The Buckingham palace claims that it has the most easily recognizable building façade in the world. It is also the residence of The Queen and it is considered a working palace.

The Royal Collection comprises of priceless works of art and they are world renowned as a major art collection. Despite this it is neither a museum nor a gallery.

The palace was formerly known as Buckingham House and George III bought it in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte as a family home. Later on in 1826 George IV transformed the house in to a palace. From then onwards the palace went through several changes until the early 1830's.

The first ever monarch to take up residence at the palace was Queen Victoria and the year was 1837. Later in 1838 she was the first monarch to leave from the Buckingham Palace for a coronation.

The palace is open to the public between August and September. This is the time when The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland. The Queens Gallery is an area solely made for the purpose of holding exhibitions. From time to time items from the royal collection are displayed here.

If you time your visit you could see the Changing Of Guards, which usually takes place at 11.30am.

Opening Time

The state rooms are open to the public between July 31 - September 26
9.30am - 4.30pm (last admission 4.15pm)