Morning Visit To Buckingham Palace – Fun Day in London

We’ve learned that early birds often get some of the best experiences at popular tourist attractions. Our London itinerary included visiting Buckingham Palace. So we booked a morning visit to this iconic location.

We bought tickets in advance while in the States for a tour of the staterooms and a separate garden tour.  At Buckingham Palace, there is no getting in early. If your ticket says 10:15 am, don’t try walking in earlier. The protocol is particular here, and we have experienced the tightest entrance security since we entered the UK. It’s also the first place we ran into heavily armed guards.

Introduction to Buckingham Palace

Located in the heart of the city, this magnificent palace has been home to Britain’s royal family since 1837. It is a must-see attraction for anyone looking to explore London’s rich history.

From strolling through the stunning State Rooms and galleries to admiring the impeccably maintained gardens, there’s something for everyone at Buckingham Palace. There are several guided tours, and we selected from the available options for our day. We were excited to learn about the royal family’s long history and looked forward to admiring the palace’s beautiful architecture.

Buckingham Palace Overview

Home to the British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the City of Westminster, this grand palace has been at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality for centuries. From national rejoicing to mourning, it has been a focal point for the British people throughout history.

Originally a large townhouse belonging to the Duke of Buckingham, Buckingham House was built in 1703. It wasn’t until 1761, when King George III acquired it as a private residence for Queen Charlotte, that the building became known as The Queen’s House. When Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, Buckingham House officially became the London residence of the British monarch, and it’s been known as Buckingham Palace ever since.

Queen Victoria’s Palace was transformed during her 63-year reign, thanks to support and encouragement from Prince Albert. The palace housed Queen Victoria’s nine children and forty-two grandchildren, from a royal residence to a family home. Today, Buckingham Palace stands tall as a testament to Queen Victoria’s vision of modernizing the building into what it is today.

Visiting St. James Park Before Entry

If you arrive very early before your ticket time, consider exploring nearby St. James Park. This London park is a beautiful, tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located just west of Buckingham Palace, St. James Park has it all: gorgeous gardens, picturesque lakes, elegant fountains, and lush greenery. It’s a beautiful spot for an afternoon stroll or even a picnic lunch.

The park is full of history and charm, with many historical monuments. The lake area has plenty of wildlife to observe – including ducks, swans, and geese. There’s even a café on site for snacks and refreshments after a stroll through the park.

The park is known for its resident pelicans, who live thousands of miles from their usual habitat. These birds were introduced to the park way back in 1664 as a gift from a Russian Ambassador. In 2013, three Eastern White pelicans arrived as gifts from the City of Prague. Mid afternoon is the best time to spot the pelicans. This is when the park rangers feed them fish. And being used to humans, don’t be surprised if one sits on a bench next to you.

St. James Park is a great place to visit before heading to Buckingham Palace, as we did. With its picturesque surroundings, historical monuments, and abundant wildlife, St. James Park is an excellent place near Buckingham Palace.

State Room Tour at Buckingham Palace

Every summer, the public can get an exclusive view of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms as the reigning monarch opens them to visitors. These grand rooms are where the Royal Family receives and entertains guests for state, ceremonial and other official occasions.

With 19 State Rooms, they reflect the taste of King George IV who commissioned John Nash to transform Buckingham House into a Palace in 1825. You can find some of the Royal Collection’s greatest treasures, such as paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculpture by Canova and Sèvres porcelain, along with some of the finest English and French furniture, adorning these spaces.

The State Room Tour at Buckingham Palace is a must-see attraction. This guided tour takes you through the palace’s stunning State Rooms and galleries, offering an insight into centuries of British history. We experienced first-hand the grandeur of these rooms, from the Throne Room, where members of the royal family are crowned, to the White Drawing Room and its ornate furnishings.

We also enjoyed exploring the magnificent art collection, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Reynolds. The paintings and sculptures were museum-quality works of art.

The State Room tour showed off the opulent palace residence of the royal family. There was no photography permitted here.

This palace was transformed into the present-day residence by Queen Victoria during her 63-year reign. Overall we get to see the palatial building, which impresses us during a tour of just about one hour.

An audio guide was provided to aid in understanding what we viewed during our tour. We completed the State Room Tour in one hour.

Inside the Palace

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the inside of Buckingham Palace, here’s what you can expect. The grand building measures 108 meters long across the front, 120 meters deep (including the central quadrangle), and 24 meters high. Inside, it boasts an incredible 775 rooms, including 19 Staterooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious to know what the inside of Buckingham Palace looks like, this grand building is a marvelous example of architecture for the monarchy.

Architecture and Surrounding Gardens

Buckingham Palace is not just about royal pomp; it’s also a masterpiece of architecture. The palace features 775 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. Its facade, designed by Aston Webb, was added in 1913 and showcases the neoclassical style with a touch of French influence. 

Surrounding the palace are the stunning Buckingham Palace Gardens, which span over 39 acres. These gardens are a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the bustling city. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the Summer House, and the famous lake, which are perfect spots for leisurely walks and photography. The gardens are also home to rare flora and fauna, including the National Collection of Mulberry Trees.

Garden Tour at Buckingham Palace

After our morning visit to Buckingham Palace, we have time to kill before the garden tour. So we grab a light snack at the palace cafe. At 12:30, we get a personally guided tour of the gardens. At 39.5 acres, this is the largest private garden in London. And it takes a team of 11 managers to maintain the grounds.

Exploring the beautiful grounds of Buckingham Palace on a guided garden tour was so enjoyable. Featuring over 4,000 trees and more than 350 different species of flowers, this iconic palace is home to some of the most magnificent gardens in Britain. The garden tour takes you through these stunning grounds, offering an insight into centuries-old horticultural practices and modern updates. We admired the lush green lawns, explored the impressive rockeries, and viewed the tranquil water features.

Developed on a serpentine path, the walk reveals new plants and landscapes around every turn. We enjoyed the garden tour very much, perhaps more than the inside of the palace. If you’re planning a trip to Buckingham Palace, consider adding the Garden Tour for your visit. For us, it did not disappoint!

The Royal History of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been central to many significant events in British history. It became the official royal palace of the British monarch on Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837. Since then, it has hosted countless state banquets, royal weddings, and significant national celebrations. 

The palace has also witnessed its share of historical milestones. During World War II, it survived nine direct bomb hits, symbolizing British resilience. Notable figures associated with the palace include Queen Elizabeth II, who gave her first public address from the palace during WWII, and Princess Diana, whose wedding to Prince Charles captivated the world.

Fun Fact – Is the Monarch Present at the Palace?

There is a way to tell if the monarch is home at Buckingham Palace. If you’re passing by and wish to know whether the monarch is in, you’re in luck. There’s a super-secret code that provides the answer. It’s so secret and is coded with a flag. If the Union Flag is flying over the palace, you’re out of luck – no monarch is inside the palace. However, if a royal standard flag is, the answer is yes – the reigning monarch is present. It is quite a masterful piece of secret deception. However, don’t tell anybody we told you this information because it’s a brilliant secret.

Tips for Visiting Buckingham Palace

Planning a visit to Buckingham Palace can be overwhelming, but these tips will help you make the most of your experience. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the crowds are thinner. The State Rooms are open to the public for ten weeks each summer and on selected dates during winter and spring, so plan accordingly. 

• Tickets can be purchased online or at the palace; however, booking in advance is highly recommended during peak tourist seasons.
• Photography is allowed in the gardens and exterior but is restricted inside the palace for security reasons.
• Always check the official Buckingham Palace website for the latest visitor information and any unexpected closures.

Blue Plaques and Residences of London’s Famous Folks

When you’re finished exploring Buckingham Palace and if you’re up for some DIY adventure, you can walk London’s streets in search of blue plaques. We spent an afternoon doing just this and found ourselves outside 1 Logan Place, the former residence of Queen’s Freddie Mercury.

Then we learned about the fascinating history of London’s buildings when we started to spot the city’s iconic blue plaques! Since 1866, these distinctive blue markers have commemorated significant figures and moments in London’s history. From famous authors and musicians, to scientists and politicians – there are over 900 different blue plaques dotted around the city!

We venture to 153 Cromwell Street, where Alfred Hitchcock once lived.

We spied a former residence of famed classical composer Benjamin Britten.

What a fun afternoon – hunting for blue plaques. It may not float your boat, but we enjoyed this random adventure.

Peter Pan in Hyde Park

We heard about the iconic Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park and ventured to find it. This beautiful bronze sculpture, created by Sir George Frampton in 1912, stands proudly amongst the trees and flower beds of the park. It depicts the beloved character from J.M Barrie’s 1904 novel and is said to be one of London’s most cherished artworks. The statue is a favorite amongst young and old visitors and is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity!

We made our way to the exact spot in Hyde Park where the novel Peter Pan notes this literary character makes his first appearance.

We enjoyed our morning visit to Buckingham Palace and an afternoon of fun adventures.

London, England – Know Before You Go

✈️ Closest Airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

⏰ Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in Winter, (GMT+1 in Summer)

💰 Currency: Pound Sterling – Currency Converter

🔌 Electricity Socket: In England, you’ll encounter type G plugs with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The electricity supply in England operates at 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a morning visit to Buckingham Palace is a must-do for anyone visiting London. Its blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and royal charm makes it a unique attraction. Whether witnessing the Changing of the Guard, exploring the State Rooms, or strolling through the gardens, Buckingham Palace offers a captivating experience that brings British history to life.

For tourists and history enthusiasts alike, the palace’s timeless appeal is undeniable. If you’re planning a trip to London, make sure to include Buckingham Palace in your itinerary. The memories you create here will be cherished for a lifetime, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of the British monarchy.

Book your visit today and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Buckingham Palace. Your royal adventure awaits!

Plan Your UK Adventure

Here’s a few recommended travel books you can use to plan your United Kingdom travel adventures.

Product Image	Product Name / Primary Rating / Price	Primary Button
	Fodor’s Essential England (Full-color Travel Guide) Primary Rating: 4.6 $22.66	Buy Now
	DK Eyewitness Great Britain (Travel Guide) Primary Rating: 4.6 $17.36	Buy Now
	Rick Steves England Primary Rating: 4.7 $22.00	Buy Now

Fodor’s Essential England (Full-color Travel Guide)

Primary Rating:

4.6

$22.66

Buy Now

DK Eyewitness Great Britain (Travel Guide)

Primary Rating:

4.6

$17.36

Buy Now

Rick Steves England

Primary Rating:

4.7

$22.00

Buy Now