Buckingham Palace is set to reveal even more of its iconic spaces to the public during its traditional summer opening, offering an unprecedented experience for visitors.
The East Wing, first opened for tours in 2024, was a major success and will once again be accessible in 2025, this time with even more features. Guests will have another opportunity to step inside the Centre Room, a space where the Royal Family gathers before stepping out onto the famous balcony. Visitors can even peek through the room’s net curtains to take in the stunning view of the Victoria Memorial, offering a sense of what the King and Queen see during public appearances.
Those opting for the exclusive East Wing Tour will enter Buckingham Palace through the grand front gates, making their way across the Forecourt just as dignitaries and official guests do. The tour experience doesn’t end there; visitors can enjoy tea and cake while overlooking the Palace gardens, adding a touch of royal elegance to their day.
In addition to the summer season, special East Wing Guided Tours will also be available during the winter months from January to May, at a cost of £90 per person. While these tours won’t include access to the State Rooms—open only from July 10th to September 28th during the summer season—they provide an intimate look at the East Wing’s history and design.
For garden enthusiasts, Garden Highlights Tours will also be offered during the summer opening, providing an opportunity to explore the Palace’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
In a royal first for 2025, St. James’s Palace will open for limited weekend tours. These will include a visit to the historic Chapel Royal, a site of significant royal events such as the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the christenings of Prince George and Prince Louis.
Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse remain open year-round, but in early 2025, a new ticketing scheme will be introduced at both locations. From January 1st to April 4th, those receiving benefits like Universal Credit will be able to visit for just £1 per person.
All visits are coordinated by the Royal Collection Trust, and tickets for Buckingham Palace’s summer opening will be available for purchase on their website starting November 5th, 2024. Photo by Firebrace, Wikimedia commons.