Event

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening 2026 in the UK

Each summer, Buckingham Palace opens a quieter door into royal London, inviting visitors beyond the gates and into the State Rooms. Begin with ceremony, art and garden views, then let the day unfold through Soho’s energy and Fitzrovia Quarter’s creative, local rhythm.

What to know about the Buckingham Palace Summer Opening?

The Buckingham Palace Summer Opening 2026 gives visitors seasonal access to the Palace’s State Rooms, used for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining by His Majesty The King.

  • Address: London SW1A 1AA
  • Time: 
    • – July 9 – August 31: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last admission at 5:15 PM).
    • – September 1 – 27: Open Thursday through Monday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (last admission at 4:15 PM).
    • – Closed: Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout September
  • Price of ticket: 
    • – State Rooms Only: Adults £33 | Young Persons (18-24) £21.50 | Children (5-17) £16.50.
    • – Royal Day Out: (Includes State Rooms, Royal Mews, and The King’s Gallery) Adults £65.70 | Young Persons £42.70 | Children £32.80.

Tickets should be booked in advance, as timed entry applies and on-the-day tickets cost more and may sell out.

 

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Why is it special in London?

Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most familiar landmarks, but the Summer Opening changes how people experience it. Instead of viewing the Palace only from the gates, visitors step inside the ceremonial heart of the monarchy, moving through richly decorated rooms, the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room and spaces usually reserved for official occasions.

For London, the Summer Opening is both cultural and atmospheric. It encourages people to move between Westminster, St James’s, Soho and Fitzrovia, supporting nearby museums, galleries, restaurants, cafés and shops while turning a landmark visit into a wider day of discovery.

Hyde Park in London

How to get to Buckingham Palace?

There are many ways to get to Buckingham Palace through Fitzrovia, Soho, or Victoria,…

  • 1. From Fitzrovia by Tube

Walk to Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street or Warren Street, then travel towards Green Park, Victoria or St James’s Park. Allow around 20–30 minutes, depending on your starting point and route.

  • 2. From Soho on foot

Walk via Piccadilly Circus, St James’s and The Mall. This is one of the most enjoyable routes, taking around 25–35 minutes and passing some of London’s most recognisable West End streets

  • 3. From Victoria Station

Victoria is served by the Circle, District and Victoria lines, as well as National Rail, making it useful for visitors arriving from other parts of London or the South East.

  • 4. From St James’s Park Station

St James’s Park is served by the Circle and District lines and works well for visitors approaching from Westminster.

Tottenham Court Road, London

8+ things to do near Buckingham Palace and around Central London

Walk from Buckingham Palace towards Soho via St James’s and Piccadilly

After the Palace, let the route become part of the experience. This walk is suitable for visitors who want to see Central London at street level, moving from royal ceremony into the colour, theatre and movement of the West End.

  • St James’s Park: A calm green pause after the Palace, with lake views and open space.
  • Piccadilly Theatre: Head to Piccadilly Theatre for an uplifting West End finale filled with music, colour and atmosphere.
  • St. James’s Palace: An impressive historic building with a strong royal atmosphere. The palace reflects centuries of British history.

Exploring a European restaurant

  1. 1. Dal Fiorentino Fitzrovia
  • Address: 15 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 8AZ
  • Opening hours: 
    • Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 7 PM
    • Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM
    • Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
  • Price: £1-10 per person
  • Best to try: Schiacciata, Panini, Focaccia, Baguette,…

Dal Fiorentino brings a taste of Florence to Great Titchfield Street, offering London locals a welcoming stop after time spent around Buckingham Palace and central London. Known for its Schiacciate Fiorentine, the shop serves rustic Tuscan flatbreads filled with Italian meats, cheeses and vibrant vegetables, a relaxed Fitzrovia destination for flavour, comfort and everyday discovery.

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  1. 2. Sketch
  • Address: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
  • Opening hours: 
    • Wednesday – Saturday: 8 AM – 2 AM
    • Sunday & Monday: 8 AM – 12 AM
  • Best to try: Ceylon afternoon tea, Macarons, Oolong tea,…

After visiting Buckingham Palace, Sketch offers a refined and welcoming stop for afternoon tea in Mayfair. Guests can enjoy generous sweet and savoury treats, a wide choice of teas and thoughtful service in an elegant setting. With attentive staff and an accommodating approach, it is a memorable place for families, celebrations and relaxed London moments.

 

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Go shopping on Carnaby & Oxford St.

A strong stop for visitors interested in shopping in Central London, with easy access to flagship stores, independent brands and vibrant dining destinations.

  • Dr. Martens: An Oxford Street store focused on classic and contemporary footwear, plus clothing and accessories
  • RS No.9 Carnaby: The Rolling Stones’ store, blending music, fashion, album artwork and a customisation station
  • ZARA: Visitors praise this store for its great choice of stylish, high-quality clothing and collections

Visit The Photographers’ Gallery

  1. 1. PM/AM Gallery
  • Address: 37 Eastcastle St. London, UK
  • Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday: Closed
  • Entrance fee: Free (timed tickets required during busy periods) 

PM/AM Gallery is an inspiring cultural stop for visitors exploring art galleries in Central London, offering a contemporary space dedicated to painting, sculpture, photography and digital art after time spent around Buckingham Palace. Set within Fitzrovia Quarter, the gallery offers a calm, contemporary space to explore painting, sculpture, photography and digital art. It is a destination for curious minds, inviting conversation, fresh perspectives and creative connections in the heart of central London.

 

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  1. 2. Edel Assanti Gallery

London locals can continue their day in Fitzrovia Quarter with a visit to Edel Assanti on Little Titchfield Street. Set within a renovated Grade II listed building, the gallery offers a thoughtful cultural stop, with contemporary exhibitions that bring international artists, research-led practice and timely ideas into focus.

 

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  1. 3. Pontone Gallery

Pontone Gallery offers London locals a thoughtful cultural stop after time spent around Buckingham Palace. Spanning two floors, the gallery creates a generous sense of space for visitors to move through painting, sculpture, video and installation and explore contemporary painting, sculpture, video and installation in a polished, open setting shaped by international perspective and creative energy.

 

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Explore Chinatown for food and atmosphere

Chinatown is ideal for visitors who want the day to shift into colour, flavour and evening atmosphere. It sits close to Soho and offers more than restaurants, shops, bars and cafés, making it especially useful for groups with different tastes.

  • The Duck and Rice: A Chinese restaurant coming up with Cantonese House Roast Duck, Pork Rib Bao Bun and also serve Pilsner Urquell Tank Beer
  • Super Bowl Noodle Bar: Show off the beef short rib noodles with tender and full of flavour. Also, the crispy black sesame tangyuan is perfect for the Lantern Festival

Visit the British Museum nearby in Fitzrovia

The British Museum is a strong cultural add-on for visitors moving north-east from Soho or Fitzrovia. It offers free entry, though visitors are advised to book a free timed ticket in advance to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.

  1. 1. The Cartoon Museum
  • Address: 63 Wells St, London W1A 3AE
  • Opening hours: 
    • Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    • Saturday: 12 PM – 4 PM
    • Sunday: Closed
  • Entrance fee: 
    • Under 18s: Free
    • Adults (19 – 59s): £12.00

The Cartoon Museum offers London locals a characterful cultural stop in Fitzrovia. Its collection of British cartoons, comics and original artwork brings together sharp humour, visual storytelling and creative heritage, making it an easy destination for those looking to continue their day with something curious, relaxed and distinctly London.

 

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  1. 2. The British Museum

The British Museum in Bloomsbury is one of London’s most significant cultural landmarks, bringing together world history, art and human creativity under one roof. Founded in 1753, its collection spans two million years of history, with around eight million objects, including ancient artefacts, sculpture, ceramics and manuscripts. Entry to the permanent galleries is free.

 

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Discover the outdoor restaurant near Fitzrovia

Charlotte Street is one of Fitzrovia’s most useful dining routes after a day around Buckingham Palace, Soho and Oxford Circus. Visitors looking for a restaurant near Oxford Circus will find everything from casual cafés to contemporary European dining within a short walk. It offers a more local pace than the busiest West End streets, making it suitable for Londoners, office workers, couples and visitors who want dinner without feeling rushed.

  1. 1. Faros Oxford Circus

Faros Restaurant offers London locals a warm, flavourful escape after time spent around Buckingham Palace. Settle into its rustic dining room and explore a Mediterranean and Italian menu rich with colour, freshness and craft. With pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes, it is an inviting spot to continue the day over generous food and relaxed conversation.

Faros restaurant in Fitzrovia

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  1. 2. The High Llama Cafe, Bakery and Deli

The High Llama Bakery & Deli is a welcoming spot for anyone looking for an outdoor restaurant in Fitzrovia. Bringing Levantine warmth to the neighbourhood, it offers great coffee, seasonal artisanal baking and elegant Lebanese flavours, alongside freshly made salads, satisfying wraps, juices and deli favourites, ideal for a relaxed lunch or casual catch-up in central London.

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Take a sip with cafes

A coffee stop is a simple way to bring the article into Fitzrovia Quarter’s everyday rhythm. These cafés work well for visitors walking up from Soho, Oxford Circus or Regent Street.

matcha at joe & the juice
  • JOE & THE JUICE – Located at 12 Great Portland Street, this Fitzrovia Quarter café serves juices, coffee, sandwiches, salads, protein shakes, breakfast bowls and more. It is a good option for a quick, bright stop between shopping, sightseeing and exploring the neighbourhood
  • Kaffeine Great Titchfield St – Kaffeine is an independently owned café and espresso bar with two Fitzrovia locations, inspired by Australian and New Zealand coffee culture.
Kiss the hippo coffee in fitzrovia quarter
  • Kiss The HippoKiss the Hippo has Fitzrovia locations on Margaret Street and Berners Street, with the brand describing itself as London’s first carbon negative coffee roastery.