Buckingham Palace is perhaps the most iconic of all landmarks. It’s the address of the current monarch when they’re in London although tourists and residents alike love visiting to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Staying at local hotels in Hyde Park means that you’ll share a postcode with the British royal family. Here is all you need to know about Buckingham Palace and the surrounding neighbourhood.
How to visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is open to the public in the summer months only. The dates usually span from mid-July until the end of September. Visits to the State Apartments must be booked in advance. As with rooms at the nearby Hyde Park Boutique Hotel, tickets sell out ahead of time and must be planned with care.
Otherwise, you can visit Buckingham Palace at any time of year and see the facade. It is permitted to take photographs of the building and the guards through the railings.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place several times a week all year round. It usually occurs at 11 am and is free to observe.
Things to do near Buckingham Palace
After seeing Buckingham Palace, you can continue your exploration with the following attractions.
- Hyde Park
The quintessential royal park, Hyde Park is the largest green area in Central London. Allow at least an hour to wander around the two lakes – longer during summer when boat rentals are available. Hyde Park is the kind of place you could easily spend an entire afternoon enjoying a picnic. Consider a stay at the Hyde Park Boutique Hotel if you’re eager to mix up the urban attractions with flora, trees, and local wildlife.
Ten-minute walk from Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Cathedral
Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral is built in the Byzantine style. It’s free to enter the nave and holy chapels and see the splendid mosaic ceiling and marble columns.
Ten-minute walk from Buckingham Palace
- St James’s Park
One of the prettiest green spaces in London, St James’s Park curls around a picturesque lake where you will encounter ducks, geese, swans, and pelicans – yes, pelicans! Cross the Blue Bridge for a charming view of Buckingham Palace. St James’s Park is especially lovely in autumn when the trees turn golden.
Five-minute walk from Buckingham Palace
- Victoria Tower Gardens South
This riverside park has beautiful views of the Palace of Westminster and the River Thames. It’s often overlooked as tourists congregate on the bridge to survey Big Ben and is wonderful for photography.
Twenty-minute walk from Buckingham Palace
- Tate Britain
Another institution that’s often skipped in favour of Tate Modern, Tate Britain showcases Pre-Raphaelite and Neoclassicist pieces as well as contemporary British works. The main gallery is free to visit.
Twenty-five-minute walk from Buckingham Palace
- Eccleston Yards
Close to Victoria Station, Eccleston Yards is a chic little hub for shopping and dining. It’s a lovely spot to pick up gifts, have a bite to eat, and see the open-air art and murals.
Fifteen-minute walk from Buckingham Palace