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The Best Buckingham Palace Tours To Take in 2024 and Why

Ian Sumpter Last Updated: October 20, 2023

Buckingham Palace has been the focus of national and royal celebrations for generations. Walking the Mall and viewing the palace should be on anyone’s travel list, but should you take a tour? Here I’ll cover the best tours of Buckingham Palace to take this year and why.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  best London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Should You Take a Tour of Buckingham Palace?

The short answer is yes! But as the Tour Guy is a tour operator, that seems a fairly obvious answer. So why should you take a tour of Buckingham Palace?

Well, the Palace is not as old as many of the great royal estates, such as Windsor Castle, but it has been the center of national and royal life for over a century now. In the age of televised events, the balcony facing the Mall has become the most famous balcony since Juliet’s, with the royal family seen waving to crowds of thousands after Royal events like weddings, coronations, and so on.

Although King Charles III has taken up residence at Clarence House until Buckingham Palace’s restorations are completed in 2027, it remains the administrative office of the monarch and, as such, a hugely important royal site.

For fans of the monarchy or history buffs, a tour will offer fascinating oversight of a site of enormous cultural and historical significance.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to Buckingham Palace for more info.

Which Buckingham Palace Tours to Take?

There are several options if you want to tour Buckingham Palace. The staterooms are only open ten weeks a year, so interior visits can be hard to find, but we have daily options that cover the Palace from the outside and take in the key ceremonies, like the ‘Changing of the Guards’.

Our best Bucking Palace tours are as follows:

The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour

London walking tour with changing of the guards at buckingham palace, london in a day tour with westminster abbey, tower of london & buckingham palace.

The Buckingham Palace Royalty tour is a fantastic and fascinating way to dive deeper into both the history of the Palace and the institution of the monarchy.

For most of the year, the State Rooms and Throne Room are closed to the public, but those rooms are open for ten weeks each summer. Tickets sell out quickly, but your space is guaranteed with this tour.

Your expert guide will lead you through St. James Park, originally a swamp turned into a hunting lodge by Henry VIII that remains a bastion of green tranquility surrounded by the concrete jungle of London.

Then, up the Mall, the royal mile of road leading to the Palace, used for the Changing of the Guard and Royal processions.

Your guide will lead you through security and into the Palace, where you will be given a personal audio guide to lead you through the magnificent State and Throne Rooms. Undoubtedly one of the best Buckingham Palace tours to take.

Note: The opening dates for 2024 have yet to be confirmed by the Palace, so be sure to bookmark this page and return towards the end of 2023 to find availability.

Highlights:

• Walking tour of St. James Park and the Mall
• Admission ticket to Buckingham Palace
• Audio guide for palace tour
• A friendly, local guide

Where should you stand to get the best view of the Changing of the Guards? What time should you arrive to make sure you don’t miss anything? What is the significance of the ceremony? All of this and more is answered with this London walking tour.

With this fascinating tour, you will get an in-depth tour of Westminster Abbey without spending hours in line like the rest of the crowds. Your expert guide is like a walking encyclopedia of all things London. They will entertain you with stories of the Abbey’s long history and the historical figures who have played a significant role in its history.

Thoroughly awed, you’ll stroll through the former hunting lodge of Henry VIII, St James’s Park, before finding the perfect spot to watch the Changing of the Guard. With Buckingham Palace in the background, your guide will regale you with stories of the Palace and the monarchy.

A perfect tour to introduce you to the wonderful history of London.

• Skip-the-line walking tour of Westminster Abbey
• Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sundays, weather permitting)
• Fun, knowledgeable local guide
• Maximum group size of 15

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to Best Tours of London to Take and Why

Want to see London’s most iconic attractions in just one day? This action-packed London-in-a-day tour makes the most of your time in this historic city.

You’ll start with a tour of Westminster Abbey before strolling through leafy St James’s Park on your way to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guards. Then see the famous balcony were the royals are so often seen during public events and hear countless stories of the monarchs who have lived here.

You’ll also have time to explore the Tower of London, gain access to the crown jewels, see 10 Downing Street, and so much more.

This in-depth tour lets you skip the line to see London’s best sites without the long wait, and you’ll even get to take a boat ride along the River Thames. A perfect way to see many of London’s highlights if your time in the city is limited.

• Skip-the-line entry and tour of Westminster Abbey
• Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace
• Boat ride down the River Thames by clipper
• Access to the Crown Jewels, White Tower and more
• Passionate local guide
• Skip-the-line Tower of London admission

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to Top Things to See at Buckingham Palace

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The 5 best sightseeing tours of buckingham palace.

See one of Britain's top attractions on a walking, biking, bus or private taxi tour.

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

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On a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Check online for a current schedule of the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area, while sharing knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13 Duration: 2 to 3 hours Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the Victoria Palace Theatre. The outings end at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

Check prices & availability on:

Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour

Price: From $161 Duration: 8.5 hours Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.

Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines.

The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m.

Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection. The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

Best of London Tour Including Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

Price: From $144; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee Duration: 9 hours Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here, you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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London: Explore the Parks and Palaces on a Morning Bike Tour

Price: From $37 Duration: 3.5 hours Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were impressed by the guides' knowledge. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $482 Duration: 4 hours Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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The best Buckingham Palace tours

From the Changing of the Guard to trips around the State Rooms, here are the best Buckingham Palace tours to try

Buckingham Palace is one of those attractions  that tourists will compulsively flock to (albeit just around the gates to take pics: for the vast majority of the year the palace is closed), and Londoners treat as part of the city’s furniture. Which is a damn shame, because whatever you think of the Royal Family, their London pad is a real wonder to explore – it’s filled with sumptuous rooms, jaw-dropping artworks and other delights to explore. And there’s an impressive set of tours in which you can learn a little more about various aspect of the palace – plus entry to a couple of different areas. Take a look at our list below and see how the other half live...

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best tours at Buckingham Palace

Exclusive evening tour of the state rooms.

The State Rooms – of which there are 19 – are the only rooms open to the public at Buckingham Palace. And even then, that’s only for ten weeks during the summer, while the Queen is away elsewhere. But if you book a spot on these private evening tours (£80 a ticket), you can get full access to this opulent, gilded suite of rooms when they are empty of general visitors. A guide will talk you through their history, and many of the artworks on display from the Royal Collection. The tours last for two to two-and-a-half hours – and include a complimentary glass of champers, an official guidebook and a 20 percent discount in the gift shop. Hey, don’t say Her Maj doesn’t like a good deal!

Changing the Guard

• Parliament and civic buildings

The Changing of the Guard at Buck House is as British as gulping down a cup of tea or tucking into fish and chips. On average, the switcheroo between one bunch of smartly dressed blokes in bear-skin hats and another takes place four times a week at Buckingham Palace. And this walking tour (from £17 per person) puts you right alongside them, as a guide explains the stories and history behind all the pomp and circumstance.

Tour of the State Rooms

Another tour of the State Rooms, with a few less frills. The State Rooms are as much an art gallery as they are just as a series of spaces within the royal residence – make no mistake, the Royal Collection is a very high-calibre one indeed. Alongside masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt and Canaletto, a special exhibition celebrating the seventieth birthday of the Prince of Wales has been programmed for 2018. At the end of the tour, you’ll end up in the Garden Café, where you can enjoy the lawns of the palace over a cup of tea. 

Royal Mews tour

To describe the Royal Mews as Buck House’s stables is accurate – but hardly does justice to the beautiful carriages and coaches you’ll find tucked away in here. In this tour (from £11), you can take a close look at the Gold State Coach, used at every coronation for nearly 200 years, and the spectacular Diamond Jubilee State Coach. There are also the gorgeous nags themselves, like the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays that have been bred by the Royal Family since the nineteenth century. It’s a real time capsule, the Mews: step into here, and you might feel like you’re in the time of Queen Victoria, not Elizabeth. 

Entry to the Queen’s Gallery

The Queen’s Gallery, based on the south-west corner of the palace, was designed by John Nash and completed in 1831. In its current guise, it opened for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, and plays host to a series of six-month exhibitions that delve from the Royal Collection. Whatever the show, you’ll always find a truly magnificent collection of paintings, drawings, books, manuscripts and other objets d’art. Entry starts at £12 per person. 

And for other attractions...

The 50 best london attractions.

Got your fill of the palace? Here’s our list of the finest attractions in the capital. 

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Buckingham Palace to Open to Visitors This Summer

You can even plan to picnic on the Palace grounds.

After remaining closed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic , Buckingham Palace will reopen to the public this summer—and from July to September, visitors will be able to explore the grounds of the official residence of the British monarch on self-guided tours for the very first time.

Per a press release shared by the Royal Collection Trust, "Visitors will be free to explore a route through the garden that encompasses the 156-metre Herbaceous Border, plane trees planted by and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and views of the island and its beehives across the 3.5-acre lake." You can even bring a picnic and dine on the Palace grounds, an experience RCT is describing as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

For those looking for a bit more of a structured visit, guided tours that focus on the Rose Garden, summer house, and wildflower meadow will also run each day. And on weekends in April and May, there will be additional guided tours of the gardens.

Starting in May and continuing to September, guided tours inside the Palace will also be available, and visitors can expect to see the State Rooms including the Music Room, the White Drawing Room, the Green Drawing Room, and the Blue Drawing Room. Those tours will include access to the gardens starting in July.

Tickets for all visits to Buckingham Palace are available on the Royal Collection Trust's website .

Throughout the pandemic, Queen Elizabeth has social distanced away from Buckingham Palace, primarily at Windsor Castle. No public announcements have been made as to when the British monarch is expected to return to London.

As the digital director for Town & Country, Caroline Hallemann covers culture, entertainment, and a range of other subjects 

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Buckingham Palace

Welcome to the most famous palace in the world.

Our website brings you Information and Facts about Buckingham Palace including how to get there, when to visit the Palace, the History of the Buckingham Palace, Interesting Facts about the Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace Tours and not forgetting the world famous Changing of the Guard.

Please Note: Our website is not the official website of the the royal collection trust and have no link or association with buckingham palace, the King or the Royal family nor is it operated with their endorsement. It is, however, provided by dedicated royalists for your information and is the UKs oldest and much loved unoffical guide.

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Tours & Tickets - 2024

A visit to this magnificent palace offers a unique glimpse into the opulent state rooms, the exquisite Royal Collection,...

Changing The Guard

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a quintessential British ceremony that captivates visitors from around...

Buckingham Palace Interesting Facts

Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch, is steeped in fascinating history and grandeur. Originally known as Buckingham House, it was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte. The palace underwent significant expansions under King George IV and became the official royal residence with Queen Victoria's accession in 1837. It boasts 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. The palace's façade, redesigned by Sir Aston Webb in 1913, is one of the most recognizable in the world.

Beyond its architectural splendor, Buckingham Palace is a hub of royal tradition and ceremony. The famous Changing of the Guard, a colourful display of British pageantry, takes place in front of the palace and attracts visitors from around the globe. The palace also houses the largest private garden in London, covering 39 acres and featuring a lake, a helicopter landing pad, and a tennis court. Additionally, during World War II, the palace was bombed nine times, yet the royal family remained there as a symbol of resilience. This blend of history, culture, and tradition makes Buckingham Palace a truly remarkable landmark.

The State Rooms

The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are among the most opulent and historically significant spaces within the royal residence. Used by the British monarch for ceremonial and official entertaining, these rooms showcase the finest examples of art, furniture, and decorative arts from the Royal Collection. Each room is meticulously designed and adorned, reflecting the grandeur and elegance befitting a palace that serves as the epicenter of British monarchy and state affairs. From hosting state banquets to formal receptions, the State Rooms are where the past and present of the British monarchy seamlessly converge, offering a glimpse into the regal splendor and timeless traditions of the royal household.

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Visiting Buckingham Palace in 2024

The State Rooms are open everyday in July and August. In September they are open to the public from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

11th July - 31st of August

Open Daily: 09.30 - 19.30 - Last admission: 17.15

1st - 29th of September

Open Thursday to Monday: 09.30 - 18.30 - Last admission: 16.15

Visitors Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit buckingham palace, when is buckingham palace open to the public, how can i purchase tickets to visit buckingham palace, what areas of buckingham palace can visitors explore, are guided tours available at buckingham palace, is photography allowed inside buckingham palace, how long does a visit to buckingham palace typically take, are there facilities for visitors with disabilities, is there a café or restaurant on site, can i see the changing of the guard during my visit, what other attractions are nearby.

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Buckingham Palace’s Famous Balcony—Where Prince William and Kate Middleton Shared Their Iconic Wedding Kiss—Will Open to the Public This Summer

For the first time in history, guests will be able to take in the balcony's epic view for themselves.

Getty Images / Chris Ison - PA Images / Contributor

We all remember that picture-perfect moment on April 29, 2011: Minutes after Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in Westminster Abbey , they stepped out onto Buckingham Palace’s balcony, where they shared a few sweet kisses and waved to the thousands people below and beyond. This resulted in some of their wedding’s most iconic images—and starting this July, royal fans will be able to see the site of that epic kiss in person for the very first time in history. The palace’s East Wing will officially be open to visitors this summer after a major restoration project, the Royal Collection Trust revealed in a new press release. “The East Wing encompasses the front façade of the historic building and features the famous central balcony, where the Monarch and members of the Royal Family have gathered for public appearances during special occasions or historic moments since 1851,” the release shared.

These special guided tours, which will run through July and August, have been half a decade in the making. “Access this year has been made possible due to the conclusion of more than five years of improvement works to the East Wing,” palace officials reported in the release. “The essential works are part of the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme to upgrade the historic building’s infrastructure, improve access, and preserve it for future generations.”

Getty Images / Peter Macdiarmid / Staff

Though seeing the balcony—where the royal family gathers for wedding announcements, coronations, the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, and more—will undoubtedly be the highlight of guests’ tour of the property’s Principal Floor, there will be plenty of other sights, rooms, and objects to take in. “Led by expert guides, small groups of visitors will be able to visit spectacular rooms on the Principal Floor, furnished with highlights from the Royal Collection,” read the press release, which notes that the balcony will be the final point of the tour. “Visitors will discover the history of the Wing, first occupied by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children and still used by the Royal Family today for official meetings and events.”

Getty Images / Tim Graham / Contributor

The wing itself is nearly 200 years old, and has been a key part of royal life since its completion in 1849. “At the request of Queen Victoria, the architect Edward Blore was commissioned to draw up plans for alterations to Buckingham Palace, in order to increase the accommodation for her growing family,” noted the release. “Between 1847 and 1849, the East Wing was added, enclosing what had previously been an open, horseshoe-shaped courtyard, following George IV’s conversion of Buckingham House into a Palace to the designs of John Nash.”

If you’re planning a trip to London this summer, you’ll want to add this once-in-a-lifetime tour to your itinerary—and you’ll need to act fast, since space is limited. “A limited number of East Wing Highlights Tours will run daily in July and August, from Monday, 15 July,” explained the release. “Tours must be booked in addition to the standard admission ticket to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. The Palace will be open for seven days a week during July and August for the first time since 2019, returning to five days a week during September.”

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Showbiz | Celebrity News

Sir Ian McKellen says late Queen was ‘quite rude’ to him

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Sir Ian McKellen has said the late Queen was “quite rude” to him on the occasions that he met her.

The veteran stage and screen actor, 85, was knighted for services to the performing arts in 1991 and Queen Elizabeth II personally appointed him Companion of Honour (CH) for his services to drama and to equality in a ceremony in 2008.

Speaking to The Times , he said: “The Queen, I’m sure she was quite mad at the end. And on the few occasions I met her she was quite rude.

“When I received a medal for acting (the Companion of Honour in 2008), she said, ‘You’ve been doing this for an awfully long time’.

“I said, ‘Well, not as long as you.’ I got a royal smile for that, but then she said, ‘Does anyone still actually go to the theatre?’.

“That’s bloody rude when you’re giving someone a medal for acting.

“It meant, ‘Does anyone care a f*** about you because I don’t. Now off you go!’”.

The Lord Of The Rings actor also said he was “most definitely on Harry’s side”, seemingly in reference to the furore that followed after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their intention to quit their roles as senior royals in 2020.

It comes after Sir Ian told the Big Issue he is looking to “take the rest of the year off” from acting following a fall on stage.

The two-time Oscar nominee lost his footing while he was acting in a play in June at the Noel Coward Theatre and has since been suffering from wrist and neck injuries.

He later withdrew from the national tour of Player Kings, in which he played John Falstaff, after his fall from the West End stage.

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• Department for Culture, Media & Sport

How to watch the Coronation and processions (Saturday 6 May)

Updated 5 May 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-coronation-of-their-majesties-king-charles-iii-and-queen-camilla/how-to-watch-the-coronation-and-processions-saturday-6-may

The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place on Saturday 6 May. There will be ceremonial processions in London before and after the Coronation service at Westminster Abbey in London.

The service and processions will be broadcast on national television, radio and online, and shown on large screens at screening sites in London and around the country .

This guidance tells you how you can watch the processions in London in person, or visit the screening sites at Hyde Park, The Green Park and St James’s Park. To watch at another screening site, visit the Coronation.GOV.UK website to find events in your local area .

The accessibility section provides information for people with access requirements, including accessible viewing areas and quiet viewing spaces. It also includes a BSL (British Sign Language) video summary of the Coronation weekend .

Please be aware that large crowds are expected, and there will be road closures in place to ensure the event is delivered safely. Public transport services are likely to be very busy with some station closures and bus diversions, especially around the Westminster and Hyde Park areas.

About the Coronation

The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place on Saturday 6 May. The first procession will begin at 10.20am. Their Majesties will travel in procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. This is known as ‘The King’s Procession’. Their Majesties will travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by 6 Windsor Grey horses. The Household Cavalry will provide the Sovereign’s Escort.

The King’s Procession will travel along The Mall, through Admiralty Arch, passing to the south of the King Charles Island statue in Trafalgar Square before turning onto Whitehall. The procession will continue down Whitehall and along the east and south sides of Parliament Square, arriving at Westminster Abbey.

The Coronation service at Westminster Abbey will begin at 11am and finish at 1pm.

After the Coronation service, Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace as part of a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. The Coronation Procession will last for around 30 minutes. Their Majesties will travel in the Gold State Coach, drawn by 8 Windsor Grey horses.

The procession will arrive at Buckingham Palace at around 1:30pm. Their Majesties will receive a salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces in the Buckingham Palace Gardens, and appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony. At 2:30pm, there will be a Coronation flypast by the Armed Forces over The Mall and Buckingham Palace (subject to weather, serviceability, and operational commitments).

Explore the procession route with Dan Snow

Learn more about the Coronation:

• The history of coronation ceremonies (official website of the British Royal Family)
• The King’s Procession and the Coronation Procession (official website of the British Royal Family)
• Coronations at the Abbey (Westminster Abbey website)

How to watch

• Both processions and the Coronation service will be broadcast live on national television, radio and online.
• Find out how to watch the processions in person .
• Please note that there will not be screens along the route. If you wish to watch the broadcast of events (including the Coronation service), you should visit one of the screening sites.
• Find out how to visit the screening sites in Hyde Park, St James’s Park and The Green Park .
• Find events in your local area .
• Find other ways to get involved in the celebrations , such as hosting a Coronation Big Lunch or street party, and taking part in the Big Help Out.

Screening the Coronation at events

The BBC has confirmed a special one-off TV licence dispensation for the Coronation of HM King Charles III. If you are hosting an event, you won’t need a TV licence to screen coverage of the Coronation on 6 May 2023, or the Coronation Concert on 7 May 2023. Find out more on the BBC’s website .

Plan your journey

This guidance contains information on:

How to get to London

• How to get to the procession viewing areas

How to get to the screening sites

Please note that the areas in and around Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, St James’s Park, The Green Park and Trafalgar Square will be very crowded. The National Rail and London Underground stations in these areas will be very busy.

It may be necessary for short-term safety measures to be put in place at transport stations, such as queuing, closures, trains not stopping at certain stations, or changes to the way customers enter or exit a station. Please follow the directions of stewards and police officers.

What you should do:

• Plan your journey using the Transport for London and National Rail Enquiries websites.
• Check Transport for London status updates and National Rail Enquiries latest travel information before you travel, and allow more time than usual for your journey.
• Find up-to-date travel information by following National Rail Enquiries on Twitter or downloading the TfL Go app .
• After the events, remember to check the latest travel information before your onward journey. Service updates may have changed.
• If possible, please avoid travelling immediately after the events, as services may be busy. There will be plenty of trains running during the day and into the evening.

The major railway stations in London include:

• London Blackfriars
• London Cannon Street
• London Charing Cross
• London Euston
• London King’s Cross
• London Liverpool Street
• London Bridge
• London Marylebone
• London Paddington
• London St Pancras International
• London Victoria
• London Waterloo
• London Waterloo East

Use the Transport for London journey planner to continue your journey to the viewing areas or screening sites. Please be aware that transport services are expected to be very busy before and after the Coronation service, and it is likely there will be queues at stations.

You can plan your journey within London using the Transport for London journey planner . Check which station you should travel to if you want to:

• get to the procession viewing areas
• get to the screening sites

Remember to check National Rail Enquiries latest travel information and Transport for London status updates before you travel, and allow more time than usual for your journey.

You can also keep track of the latest travel information by following National Rail Enquiries on Twitter or by downloading the TfL Go app .

After the events, police and stewards will direct you to the exits and to nearby transport hubs. Remember to check the latest travel information before your onward journey, as service updates may have changed.

If possible, please avoid travelling immediately after the events, as services are expected to be very busy. There will be plenty of trains running during the day and late into the evening. If you are planning on catching a late-night train, please check in advance when your last available service departs.

London Victoria station - limited access (Hyde Park screening site only)

On Saturday 6 May, many of the roads around Victoria station will be closed. There will be limited public access to the procession route, or The Green Park and St James’s Park screening sites, from Victoria station.

London Victoria station should be used for the Hyde Park screening site only. If you exit at Victoria station, you may be directed to the screening site at Hyde Park.

If you want to watch the procession or go to the screening sites in The Green Park or St James’s Park, you should travel to an alternative station. Check which station to use if you want to get to the viewing areas , or get to the screening sites , and continue your journey from Victoria on the London Underground.

Watch the processions in person

In this section:

The procession viewing areas

• Procession route - map and facilities

You can watch the Coronation processions through London in person at viewing areas along the procession route, on both sides of The Mall and Whitehall.

The viewing areas will be open from 6am on Saturday 6 May. Please do not arrive before 6am.

The King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey will take place before the Coronation service, which starts at 11am. The Coronation Procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace will take place after the Coronation service.

There is an accessible viewing area which can be used by people with access requirements, and a quiet viewing space. Read the accessibility section for more information .

You should be aware that large crowds are expected, and be prepared to queue to enter the viewing areas. Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and ensure everyone can enter safely and securely.

Capacity at the viewing areas will be limited and they will be closed when they are full. If you leave a viewing area at any time, readmission cannot be guaranteed.

If the viewing area you intend to visit is full when you arrive, you will be directed to one of the other viewing areas or a screening site . The screening sites will show all of the day’s events on large screens, including both processions, the Coronation service, and the balcony appearance. Entry to the screening sites is free.

After the Coronation Procession has passed down The Mall, the police will open the route to allow people to move onto the road. People will be able to walk down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, to watch the balcony appearance. The police will monitor crowd numbers and gradually open the viewing areas, to ensure that everyone stays safe and secure.

Staying safe in crowds

• Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and ensure everyone stays safe and secure.
• Take care of your belongings. Keep your phone, wallet and purse out of sight and make sure any valuables are secure.
• If you notice anything suspicious, please inform the stewards or police.

Read more about staying safe in London (Metropolitan Police website) .

Procession viewing areas - map and facilities

The image below shows a map of the procession route: the King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, and the Coronation Procession back to Buckingham Palace. The procession route is marked in gold.

There are viewing areas along the procession route, on both sides of The Mall and Whitehall. The public viewing areas are marked on the map in purple.

The image also shows the facilities at the viewing areas and along the route. There are first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, and accessible viewing spaces . There are concession kiosks along the route where you can buy food and drinks.

The map also shows the nearby screening sites in The Green Park and St James’s Park , where you can watch the processions and the Coronation service on large screens.

View or download a larger version of the map , (PDF, 13.4MB).

How to get to the viewing areas

The table below tells you the recommended stations (London Underground or National Rail) to use for the viewing areas along the procession route. This may not be the station you would usually use, because of diversions and road closures.

There will be signs marking the walking routes, and stewards will direct you to the viewing areas.

Check before you travel

It may be necessary for short-term safety measures to be put in place at transport stations, such as queuing, closures, trains not stopping at certain stations, or changes to the way customers enter or exit a station.

Please note that on Saturday 6 May:

• St James’s Park station will be closed.
• Hyde Park Corner station will be exit only.
• Victoria station will have limited access to the procession route because of road closures. If you exit at Victoria, you may be directed to the Hyde Park screening site.

You should be aware that large crowds are expected, and the viewing areas will close when they are full. The viewing areas have limited capacity and may close before the events begin. Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and help people to stay safe.

After the events, police and stewards will direct you to the exits and to nearby transport hubs. Remember to check the latest travel information before your onward journey, as service updates may have changed. You can find up-to-date travel information by following National Rail Enquiries on Twitter or downloading the TfL Go app .

If possible, please avoid travelling immediately after the events, as services will be very busy. There will be plenty of trains running during the day and late into the evening.

Watch all events at the screening sites

• Hyde Park screening site (information and map)
• The Green Park and St James’s Park screening sites (information and map)

You can watch the Coronation at the Hyde Park screening site, which will show the processions and the Coronation service on large screens. There are also smaller screening sites at The Green Park and St James’s Park, but these are likely to reach capacity very quickly.

Access to all screening sites is free. There will be first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, and concession kiosks where you can buy food and drinks. Read more about facilities at the Hyde Park screening site , and The Green Park and St James’s Park screening sites .

There are accessible viewing areas and quiet spaces at each of the screening sites. Read the accessibility section for more information.

Please note that large crowds are expected. Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and help everyone to stay safe and secure. If you choose to leave a screening site during the events, you may lose your viewing position.

Hyde Park screening site

The Hyde Park screening site is located in the south-east corner of the park, covering the area around the Serpentine lake.

You can access the Hyde Park screening site from 5am on Saturday 6 May. However, please note that the broadcast will begin later in the morning, ahead of the first procession. If you arrive at 5am, the screens may not be turned on and some facilities (such as food and drink kiosks) may not be open. Please do not arrive before 5am.

There are 4 screens at the Hyde Park screening site:

Screen 1: Old Football Pitches (south of the Serpentine, close to South Carriage Drive) - facing west.

Screen 2: Old Football Pitches (south of the Serpentine, close to South Carriage Drive) - facing east.

Screen 3: The Cockpit (north side of the Serpentine, near the Norwegian War Memorial).

Screen 4: Boathouse Lawn (north side of the Serpentine, next to the boathouse).

Map and facilities - Hyde Park screening site

The image below shows a map of the Hyde Park screening site. Each of the 4 screens is marked on the map with a letter ‘S’ icon. An orange area next to the icon shows the direction the screen will be facing.

The map also shows the facilities at the site, including first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, accessible viewing spaces and quiet spaces .

There are concession kiosks near each of the screens where you can buy food and drinks.

The Green Park and St James’s Park screening sites

There are also screening sites at The Green Park and St James’s Park. Please note that these sites are smaller than Hyde Park, and are likely to reach capacity very quickly.

More information on the site opening times will be added shortly.

• The Green Park: 1 large screen at the Broad Walk.
• St James’s Park: 1 large screen, near the Marlborough Gate.

There are accessible viewing spaces and quiet viewing spaces at the screening sites. Read the accessibility section for more information.

Map and facilities - The Green Park and St James’s Park

The image below shows a map of the screening sites in The Green Park and St James’s Park.

The screen at each site is marked on the map with a letter ‘S’ icon. An orange area next to the icon shows the direction the screen will be facing.

There are concession kiosks near each screen where you can buy food and drinks.

The table below tells you the recommended stations (London Underground or National Rail) to use for each screening site. This may not be the station you would usually use, because of diversions and road closures.

• Victoria station will have limited access to The Green Park and St James’s Park because of road closures. If you exit at Victoria, you may be directed to the Hyde Park screening site.

You should be aware that large crowds are expected, and the screening sites may reach capacity before the events begin. Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and help people to stay safe.

Accessibility

Accessible viewing areas and quiet spaces, bsl (british sign language) summary - the coronation weekend, where to find the accessible and quiet viewing areas, accessible transport.

Accessible viewing areas are available for people with access requirements. These areas have limited capacity, and people will be admitted in order of arrival time.

People using the accessible viewing areas can be accompanied by carers or companions. Please note that space will be limited.

The accessible viewing areas will have:

• stewards managing the areas
• accessible viewing areas at ground level, providing dedicated locations for wheelchair users, and people with mobility impairments and other access requirements
• a British Sign Language interpreter
• a hearing loop for people using hearing aids
• welfare points to provide assistance, if needed
• disabled people’s toilets and Changing Places toilets
• assistance dog facilities

All accessible locations at viewing areas and screening sites are at ground level. The accessible viewing areas will have hard-floored areas and grassed areas. The grassed areas are intended for picnicking, and you will be able to bring your own picnic chairs for use in these areas.

The screening sites also have quiet spaces which people can use if they feel overwhelmed, or require time out in a calm environment. The quiet spaces will have soft seating, and ear defenders will be available.

Anyone can use the quiet spaces at any time. However, these areas have limited capacity and people will be admitted in order or arrival time.

The video below is a BSL (British Sign Language) summary of the Coronation weekend.

The Coronation weekend - BSL (British Sign Language) summary

Procession route, The Green Park, St James’s Park

The image below shows a map of the procession route (marked in gold), and the accessible viewing areas along the Mall and Whitehall (marked in purple). The map also shows the screening sites in The Green Park and St James’s Park.

The accessible viewing areas are marked on the map with a letter ‘A’ icon. The quiet spaces are marked on the map with an icon of a crossed-out microphone. The map also shows which of the nearby stations have step-free access.

Procession route viewing areas:

• Accessible viewing area: north side of the Mall, close to Trafalgar Square.

The Green Park screening site:

• The accessible viewing area and quiet space are close to the main screen (near the Broad Walk).

St James’s Park screening site:

• The accessible viewing area and quiet space are close to the main screen (near the Marlborough Gate).

View or download a larger version of the map , (PDF, 13.6MB).

The image below shows a map of the Hyde Park screening site.

There are accessible viewing areas and quiet spaces near each of the 4 screens:

View or download a larger version of the map , (PDF, 13.7MB).

There are more than 200 step-free stations across the TfL network. Visit Transport for London’s accessibility page for more information on accessible public transport information in London. You can find out how accessible each station is, and there is also a step-free journey planner.

Step-free stations

The following stations have step-free access, however please check before you travel as there may be short-notice changes. You can find up-to-date travel information by following TfLAccess on Twitter .

• Green Park (London Underground)
• Bond Street (London Underground)
• Tottenham Court Road (London Underground, Elizabeth Line)
• Victoria (London Underground)
• Waterloo (London Underground, National Rail)
• Westminster (London Underground)

The section on where to find the accessible and quiet viewing areas shows the location of the step-free stations close to accessible and quiet viewing areas.

Transport for London offers a ‘turn up and go’ service to help passengers who require additional assistance, such as people with visual impairments, mobility impairments, and large groups travelling together. This could include providing boarding ramps, help to move you through the station or interchange between trains and suggesting alternative or step-free routes.

The turn up and go service is provided on the London Underground and London Overground, and most stations on the Elizabeth Line. You do not need to pre-book this service, just ask staff for assistance at the station.

Transport for London also provides:

• Accessible maps of London transport facilities . You can download or order tube, bus and other transport maps in alternative formats (such as audio maps, large print, black and white) and maps of toilet and baby-changing facilities.
• Maps of London transport facilities in other languages . You can download the London Underground map in languages other than English.

For help with lost property, please visit the TLC Welfare website .

What to expect if you attend

To keep everyone safe, security measures are in place at all sites. You or your bag may be searched before you can enter.

At the viewing areas and the screening sites, there will be first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, and concession kiosks where you can buy food and drinks. You can bring your own food and drinks, but please avoid bringing glass items (such as drinking glasses) into the sites. Broken glass is a hazard to other visitors and wildlife and can be difficult to remove, particularly from parkland areas.

The Green Park, Hyde Park, and St James’s Park are managed by The Royal Parks. You can visit The Royal Parks website for more information on visiting these parks, including guidance on the parks’ rules and facilities.

Conduct and behaviour

There will be stewards and police officers at the screening sites, helping to keep everyone safe and secure. Antisocial or inappropriate behaviour (including excessive consumption of alcohol or drunken behaviour) will not be tolerated and you may be asked to leave.

You should:

• Follow the instructions of stewards, event staff and police at all times.
• Dispose of litter using the litter and recycling bins provided.
• Respect your surroundings. The Royal Parks are historic sites, and provide a diverse habitat for wildlife. Please stick to footpaths, do not damage or remove plants, and do not attempt to climb or attach anything to trees.
• Remember not to leave any of your property unattended, and report unattended bags or luggage to stewards or police.
• Leave the viewing areas or screening sites quietly so you do not disturb people who live nearby.

What you should and shouldn’t bring

Remember to bring:

• Suitable clothing for the weather conditions. You may want to bring warm, protective clothing or an umbrella in cold or wet weather, or sunscreen and a hat if it is likely to be sunny.
• A water bottle. There will be water refill stations at the viewing areas and screening sites where you can refill bottles. There will also be concession kiosks available where you can buy food and drinks, but you may want to bring your own refreshments (particularly if you have specific dietary requirements).
• Appropriate footwear. You will be required to stand outdoors for long periods, so you are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
• If you are visiting the screening sites at Hyde Park, St James’s Park or The Green Park, you may want to bring a blanket, stool or folding chair to sit on as the viewing screens are located in grassy areas (but please note there may not be space to use or store them). Do not bring stools or folding chairs to the procession route viewing areas.

You should not bring:

• Barbecues and equipment for fires.
• Drones. The use of drones is not permitted across any of the ceremonial sites, including the viewing areas and screening sites. You should not attempt to operate a drone in these areas, for photography or any other reasons. You may be fined, and your drone may be confiscated.
• Glass items. Broken glass is a hazard to other visitors and wildlife and can be difficult to remove. If you bring your own refreshments, please use paper or plastic cups for your drinks.
• If you are visiting the procession route viewing areas, do not bring stools or folding chairs.

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