London's Buckingham Palace, official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, is only open to visitors in the summer months. If visiting Royal London this summer, plan ahead

Buckingham Palace, home to Queen Elizabeth II, is one of Britain's top tourist attractions, and top of the list of anyone looking to visit Royal London. But you can't just drop in for a cup of tea with Her Majesty. You can stand outside the gates any time, watch the Changing of the Guard and have your photo taken outside the best-known address in Britain. If you want to go inside, though, and take a look at some of the State Rooms and other normally hidden places, you must book ahead.

*

ROYAL LONDON: BUCKINGHAM PALACE HISTORY

Buckingham Palace was first bought by King George III in 1762, when it was out in the country and gave him some extra space. With 15 children, he needed it! It didn't become the official London home of Britain's royal family until 1837, however, when Queen Victoria came to the throne and decided to move in – a new home for a new queen. It has been the official royal residence of Britain's royal family ever since.

It is also on the 'must see' list of London visitor attractions, right at the top for many people with an interest in Britain's royal family. Most visitors only get to look at the outside, and can check whether the Queen is in residence by looking to see if the Royal Standard is flying.

*

ROYAL LONDON: THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

At 11.30am you can also see the Changing of the Guard, although you'll need to arrive at least an hour earlier to get a good viewpoint. The Changing of the Guard takes place daily from April to July, and on alternate days the rest of the year, but may be cancelled in bad weather.

*

ROYAL LONDON: INSIDE BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace has about 600 rooms, and some of these are open to the public from late July to late September when the royal family is away. Don't expect to see their private apartments, but you will see some impressive rooms which most Londoners have never even seen. The tour includes the State Rooms, where visiting dignitaries are entertained and where investitures take place, as well as the Royal Gardens where the Queen's famous garden parties are held. You also get to see the Throne Room, and the Royal Picture Gallery, which contains works by artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens.

*

ROYAL LONDON: BOOKING A TICKET TO VISIT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Admission is by timed ticket only. You can only book tickets on the day of admission, and they go on sale at 9am. You can buy them direct at Buckingham Palace or over the phone, paying by credit card. If you buy them at the Palace on a busy day, you may need to return later in the day for your timed visit. If you book over the phone, you can choose a visit time later in the day, to suit your plans.

*

ROYAL LONDON: CONTACT DETAILS FOR BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The number for Buckingham Palace is (020) 7766 7300.

Get up-to-date visiting times and prices on the website by clicking here.

*

ROYAL LONDON: TOP TIP FOR SEEING THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Always check a few days ahead in case the time or day of the Changing of the Guard has been changed.

*

*

ROYAL LONDON: CLARENCE HOUSE

Visitors seeking out Royal London can also visit, in August and September only, the London royal residence of Prince Charles, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Prince Harry. Click here to find the details.

*