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Visit the royal mews to see the historic carriages.

With the coronation just weeks away, now is an ideal time to visit the Royal Mews to see the historic horses and carriages that will be in the world’s spotlight in May

You’ll hear the unmistakable sounds of horses’ hooves clip-clopping down The Mall this spring as The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace gets preparations underway for the coronation of King Charles in May. This living piece of royal history, built in 1825, is responsible for all the royals’ road travel arrangements, from carriages to cars. It has recently reopened to the public for spring (Thu-Mon), so you can look around these magnificent working stables and admire the steady and reliable horses: white Windsor Greys, which transport the royals around in style, and the brown Cleveland Bays, used to pick up high commissioners and ambassadors.

What to expect

Inside the Mews, there’s a replica Semi-State Landau, a grand royal carriage that was very popular with Queen Victoria for ceremonial occasions. You can climb up and sit inside it, so take a selfie of yourself practising a regal wave. You can also see the spectacular Gold State Coach, used at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 and again at her Platinum Jubilee pageant last year when a hologram was used to depict the young sovereign on her historic procession more than 70 years ago. Pride of place at every coronation since 1821, this four-tonne gilded carriage has an opulent interior lined and upholstered with satin and velvet (though apparently a hot water bottle was laid on its seat to keep Queen Elizabeth warm on the chilly coronation day). The exterior is equally exquisite with painted panels of Roman gods and goddesses, three gilded cherubs on the roof representing England, Scotland and Ireland, and huge Tritons towering above the wheels. You’ll be stunned to see how huge the carriage is up close – no wonder it needs eight horses to pull it.

Small is beautiful here, too, and little ones will particularly love the miniature carriages, which were built to be pulled by ponies, dogs, sheep and even goats. You can see the cute donkey-drawn barouche, which was given as a Christmas present to Queen Victoria’s children in 1846. The scaled-down carriage proved to be a firm favourite with the young royals – Victoria and Albert had 10 children alone – and was clambered all over by the royal family’s youngsters for at least three generations. It’s been depicted in old photographs at Windsor Castle and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, but you can now see the dinky carriage in the Mews. Petrolheads, meanwhile, will drool over a rather more sophisticated vehicle, the 1977 custom-made Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, which drove Kate Middleton and her proud father Michael to Westminster Abbey on her wedding day to Prince William. More recently it was used by Charles when he arrived at Buckingham Palace for the first time as our new King. A moment that will be immortalised in history books.

Guided tours

For an insider’s take on the Royal Mews, join a 45-minute guided tour where a warden will bring its history to life, regaling you with behind-the-scenes tales of royal and state occasions. Children won’t get bored here either, as young equestrians can practice tacking up a wooden pony in the State Stables and dress up as a footman in specially created livery. Look out for a free family multimedia tour guided by ‘two horses and a corgi’, which is full of fun facts and videos and aimed at kids aged between seven and 11 years old (Sat-Sun; 11.30am & 1.30pm).

For under-fives, the Little Trekkers activity trail will keep infants occupied exploring the Mews. There are regular arts and craft activities too at Hooves and Horses workshops in the Livery Room (usually every month; 11am-3pm). Finally, the Mews’ Easter Trail (8-10 Apr) includes free coronation-inspired arts and crafts and a lot of chocolate, we’re sure.  Do check the website in advance though for any one-off closures, as the Mews is a working royal stables and will be busy putting everything in place for Charles and Camilla’s big day.

Essential information

Address: The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, SW1W 1QH

Nearest station:  London Victoria

Opening times:  10am-5pm, last admission 4pm (to 30 October 2023). The Royal Mews is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please check online for planned closures.

Find out more at www.rct.uk

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Royal Tour & Buckingham Palace State Rooms or Royal Mews Option

• Pre-reserved skip-the-line Royal Mews tickets (if option chosen at time of booking)
• Pre-reserved skip-the-line Buckingham Palace State Rooms tix (if option chosen at time of booking)
• Local English-speaking guide
• Expertly guided walking tour of London
• Entry/Admission - Royal Mews
• Entry/Admission - Buckingham Palace
• Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
• Wellington Arch, Apsley Way, London W1J 7JZ, UK Wellington Arch on Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7JZ. Your guide will be holding a Walks sign. Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.
• Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK Inside Buckingham Palace.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour is wheelchair accesible however, only 1 wheelchair per tour. Please contact customer support prior to booking to allow us to notify the sites visited.
• Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
• Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
• Staterooms are only open from July the 11th to September 24th 2024
• The Itinerary for this tour changes according to option selected.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• St. James's Palace
• Clarence House
• Wellington Arch
• Wellington Barracks

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Wellington Arch Apsley Way, London W1J 7JZ, UK Wellington Arch on Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7JZ. Your guide will be holding a Walks sign. Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. See address & details
• 1 Wellington Arch Stop: 20 minutes See details Pass by Clarence House St. James's Palace The Mall Wellington Barracks
• 2 Royal Mews Stop: 80 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Buckingham Palace Stop: 80 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll end at Buckingham Palace London SW1A 1AA, UK Inside Buckingham Palace. See address & details

• williamsG8603NZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ask for Claudia Claudia was amazing; she made the whole tour personable, especially for the kids, in the other groups. The Studios were very busy but brilliant, then our driver dropped us off at Platform 9 3/4. Incredible! Read more Written April 15, 2024
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• claudiapX2432MM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 5 star! What a wonderful tour! I had a great time and would highly recommend to anyone looking to enjoy their time in London as well as the magic of Harry Potter. Read more Written February 24, 2024
• beffish 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Magic It’s so hard to get tickets for the Harry Potter experience at Warner Brothers Studio - but Take Walks have it covered. We started the day with a gentle stroll through London’s entertainment district, hearing about film greats of the past, red carpet tales and the interaction between film, music and theatre. After a break for lunch, we were whisked to the WB Studios for a generous and stress-free three hour visit, before being dropped back in central London. Magic Read more Written February 23, 2024
• katiejC1136WI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic day out This was a fantastic day. In the morning we went on a walking tour of London landmarks and I learnt so much, despite being a local. We then went by coach to the amazing Harry Potter Studio Tour where we spent the afternoon exploring and visiting the sets. Our guide, Sue, was outstanding and really made the London tour interesting, as well as fun. Highly recommended. Read more Written February 23, 2024
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The Royal Mews

London, United Kingdom (UK)

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The Diamond Jubilee State Coach at the Royal Mews

Photo: Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019

The Gold State Coach

The Irish State Coach and a coachman in full State livery

Credit Pawel Libera, Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019

Postillion in full State livery

The Royal Mews house an impressive collection of Royal State Coaches and Carriages, including the instantly recognisable Gold State Coach, commissioned in 1760 and used at the coronation of every British monarch since George IV.

Designed by John Nash, the architect responsible for redesigning Buckingham Palace, the Mews takes in the pre-existing riding school (constructed in 1760s), a grand clock tower, quadrangle, coach houses and two sets of state stables.

As a working branch of the Royal House, the Mews is responsible for all royal road travel, by car, horse and carriage plus the care and training of the Queen’s Windsor Greys and Cleveland bays horses.

Getting there & doing it

The entrance to the Royal Mews is on Buckingham Palace Road, a short walk from the palace itself. Victoria is the closest station (mainline rail, and London Underground services: Victoria, Circle and District Lines). There is no parking at the site but several paid car parks are available nearby.

Tickets include a multi-media tour. There are several guided tours daily, where Wardens offer up fascinating details about the historic carriages, cars and the stories behind the events they’ve been part of. You may get to see some of the royal horses exercising or being groomed during your visit. This is less likely in summer season, when the horses are often transferred to Hampton Court for a holiday.

Visiting in the summer months allows you to purchase the combination ticket and see the Palace, Mews and Queen’s Gallery on a combined ticket – a popular option as the Mews itself is a modest spot, involving no more than about two hours to take in.

When to do it

The Royal Mews is open all year round, Thursday to Monday. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and during state visits and royal events.

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World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination.  

The Londoness

• Royal London

Visiting the Royal Mews

If cars, carriages and horses went to heaven, The Royal Mews is where they would go. Tucked away behind Buckingham Palace, this is the ultimate stable for regal steeds and stately wheels and it reins supreme. And I’m sure Cinderella wouldn’t say neigh to trotting off in a Royal Carriage for her amorous rendez-vous with Prince Charming. For now though, we’ll have to settle with the Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort to see some of these royal carriages on duty.

Royal Mewsings

The word “mews” originates from the French word “muer” or to moult. The royal hawks were originally held in the King’s Mews in Charing Cross (where the National Gallery stands today) whilst their feathers moulted. During Henry VIII’s reign, the original mews was destroyed by fire and rebuilt as royal stables, retaining its original name. The King’s Mews relocated to Buckingham Palace, morphing into the Royal Mews after a design by John Nash for George IV. Today, the Royal Mews is home to the royal collection of coaches, carriages and cars, and it has one of the world’s finest working stables.

Gold State Coach and the Coronation

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach

The coach is also a moving museum of artefacts from 100 of Britain’s historical sites. There’s a lead musket ball from the Battle of Waterloo, fragments of a dress worn by Florence Nightingale, and the crown is made from parts of Nelson’s HMS Victory (with a concealed camera inside). Timber segments from the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, to name a few, can be found in the interior lining, and the two door handles are decorated with 24 Kiwi diamonds and 130 sapphires.

The Glass Coach

The Glass Coach was built in 1881 and was purchased for George V’s coronation in 1911. It has been used to carry the bride-to-be to church (as with Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923, Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and Miss Sarah Ferguson in 1986). It is also used to carry the newlyweds from church after the service (as with Princes Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947).

Cars and Limousines in the Royal Mews

The Royal Mews also houses a mix of State and Non-state Cars. The five State Cars do not have licence plates and include a selection of British-made Rolls Royces and Bentleys. There are eight chauffeurs, but only the Head Chauffeur and the two Deputy heads can drive the King.

The Royal Mews Carriage Horses

The Royal Mews , Buckingham Palace, London, SW1W 1QH. Nearest tube: Victoria

Adult Tickets £15 , and all admission prices include a multimedia tour. Under 5s go free. You can book your tickets here . At the end of your visit, ask a Warden to stamp your ticket to convert it into a 1- Year Pass for which you can enjoy free re-admission.

Please note:  The Royal Mews is open until 30 October 2023.

A London arts and culture blog featuring articles about art, theatre, opera, dance, music and design.

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16 comments.

Nancy l MapandFamily

Great girls’ day out Scarlett and you’ve just given me some inspiration for an outing for a friend too! Love that the Jubilee coach has little antique keepsakes built in!

DiaryofaLondoness

It’s a meticulous and delightful piece of design. Thanks Nancy, I hope your friend makes it to the mews with the mostest!

Fiona Sheppard

My son was out in London yesterday and saw what looked like the Golden State Coach on a low loader. Was it the actual state coach being taken to Westminster Abbey for the return procession?

No, the Gold State Coach was taken by horse to Westminster Abbey. It could perhaps have been the Lord Mayor’s State Coach which is quite similar.

Very cute! Have a nice weekend!

What a lovely day out – would love to visit the Royal Mews, the Gold State Coach looks impressive and I am always up for some delicious gelato 🙂

Yo would love it Miriam, and of course, gelato is right up your culinary street!

Shelley Roitman

How a young girl can become a princess in one magical afternoon in London – fun for everyone.

Shelley Goodman

Does Anais realize what a little princess she is exploring the town with The Londoness?

Yes Shelley, she happily hops around with Mummy discovering London’s magical places!

Does Anais realize what a princess-like childhood she has exploring the town with the Londoness?

She is a very lucky girl!

Louise Riis

Oh wow! Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted my own Cinderella carriage…. I guess we are all wanna-be princesses! What a lovely day, you girls had 🙂

I can see you waving from the Glass Coach now Louise!

Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

beautiful carriages! I’ve been to a carriage museum in Vienna, those were fantastic too:)

Oh wow Tanja, that must have been equally majestic! Scarlett x

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Buckingham Palace Tours

This post covers how to take a tour of these areas of Buckingham Palace. It describes what you will see, and makes suggestions as to how to make the most of your visit to this most famous of London attractions.

Note that if you're interested in learning more about the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, read our post Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace .

• Plan Your Visit
• Queen's Gallery
• State Rooms
• Combined Pass

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace is both the formal residence of the British monarch and his administrative headquarters.

Part of the complex that makes up the palace includes the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, which are used for ceremonial purposes.

These include the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery, the Ballroom, the Music Room, and the White Drawing Room.

Also part of the complex is the Queen's Gallery which exhibits works from the Royal Collection and the Royal Mews which holds the Royal Family's horses and carriages.

This is one of the most historic sites in all of London, and there’s plenty to see and do while you’re visiting.

Due to its popularity, we recommend planning your trip well in advance.

In this section, we will discuss some of the best times to visit, how to get a ticket, where you’ll find the landmark, security information, and other important details you will need to know before taking a tour.

How to Get To Buckingham Palace

Visitors can reach Buckingham Palace from several Underground stations, bus routes, and other means.

The closest Underground stations are Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, and Victoria. Bus numbers 11, 221, C1 and C10 make stops on Buckingham Palace Road.

Click here to get directions for your choice of transportation from anywhere in London.

If you need help figuring out which tube to take, make sure to read our posts covering the London Underground and which tube pass you should buy .

If you are considering purchasing a hop-on-hop-off ticket while in London, then keep in mind that all companies offer a stop at the palace.

Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster which is a separate jurisdictional area from the City of London located in the center of London.

The Palace has its own royal gardens on the west side of the building.

Two large and lovely parks, St. James Park on the east and Green Park on the north side are both worth taking a stroll in.

What You'll Find at Buckingham Palace

There are a few areas that are open to the general public.

The Queen’s Gallery is an incredible collection of artwork and antiques from throughout the history of England.

Admission includes a free audio tour to help visitors explore the area.

Their exhibits change from time to time, giving guests the opportunity to see new and interesting things with each visit.

Although the Royal Mews are closed during the winter, you can come and see them pretty much at any other time of the year.

This location handles all of the road travel arrangements for the Royal Family and this is where you will find the carriages used for special occasions.

During the summer months, you can also visit the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace.

These are public rooms that are used to entertain important guests from around the world.

Although photography is not allowed, they do provide an audio tour to make your experience much more enjoyable.

Weather permitting, visitors can also check out the Changing of the Guards , but there is so much to see nearby the palace. 

The Changing of the Guards takes place daily in the summer, but only every other day during the rest of the year.

NOTE:  From late July through September there is a  combination ticket that includes the Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews, and the State Rooms. 

How Long Does It Take to Visit Buckingham Palace

You can expect to spend around 1 ½ - 2 hours seeing everything on display at the gallery.

Expect to spend at least 60 minutes exploring the area and seeing all of the displays at the Royal Mews.

A visit to the palace and State Rooms will take about 2 - 2 ½ hours to see.

If you want to see the changing of the guards, plan on spending anywhere from 60-90 minutes waiting and watching the ceremony.

Timed Tickets to Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace tickets are timed.

Although the duration of your stay is not limited, you will need to purchase tickets for a specific time of day.

One-Year Pass to Buckingham Palace

Enjoy free re-admission for a year by asking a member of the staff to validate your ticket(s).

This allows re-entry for up to a year, so if you need to break up your visit at separate times, you can do so.

Gift Shops and Food at Buckingham Palace

There are gift shops at Buckingham Palace that sell souvenirs and bottled water.

You will also find garden café in the palace, and restaurants near the palace if you don’t feel like eating during your visit.

Buckingham Palace For Kids and Families.

Family activity bags are available free of charge, so be sure to ask for one when picking up your tickets.

In the State Rooms, there is a drawing and coloring room.

Toilets and baby-care facilities are available at the start and end of tours.

Baby carriers are available upon request.

Read our tips on visiting London with kids .

Wear Comfortable Shoes to Buckingham Palace

You will be doing a lot of walking while at Buckingham Palace. As such, we highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes during your visit.

This is also a good idea if you plan to take one of our walking tours in the area. Read our tour options below for more information. 

Buckingham Palace Security Information

The palace and all of its attractions have very strict security checkpoints.

The following items are not allowed on the premises, but they can be checked into a cloakroom and picked up later.

• Knives w/ blades under 3”
• Long Umbrellas

You should avoid bringing any of the following items as they will not be allowed and cannot be checked into the cloakroom.

• Roller skates
• Skateboards
• Pets/Animals
• Knives w/ blades over 3”
• Knives w/ lockable blades
• Butterfly Knives
• Flick Knives
• Pepper Spray

Thankfully, visitors are allowed to bring a few practical items with them:

• Smartphones
• Service Animals
• Hearing Aids

In addition to these items, food and drink are provided at certain attractions such as the Garden Cafe. Baby carriers/hip-carriers are available upon request.

Although personal photos are allowed in locations such as the Garden, you are prohibited from taking any kind of pictures in the State Rooms. 

For more security details, make sure to visit the respective sections for each attracti

THE QUEEN'S GALLERY

The Queen’s Gallery exhibits selected pieces of art from the Royal Collection. The collection is quite extensive.

It comprises over one million objects, including 7,000 paintings, 30,000 watercolors and drawings, and about 500,000 prints, as well as photographs, tapestries, furniture, ceramics, books, sculptures, and last but not least the Crown Jewels. 

Queen's Gallery Opening Times

The gallery is open year round.

• Open: Thursday - Monday from 9:30 am - 17:30 (5:30 pm).
• Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday, and as it's part of a working royal palace, there may be other closures that happen at short notice.

Queen's Gallery Admission Tickets

• £11/Youth (18-24)
• £9/Children | Under 5 FREE
• More information or to book a ticket . 

NOTE: Admission to the gallery is included free with the  London Pass .

NOTE: There is also a Royal Day Out combination ticket that includes the Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews, and the State Rooms.

Queen's Gallery Timed Tickets

When you book your tickets, you must select a time that you will begin your tour.  

Entry intervals are every 15 minutes throughout the day. You can spend as much time in the Gallery as you want.

Set aside additional time to pass through the airport-style security check. Large bags and backpacks must be checked in the cloakroom.

Read our security section for more information on prohibited items.

The gift shop has exclusive items inspired by works of art in the Royal Collection. The shop has housewares, china, clothing, jewelry, children’s toys, books, and postcards.

Proceeds of all purchases go to the care and upkeep of the Royal Collection. 

Queen's Gallery Highlights

The gallery has rotating exhibits centered on themes or particular artists. To see what the current exhibits are, check their website .

An audio guide is included in the cost of your ticket.

The commentary is excellent and you also have the option to listen to music selected for its suitability to the setting.

If you are an art aficionado, check out the official The Royal Collection podcast , which features news of current and forthcoming exhibitions and interviews.

Best Time to Visit Queen's Gallery

If you want to avoid crowds, consider making your trip sometime during the middle of the week.

These days are far less busy and you’ll have a much easier time seeing the various exhibits on display.

Additionally, you’ll also want to consider arriving either early in the day or later in the afternoon.

The crowds begin to dissipate at about 4 pm, and you should have more than enough time to explore the gallery if you arrive at least 2 hours before closing.

Queen's Gallery Reviews

The majority of reviews on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide are positive and it is rated 4 out of 5 stars. Read the reviews .

Some say, however, that the Gallery’s limited size and small number of items on display at any given time (about 450) just aren’t enough.

Other Galleries to Visit in London

If you have limited time in London or are on a budget, you may also want to consider a visit to the free National Gallery which houses a very large collection.

It's one of the dozens of free museums in London .

Read our post on Itineraries for Museum Lovers for more great galleries and exhibitions in London.

THE ROYAL MEWS

The Royal Mews is a collection of working stables which house the Royal Family’s horses, carriages, and other vehicles.

On display in the Mews is an array of historic coaches and carriages, including some that are still used by the Royal Family on special occasions to this day.

If you're interested in learning more about how the Royal Family gets around, this attraction is almost like a living museum filled with all the methods of transportation they use.

Tickets to this attraction are sold separately from the Queen's Gallery, the State Rooms, and Buckingham Palace.

For more details about what you can expect to see and how to get admission, please read our post covering the Royal Mews .

THE STATE ROOMS

There are nineteen State Rooms in all. Among them are the stunning White Drawing Room, the Music Room, the Picture Gallery, and the world-famous Throne Room, where all official wedding and coronation photos are taken.

There are dozens of fine art and objects on display including paintings by Van Dyck, Canaletto, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

There are also sculptures,  period furniture, rare porcelain and rotating exhibits.

State Rooms Opening Times

Every July to September, the Monarch goes on holiday which means that the doors to the public!

In 2024, the rooms are open from the 11th of July through the 29th of September.

• Open: Thursday - Monday | 10:00 am - 17:00 (5 pm)
• Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

State Rooms Admission Tickets

Entry is “timed” meaning you must select a time. The start time frequency is every 15 minutes.

• £19.50/Youth (18-24)
• £16.50/Children | Under 5 FREE
• Purchase your ticket here .

The best time to take this tour is early in the day to avoid crowds in later hours.

State Rooms Tour

The Royal Day Out combination ticket includes an excellent 1-hour multimedia guide that provides commentary on each of the 19 State Rooms.

Though the audio tour is only one hour, you can move at your own pace.

You will find guides in each room who can answer questions and who may point out interesting features that are not mentioned on the audio tour, such as the King’s secret passageway/entrance behind a mirror.

You’ll also have the opportunity to stroll through the garden at Buckingham Palace at the end of your tour.

We recommend that you give yourself 2 - 2 ½ hours to make the most of this ticket.

State Rooms and Changing of the Guard Tour  

If you want a guided tour of the State Rooms, but you don’t want to miss the Changing of the Guards, this combination ticket may be your best option.

In addition to seeing the ceremony at 10:45 am, you will also receive a tour of 19 famous rooms inside Buckingham Palace.

This combined tour is only available from July - October, and it is an excellent opportunity to experience some of the most notable sights at this historic location.

Admission Tickets

• £66/Adults | £61/Children
• Availability: July - October
• Duration: 2 ½ hours

NOTE: if you want to see the Changing of the Guards  while avoiding the crowds at the State Rooms, consider doing so on a different day than your tour.

This is because the Changing of the Guards will take up your morning, thus you would have to take an afternoon State Room tour which is typically more crowded.

See our post on how to watch the  Changing of the Guards .

State Rooms and Garden Highlights Tour  

This combined ticket gives you the opportunity to take a tour of the largest private garden in London after taking a stroll through the State Rooms.

You will be taken through select sections of the garden by an expert guide.

The tour includes the 3-acre lake, the Rose Garden, the enormous Waterloo Vase, and the Palace tennis court.

You will be given  2 hours and 15 minutes  to explore the State Rooms before beginning your  1 hour and 15-minute  tour in the Garden.

Each tour includes a multimedia guide.

2024 Advanced Price:

• Adult £47.00
• Young Person (18-24) £30.20
• Child (5-17) £23.50
• Disabled £23.50
• Under 5 Free
• Information and tickets

2024 On-the-Day Price:

• Adult £50.00
• Young Person (18-24) £32.20
• Child (5-17) £25.00
• Disabled £25.00

ROYAL DAY OUT COMBINATION TICKET

This combination ticket provides entrance to the State Rooms, the Queen’s Gallery, and the Royal Mews.

It’s a great value if you want to make a full day out of your visit to Buckingham Palace.

Your Royal Day Out will last for approximately 4 - 4 ½ hours . When purchasing your ticket, the entry time you select will be for admission to the Queen’s Gallery first.

You will then be allocated an admission time for the State Rooms, which will be 2 ½ hours after you begin your visit at the Queen’s Gallery.

It makes sense to visit the Royal Mews right after, but make sure you finish both in time to walk over to the State Rooms at the time you have been assigned.

Royal Day Out Opening Times

This ticket can be used between 13th July and 29th September, 2024.

• Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday

Royal Day Out Tickets

There are a few options when it comes to these combination tickets.

• Adult £61.20
• Young Person (18-24) £39.10
• Child (5-17) £30.60
• Disabled £30.60
• Adult £65.70
• Young Person (18-24) £41.80
• Child (5-17) £32.80
• Disabled £32.80

NOTE: families that book directly with the website can save up to £28.00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

More than 50,000 people visit the palace each year making it one of the most visited landmarks in the United Kingdom and one of the most visited royal palaces in Europe.

In preparation for a visit, a number of questions are asked. We've covered some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Who Was the First Soverign to Live in Buckingham Palace?

King George IV hired architect John Nash to enlarge what was originally called Buckingham House into a larger space.

Before the extension was completed, George IV died. It was Queen Victoria, and her husband Prince Albert, who oversaw completion of the Palace. She was the first soverign to rule from Buckingham Palace.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Buckingham Palace ?

It takes around:

• 1.5-2 hours to see the Queen's Gallery
• 1 hour to see the Royal Mews
• 2-2.5 hours to see the State Rooms
• 60-90 minutes to see the Changing of the Guards (which includes a wait time)

Can Tourists Go Inside Buckingham Palace?

They sure can! Since 1993 the general public has been able to visit parts of the palace complex.

Can You Walk Around Buckingham Palace?

Yes, visitors can absolutely walk around parts of the palace: the Queen's Gallary, the State Rooms, the Royal Mews, and the Gardens.

When Can You Tour Buckingham Palace?

Guided tours are usually allowed from November - May on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Between July and September the State Rooms are open to the public. The dates and times change each year, and can be found here .

Can You Visit Buckingham Palace Without a Tour?

Visitors are not allowed to walk freely through the palace (or gardens) for security reasons. But they are allowed in certain areas, with timed tickets, and at least an audio tour.

Can You Visit Buckingham Palace for Free?

If you have  London Pass admission to the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews are free.

You can also see the Changing of the Guards for free.

For more information about discount tickets and passes, see immediately below.

DISCOUNT TICKETS AND PASSES

As you can see, tickets to see the inside of the Palace can be quite expensive. 

If you’re on a budget, there are ways you can save money and still enjoy the Palace by purchasing one of several tourist attraction discount passes that include palace tours. 

The following discount passes provide either a discount or free admission to the Royal Mews and Queen’s Gallery, in addition to covering ticket prices for some of the following activities and attractions:

• Kew Gardens
• Tower Bridge
• Windsor Castle
• Tower of London
• Kensington Palace
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Westminster Abbey
• Hampton Court Palace

Check out our comparison post for even more details about London tourist passes .

FREE WALKING TOUR

If you are on a budget or don't have the time for one of the above tours, but still want a taste of Royal London, we offer a pay-what-you-like   Royal Walking tour which includes Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.

Although you won’t be able to go inside the palace, you might catch the Changing of the Guards ! 

Prefer to explore on your own? Enjoy our free self-guided tour . We also offer a  self-guided GPS-enabled audio tour !

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Lady’s Guide to Visiting the Royal Mews in London

Today I want to bring you my guide to visiting the Royal Mews in London. If you love royalty and history in equal measure, this place is for you.

Put the word ‘royal’ in front of something in London, and the world goes wild. Royal wedding, royal baby, the list is endless.

Usually I’m not one to jump on bandwagons (even if they are the monarch’s), but when I heard about the Royal Mews in London, I was intrigued.

As anyone who follows me on Instagram knows, I’m a bit obsessed with London’s lovely mews streets . And when you put a ‘royal’ in front of the word, I’m even more excited.

Royal Mews Location

Located right next to Buckingham Palace in Victoria , the Royal Mews nonetheless manages to maintain such a low profile that I’ve walked by a thousand times without even knowing it’s there.

But I finally stumble across it, and I can’t wait to get inside and take a tour.

Royal Mews Opening Times

The mews closes in December for the winter, but the February 1st opening means tours of the Royal Mews in London are once again possible when the spring season starts. And now I’ve come to see what it’s all about.

What is a Mews?

After I find the entrance next to the Queen’s Gallery on Buckingham Palace Road, I purchase my ticket and enter the Royal Mews. The first thing I learn is something I’ve wondered about for a long time: what does mews mean?

According to the exhibition, the first mews in London was set up in the 13th century as a place where royal falcons could shed their feathers.

In fact, the word mews derives from the old French mue , which means a changing of the feathers, fur, or skin. Huh. I never would have guessed.

Over the centuries, falcons gave way to horses in the Royal Mews—which was originally located on the site of London’s National Gallery.

In the 1760s, the current mews was established in Victoria and over the years monarchs added buildings, carriages, and then cars to the mix.

Royal Mews Tour

Which brings me to where I’m standing now. The Royal Mews is a quadrangle, with a big open space surrounded on all sides by two stories of stables, carriage houses, garages, and homes.

It’s a working mews, so many of the staff live above the exhibition spaces. I don’t think I’ve ever toured such a unique place.

After saying hello to a few of the horses, I walk along the perimeter and listen to an audioguide with information about the various royal carriages in the mews.

I get to see the open-top carriage Prince William and Kate Middleton used for their Royal Wedding , the shiny new one Queen Elizabeth II rode in during her Diamond Jubilee, and the Gold State Coach, which she traveled to her coronation in.

The last of these has so much gilding I practically need sunglasses to look at it. It’s spectacular.

Away from the carriages, I see one of the royal Rolls Royces and a number of equine-themed gifts from visiting heads of state (including a big red box full of silvery horsey things from the Obamas). The Royal Mews holds some pretty impressive objects.

The only disappointment is the building itself. It was built by famous British architect John Nash for George IV in the 1820s, but it seems his heart wasn’t in the project (this is confirmed by information I read as I go).

While stately and grand, it lacks the charm of many of the smaller mews streets dotted around the city center (not to mention the pink houses!).

Royal Mews: The Verdict

So while my tour of the Royal Mews in London has revealed some incredibly impressive carriages and taught me a lot about the origins of the city’s mews, I think I will rely on it for the big things and stick to the lovely little streets for my daily dose of mews-ing.

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18 Comments on Lady’s Guide to Visiting the Royal Mews in London

I do agree it lacks some of the charm of many of London’s mewses, but it still looks well worth visiting. Thanks for the lovely tour! xxx

You’re welcome! It’s a great place to visit!

looks interesting! I did the royal carriages museum in Vienna:)

That sounds great! The Royal Mews also reminded me a bit of seeing the carriages in the Kremlin in Moscow.

I literally would never have ever been able to guess that that was the origin of the word mews!

Yeah! I was really surprised!

I’ve visited the Royal Mews! OMG, the carriages and all that gilt! Love that OTT style 😉

Yeah, they’re amazing!

It was very interesting to read the origin of the word mews, and I love the coaches – must visit some day!

Yeah! You would love it.

I LOVE this post!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Wow! This looks rather impressive! Sounds like a visit is due soon!

Yeah! You’ll love it!

We were just there 6 days ago! Our hotel, the Rubens, was directly across the street. For a horse lover, touring the Mews was a thrill! I just didn’t see enough horses!! 🙂

I’m glad you got to go! That’s too bad there weren’t enough horses, but I hope it was still enjoyable.

Loved the information. Wish I could go. Love London❤️

I hope you can someday!

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How To Visit Buckingham Palace In 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, And More

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: January 18, 2024

Don’t just stand outside and look for the full-mast flag that means the monarch is home — go in! Buckingham Palace is the British Royal Family’s official residence and even you can visit. That said, it can be tricky and you’ll need to plan ahead. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide with info on tickets, tours, what to see, and the palace’s history. Here’s how to visit Buckingham Palace.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our best Buckingham Palace tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in London .

Visiting Buckingham Palace: What We’ll Cover

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic things you can do in London—after visiting the palace itself, of course.

As the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837, it is replete with all the opulence you would expect of kings and queens. If it’s on your bucket list, you’ll find out what you need to know about how to visit Buckingham Palace in this guide. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see in Buckingham Palace
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of Buckingham Palace
• Places to eat nearby

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it .

Buckingham Palace Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

Visitors have access to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms and the Palace Garden for several weeks throughout the year. But for obvious security reasons, these can only be palace guided tours. Available dates vary based on the tours that the palace offers, but here’s what’s happening in 2023.

Palace-guided tours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November to May. Tours usually start at 4:00 pm on Fridays, and 11:00 am through 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Summer tickets: July 14 – September 24, with State Rooms closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets have a timed entry so you’ll want to book ahead , but the palace is open from 9:30 am to the last admission at 5:15 in July and August, and 4:15 in September.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place outside the palace building but within its gates. The public can view this ceremony without a ticket around 10:40 to 11:00 am every day. This time is not exact and is also dependent on weather. The ceremony only happens everyday in June/July and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the rest of the year.

Tickets and Tours:

Tickets must be booked online or booked here for a guided tour that includes the area around Buckingham Palace.

Palace-guided tours in the winter and spring:

Adults: £90 Family guided tour: ages 5-17 is £49.50, under 5 is free

Summer Buckingham Palace tickets if purchased in advance:

Adults: £30 Young adults (18-24): £19.50 Child (5-17): £16.50 Disabled: £16.50 Under 5: Free Families: automatic discount for 1 adult and 2 children or up to 2 adults and 4 children

Pro Tip: Your tickets can be validated for up to a year if you ask a Warden to stamp it before leaving!

Address: Buckingham Palace

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at Buckingham Palace

Short Answer: 2.5 hours for the State Rooms or 4.5 hours for the Royal Day Out

There are 19 State Rooms (the palace has a total of 775 rooms) so a meaningful visit will take a few hours. You’ll have access to several of the most ornately decorated rooms with treasures from the Royal Collection, paintings by old master artists, expensive sculptures, and elegant English and French furniture.

Also, you get to see the opulent and historic Throne Room. You might agree as I do that the White Drawing Room is even grander than the Throne Room. Find out for yourself!

What To See In Buckingham Palace

On your visit to the royal residence, make sure you see these incredible rooms and sights. There’s a lot of history and opulence to take in as you see Buckingham Palace. For a more detailed list with history, check out our article on the top things to see at the palace.

• The Changing Of The Guard
• The Throne Room
• The Queen’s Gallery
• The White Drawing Room 
• The Palace Garden
• Treasures Of The Palace
• The Ballroom
• The Gold State Coach
• The Diamond Jubilee State Coach
• The Grand Staircase

Buckingham Palace Tour Options

Guided tours to see Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard, and other important areas around this royal area are the best way to get to know this historic site. We offer several top-rated tours that you can choose to make your vacation in London the best ever.

The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour (2.5 hours)

Anyone can take an audio-guided tour, but if you book this tour, you get the special attention of a tour guide who knows incredible stories you won’t hear on that audio guide. Plus, you’ll first explore the serene St. James Park where you’ll hear about it’s transformation from a swampland to a deer park and a quiet oasis.

You’ll feel like you know the royals even better after exploring the Mall where official processionals and the Changing of the Guard have happened for centuries. Rest assured that your guide will get you to the right door at Buckingham Palace after entertaining you with stories of what you’ll see inside.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard (3 hours)

Clients love our skip-the-line access to the famous Westminster Abbey where they can enjoy a few minutes of quiet time with their guide in the nave of the abbey before the public enters.

There’s more to see at Westminster than you think, so having a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the Quire, Poet’s Corner, and more, is extremely helpful. And if the Changing of the Guard happens on the day of your tour, they’ll be sure to help you see it from several vantage points.

London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London (7 hours)

Our top-selling London tour is a must-do when you’re traveling to the heart of the United Kingdom. Your local guides are highly qualified and can share an unreal amount of cool facts and stories about London’s iconic sites and history. Starting at Westminster Abbey, you’ll be amazed at just how much of London you can see on foot and on a Thames river cruise.

Your skip-the-line tickets help you maximize your time, and your guides know where the best spots to see the Changing of the Guard are found. Your final stop at the Tower of London brings London’s more grisly history to life. It’s the perfect place to end your busy day tour of London!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if sightseeing tours in London are worth it .

Buckingham Palace Facts and History 

• The palace has a total of 775 rooms, 19 of which are state rooms open to the public. 
• There have been many properties on the site. From 1698, however, it was known as Buckingham House and was the home of the Duke of Buckingham, where it gets its name.
• In 1761, it became known as the Queen’s House after George III bought it for his wife Queen Charlotte.
• It became a palace for the first time in the 1820s when George IV had it lavishly restructured fit for a king.
• The royal family made it their official residence in 1837, and Queen Victoria was the first royal to officially live there as head of state.
• The palace entertains 50,000 invited guests a year. Also, it averages 578,000 paid visitors a year.
• The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens daily at 10.45 am. King Henry VII made them the official Royal Body Guard 500 years ago. 
• During World War II, the palace was repeatedly targeted but survived nine bombing raids. The Royal Family refused to move out despite concerns for their safety.
• The palace is heavily protected but in 1982 an intruder called Michael Fagan broke into the Queen’s bedroom while she was sleeping. When she awoke, they had a brief chat before she fled the room and raised the alarm.

Places To Eat Nearby

The good news is your dining options are plentiful, but you’ll need to choose wisely. You can dine like royalty on Buckingham Palace Road, very close to the palace. Or, on the same stretch of road, there are sandwich bars with a more laid-back atmosphere and casual dining.

Take your pick of traditional British fare or more exotic cuisines. Here are a few suggestions, but if you’d like more options, also check out our guide to the best restaurants near Buckingham Palace . 

The Laughing Halibut : £ | Takeaway —Grab some old-school fish and chips to take away or take a seat inside. It’s a great place for a quick lunch with good reviews.

Bon Gusto : ££ | Italian Cuisine —Fancy a change from British grub? Try this Italian restaurant with a selection of meat, seafood, and pasta dishes. There are also soups and Mediterranean salads.  

The English Grill : ££££ | Traditional British Fare —This restaurant promises you’ll dine like royalty. Indeed, it is ornately decorated with regal furniture and furnishings. You can enjoy traditional afternoon tea in a garden overlooking the Royal Mews. Also, the range of steak, salad, and dessert dishes (to name a few) are product-sourced from the same Royal suppliers as Buckingham Palace.

Find the best places to stay

Where To Stay in London

Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

Reader Interactions

Comments (10).

June 30, 2022

We Want to visit inside Buckingham Palace either on 13th or 14th July. Can you help us tour and visit it?

July 5, 2022

We don’t currently offer Buckingham Palace tours, but we’d love to take you around London to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, plus even more great locations on our London in a Day tour and Westminster Abbey tour .

July 1, 2022

Will we be able to turn up at Buckingham Palace and buy a ticket on the day? Shanthi

[email protected]

Not necessarily. Since the royal family uses Buckingham Palace, schedules and public access are subject to changes at short notice. Additionally, tours are not available every day. It’s best to plan ahead and purchase tickets before you arrive to have the best chance of entering the palace.

September 19, 2022

It’s my 70th birthday august 21 2023 and I would like to bring my children/grandchildren to visit Buckingham Palace. There will be 2 x Oaps, 3 adults, 1 child aged 9 and 1 aged 4. What would you recommend and at what cost? Thank you for your help Best wishes

September 21, 2022

What a fun trip! You can check their website for tickets next season. The palace is only open for 10 weeks in the summer, and it’s closed early this year due to the queen’s death. You can also book a trip out to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge for fun day trip to another royal residence.

In your ‘blurb’ “It became a palace for the first time in the 1820s when George VI had it lavishly restructured to be fit for a king.” This is incorrect. In actual fact it was ‘King George IV’ who died in 1830 King George VI was Queen Elizabeth II father and died in 1952

Thanks for letting us know about that typo! It makes a difference of generations!

I purchased four Buckingham Palace tour tickets for Thursday, September 29. I do have my confirmation email, but I don’t have the actual ticket email. If I would email my customer and order numbers to an office or a person, is there some way I could please get the email with the actual tickets.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and assistance with this matter.

You’ll need to check with the company from whom you purchased your ticket as they’ll have the accurate information.

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Everything about tourist attractions

Buckingham Palace – State Rooms & Changing of the Guard Tour

Buckingham Palace is a world-famous tourist attraction located in London. 

This iconic building is the official residence of the British monarch and is a must-visit for anyone visiting the city. 

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Buckingham Palace, including ticket prices, timings, what to expect, how to reach, and the best time to visit.

Top Buckingham Palace Tickets

# Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace Full-Day Tour # Buckingham Palace Tour with Royal Walking Tour

# Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Table of contents

What to expect, where to buy buckingham palace tickets, how the online ticket works, cost of tickets for buckingham palace tour, the buckingham palace: the state rooms entrance, buckingham palace and royal walking tour tickets, westminster and changing of the guard tour tickets, changing of the guard walking tour tickets, how to reach buckingham palace, buckingham palace timings, how long does buckingham palace take, best time to visit buckingham palace, know before you go .

Start your day by exploring Windsor Castle, the world’s largest continuously occupied castle.

Learn about its 900+ years of royal history, and visit St. George’s Chapel. The state apartments are the highlights of the castle.

Stroll through the charming town and perhaps discover where William Shakespeare wrote “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

Next, head to Buckingham Palace, one of the most beautiful buildings with a rich history. It is recognized as the monarch’s home for national and royal celebrations.

There is so much at the Palace visitors can see, but we have compiled some of the highlights for you to make your visit easy:

• The State Rooms
• The Throne Room
• The Ball Room
• The Picture Gallery
• The Grand Staircase
• Palace gardens
• Changing the Guard
• Treasures of the Palace

The State Rooms are open to the public during the summer months. They are a series of grand rooms that are used for state occasions.

The Rooms are decorated with beautiful artworks and provide a glimpse into the lives of the British royal family. 

The Palace’s stunning gardens are also open to the public during summer, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful landscapes and sculptures.

Back to Top

Tickets for Buckingham Palace can be purchased online.

We recommend to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer months, as the palace can get busy.

Also, you get great discounts on online tickets. 

Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

On the ticket booking page , select the number of tickets, preferred tour date and buy the tickets.

Immediately after purchase, your tickets get emailed to you. 

You don’t need to take any printouts. 

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

Visitors should ensure they have a valid ID and the credit card used to purchase the ticket with them when visiting the palace.

The cost of tickets for the Buckingham Palace tour depends on the tour option you select. 

Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace Full-Day Tour tickets cost £127 for visitors between 17 and 59 years.

Children between three and 16 get a discount of £10 and pay only £117 for their entry to both attractions.

Seniors above 60 get a discount a discount of £3 and pay £124 for their entry.

Buckingham Palace Tour with Royal Walking Tour tickets cost £69 for every visitor.

Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour tickets cost £18 for visitors above 18 years.

Youth between 13 and 17 get a discount of £8 and pay only £10 for their admission, while kids between five and 12 get a discount of massive £11 and pay only £7 for their entry.

Infants up to 4 years can get in for free.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour tickets are priced at £18 for adults aged 18 years and above.  Children in the age group of 5 to 17 years get a discount of £4 and pay only £15 for entry. Infants up to four years can get in for free.

State Rooms are open to public during summer from 11 July to 29 September 2024, and they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Buckingham Palace ticket offer access to the State Rooms, where official ceremonies and state occasions occur. 

Visitors can explore some of the palace’s most grandiose rooms, such as the Throne Room, Music Room, and White Drawing Room, and learn about the palace’s role in British life and the history of the monarchy.

The tour also features a multimedia guide to the palace’s collections, including masterpieces by well-known artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto, as well as sculptures by Canova. 

Guests can also enjoy exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. 

During the tour, visitors will also gain insight into the preparations for official visits to Buckingham Palace. 

Finally, guests can visit the popular Garden Café to relax and enjoy views of the famous lawn.

This 2.5-hour tour begins at the Duke of York Column, where you’ll meet your guide. 

You’ll embark on a royal walking tour before heading to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll get to see the opulent State Rooms, including the Throne Room, Music Room, and White Drawing Room. 

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the monarchy and the palace’s role in British life. 

Note that photography is not permitted inside the palace but is allowed in the gardens. 

Ticket Price : £69

The Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour is a guided walking tour that takes you through some of London’s most famous and historical landmarks. 

You’ll explore Royal London, witness parades by the King’s Guards, and visit iconic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. 

The tour is led by an expert guide who has in-depth knowledge of London’s political, royal, and cultural history. 

Along the way, you’ll learn about the Kings, Queens, rogues, and villains who shaped this wonderful city. 

The tour is suitable for all ages and includes two-and-a-quarter-hour experiences. 

However, it’s not recommended for people with heart problems. 

The Changing of the Guard ceremony can be canceled without notice due to the discretion of the British Army or bad weather.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18+ years): £18 Youth Ticket (13 to 17 years): £10 Child Ticket (5 to 12 years): £7 Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free

The Changing of the Guard Walking Tour takes you on a journey through British history and tradition with a knowledgeable local guide. 

Highlights include experiencing the Changing of the Guard ceremony and learning about the significance of every color, button, mascot, symbol, and movement. 

You’ll also get the opportunity to follow the guards’ journey to Buckingham Palace on foot and take some amazing snapshots. 

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

Adult Ticket (18+ years): £20 Child Ticket (5 to 17 years): £17 Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free

Save time & money! Buy London Pass and visit over 80+ attractions like ZSL London Zoo and London Bridge. Pick from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 10-day passes and buckle up for a 1-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour. 

Buckingham Palace is in the city of Westminster.

Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom. Get Directions

You can use public transport or a car to reach the palace at your convenience. 

You can take the train to either London Victoria or London Charing Cross stations.

For more information on times and fares, visit the National Rail Enquiries website .

The palace is accessible from several underground stations, including Victoria , Green Park , St. James’s Park , and Hyde Park Corner . 

For more information, visit the Transport for London website .

By coach or bus

Bus numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 all stop on Buckingham Palace Road. 

If you’re arriving by coach, Victoria Coach Station is just a 10-minute walk from the palace. 

If you’re driving to Buckingham Palace, the palace’s official website recommends using the following address for GPS directions: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA . 

Keep in mind that there is no parking available at the palace, so you will need to park at a nearby car park or on the street. 

For more information on parking near Buckingham Palace, visit Westminster City Council’s website .

Buckingham Palace is open to the public during the summer, from mid-July to the end of September. 

From 14 July to 31 August, Buckingham Palace runs from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm with the last admission at 5.15 pm. 

From 1 to 24 September, the palace is open for tours from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm with the last entry at 4.15 pm. 

The State Rooms are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

The Palace operates a timed admission system for all guided tours, so pre-booking tickets is essential. 

During the summer, the Garden Cafe is open at the end of the Palace visitor route. 

The length of time to tour Buckingham Palace depends on the type of visit. 

A visit to the State Rooms, which are the most popular attraction, can take around 2 to 2.5 hours. 

The duration of other tours, such as Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, is shorter, ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is during the summer months when the State Rooms are open to the public. 

However, as this is the peak season, it can be crowded and busy, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance and arrive early. 

Also, we highly recommend you start your tour early morning when the palace opens around 9 am to avoid crowds.

The exclusive guided tours during winter and spring are also a great time to visit for a more intimate and less crowded experience.

– It is important to note that visitors are required to pass through airport-style security checks upon arrival, so it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time of your guided tour. 

– All tours involve some walking, so wearing comfortable shoes is advised. 

– Wheelchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms, but baby-care facilities are available at the start and end of guided tours. 

– On most of the tours, baby strollers are not allowed. 

– It is prohibited to take photographs within the State Rooms, and visitors are not allowed to eat or drink inside the Palace building, except for bottled water. 

– Visitors are advised to check the official Buckingham Palace website for the latest information on opening times and ticket prices.

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Datta Sai is a free-spirited wanderer who finds solace in the serene hush of the mountains and is invigorated by the boundless expanse of the oceans. An adventurer at heart, he thrives on the thrill of exploring untouched paths and the profound wisdom each journey imparts. His favorite cities are Cape Town, Vancouver, and Nice.

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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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RBC Heritage

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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina • USA

Apr 18 - 21, 2024

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Money latest: 'Stealth' raid on Britons' inheritance revealed; urgent Aldi recall amid police probe; petrol price spikes

Inheritance tax receipts surged to a record high last year due to the government freezing the threshold at which you start to pay. Read this plus all the latest consumer and personal finance news below - and listen to the latest Ian King Business Podcast as you scroll.

Tuesday 23 April 2024 20:41, UK

• Inflation falling doesn't mean we should cut interest rates, Bank of England economist says
• More Britons paying inheritance tax after chancellor freezes threshold - so how can you beat it?
• Aldi recalls product amid police investigation
• Petrol prices hit 150p a litre for first time since November

Essential reads

• 'More important than a will': What are lasting power of attorneys and how much do they cost?
• Ian King analysis : FTSE highs - why is it happening and what does it mean for UK economy?
• Money Problem : My neighbour's trees are damaging my wall, they think they're bigger than the law - what can I do?
• Should you offer kids cash rewards for good grades? Psychologist's view
• Listen to the Ian King Business Podcast above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Tesco is being monitored by the UK's supermarket regulator after it began imposing an "Amazon-style" fulfilment fee on online suppliers, according to The Times. 

The supermarket faced criticism after it imposed the fee, which is linked to processing orders, picking and shipping products, and managing returns. 

Brands and suppliers said the fee could put many of them out of business. 

Tesco argued it made the decision after its own fulfilment costs grew when it expanded its online operations.

The smallest suppliers with contracts of £250,000 or less are exempt, but bigger suppliers pay from 12p per item for branded goods and 5p for own brands.

Carpetright has been hit by a cyberattack which has prevented it from trading across its 400 UK stores for almost a week, according to a report. 

Customers have been unable to place orders in its shops since last Thursday, staff told The Times. 

A spokeswoman added that online customers were "largely unaffected" and would be able to make new orders - but the attack will still be a financial blow for the flooring chain. 

BP is rolling out a new crime logging platform and body-worn cameras to improve safety for its staff members. 

The app-based platform will allow staff to report incidents and get in touch with police, as well as helping BP to identify offenders targeting multiple sites across its business. 

The platform will also send an alert when repeat offenders or vehicles of interest are reported on the platform in the local area. 

The government has announced a UK-wide ban on wet wipes containing plastic in a bid to reduce pollution.

According to the Marine Conservation Society, 11 billion wet wipes are used in the UK each year. Of these, 90% contain plastic. 

Discarded wet wipes frequently litter Britain's beaches and eventually break down into microplastics, which contribute to water pollution and damage ecosystems.

The ban, announced yesterday, should go through parliament this summer.

Read more here ...

Rising private school fees are forcing parents to take out loans, move house or turn to taking money from relatives.

More than 71% of 2,000 people surveyed in the Saltus Wealth Index report said the rising cost of private school tuition was impacting choices regarding their children.

Mike Stimpson, a partner at Saltus, said fees had increased by 6% from 2022-23 and were likely to increase another 5% this September. 

Out of the respondents, 21% said they would have to move their children out of private school.

Private school costs average around £24,000 a year, according to The Good Schools Guide.

Rising cigarette prices are prompting more people to quit smoking.

While health concerns still remained the top reason for quitting in a survey of nearly 6,000 people, a quarter of respondents said it was down to the cost of cigarettes - up from a fifth before the pandemic. 

The average price of a packet of 20 cigarettes is more than £14. 

Highlighting the savings that could be made by quitting smoking could help more people to stop, the University College London study said. 

The FTSE-100 has hit a second all-time closing high in as many days. The index of the UK's biggest 100 listed companies, having earlier hit a new intra-day high of 8,075.52 at just after 8.24am, finished the session up 20.94 points, around 0.26%, at 8044.81.

It's worth noting, though, the Footsie has been a relative laggard this year. The S&P 500, America's top stock index, is up 6.91% so far in 2024, Japan's Nikkei 225 is up 12.81% and Germany's DAX 40 is up by 8.30%. 

The Footsie, by contrast, is up by a mere 4.05% even after the rally of recent sessions. So it can hardly be said to be doing well compared with international peers. On top of those already mentioned, the MIB in Italy is up by 13.24% this year and the CAC 40 in France by 7.46%, for example.

Nonetheless, the Footsie hitting a new record close two days running is notable.

There is no shortage of reasons why. 

The most obvious is the recent weakness in sterling. The pound hit a five-month low against an international basket of currencies on Monday following comments from Sir Dave Ramsden, a deputy governor of the Bank of England, on Friday afternoon in which he pointed to the growing likelihood of interest rate cuts in the near future. 

That has weakened the pound against the US dollar in particular. 

Since three-quarters of earnings of FTSE-100 companies are denominated in other currencies, chiefly the US dollar, a fall in the pound against those currencies makes the future earnings generated by Footsie companies - whose shares are denominated in sterling - cheaper to buy in those currencies.

That was certainly behind the big rally seen on Monday -although today sterling rallied on comments from Huw Pill, the Bank's chief economist, which suggests there is more going on. That something is the relative cheapness of the Footsie in comparison with its peers. 

The Footsie currently trades on a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of just 13.22 times - in other words, £1 invested in the index today would be repaid 13.22 years from now. 

That is cheap when set against the DAX in Germany, which trades on a P/E of 14.87 times and the CAC in France, which trades on a P/E of 15.91 times or the SMI in Switzerland, which is on 14.52 times. 

The main US indices, meanwhile, cavort along on P/E ratios of more than 20 times. Only Spain's leading stock index, the IBEX, looks cheaper than the Footsie by comparison.

The conclusion that should emphatically not be drawn is that the Footsie's recent rally is anything to do with the UK's economic outlook, even though the latter is visibly improving. 

The index is chock-full of companies that have little or nothing to do with the UK - such as Fresnillo, a Mexican gold and silver miner; Antofagasta, a Chilean copper and gold miner; and Ashtead Group, a plant and tool hire company which derives £90 in every £100 it earns from the US. 

Even companies thought of as British, such as BP, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Shell and Diageo, the world's biggest scotch whisky and tequila producer, derive the vast majority of their earnings outside the UK. In fact, of the 20 biggest companies in the Footsie, only one - the Lloyds Banking Group - can be said to make most of its income in the UK.

For a better gauge of how corporate Britain is doing, investors are better off looking at the FTSE 250, the next biggest 250 listed companies on the London Stock Exchange and home to household names such as Bellway, Games Workshop and ITV.

Some of these also derive a fair chunk of earnings from outside the UK, such as the cruise operator Carnival, the ingredients producer Tate & Lyle and the catalytic converters group Johnson Matthey. 

But it is also replete with companies that make most or all of their earnings in the UK, such as the property trio British Land, LondonMetric Property and Derwent London, the housebuilder Bellway and everyone's favourite sausage roll emporium Greggs.

In short, the FTSE 250 is a much better guide to sentiment towards UK companies than the FTSE-100. The bad news is that it is only up by a paltry 0.6% this year so far.

Labour has added an amendment to the government's Renters (Reform) Bill that would prevent landlords from selling a property for two years after a tenancy has begun. 

Under the rule, landlords would have to wait two years from the tenancy start date before initiating repossession proceedings. 

The bill aims to reform the private rental sector, and also includes plans to scrap "no fault" evictions, make it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent out to those on benefits or with children, and create a national landlord register. 

It is being debated tomorrow and is in the report stage, meaning MPs can consider further amendments. 

Any amendments will need to be voted through.

Other significant amendments include prevemting tenants from giving notice to quit until they have been in a property for four months. 

As tenants have to give two months' notice, this effectively means they will need to stay in a property for six months. 

Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has also added an amendment requiring landlords to pay renters and unspecified relocation fee if if they asked them to leave a property within the first two years of a tenancy.

Recent falls in inflation may have spurred talk of interest rate cuts, but the Bank of England's deputy governor has said this is not necessarily enough reason to slash rates. 

Speaking at the University of Chicago, Huw Pill said it would be better to cut rates too late rather than too early. 

He said little had changed with the inflation and interest rate situation since late March, and that there were "greater risks" associated with going too early. 

Despite optimism among some, Mr Pill said there is still a "reasonable way to go" before inflation has stabilised to the level needed for the UK to meet its 2% inflation target in a sustainable way. 

"This assessment further supports my relatively cautious approach to starting to reduce Bank rate," he said. 

Mr Pill had voted to keep the Bank rate unchanged at 5.25% in the most recent meetings of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee in March. 

Inflation currently stands at 3.2% - the lowest rate since September 2021. 

This is still above the Bank's target of 2%. 

The next Bank rate decision is next week - but markets don't expect a cut then. June is seen as more likely - though Mr Pill's comments cast some doubt on that.

Petrol prices are exceeding 150p per litre for the first time since last November, according to new data.

Figures from the website Fuel Prices Online shows typical pump prices reached 150.1p per litre on Monday.

The average price of a litre of diesel is also at the highest level since November 2023, at 158.3p.

Experts say rising fuel prices in recent weeks can be attributed to an increase in the cost of oil and a weakening of the pound versus the US dollar.

AA fuel price spokesman Luke Bosdet said while inflation was heading downwards, petrol's rebound to 150p a litre left a "big boulder in the road".

He said: "Five days of falling wholesale costs, with the value of oil coming off the boil, offers hope that pump prices may not get much worse in the short-term.

"However, road fuel priced above 150p a litre grabs the attention of drivers and will lead some to re-tighten their belts on other spending."

The annual 100 fastest growing UK businesses list has been published, with the country's largest electric vehicle fast charging network in top spot.

Environmentally conscious companies dominate the ORESA Growth Index 2024 - with three of the top 10 companies participating in the clean and renewable energy market.

There was also success for the retail sector, with 24 businesses in the list, while the construction and logistics sectors have also seen signs of recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Topping this year's list is Basingstoke-based green energy business InstaVolt, which had an annual growth rate of 362.55%.

The company is the largest owner-operator of rapid public chargers in the UK, with 1,500 charging points.

In 2022-23, the company's third financial year, its revenues hit £18.6m.

Here's the top 10...

Regional success

While London and the South East dominate the list with 59 companies, Northern Ireland has four - up from zero in the past two years. 

Companies from Yorkshire and Humber and the North East have increased from six to 10 and from zero to one respectively, while the East Midlands has gone down to six from nine in 2023. 

Inheritance tax receipts surged to a record high last year due to the government freezing the threshold at which you start to pay.

Official figures show the government received £7.5bn in inheritance tax (IHT) receipts in the financial year to the end of March - an increase of £400m on the same period the previous year. 

(More widely, total tax receipts were £827.7bn - £39.1bn higher than the same period last year - due in part to inflation and other tax threshold freezes.)

Inheritance tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has died - including all property, possessions and money - and is only charged above the tax-free threshold of £325,000. 

This threshold has been frozen by the chancellor until 2028.

So, with inflation boosting the value of people's estates, more people are being dragged above the threshold.

The standard inheritance tax rate is 40%. 

Jonathan Halberda, specialist financial adviser at Wesleyan Financial Services, says more families "can expect to be caught in its net".

So what can be done to ensure families can keep their wealth? 

Use the inheritance tax spouse exemption

Mr Halberda says if you leave your entire estate to your spouse or civil partner, there will be no inheritance tax to pay - even if its value exceeds £325,000. 

Make a will

Doing this can mean you can distribute assets to take advantage of tax-free allowances. 

"Assets in trusts are no longer in your name and therefore not considered when valuing your estate for inheritance tax," Mr Halberda says. 

Gift giving 

Gifting money or assets to loved ones before you die can avoid inheritance tax, but there are limits on how much you can give away and who to. 

Gifts to charity 

Leaving gifts to registered UK charities in your will is exempt from inheritance tax.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The FTSE 100 has hit another all-time high this morning following its record performance yesterday.

The index, of the 100 most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, soared to 8,071 points shortly after the opening. It marks a new "intraday" (during the day) record.

Later in the morning, the FTSE 100 eased back to 8,060 points, but was still up nearly 0.5% on yesterday. The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

It comes after the index reported a record-high closing figure of 8,023 yesterday following a fall in the value of the pound. A lower pound makes it cheaper for foreign investors to invest in FTSE companies.

One of the reasons the pound is falling against the dollar is interest rates are expected to stay higher for longer in the US - meaning investors will get better returns on their US investments.

The strong performance this morning raises the prospect we could see another record close at the end of today's trading.

Danni Hewson, from investment platform AJ Bell, said the figures were "psychologically important for investors and for London markets as a whole" as the capital has been lagging behind its rivals, particularly the US, in recent years.

Among the firms doing very well this morning is JD Sports. The retailer's shares are up more than 7% in early trading following reports that it is set to buy US rival Hibbett for $1.08bn (£0.87bn).

On the currency markets, £1 will buy you $1.23 US or €1.15, similar to yesterday's five-month lows for the pound.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil is up almost 1% at nearly $88 (£71) this morning.

Aldi has recalled one of its products and a police investigation has been launched over fears it "may have been tampered with".

The supermarket has pulled its Village Bakery 8 Tortilla Wraps White, citing safety fears over the "possible presence of metal". 

The recall affects items with best before dates up to and including 29 April 2024, and with a pack size of 8x62g.

Anyone who has bought the item is being urged to bring it back to their nearest Aldi. 

Notices have been posted at the stores telling customers not to eat the wraps. 

Aldi said its products go through "rigorous safety and quality checks" and the item was being recalled as a "precautionary measure".

"As there is an active police investigation we are not able to comment any further on this matter at this time," it said. 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) also said Signature Flatbreads UK, which makes the wraps, is "working with the relevant food and police agencies to investigate the cause of the contamination".

No other items from the company are affected, it said.

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2024 RBC Heritage leaderboard: Scottie Scheffler nears fourth win in five starts with event to finish Monday

Weather prevented the final round from completing, but scheffler is well on his way to continuing his hot streak.

Scottie Scheffler's fourth victory in his last five tournaments will have to wait one more day. With the 2024 RBC Heritage experiencing more than a 2.5-hour weather delay Sunday, tournament action was unable to be completed before nightfall; it will instead leak into the work week. The final round at Harbour Town Golf Links will resume Monday at 8 a.m. ET with Scheffler holding a five-stroke lead at 20 under.

The world No. 1 is well clear of his nearest pursuer, Wyndham Clark, with three holes left in his tournament. Clark, meanwhile, is in the clubhouse at 15 under hoping for another runner-up check behind Scheffler. Others on the golf course like J.T. Poston, Patrick Cantlay and Sahith Theegala stand at that same number with holes to play.

Monday morning may only be a formality as Scheffler looks to be in control of just about everything -- like he has been the last two months.

Scheffler began Sunday in Hilton Head Island with one arm already slipped in the tartan jacket. Possessing a one-stroke lead, the Texan was crowned by many late Saturday evening despite the bevy of stars who had plans to upend him.

After knocking in a 6-foot par save on the 1st, Scheffler more or less turned those predictions into a reality. Chipping in for eagle on the par-5 2nd from long of the green (his 11th hole-out from off the green this season), Scheffler opened a three-stroke lead on the field and never looked back.

Charges were made by many, including a familiar foe in Clark, but none were that threatening. The reigning U.S. Open champion turned in 7-under 29 and tacked on another birdie on the 11th to get within one of Scheffler, but the pressure of perfection proved too much.

Hitting a tree with his second shot on No. 12, Clark's ball ricocheted out of bounds and led to a double bogey. Another dropped shot came on the following hole and all but secured another near miss from the U.S. Open champion.

Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Cantlay and Theegala all hovered on the first page of the leaderboard but never truly threatened. Instead, it was Patrick Rodgers who emerged as Scheffler's greatest threat thanks to an eagle-2 at the turn. A bogey a few holes later put an end to his Cinderella story.

Remaining in the wake of mistakes was a spotless Scheffler at 19 under, four ahead of the field. Turning in 3 under, the steadiest man in the game marched forward with a heavy diet of fairways and greens before a spell of thunderstorms halted his momentum on the par-4 12th.

Inclement weather was all that could stop Scheffler as the 27-year-old returned to the golf course more than two hours later and resumed his round without a hitch. While temperatures cooled and winds freshened, Scheffler was unaffected.

He picked off a birdie on the 13th to push his lead to five before a mud ball on the 15th led to his second finding the water on the par 5. It didn't matter as Scheffler launched a pitching wedge onto the surface, spinning it left and utilizing the slope to access the tucked pin. He avoided what would have been his first dropped shot since the 3rd hole on Thursday with an emphatic par save, and he will sleep easy Sunday night knowing five strokes separate him from the field and three holes separate him from victory.

Rick Gehman, Kyle Porter, Patrick McDonald and Greg DuCharme discuss Scottie Scheffler's hold on the RBC Heritage, Nelly Korda's fifth straight victory and Miles Russell finishing top 25 as a 15 year old. Follow & listen to The First Cut on  Apple Podcasts  and  Spotify .

Play called for evening

The final group is on the green on the par-5 15th meaning they will have three holes to play on Monday. Scottie Scheffler faces a par putt from 10 feet to maintain his five-stroke lead as he stands at 20 under.

Five clear with five to go!

The only thing that can stop him is the sunlight at this rate. Scottie Scheffler adds a birdie on 13 to get to 20 under and five clear of the crew at 15 under. Without the world No. 1 this tournament would be very, very good, but alas they are all fighting for first flight honors it appears.

Conditions are considerably harder for these guys. The wind has switched, it's about 10 degrees cooler and they are racing against the clock. Scottie Scheffler and Sepp Straka make par on No. 12 and head to the par-4 13th. Wyndham Clark posts the clubhouse lead at 15 under, four behind Scheffler.

Let's play ball!

Players are on the golf course and play is set to resume. Scottie Scheffler in the final pairing has about 7.5 holes remaining and one hour until sunset meaning this thing is probably going to leak into Monday unfortunately. 

Play to resume at 7 p.m.

Coverage information, play to resume at 6 p.m. et.

The expectation is this thing will be finished today as the range is open and play is set to resume in 40 minutes at 6 p.m. ET. This will leave Scottie Scheffler a couple hours to complete just about seven holes as he left off in the middle of the 12th fairway with a four-stroke lead at 19 under.

Play suspended due to weather

The horn has sounded at 4:28 p.m. ET as a large weather system (with lightning) has engulfed Harbour Town. This comes as Scottie Scheffler stands in the 12th fairway with a four-stroke lead at 19 under over a number of pursuers up ahead of him on the golf course. Players are being brought back into the clubhouse as rules officials make an assessment on when play will return.

Rain comin' down hard

Scheffler turns in 33 with three-stroke lead.

Scheffler lets a chance slide by on the short ninth and will instead settle for a 3-under 33 on his front nine. It was highlighted by his eagle-3 on the par-5 2nd and Scheffler will head to the back side with a three-stroke edge.

Theegala thriving

Theegala cards four 3s in a row to end his front nine and get within four of Scottie Scheffler. Sahith spoke yesterday about how cool it is what Scheffler is currently doing and how it is a motivating factor for someone like him to get better. It's a great perspective and Theegala continues to get better and better, but it may not be enough this week as he is four behind with nine to go.

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Rock trailblazer Heart reunites for a world tour and a new song

FILE - Nancy Wilson, left, and Ann Wilson, right, of the band Heart perform as Heart is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Nokia Theatre on Thursday, April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles. Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.” (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - Nancy Wilson, left, and Ann Wilson of Heart perform on opening night of the Heartbreaker Tour at the Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, Fla., June 17, 2013. Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.” (Photo by Jeff Daly/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - Nancy and Ann Wilson of the classic rock band Heart perform in concert at the American Music Theater on Monday, March 24, 2014, in Lancaster, Pa. Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.” (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring and fall for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.”

“I’ve been strengthening. I’ve got my trainer,” she says. “You go one day at a time and you strengthen one workout session at a time. It’s a lot of work, but it’s the only job I know how to do.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers who gave us classic tracks like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and “Alone” will be playing all the hits, some tracks from of their solo albums — like Ann Wilson’s “Miss One and Only” and Nancy Wilson’s “Love Mistake” — and a new song called “Roll the Dice.”

Nancy Wilson, left, and Ann Wilson perform on opening night of the Heartbreaker Tour in West Palm Beach, Fla., June 17, 2013. (Photo by Jeff Daly/Invision/AP, File)

“I like to say we have really good problems because the problem we have is to choose between a bunch of different, really cool songs that people love already,” says Nancy Wilson.

Like “Barracuda,” a sonic burst which first appeared on the band’s second album, “Little Queen” and is one of the band’s most memorable songs.

“You can’t mess with ‘Barracuda.’ It’s just the way it is. It is great. You get on the horse and you ride. It’s a galloping steed of a ride to go on. And for everybody, including the band.”

The tour kicks off Saturday at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, and will hit cities including Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, as well as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. International dates include stops in London, Oslo, Berlin, Stockholm, Montreal and Glasgow.

The band’s Royal Flush Tour will have Cheap Trick as the opening act for many stops, but Def Leppard and Journey will join for three stadium dates in Cleveland, Toronto and Boston this summer.

Ann and Nancy Wilson will be filled out by Ryan Wariner (lead and rhythm guitar), Ryan Waters (guitars), Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards and backing vocals), Tony Lucido (bass and backing vocals) and Sean T. Lane (drums).

The tour is the first in several years for Heart, which was rocked by a body blow in 2016 when Ann Wilson’s husband was arrested for assaulting Nancy’s 16-year-old twin sons. Nancy Wilson says that’s all in the past.

“We can take any kind of turbulence, me and Ann, and we’ve always been OK together,” she says. “We’re still steering the ship and happy to do it together. So we’re tight.”

The new tour will take them to Canada, which was warm to the band when they were starting out as what Nancy Wilson calls “a couple of chicks from Seattle.” She recalls Vancouver embracing Heart, and touring in one van across Canada in the dead of winter on two lane highways.

The Wilsons at the American Music Theater on Monday, March 24, 2014, in Lancaster, Pa. (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File)

The Wilson sisters broke rock’s glass ceiling in the ‘70s and Nancy Wilson says they only had male influences to look to, like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Moody Blues.

Now she says she looks out and loves seeing generations of female rockers. “You have boygenius and you have Billie Eilish and you have Olivia Rodrigo and so many amazing women — Maggie Rogers and Sheryl Crow, who calls us her big influence. And then Billie Eilish might have Sheryl Crow as her influence. So it’s a really nice legacy to pass along. I like to say we’re the OG — the original gangsters — of women and rock.”

Heart has made it into the Rock Hall, won Grammys, sold millions of albums and rocked hundreds of thousands of fans but Nancy Wilson has one place she’d still like to shine.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of their debut album, “Dreamboat Annie,” which was the same year that “Saturday Night Live” started. “So we’re actually kind of putting it out there — Heart never played on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ But what about the 50th birthday party with Heart?”

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits