Buckingham Palace Houses

George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a comfortable family home close to St James's Palace, where many court functions were held. Buckingham House became known as the Queen's House, and 14 of George III's 15 children were born there.

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. Today it is The Queen's official residence. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, areas of Buckingham Palace are opened to visitors on a regular basis.

The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. They are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude; sculpture by Canova and Chantrey; exquisite examples of Svres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.

The Palace's 39-acre garden is an oasis for wildlife, and visitors can enjoy a garden walk that offers superb views of the Garden Front of the Palace and the 19th-century lake.

Ticket Sales and Information Office

The Official Residences of The Queen

London SW1A 1AA

Credit card booking line: (+44) (0) 20 77667300

Group credit card booking line: (+44) (0) 20 77667321

Fax: (+44) (0) 20 7930 9625

E-mail: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk

Open daily 09:30 - 18:30 (last admission 16:15)

Buckingham Palace operates a timed-ticket system, with admission every 15 minutes throughout the day.

Due to architectural limitations, it is not possible to admit wheelchair users through the main entrance. A separate entrance is provided for visitors requiring the access route. Wheelchair users are asked to book through the Ticket Sales and Information Office. If you require further details about access please contact the Ticket Sales and Information Office on 020 7766 7324.