virtual tour buckingham palace london

Don't Miss These Insider Tours of the Royal Family's Palaces

Wander Buckingham Palace without leaving your couch.

Tired of being cooped up at home? Perhaps you'd like to imagine life someplace a bit bigger, a bit grander, and a bit more, well, royal? You're in luck, because many of the British royal family's palaces and castles now offer extensive virtual tours. Whether you want to traipse around Buckingham Palace or peek down the corridors of Windsor Castle, you can get a bit closer to achieving your dreams through these interactive online resources. Test them out and remember that there's nothing wrong with a bit of escapism.

Buckingham Palace

The Palace's virtual tour includes the opulent Grand Staircase, the White Drawing Room, the vibrant red Throne Room, and the Blue Drawing Room.

Windsor Castle

While you may not have been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding , you can imagine being there while touring the venue. Windsor Castle has been a royal home and fortress for more than 900 years. When royal weddings are not occurring, the castle acts as the Queen's home—where she usually spends the weekend—and as a royal residence where she performs certain official duties.

With this virtual tour , you can start by going inside a traditional State Banquet in St. George's Hall. Then visit the Waterloo Chamber and the Crimson Drawing Room. Make sure to click on the "i" icons for even more information about each space.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you want something with a bit of Scottish flair, take a look at the Queen's official residence in Scotland: The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Located in Edinburgh, the Palace was the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots starting from the 16th century. This Palace hosts visitors throughout the year, and is available for your own personal viewing online through this virtual tour .

The Tower of London

While no one currently lives in the Tower of London, the building is technically a castle and is officially known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. Founded in the eleventh century by William the Conquerer, the Tower has been used as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, a public record office, the home of the Crown Jewels of England, and, most commonly, a prison. The Tower is now mostly a tourist attraction and a place to display the Crown Jewels.

Take a virtual tour, which includes photos of many of these precious jewels, here .

10 Downing Street

If you're in the mood for something more castle-adjacent (i.e. a MASSIVE house), Google Arts & Culture offers a virtual tour of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Casually referred to as Number 10, the home is over 300 years old and has approximately 100 rooms. Number 10 was first used when King George II offered it to Sir Robert Walpole, the de facto first British Prime Minister, in 1732, so it certainly has royal ties.

On your virtual tour , you can explore the Cabinet Room, the Study, and the Grand Staircase. Each area also has accompanying informational videos, so you can really brush up on your British political history as you peruse.

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Now You Can Tour Buckingham Palace From Anywhere in the World

By Brooke Bobb

Never been inside the home of Queen Elizabeth II before? Thanks to Google, you can finally “walk” the royal halls. Mere commoners can head over to YouTube to watch the tour, but for the full experience, you’ll need to add a piece of cardboard to the mix. Google’s cardboard virtual reality headset allows viewers to use their smartphones to download and watch 3-D videos as part of the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program —a tool created specifically for teachers that allows them to distribute the headsets to their students and take them on virtual trips around the globe. Google polled schoolchildren and found that Buckingham Palace was their most desired place to visit, landing the royal residence a spot on the ever-growing roster of journeys. The existing 150 trips include sites like Yosemite, Mt. Fuji, and the Great Barrier Reef.

buckingham palace

The new tour takes viewers on a “stroll” through seven staterooms, including the Green Drawing Room and the Picture Gallery, with accompanying commentary from the queen’s Master of the Household and Curator of Paintings. The tour also features the White Drawing Room and its secret door leading to the queen’s private apartments. Thrones, grand ballrooms, silk wall coverings, and ornate chandeliers—quite the regal experience for a $20 piece of cardboard.

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Take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace

Members of the public can now take a tour of Buckingham Palace from the comfort of their own living room after a new online virtual reality experience was launched this week.

The new initiative allows people to take a look at some of the most famous rooms in the palace, including the impressive state rooms.

The virtual tour is like no other, as users can go right into the heart of the Royal Family’s London residence and examine the 360-degree views.

In the virtual reality experience, users can stand at the bottom of the grand staircase, visit state rooms and even make a stop at the Green and White drawing rooms and the ballroom where investitures take place.

Grand pieces of art are also on display in the picture gallery at the Old Masters, including Canaletto and other masterpieces.

The search engine Google is behind the initiative, where they set up sixteen cameras placed in a circle to capture the stunning images.

The cameras work to create a 3D effect, meaning the experience is, even more, realistic with the size and depth of rooms coming to life.

The Royal Collection Trust collaborated with to make the project some to life. Jemima Rellie from the trust said: “For schoolchildren, Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic, magical buildings in the world.

“We’re terrifically excited that, thanks to the virtual reality potential of Google Expedition, children, their teachers and families can visit the palace wherever they live.”

Alongside Buckingham Palace, Google has also created other experiences, including the White House, Great Barrier Reef and the Borneo rainforest.

If you want to be one of the first to go on the virtual tour the virtual tour, click here to go to the British Monarchy Youtube Channel. You must be watching on a smartphone for the concept to work properly.

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Live the life of luxury through this virtual tour of Buckingham Palace

While you’re confined to your own personal palace, why not discover how the truly affluent live through a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace?

The 317-year-old palace is a focal point of London and the residence of the Queen of England and her family.

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Buckingham Palace has also been the venue for many national celebrations, including Jubilees and weddings, and serves as a facility for various social events, including garden parties and inaugurations.

The palace is also a massive tourist attraction with onsite tours available during certain times of the year. Visitors also enjoy watching the ceremonial Changing of the Guard outside.

Now you can take a virtual tour of the stunning Buckingham Palace for yourself without even having to leave the house!

Screenshot of the Throne Room in Buckingham Palace (The Royal Family website)

The Royal Family website offers multiple tours that take you throughout various rooms and corridors of the palace, including the Grand Staircase, the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, and the Blue Drawing Room.

As you maneuver your cursor to navigate the rooms virtually, you will see little i’s next to particular pieces of furniture or art.

Screenshot of the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace (The Royal Family website)

Upon clicking, you are provided with more information regarding what it is, its history, and how it was acquired.

Digitally walk in the footsteps of a royal and uncover the rich and diverse history of one of the most notable, if not one of the most important, buildings in the United Kingdom.

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How To Visit Buckingham Palace In 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, And More

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: January 18, 2024

Don’t just stand outside and look for the full-mast flag that means the monarch is home — go in! Buckingham Palace is the British Royal Family’s official residence and even you can visit. That said, it can be tricky and you’ll need to plan ahead. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide with info on tickets, tours, what to see, and the palace’s history. Here’s how to visit Buckingham Palace.

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 Buckingham Palace tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in London .

Visiting Buckingham Palace: What We’ll Cover

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic things you can do in London—after visiting the palace itself, of course.

As the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837, it is replete with all the opulence you would expect of kings and queens. If it’s on your bucket list, you’ll find out what you need to know about how to visit Buckingham Palace in this guide. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see in Buckingham Palace
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of Buckingham Palace
• Places to eat nearby

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it .

Buckingham Palace Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

Visitors have access to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms and the Palace Garden for several weeks throughout the year. But for obvious security reasons, these can only be palace guided tours. Available dates vary based on the tours that the palace offers, but here’s what’s happening in 2023.

Palace-guided tours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November to May. Tours usually start at 4:00 pm on Fridays, and 11:00 am through 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Summer tickets: July 14 – September 24, with State Rooms closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets have a timed entry so you’ll want to book ahead , but the palace is open from 9:30 am to the last admission at 5:15 in July and August, and 4:15 in September.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place outside the palace building but within its gates. The public can view this ceremony without a ticket around 10:40 to 11:00 am every day. This time is not exact and is also dependent on weather. The ceremony only happens everyday in June/July and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the rest of the year.

Tickets and Tours:

Tickets must be booked online or booked here for a guided tour that includes the area around Buckingham Palace.

Palace-guided tours in the winter and spring:

Adults: £90 Family guided tour: ages 5-17 is £49.50, under 5 is free

Summer Buckingham Palace tickets if purchased in advance:

Adults: £30 Young adults (18-24): £19.50 Child (5-17): £16.50 Disabled: £16.50 Under 5: Free Families: automatic discount for 1 adult and 2 children or up to 2 adults and 4 children

Pro Tip: Your tickets can be validated for up to a year if you ask a Warden to stamp it before leaving!

Address: Buckingham Palace

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at Buckingham Palace

Short Answer: 2.5 hours for the State Rooms or 4.5 hours for the Royal Day Out

There are 19 State Rooms (the palace has a total of 775 rooms) so a meaningful visit will take a few hours. You’ll have access to several of the most ornately decorated rooms with treasures from the Royal Collection, paintings by old master artists, expensive sculptures, and elegant English and French furniture.

Also, you get to see the opulent and historic Throne Room. You might agree as I do that the White Drawing Room is even grander than the Throne Room. Find out for yourself!

What To See In Buckingham Palace

On your visit to the royal residence, make sure you see these incredible rooms and sights. There’s a lot of history and opulence to take in as you see Buckingham Palace. For a more detailed list with history, check out our article on the top things to see at the palace.

• The Changing Of The Guard
• The Throne Room
• The Queen’s Gallery
• The White Drawing Room 
• The Palace Garden
• Treasures Of The Palace
• The Ballroom
• The Gold State Coach
• The Diamond Jubilee State Coach
• The Grand Staircase

Buckingham Palace Tour Options

Guided tours to see Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard, and other important areas around this royal area are the best way to get to know this historic site. We offer several top-rated tours that you can choose to make your vacation in London the best ever.

The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour (2.5 hours)

Anyone can take an audio-guided tour, but if you book this tour, you get the special attention of a tour guide who knows incredible stories you won’t hear on that audio guide. Plus, you’ll first explore the serene St. James Park where you’ll hear about it’s transformation from a swampland to a deer park and a quiet oasis.

You’ll feel like you know the royals even better after exploring the Mall where official processionals and the Changing of the Guard have happened for centuries. Rest assured that your guide will get you to the right door at Buckingham Palace after entertaining you with stories of what you’ll see inside.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard (3 hours)

Clients love our skip-the-line access to the famous Westminster Abbey where they can enjoy a few minutes of quiet time with their guide in the nave of the abbey before the public enters.

There’s more to see at Westminster than you think, so having a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the Quire, Poet’s Corner, and more, is extremely helpful. And if the Changing of the Guard happens on the day of your tour, they’ll be sure to help you see it from several vantage points.

London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London (7 hours)

Our top-selling London tour is a must-do when you’re traveling to the heart of the United Kingdom. Your local guides are highly qualified and can share an unreal amount of cool facts and stories about London’s iconic sites and history. Starting at Westminster Abbey, you’ll be amazed at just how much of London you can see on foot and on a Thames river cruise.

Your skip-the-line tickets help you maximize your time, and your guides know where the best spots to see the Changing of the Guard are found. Your final stop at the Tower of London brings London’s more grisly history to life. It’s the perfect place to end your busy day tour of London!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if sightseeing tours in London are worth it .

Buckingham Palace Facts and History 

• The palace has a total of 775 rooms, 19 of which are state rooms open to the public. 
• There have been many properties on the site. From 1698, however, it was known as Buckingham House and was the home of the Duke of Buckingham, where it gets its name.
• In 1761, it became known as the Queen’s House after George III bought it for his wife Queen Charlotte.
• It became a palace for the first time in the 1820s when George IV had it lavishly restructured fit for a king.
• The royal family made it their official residence in 1837, and Queen Victoria was the first royal to officially live there as head of state.
• The palace entertains 50,000 invited guests a year. Also, it averages 578,000 paid visitors a year.
• The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens daily at 10.45 am. King Henry VII made them the official Royal Body Guard 500 years ago. 
• During World War II, the palace was repeatedly targeted but survived nine bombing raids. The Royal Family refused to move out despite concerns for their safety.
• The palace is heavily protected but in 1982 an intruder called Michael Fagan broke into the Queen’s bedroom while she was sleeping. When she awoke, they had a brief chat before she fled the room and raised the alarm.

Places To Eat Nearby

The good news is your dining options are plentiful, but you’ll need to choose wisely. You can dine like royalty on Buckingham Palace Road, very close to the palace. Or, on the same stretch of road, there are sandwich bars with a more laid-back atmosphere and casual dining.

Take your pick of traditional British fare or more exotic cuisines. Here are a few suggestions, but if you’d like more options, also check out our guide to the best restaurants near Buckingham Palace . 

The Laughing Halibut : £ | Takeaway —Grab some old-school fish and chips to take away or take a seat inside. It’s a great place for a quick lunch with good reviews.

Bon Gusto : ££ | Italian Cuisine —Fancy a change from British grub? Try this Italian restaurant with a selection of meat, seafood, and pasta dishes. There are also soups and Mediterranean salads.  

The English Grill : ££££ | Traditional British Fare —This restaurant promises you’ll dine like royalty. Indeed, it is ornately decorated with regal furniture and furnishings. You can enjoy traditional afternoon tea in a garden overlooking the Royal Mews. Also, the range of steak, salad, and dessert dishes (to name a few) are product-sourced from the same Royal suppliers as Buckingham Palace.

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Reader Interactions

Comments (10).

June 30, 2022

We Want to visit inside Buckingham Palace either on 13th or 14th July. Can you help us tour and visit it?

July 5, 2022

We don’t currently offer Buckingham Palace tours, but we’d love to take you around London to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, plus even more great locations on our London in a Day tour and Westminster Abbey tour .

July 1, 2022

Will we be able to turn up at Buckingham Palace and buy a ticket on the day? Shanthi

[email protected]

Not necessarily. Since the royal family uses Buckingham Palace, schedules and public access are subject to changes at short notice. Additionally, tours are not available every day. It’s best to plan ahead and purchase tickets before you arrive to have the best chance of entering the palace.

September 19, 2022

It’s my 70th birthday august 21 2023 and I would like to bring my children/grandchildren to visit Buckingham Palace. There will be 2 x Oaps, 3 adults, 1 child aged 9 and 1 aged 4. What would you recommend and at what cost? Thank you for your help Best wishes

September 21, 2022

What a fun trip! You can check their website for tickets next season. The palace is only open for 10 weeks in the summer, and it’s closed early this year due to the queen’s death. You can also book a trip out to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge for fun day trip to another royal residence.

In your ‘blurb’ “It became a palace for the first time in the 1820s when George VI had it lavishly restructured to be fit for a king.” This is incorrect. In actual fact it was ‘King George IV’ who died in 1830 King George VI was Queen Elizabeth II father and died in 1952

Thanks for letting us know about that typo! It makes a difference of generations!

I purchased four Buckingham Palace tour tickets for Thursday, September 29. I do have my confirmation email, but I don’t have the actual ticket email. If I would email my customer and order numbers to an office or a person, is there some way I could please get the email with the actual tickets.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and assistance with this matter.

You’ll need to check with the company from whom you purchased your ticket as they’ll have the accurate information.

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Buckingham Palace Screen Saver

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Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour

Buckingham Palace , the Queen's London home, is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, but few people have seen the magnificent interior of Buckingham Palace .

The Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour gives you the chance to see inside for yourself!.  View the stunning State Apartments containing some of the world's most valuable furniture and gaze at works by the world's greatest painters in the Picture Gallery. 

The Queen's Private Apartments are off-limits to the public, but you can explore them in the Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour, along with many other magnificent rooms.

Download a FREE Trial Now

Content includes:

• Photographs and descriptions of all of the State and Semi State Apartments
• Photographs and descriptions of much of the furniture and many paintings
• Photographs and descriptions of the Private Apartments of the Royal Family
• Colour photographs of some of the Principal State Apartments
• Colour paintings of some of the State Apartments
• Panoramas of the Grand Staircase and the White Drawing Room (requires Internet access)
• Historic engravings showing many of the rooms as they were when in use by Queen Victoria and her family
• Many extremely rare photographs of the interior of the Palace from Queen Victoria's reign
• Detailed floor plans of the ground and principal floors of Buckingham Palace

Virtual Tour Features

All Virtual Tours include these features:

• Zoom in on all photos
• Fulltext search to be able to find what you want
• Always be able to see where you are on the floor plan
• Picture tool tips on the floor plan allow you to see the room you are wanting to explore
• Highlighting of rooms as you move over them in the floor plan
• All groups of pictures (e.g. of a room) can be played in a slide show
• All groups of pictures are displayed in thumbnail format so you can easily display the one you want
• Buttons to move to the next and previous room or furniture item
• Room and furniture are separated to allow better descriptions
• Detailed, visual index makes it easy to move to what you want
• Furniture and works of art are organised into collections to make them easier to access
• And much much more...

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• Tours from Home: Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options.

*Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price. Flat fee rate applies for groups of 6 and under.

Take a trip to Buckingham Palace, and learn about the British aristocracy and the Changing of the Guard. It has been a tradition since 1660 where soldiers from two cavalry and five infantry have been tasked with looking after the Monarch and protecting them. Hear why this event is so beloved around Westminster and what makes it so special.

• Hear from a London Blue Badge guide who will explain the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
• Find out some top secrets of the aristocracy, different types of uniforms, and all the hidden messaging behind the Household Division.
• Interact with the guide to reveal the Monarch’s long-standing rites and rituals.
• Speak with others from around the world and ask the experts anything you want.
• See this live experience from the comfort of your own home with all the family.
• Receive a $10 voucher for Secret Food Tours with every online tour you buy.

In a time before Harry and Meghan, Wills and Kate, the British Monarchy was focused on the triumphal exchange between the Queen’s Guard and the New Guard, otherwise known as the Changing of the Guard. Since 1660, soldiers from two cavalry and five infantry have been in charge looking after the Monarch and protecting them.

Learn about the Royals, their famed pomp and circumstance and about their grand palaces. Throughout this online experience, our official Blue Badge guide will discuss the historic parade, delivering all the fascinating information of the ceremony that is a mix between military, aristocracy and of course very British!

Learn how to decode those uniforms and why they wear certain colors.

Be part of the experience and ask any questions you want about this live tour from the comfort of your home - a perfect experience for those who want to visit London, returning travellers and for travellers wanting to return - or just anyone that wants to learn about the British Monarchy.

With any online tour, you'll also receive a $25 gift voucher which you can use to book any Walks tour and also $25 to use for any Secret Food Tour (total value $50 USD), valid for 2

Expressing gratitude to your guide through gratuities has never been easier — now featuring an online tipping portal!

All times specified are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

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Virtual Italian Wine Class

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As soon as you book your tour, we’ll email you all the details including the date and time for your virtual experience. All tours are conducted using Zoom . The email will include a direct link to join the live experience at the speculated time and date.

Even though your camera doesn’t need to be on during the tour, our guides appreciate interacting with participants so feel free to switch it on and talk to our guides.

Please note you can join the tour at any point in time. If you are running late, you can join when you can but please note these tours are non-refundable.

All of the experiences are live and the guides will not be able to pause the tours if you need to leave for a few minutes

Please utilize the “Chat” section of your Zoom dashboard to ask the Coordinator a question and at the time-frame for Q&A with the Guide, the Coordinator will select questions sent in by guests to ask our Guide. 

You are unable to share your link past the number of passengers you have booked for. If you purchase multiple passengers for one tour you will be able to share your link with them by forwarding the booking confirmation email.

All of the tours are non-refundable. You may reschedule your tour provided you offer a 96 hours’ notice.

If the cancellation is our own fault, you will be offered to reschedule your tour, or a voucher for equal credit or alternative a refund.

All tours are conducted using Zoom . The email will include a direct link to join the live experience at the speculated time and date.

Before joining the tour, you will need to have installed Zoom on the device you will be using. To check your requirements you can go directly to this website .

If you joined a cooking lesson or any other experiences that may involve the preparation of food or drinks, you will receive an email with all the recipes discussed during your tour. You will also receive a link that links to our Trip Advisor page so you can review the experience.

For the Italian Cooking Classes, you will receive a PDF with recipes for the classes. Please note that the pasta and sauce selections will vary depending on ingredients available to our Chefs with unpredictable grocery availability during this time.

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11 virtual tours of London’s top museums & landmarks

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

If you are planning to visit London I am sure there are many of its famous landmarks and museums you are considering adding to your itinerary. It can be overwhelming to decide exactly which ones to visit.

Luckily many of the most popular London bucket list attractions have virtual tours accessible online so it is possible to take virtual walkthroughs and tours on our laptops, mobiles, and other devices. This is a great way to research London and prepare for your visit ahead of time.

In this article, you will find links to London museums, galleries, and landmarks that offer an online experience. if you are planning your visit to London we have a guide to buying London attraction tickets with tips and advice to ensure you see everything you want in the city.

Buckingham Palace

Tower of london, houses of parliament, 10 downing street, hampton court palace, the british museum, the natural history museum, the british library, the national gallery, imperial war museum – the churchill war rooms, enjoy the virtual tours of london, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

Famous London landmarks

Would you like to take a stroll through the halls of Buckingham Palace? Well now is your opportunity to take a peek inside the Queen’s official London Residence.

The State Rooms are only open during a few months of summer (and you have to book ahead as it’s so popular) but now you can take a virtual tour of the Grand Staircase, Throne Room, Drawing Room and the Blue Drawing Room.

I wouldn’t like to have to keep all those carpets clean!!

Click here for Buckingham Palace or here to read about the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Take an audio and accompanying virtual tour of the Tower of London . The tour is a great way to learn about the history of the Tower before your visit.

For example do you know why ravens are kept at the Tower of London? Or which famous names from history were executed on Tower Green?

You can find out the answers to these questions during the virtual tour!

Click here for the Tower of London virtual tour or here for our complete guide to visiting the Tower of London

Order! Order! Take a stroll through the halls of Westminster and explore the House of Commons and House of Lords where laws have been debated for centuries.

The Palace of Westminster offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the building with lots of interesting information to read along the way.

The artwork and architecture is beautiful – I found it interesting to explore such an iconic building from the inside! We are all familiar with it from the outside but how many of us have actually set foot inside the Houses of Parliament? Having taken a virtual exploration it will definitely be on my London itinerary to do so when I next visit!

Click here for the Houses of Parliament

10 Downing Street is the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 1735.

It may be familiar to fans of the rom-com Love Actually (one of a number of movies shot in London ) which has scenes featuring the staircase and a number of rooms in the house including the Prime Minister’s office. (though it has to be mentioned these were actually filmed at Shepperton Studios and not in 10 Downing Street!)

If you want to see whether the filmmakers got it right take a virtual tour to find out!

Click here for 10 Downing Street

Reputed to be Henry VIII’s favourite royal palace Hampton Court is also popular with tourists from around the world with nearly 1 million people visiting every year.

Built in the early 16th century by Cardinal Wolsey Henry eventually took it over for himself and transformed it into the Mar-a-Lago of its day.

After Henry VII’s death, subsequent Kings and Queens added to the palace. In 1838 Queen Victoria opened it up to the public for all to enjoy.

Take a virtual tour of the Great Hall, Great Watching Chamber and Great Kitchen in 360 degrees.

Click here for Hampton Court Palace

Museums & Art Galleries

Take a virtual tour around one of the best museums in the world.

You can search over 4 million object records online on the British Museum collection database. Choose from curated collections including the themes of Americas; Animals; China; Death and Memory; Desire, love and identity; Egypt; and Africa.

You can find detailed information about each of the galleries in the museum plus take a virtual tour of Prints and Drawings and Oceania.

The British Museum is just one of many museums and galleries in London which offer free entry . This is worth remembering when you are planning your trip – this and other money-saving tips can be found in my budget travel guide to London.

Click here to visit the British Museum

Take a tour of the wonderful Natural History Museum and explore using their interactive online guide.

There are a multitude of ways to explore the museum online enabling you to, “Delve into the Museum from home with a virtual self-guided tour of the galleries, an interactive experience about Hope the blue whale and audio guides narrated by Sir David Attenborough.” (source Natural History Museum website)

Click here to visit the Natural History Museum

I didn’t find this the easiest website to navigate but once you get into it there are some interesting things to look at. Being a fan of maps and globes I found the 3D article about European globes of the 17–18th centuries quite fascinating!

There are some online exhibitions including Harry Potter: A Brief History of Magic and Alice in Wonderland that are worth taking a look at.

Click here to visit the British Library

The National Gallery situated on Trafalgar Square in the heart of London has one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world.

With over 2,300 works by artists including Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Titian the collection is free for public viewing.

The Gallery offers a number of virtual tours including around the Sainsbury Wing (which houses Early Renaissance paintings and a virtual tour of 18 rooms showcasing over 300 paintings in the collection.

Click here for the National Gallery

Read more – 10 UK landmarks and sights you can visit on a virtual tour

The Victoria & Albert Museum is the world’s leading museum of art and design. It was founded in 1852 and named after the then King and Queen – Victoria and Albert.

Take a virtual tour through the Gallery of Fashion and discover how clothing design has changed throughout history.

Other online exhibitions include Balenciaga: Master Craftsman; Indian Textiles: Nature and Making; The politics of Fashion and Ann West’s Patchwork.

Click here for the V & A Museum

The Churchill War Rooms are part of the Imperial War Museum in London . Located deep beneath the Palace of Westminster the rooms were used during WWII by Churchill and his ministers to meet and plan wartime tactics and strategies.

If you have an interest in history this is a fascinating virtual tour of the rooms. The 3D virtual floor plan is excellent and there is much to read and learn as you explore.

Click here for the Churchill War Rooms

Ready to plan your visit to London? You will find these posts helpful with lots of tips for making the most of your trip:

• How To Get Around London On Public Transport
• London Accommodation Guide
• First time visitors guide to London
• 12 Best Day trips from London by train (+logistics, tips & maps)
• The 9 Regions of England (An essential guide for itinerary planning

Find lots of more inspiration for your trip to London in my London Travel Guide which has lots of tips, itineraries and more to help you plan your perfect itinerary.

The 5 Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

O n 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.

The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

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. Come on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning to see 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 two-hour 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 corner of Piccadilly and Arlington Street (between The Ritz and The Wolseley), ending 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.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Tour

Price: From $164

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.

Full-day London with Changing of the Guard and Private Cruise

Price: From $158; 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.

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

The London Essentials Bike Tour

Price: From $38

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 really impressed by the knowledge of the guide. 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.

View & Book Tickets: GetYourGuide

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

Price: From $461

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.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in London
• The Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• The Best Travel Insurance for Europe

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Horses run loose in central London, injuring 4 people and wreaking havoc

LONDON (AP) — Several military horses bolted during routine exercises Wednesday and ran loose through central London, injuring four people and damaging vehicles during the morning rush hour.

A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said it was called at 8:25 a.m. to reports of a person being thrown from a horse in Buckingham Palace Road, and the first paramedic was on the scene within five minutes.

Pictures and videos of two of the animals, one white and the other black, circulated widely across social media. One of the horses had its front covered by what appeared to be blood or red paint.

The two horses were later contained in Limehouse, around 4 miles (6 kms) east of central London, City of London police said.

It wasn’t immediately clear what happened but it appeared that seven horses bolted from their barracks in central London and ran amok. All the animals were contained shortly after.

“A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning,” an Army spokesperson said.

“All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp. A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention,” the spokesperson added.

British media reported that a taxi driver waiting near Buckingham Palace had his car window smashed by a spooked horse, while another horse crashed into a parked double-decker tour bus and damaged its windshield.

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