Things to do near Buckingham Palace
Looking for things to do near Buckingham Palace in London? This guide covers free highlights, family-friendly stops, what’s easiest to do on foot between Green Park, St James’s Park, The Mall, Horse Guards and Westminster, plus practical notes on tickets, timings, and getting around.
Last verified: May 2026 — Prices, opening hours, and reservation requirements checked against official sources. GuruWalk’s London gurus reviewed the practical recommendations.
Things to do near Buckingham Palace: 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 usually open on a limited summer season*. 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) | Seasonal opening dates and timed-entry slots vary by year; check the official page before buying tickets. Advance tickets are usually cheaper when available. |
Buckingham Palace State Rooms
On a limited summer season, visitors can go inside the Palace. Expect State Rooms, the Throne Room and seasonal displays. Book early—advance prices are often cheaper and timed-entry slots can sell out. Family tickets and child discounts depend on the current ticket terms, so check availability before you lock in a date.
Essentials
- Dates/hours: seasonal opening; timed entry (last admission varies by date).
If you’re planning a day of things to do near Buckingham Palace that includes paid entry, book timed tickets first and build the free sights (parks, The Mall, ceremonies) around your slot.
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. Exhibition titles and dates change across the year, so check what’s on before buying tickets.
Rainy-day backup near the Palace; allow 60–90 min.
How to arrive
- Walk: 5–6 minutes along Buckingham Palace Rd.
- Map
Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
Working stables with historic coaches, plus real horses. This is one of the most practical things to do near Buckingham Palace with kids when you want an indoor stop that still feels “royal”.
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, a lake with views towards the London Eye, and pelicans. Gates open 05:00–00:00. Pelican feeding is often around 14:30–15:00 by Duck Island Cottage—this is one of the easiest free things to do near Buckingham Palace with children.
For the best Palace photo, stand on the Blue Bridge with fountains in the 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. Ceremony times can change with events and weather, so double-check the schedule on the day. It remains one of the most popular free things to do near Buckingham Palace on a walking loop towards Westminster.
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). For paid entry, check the Abbey’s official visitor information before you go.
Westminster Abbey Tickets
London Westminster: Guided Walking Tour + Westminster Abbey Express Entry
Westminster: Guided Tour + Abbey Entry + Afternoon Tea
London: Westminster Guided Walking Tour + Westminster Abbey Skip The Line Entry
Westminster: 3-Hour Private Walking Tour + Abbey & Churchill War Rooms Entry
London: 3-Hr Westminster Guided Walking Tour + Westminster Abbey Entry
Westminster Abbey: Entry Ticket
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. If you’re building a rainy-day list of things to do near Buckingham Palace, this pairs well with Westminster sights.
Book late afternoon to avoid school groups; combine with a stroll along St James’s Park if the weather holds.
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 major ceremonies.
For Changing of the Guard, the Victoria Memorial steps give a decent vantage. Arrive at least 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 green break beside the Palace—good 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). Opening days, hours, and ticket prices vary—check availability before you go.
Time your visit to watch the Household Cavalry pass under the arch en route to Horse Guards (parade timings can change with duties).
How to arrive
- Walk: 15 minutes along Constitution Hill.
- Tube: Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly).
- Map
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower Tour)
Big Ben tours (Elizabeth Tower) run in limited batches and have age restrictions. If the inside-the-clock tour isn’t available, the area around Parliament Square remains an easy add-on for things to do near Buckingham Palace on foot.
If tickets are gone, prioritise a guided Westminster walk 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—an easy add-on to the Guards ceremonies. Opening hours and ticket prices can change, so confirm on the official site before you go.
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 (ticketed).
Good backup 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 varies; subject to change). Arrive early; crowds build fast.
- Changing the King’s Life Guard (Horse Guards; change/inspection times vary by day and duties).
- 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, schedule varies), Life Guard (Horse Guards, schedule varies), St James’s Park & pelicans (≈14:30–15:00), Green Park, The Mall, Victoria Memorial. - When are the Buckingham Palace State Rooms open?
They’re seasonal with timed entry. Check the official page for current dates and availability, then book around the slot. - How do I see fun things to do near Buckingham Palace with kids?
Royal Mews (horse & coach displays), Guards Museum (dress-up when available), pelicans (≈14:30–15:00), Wellington Arch (views). - What if it rains?
Go Churchill War Rooms, The King’s Gallery, or Westminster Abbey (check entry terms and opening hours before you arrive). - Can I tour Big Ben?
Yes—Elizabeth Tower tours run in limited batches and sell out quickly. - Best tube stops for the area?
Green Park, St James’s Park, Victoria, Westminster—all a short walk.
