Buckingham Palace State Rooms Entry & Royal London Audio App

Visiting Buckingham Palace is often at the top of London travelers’ wish lists, and this particular tour offers a chance to see the palace’s elegant State Rooms with minimal fuss. While not a guided tour, the combination of entry tickets and a thoughtfully curated audio guide makes this an engaging and flexible way to understand the royal residence’s grandeur.

We love how this experience combines self-paced exploration, access to impressive art collections, and the chance to peek behind the scenes of the British monarchy’s ceremonial heart. The audio app allows you to learn at your own speed, and the ticket price of around $58 makes it reasonably affordable compared to guided tours. A potential drawback? The experience is only available during the summer months, so timing matters. This tour suits those who appreciate independent exploration, history buffs eager for detailed stories, and anyone keen to see one of London’s most iconic sights without a large group.

Contents show

Key Points

Includes access to Buckingham Palace’s stunning State Rooms during the summer season.
Features an multilingual audio guide app for a personalized, flexible tour.
Displays royal treasures, art by Rembrandt and Rubens, and ceremonial chairs.
Offers insight into royal traditions like coronation chairs and regalia.
Perfect for independent travelers seeking an immersive experience at their own pace.
Value for money considering the access and educational content included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Buckingham Palace State Rooms Entry & Royal London Audio App Tour

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in London

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $58, you gain entry to the 19 magnificent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, a rare chance to walk through areas normally closed to the public. Alongside your ticket, you receive an audio guide app available in multiple languages—English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese. This flexibility allows you to explore at your own pace, pausing to admire the art, furniture, or architecture.

While the tour doesn’t include a guided guide, the app serves as your personal narrator, offering detailed descriptions and historical context. It also grants access to a Royal London audio guide, which highlights landmarks like St Jamess Palace, all designed to deepen your understanding of London’s royal landscape.

It’s worth noting that headsets or mobile devices are not included, so you’ll need your own smartphone or tablet to enjoy the audio commentary. Also, the experience is exclusive to the summer months, when the State Rooms are open for public viewing, which means planning ahead for the best weather and light.

Visiting the State Rooms

Once inside Buckingham Palace, you’ll be greeted by the Grand Staircase, decorated with portraits of the Royal Family, setting the tone for the splendor ahead. The White Drawing Room is a highlight, with its gilded detailing and fine art, offering a glimpse into royal entertaining. The Throne Room is particularly notable, housing chairs used during coronation ceremonies—an awe-inspiring sight that connects visitors to centuries of tradition.

Reviewers mention that the art collection on display is impressive, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens. Seeing these masterpieces in such a regal setting elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing; it’s an encounter with art that was once admired by monarchs and courtiers.

What Makes the Experience Special

What sets this tour apart is the combination of accessibility and depth. The ticket grants a real sense of exclusivity—being able to walk through the rooms that are normally reserved for royals and state functions. This personalized approach also means you can spend more time examining specific rooms or artworks, unlike large guided groups that move at a set pace.

The audio guide app is noteworthy for the wealth of information it provides, allowing you to learn while taking in the sights. Several reviewers appreciated the ability to pause, revisit, or skip sections, ensuring a tailored experience. One reviewer noted that it was a “one-time thing,” implying it’s a special highlight rather than an ongoing or repetitive visit.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Royal London Audio Guide

After touring the State Rooms, the Royal London audio guide extends your exploration beyond Buckingham Palace, hinting at London’s other royal sights like St Jamess Palace. It’s an added value for those interested in understanding the broader royal landscape, especially since it’s integrated into the same app, making navigation and learning seamless.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in London

Planning Your Visit

Starting at the Buckingham Palace Ticket Office on Buckingham Palace Road, travelers are advised to arrive 15 minutes early. Since security checks are standard, expect to pass through metal detectors and have any large bags or items like luggage, bikes, or sharp objects checked in or restricted. Photography inside Buckingham Palace is strictly prohibited, although you’re free to capture photos in the garden area.

The tickets are only valid for the booked date and time, so punctuality is key. After your visit, the tour ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward. The experience itself lasts approximately 1-2 hours, depending on how long you choose to spend in each room and with the audio guide.

The Authenticity and Value

Reviewers highlight the quality of the experience, noting that it’s a “one-time thing” but very worthwhile. The price point is reasonable considering entry into the State Rooms, the art, and the educational content. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer self-guided tours over large groups or who want to combine sightseeing with learning.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for independent travelers, history buffs, and those interested in royal traditions. If you enjoy exploring at your own pace and value detailed commentary, the app makes for a more personal journey. It’s also ideal for visitors who want an insider peek into Buckingham Palace without the crowds that come with guided tours.

However, those looking for a guided tour with a live guide or a more comprehensive experience might find this format less engaging. Also, timing is limited to the summer months, so planning ahead for your visit is essential.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a straightforward, flexible way to see Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and learn about royal history through an engaging audio guide. The combination of access, art, and informative narration makes it a good value, especially for travelers who enjoy self-directed exploration. While it lacks the personal touch of a guided guide and is only available during summer, the ability to go at your own pace is a significant advantage.

For those interested in royal history, art, and iconic London sights, this experience hits the right notes. It’s ideal for independent, curious travelers who want to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more personal, educational visit to one of the UK’s most famous landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour available year-round?
No, the Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open only during the summer months, making timing an important consideration.

What do I need to bring?
You should bring your own smartphone or device to use the audio guide app. Headsets are not provided, so consider bringing your own for better sound quality.

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring each room and listening to the audio narration.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography and filming inside the State Rooms are strictly prohibited. You can take pictures in the garden area.

Where do I start the tour?
Begin at the Buckingham Palace Ticket Office on Buckingham Palace Road, arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled timeslot.

Are guided tours included?
No, this experience does not include a guided tour. Instead, you receive an audio guide app that you can control yourself.

Is the ticket price good value?
Considering access to the State Rooms, exclusive artworks, and the educational app, many find the $58 price point reasonable for such a comprehensive experience.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The app is available in multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Since your ticket is for a specific date and time, revisiting is not possible. However, the app allows you to explore London’s royal landmarks in a broader context.

Is there an age restriction?
The data provided does not specify age restrictions, but typical security checks apply. It’s suitable for most age groups comfortable with walking and listening to audio guides.

This experience offers a balanced mix of royal elegance, historical insight, and independent freedom—ideal for travelers who want to craft their own story of London’s royal heart.