The State Rooms tickets 2026: official vs resellers, combo deals & insider tips
Compare official timed-entry tickets for the summer opening (starting July 9, 2026) against guided walking tours that bundle the Changing of the Guard, noting that June visits are typically restricted to exclusive pre-booked guided tours as standard admission is seasonal.
Honest price comparison Updated 6d ago 0 live rows
The State Rooms are open only for a strictly limited summer window (July 9 – September 27, 2026). Standard entry tickets are the best value for independent visitors as they include the official multimedia guide, while guided bundles are ideal for those who want to combine their palace visit with a tour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
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Standard independent visit at the benchmark price
Matches the official £33 advance rate and includes the essential multimedia tour of the 19 State Rooms.
Airport-style security is mandatory for all visitors; 'skip-the-line' tickets only bypass the ticket office, not the security queue which can take 20-40 minutes during peak summer periods.
Bags larger than 45cm x 30cm x 20cm are strictly prohibited and cannot be stored on-site; visitors must use external luggage lockers at nearby Victoria Station before arriving.
Photography, filming, and mobile phone use are strictly forbidden inside the State Rooms; devices must remain stowed until you reach the Palace Garden.
To convert an official ticket into a 1-Year Pass for free return visits, you must have a warden stamp and sign it before you leave the Palace; third-party tickets (GYG/Tiqets) are ineligible.
There are no toilet facilities along the 2–2.5 hour tour route; restrooms are only available at the start of the visit and in the Garden at the very end.
Pushchairs and strollers are not permitted inside the State Rooms and must be checked into the cloakroom; baby carriers are provided free of charge for use during the tour.
In June 2026, the State Rooms are only accessible via 'Exclusive Guided Tours' costing £95; the standard £33 summer admission only begins on July 9, 2026.
Insider tips
4 things to know before your visit
Entrance: For the 2026 Summer Opening (July 9 – Sept 27), use the Visitor Entrance at Gate C on Buckingham Gate (SW1A 1AA), not the main palace gates. Arrive 15–30 minutes before your timed slot to clear mandatory airport-style security. Note that 'skip-the-line' tickets only bypass the ticket office; everyone must queue for security. Large bags and suitcases are strictly prohibited with no storage on-site, so use lockers at Victoria Station if needed. The tour is one-way and concludes with a 500-meter walk through the Garden to the final exit at Grosvenor Place—wear comfortable shoes as the path is gravel. Photography is forbidden inside the State Rooms but permitted once you reach the Garden.
Price: Official adult prices for the 2026 summer opening start at approximately £33.00 to £37.00 when booked in advance, while on-the-day walk-up tickets carry a surcharge of roughly £3.00 to £5.00. Partner platforms like Tiqets and GetYourGuide typically match the official advance rate for standard entry, but 'skip-the-line' or 'priority' labels often include guided walking tours or bundles that increase the price to £55.00–£75.00. Only tickets purchased directly from the Royal Collection Trust can be converted into a 1-Year Pass for free return visits; third-party vouchers are generally ineligible for this benefit.
Discounts: The State Rooms are open for the 2026 summer season from July 9 to September 27. Official pricing follows a tiered structure: Adults (25+), Young Persons (18–24), and Children (5–17). Children under 5 enter free but must have a pre-booked timed-entry ticket. Visitors with disabilities qualify for a reduced rate, and one accompanying companion is admitted free of charge; both can now be reserved online. If you require step-free or wheelchair access, you must contact the Specialist Sales team directly to arrange your visit. For the best value, tickets purchased directly from the Royal Collection Trust can be converted into a 1-Year Pass for complimentary return visits, provided the ticket is stamped by staff before you exit. Additionally, £1 tickets are available for UK visitors receiving Universal Credit or other legacy benefits, bookable in advance online with proof of eligibility.
Timing: Arrive early enough for security checks, ticket scanning and wayfinding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ticket or are mobile tickets accepted?
Mobile tickets are standard for both official and partner bookings (Tiqets/GetYourGuide). You must present the QR code on your device at the Buckingham Palace Road entrance; ensure your phone is charged as there are no printing facilities on-site.
Does a 'skip-the-line' ticket bypass the security queue?
No. All visitors must pass through mandatory airport-style security regardless of their ticket type. 'Skip-the-line' labels refer to bypassing the ticket office queue, but the security line remains a bottleneck that can take 20–40 minutes during the peak summer opening.
Can I cancel or reschedule my visit if my plans change?
Official tickets are generally non-refundable and non-transferable. However, third-party sellers like GetYourGuide often offer a 24-hour cancellation window for a full refund; verify the specific 'Cancellation Policy' on the checkout page before finalizing your purchase.
What happens if I arrive late for my timed entry slot?
Entry is strictly managed in 15-minute windows; late arrivals are not guaranteed entry and are subject to capacity. It is best to arrive at the entrance 15 minutes early to account for the initial queue management outside the palace gates.
Are there free tickets for children or visitors with disabilities?
Children under 5 enter free but still require a reserved timed ticket. Visitors with disabilities pay a reduced rate and can request one free companion ticket; note that these specific 'Access' tickets are often only available through the official site and may not be listed by all resellers.
Are there restrictions on bags or photography inside?
Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the State Rooms to protect the Royal Collection. Large bags, suitcases, and strollers must be checked into the complimentary cloakroom (subject to security screening), but it is highly recommended to travel light to avoid long bag-check queues.
Is the Palace open for tours in June 2026?
The State Rooms typically open to the public from July to September. In June, access is usually limited to 'Exclusive Guided Tours' on specific dates; if you see standard tickets for June, double-check if they are for the Royal Mews or Queen's Gallery instead, as the main State Rooms have a very strict seasonal window.