Visiting the Buckingham Palace is a quintessential London experience for any tourist interested in the royal lifestyle. This opulent palace is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the Queen and is replete with grandeur, history, and culture. Your tour will guide you through a selection of the palace’s state rooms, the Queen’s Gallery, and maybe even a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard. This informational guide will help you in arranging a private tour and what to anticipate during your visit.
Planning Your Visit
Before you embark on your royal tour, it’s essential to plan accordingly. The Buckingham Palace opens to the public for tours only during the summer months (July to October), when the Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland. The palace’s state rooms, Queen’s Gallery, and Royal Mews are open for public viewing during this period.
When planning your visit, bear in mind that a typical tour will take around 2-2.5 hours. This allows ample time for you to soak in the magnificence of the palace’s grandeur. Although the palace offers free audio guides, a private tour provides a more intimate and comprehensive experience. The guides, usually experts in royal history, offer valuable insights into the royal family’s life, the palace’s history, and the splendid art collection on display.
Booking Your Private Tour
To embark on a private tour of Buckingham Palace, you’ll need to book your tickets well in advance. The tickets can be booked online via the official Royal Collection Trust website. The Trust manages the public opening of the palace and ensures that the proceeds from the ticket sales are used to maintain the Royal Collection.
The private tour tickets are priced higher than the regular admission tickets. While the regular tickets grant access to the state rooms, Queen’s Gallery, and the Changing of the Guard, the private tour offers a more immersive royal experience. The tour guides provide detailed commentary on each of the 19 magnificent state rooms and the royal art collection displayed in the Queen’s Gallery.
The Buckingham Palace State Rooms
The Buckingham Palace features 19 opulent state rooms, each adorned with some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection. These rooms are used by the Queen and members of the royal family to receive guests on state, ceremonial, and official occasions.
Your tour will begin with the grand staircase, an impressive introduction to the palace’s state rooms. The staircase is adorned with portraits of the Queen’s immediate family members, giving you a glimpse into the royal lineage. Following this, you’ll be guided through a series of splendidly decorated rooms, including the White Drawing Room, the Ballroom, and the Throne Room. Each room is distinct in its decor and holds an exciting story of royal history.
The Changing of the Guard
A visit to Buckingham Palace would be incomplete without witnessing the Changing of the Guard. This deeply traditional ceremony symbolizes the transfer of responsibility for the palace’s security from the Old Guard to the New Guard.
On your private tour, your guide will ensure that you get the best possible view of this ceremony. It takes place at 11:00 am on certain days, so it’s crucial to time your visit accurately. Your guide will provide commentary on the ceremony’s history and significance, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of this quintessentially British spectacle.
The Queen’s Gallery
The Queen’s Gallery is a public art gallery at Buckingham Palace. It exhibits works of art from the Royal Collection on a rotating basis. With approximately 450 works on display at any given time, the gallery offers an insight into the royal family’s tastes and the history of the monarchy.
The gallery hosts a wide range of artworks, from old master paintings to rare furniture, exquisite ceramics, and photographs. The collection also features valuable personal items belonging to the Queen. On your private tour, your guide will offer expert commentary on the pieces on display, shedding light on the stories behind these precious treasures.
In arranging a private tour of Buckingham Palace, you are signing up for an exceptional experience, unmatched by any regular guided tour. From the grandeur of the state rooms to the historic Changing of the Guard and the exquisite art in the Queen’s Gallery, every moment of your visit will be rich in royal history and culture. So, plan your visit, book your tickets, and look forward to an unforgettable royal experience.
Exploring the Royal Mews and Palace Gardens
Another essential part of your private tour of Buckingham Palace lies in exploring the Royal Mews and the palace gardens. The Royal Mews, located just around the corner from the palace, is home to the royal family’s collection of historic carriages and motor cars. Each vehicle here tells a story, whether it’s the Gold State Coach used for coronations or the Bentleys and Rolls-Royces used for state occasions.
The Royal Mews also houses the working stables where the famous royal horses are kept. Here, you can learn about the intricate process of preparing the horses for official ceremonies. Remember, the Mews are open to the public from February until November, making it an ideal spot to visit if your trip falls outside the summer months.
Next, extend your visit to the enchanting palace gardens, a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling city. The garden covers 39 acres and features a lake, a tennis court, and more than 350 types of wildflowers. During your private tour, you can stroll through the garden at leisure, appreciating its serene beauty while learning about its history and the various events it hosts from your guide.
Visiting Palace of Holyroodhouse and Windsor Castle
In addition to Buckingham Palace, the royal family has other residences worth exploring. The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, and Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, offer fascinating tours of their own.
When the Queen is in Scotland during the summer, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is her home. A guided tour of this historic residence provides a deeper understanding of Scottish royal history. Highlights include the State Apartments, Mary Queen of Scots’ Chambers, and the beautiful palace gardens.
Windsor Castle, on the other hand, is a beloved weekend home for the Queen and a working palace. The castle’s opulence and intricate history make it a worthwhile visit. Key areas to explore include the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and St George’s Chapel. Both of these tours can be booked online through the Royal Collection Trust website.
Arranging a private tour of Buckingham Palace offers an immersive experience into the lives of the royal family. From exploring the grandeur of the state rooms to witnessing the changing of the guard ceremony, and admiring the exquisite art in the Queen’s Gallery, every moment is steeped in royal history and culture.
And the experience doesn’t end at the palace doors. The Royal Mews and the Palace Gardens provide a unique insight into the royal lifestyle. Plus, visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Windsor Castle further enriches your understanding of the monarchy’s history and traditions.
Remember, planning and booking ahead is key to securing your private tour. So, choose your dates, book your tickets, and anticipate an unforgettable journey into the heart of British royalty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply fascinated by the royal family, a private tour of Buckingham Palace is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss.