Looking for things to do near Buckingham Palace in 2025? Here’s a field-tested guide (British English, crisp and practical) covering free highlights, family-friendly stops, timings, prices, how to get there and what locals actually do between Green Park, St James’s Park, The Mall, Horse Guards and Westminster.
Quick Planner & Helpful Facts
♕ Buckingham Palace – Visitor Quick Reference
Quick planner (read this first)
| Plan | What to see | Tags |
|---|---|---|
| Best free | Changing of the Guard (Palace forecourt), Changing the King’s Life Guard (Horse Guards Parade), St James’s Park & pelican feeding, Victoria Memorial, The Mall, Green Park. | 🆓 Free♔ Guards🌳 Parks |
| With kids | Royal Mews (horses & coaches), pelican feeding (~14:30–15:00*), Wellington Arch viewing gallery & small exhibition, Guards Museum dressing-up corner. | 👶 Kids🐴 Royal Mews🖼️ Gallery |
| Rainy-day “near BP” | Churchill War Rooms, The King’s Gallery, Westminster Abbey, Household Cavalry Museum. | ☔ Rainy-day🏛️ Indoors |
| Summer only | Buckingham Palace State Rooms open 12 Jul–28 Sep 2025*. Checking… | ☀️ Summer🎟️ Tickets |
Helpful facts
ℹ️ Quick facts| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Changing of The King’s Guard | Takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 10:45* and lasts about 45 minutes. |
| Life Guard (Horse Guards Parade) | Mon/Wed/Fri 11:00* change; 16:00* daily inspection; 11:00* inspections weekends. |
| Parks gates | St James’s Park & Green Park: 05:00–00:00* daily. |
| Pelican feeding (St James’s Park) | Usually ~14:30–15:00* by Duck Island Cottage. |
| State Rooms (tickets) | Open 12 Jul–28 Sep 2025*; advance adult from £32.00* (State Rooms standard). |
Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Two months a year you can go inside the Palace. Expect gilded State Rooms, the Throne Room and seasonal displays; in 2025 there’s a packed summer run. Book early—advance prices are cheaper and slots sell out. Children go half price.
Essentials
- Dates/hours: 12 Jul–28 Sep 2025; timed entry (last admission varies by date).
If you’re after “top things to do near Buckingham Palace” in one day, the Royal Day Out is efficient and good value compared with buying separately.
How to arrive
- Tube: Green Park (Jubilee/Piccadilly/Victoria), St James’s Park (District/Circle), Victoria (Victoria/District/Circle).
- Bus: 11/211/C1 on Buckingham Palace Rd.
- Map
The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Formerly the Queen’s Gallery, it hosts rotating Royal Collection exhibitions; in 2025 see “The Edwardians: Age of Elegance” (11 Apr–23 Nov 2025).
Rainy-day backup that still feels regal; allow 60–90 min.
How to arrive
- Walk: 5–6 minutes along Buckingham Palace Rd.
- Map
Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
Working stables with the Gold State Coach and Diamond Jubilee State Coach, plus real horses. Especially good for things to do with kids near Buckingham Palace.
Look for short guided talks by Wardens; they’re informal and great for children.
How to arrive
- Walk: 5 minutes (entrance on Buckingham Palace Rd).
- Map
St James’s Park
London’s most royal park. Broad lawns, lake views to the Eye, and pelicans. Gates open 05:00–00:00. Pelican feeding usually 14:30–15:00 by Duck Island Cottage—kids love it.
For the best Palace photo, stand on the Blue Bridge with fountains in foreground.
How to arrive
- Walk: 2–3 minutes from Victoria Memorial.
- Tube: St James’s Park (District/Circle).
- Map
Horse Guards Parade
See cavalry in full dress at the historic parade ground. Life Guard ceremony Mon/Wed/Fri 11:00; daily inspection 16:00; weekend inspections at 11:00. All free.
For children, stand close to the mounted sentry boxes on Whitehall after the change—great photos with horses (be respectful and follow staff directions).
How to arrive
- Walk: 12–15 minutes via The Mall.
- Tube: Westminster or Charing Cross.
- Map
Westminster Abbey
Royal coronations since 1066. Hours vary; generally Mon–Sat daytime, Sun for services only (free to attend; no sightseeing).
Arrive for opening; head straight to Poets’ Corner and the Coronation Chair to beat groups.
How to arrive
- Walk: 15 minutes via Birdcage Walk.
- Tube: Westminster (Jubilee/District/Circle).
- Map
Churchill War Rooms
Underground nerve center from WWII. Engaging audio; plan 1.5–2 hours.
Book late afternoon to avoid school groups; combine with a sunset stroll along St James’s Park.
How to arrive
- Walk: ~15 minutes (Clive Steps).
- Tube: Westminster/St James’s Park.
- Map
The Mall & Victoria Memorial
Iconic processional route; perfect for free things to do near Buckingham Palace London. The Victoria Memorial is a landmark meeting point and viewpoint for ceremonies like Trooping the Colour.
For Changing of the Guard, the Victoria Memorial steps give a decent vantage. Arrive ≥45 minutes early on busy days.
How to arrive
- Walk: It’s the wide avenue in front of the Palace.
- Tube: Green Park/Charing Cross.
- Map
Green Park
A tranquil oasis beside the Palace—great for a picnic before afternoon sights. Gates: 05:00–00:00 daily.
Wander up to Piccadilly or Shepherd Market for cafés without the crowds.
How to arrive
- Walk: 4–6 minutes via Canada Gate.
- Tube: Green Park (Jubilee/Piccadilly/Victoria).
- Map
Wellington Arch
Small English Heritage site with a roof terrace overlooking Hyde Park Corner (teen-friendly, lifts available). Open Wed–Sun 10:00–17:00; last entry 16:30; tickets around £7.50–£8.00.
Time your visit to watch the Household Cavalry pass under the arch en route to Horse Guards (they leave Hyde Park Barracks 10:28 on Mon/Wed/Fri).
How to arrive
- Walk: 15 minutes along Constitution Hill.
- Tube: Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly).
- Map
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower Tour)
Inside-the-clock Big Ben tour is unforgettable (age 11+).
If tickets are gone, do the guided Palace tour instead and photograph the Tower from Parliament Square.
How to arrive
- Walk: 18–20 minutes via Birdcage Walk/Parliament St.
- Tube: Westminster.
- Map
The Guards Museum
Compact museum at Wellington Barracks—perfect add-on to the Guards ceremonies. Open 7 days 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30). Adult £10.00–£11.00; family options available.
Allow 45–60 minutes; ask about the uniform try-on slots for photos.
How to arrive
- Walk: 8–10 minutes along Birdcage Walk.
- Tube: St James’s Park/Victoria.
- Map
Westminster Cathedral (and Tower Views)
The UK’s mother church for Catholics—free to enter; climb the Tower Viewing Gallery for skyline views.
Great weather fallback if Elizabeth Tower tours are sold out.
How to arrive
- Walk: 12–14 minutes (near Victoria Station).
- Tube: Victoria.
- Map
Free & family-friendly extras (quick hits)
- Changing of the Guard (10:45; ~45 min; schedule typically Mon/Wed/Fri; subject to change). Arrive early; crowds build fast.
- Changing the King’s Life Guard (Horse Guards, 11:00 Mon/Wed/Fri; 10:00 Sun inspection; 16:00 daily inspection).
- Santander Cycles: fun loop via The Mall → Horse Guards → Parliament → Birdcage Walk.
Where to stand for ceremonies
- Guard Change (Palace): Friary Court at St James’s Palace for the Old Guard forming; then walk The Mall edge towards the forecourt to catch the handover.
- Life Guard (Horse Guards): Stand facing the central arch of the Horse Guards building; children see well from the front rope line.
Changing of The King’s Guard takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 10:45 and lasts for about 45 minutes.
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FAQs
- What are genuinely free things to do near Buckingham Palace?
Guard Change (10:45), Life Guard (11:00 M/W/F), St James’s Park & pelicans (≈14:30–15:00), Green Park, The Mall, Victoria Memorial. - When are the Buckingham Palace State Rooms open in 2025?
12 Jul–28 Sep 2025, with timed entry; buy in advance for better pricing. - How do I see “fun things to do near Buckingham Palace with kids”?
Royal Mews (horse & coach displays), Guards Museum (dress-up), pelicans (≈14:30–15:00), Wellington Arch (views). - What if it rains?
Go Churchill War Rooms, The King’s Gallery, or Westminster Abbey (multimedia included). - Can I tour Big Ben?
Yes—Elizabeth Tower tours run many weeks. - Best tube stops for the area?
Green Park, St James’s Park, Victoria, Westminster—all a short walk.
Disclaimer on prices and schedules (updated: August 2025): All prices, fares, schedules, and other practical information in this article have been verified and are accurate as of August 2025. However, transport companies, restaurants, and attractions may change their conditions without prior notice. We recommend double-checking details on official websites before making any bookings or travel plans.
