between July and September, you’re allowed to have a snoop around the mysterious royal chambers. To make a truly royal day of it, you could even combine your tour with a quintessentially British experience nearby. Our Tea at Rubens + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus + Thames Cruise package, for example, offers a perfect day of palace exploring, afternoon tea, and sightseeing.
Of course, the State Rooms are a summer-only affair. If your visit falls in winter, the royal district has a different magic. The city sparkles, and you can enjoy the spectacular Christmas Lights Bus Tour in London or explore some of the best Christmas markets in the world.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms: a must for history and art enthusiasts
The Buckingham Palace State Rooms are the ultimate attraction for those seeking a glimpse into the grandeur and elegance of British royalty. Decked out with exquisite art and plush furnishings, these rooms offer a fascinating insight into the history and traditions of the monarchy.
This series of lavish chambers is used by the Royal Family for official and state functions. And when the royals take their summer hols, they very generously open up their official residence for you to have a peek.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms: a brief history
The Buckingham Palace State Rooms were built in the early 19th century, when King George IV decided to transform the former Buckingham House into a more suitable residence for the monarchy.
The grandiose State Rooms we see today are the result of his vision and the refurbishments carried out by his successors. Each room is steeped in history and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the British monarchy.
The Buckingham Palace State Rooms have borne witness to centuries of history and tradition, from intimate family gatherings to sumptuous state banquets. For example:
- Keen dancer Queen Victoria held concerts and state balls in the Ballroom, with world-class musicians such as Strauss and Mendelssohn performing.
- The sociable Queen Victoria also used to throw spectacular balls in the Throne Room.
- King Charles, his siblings Anne and Andrew, and his son Prince William were all christened in the Music Room.
- Kate and William had their wedding photos taken in the Throne Room in April 2011.
- In May 2011, the Obamas were invited round for dinner in the vast Ballroom.
- The day before his coronation, in May 2023, Charles met with foreign dignitaries in the Picture Gallery.
Architecture and decoration of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms
From the moment you enter the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, you’ll be wowed. The first thing you see is the appropriately named grand staircase. Try not to let your jaw hit the floor too loudly, as that goes against royal etiquette!
As you walk through the palace, room after room shines. Each State Room has its own special design features, decoration and precious objects. Items this rare would normally be displayed in glass cases in a museum. But at Buckingham Palace, they are still in use. It’s a living museum.
Let’s take a look at some of the main State Rooms and their features.
The Throne Room
The Throne Room with its, yes, you guessed it, thrones (!) is a highlight. This room is particularly opulent. It was designed by the architect John Nash, who, with his background in set design, added a theatrical arch and canopy over the thrones.
The White Drawing Room
Although smaller than many, the White Drawing Room is arguably the most interesting room in the palace. Decorated in white and gold, it is one seriously swanky state room!
It’s used as a royal reception room for the King and other members of the Royal Family to gather before official occasions. Oh, to be a fly on the wall and hear what the Royals gossip about over a cup of tea!
Take a close look at the seemingly commonplace mirrors and cabinets. They double up as secret doors, allowing the Royal Family to get into the room from the private rooms behind!
The Ballroom
This vast, cavernous room, built for Queen Victoria, who famously loved to dance, has a horseshoe-shaped table built to accommodate 170 guests. That might just be one of the world’s largest tables!
The Music Room
There is a colossal organ in the music room, which, at one time, was the largest and most powerful instrument in the country. It belonged to the party-loving George IV, who had “an extraordinary love of music.” Originally housed in George’s Royal Pavilion in Brighton, it was transported to the Music Room in the 1800s.
The Blue Drawing Room
Despite its name, this room is not blue in the slightest! One of the first things you’ll notice is the incredible chandeliers, but make sure you check out the large, circular table. It was commissioned by none other than Napoleon.
The most beautiful artworks housed in the Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming-sounding “Picture Gallery.” This treasure trove of Old Master paintings houses a stunning collection put together by George IV and his predecessors, from Rembrandt to Rubens and Van Dyck to Vermeer, and easily rivals some of the best museums in London.
Some of the Picture Gallery’s renowned paintings are:
- Vermeer’s Music Lesson, possibly the best-known work in the Royal Collection
- Van Dyck’s portrait of Henrietta Maria, who was Charles I’s wife
- A self-portrait by Rubens
- Several scenes of Venice, by Canaletto
- Portrait of Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger
- The Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci
Fun facts about the Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Even in the most regal of surroundings, there’s always room for a bit of a laugh. With that in mind, here are some fun facts about the Buckingham Palace State Rooms:
- Esteemed architect John Nash, famed for overhauling the original Buckingham House and designing much of today’s palace, went horribly over budget and got fired!
- Between 1838 and 1841, a boy called Edward Jones broke into the palace several times. Among other things, he stole a sword, the queen’s underwear and even had a cheeky go on the throne! While we don’t recommend this, a proper tour is one of the most fascinating things to do in London with kids.
- There are 775 rooms in Buckingham Palace, of which 19 are State Rooms. There are also 52 royal/guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 78 bathrooms and 92 offices!
- At a whopping 36.6 metres long, 18 metres wide, and 13.5 metres high, the Ballroom is the biggest room in Buckingham Palace.
State Rooms only open in the summer when the Royal Family goes off on their hols. And where do they choose to go? To sunny Scotland! It’s just one of the many fantastic UK holiday destinations for families.
- Despite the royals being on their holidays, there is a small chance Charlie might be there during your visit. How can you tell? Look at the flag! If there’s a Union flag over the palace, he’s not there. If the Royal Standard flag is flying, you might be in luck!
- The palace garden is 40 acres and has tennis courts, a lake and even a helicopter landing pad for all those high-flying celebrity visitors. While the King hosts official dignitaries, modern-day ‘royalty’ like pop stars also have their own famous haunts across the city; you can even follow specific Taylor Swift London Locations on a fan pilgrimage
Pay the Royal Family a visit in their official residence!
A visit to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace is an absolute must for anyone who loves history, art or the good old Royal Family.
Many visitors to London choose to see the Changing of the Guard, which often proceeds up The Mall towards the many attractions near Piccadilly Circus, explore the historic halls of Westminster Abbey or climb the Tower of London. London’s calendar is always packed with incredible events; depending on when you visit, you might catch anything from royal ceremonies to huge public festivities, as the city is a major hub for global celebrations like those for St Patrick’s day around the world.
While these are all fantastic options, the State Rooms hold a special place in our royal-loving hearts. To easily connect all these historic sites, the Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus is ideal. You can even combine experiences with value-packed passes. The Tower of London Tickets + Thames River Cruise + Bus Tour is perfect for history buffs, while the London River Cruise + Hop-On Hop-Of Bus offers a more relaxed sightseeing day. For a different kind of fun, the London Pass: Eye, Tussauds, SEA LIFE + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour covers the city’s biggest attractions. And if your UK adventure continues, you can even book an Edinburgh + London Hop-on Hop- off Tour Package .
So, if you’re lucky enough to be in London between July and September, keep a space in your diary to pay a visit to Charlie and his family.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make the most of your visit to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms and avoid the crowds, try booking a time slot early in the morning for a more serene visit with fewer tourists.
You are allowed to bring handbags and small backpacks inside the palace, but you have to carry these by your side (not on your back). Large bags and backpacks (bigger than 45cm x 20cm x 30cm) are not allowed within the State Rooms. If you have bigger items of luggage to store, there are facilities nearby, for example at Victoria Station.
Unfortunately, taking photographs inside the State Rooms is strictly prohibited. This policy is in place to preserve and protect the priceless artworks and furnishings that adorn the rooms.