Visit Buckingham Palace 2019: Everything you need to know

Your child's chance to live out their favourite verse from A.A. Milne's celebrated poem, Buckingham Palace, is about to become a reality: "They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace, Christopher Robin went down with Alice."

This summer, from 20 July through the end of September, your child will get to go into the storied establishment as part of Buckingham Palace's Summer Opening, where the Queen's subjects (and everyone else) is welcomed for the greatest treasure hunt of all.

The Queen's official London residence has some fantastic kid-friendly opportunities for families looking for a little excitement over the summer hols; tickets are £25 per adult, £14 per child and free for under-5s and this includes a free family multimedia tour for kids under 12, as well as a Garden Trail to explore. The Family Pavilion, which overlooks the Palace garden, is the place to head for games and activities that examine the working life of Buckingham Palace (there's even a special area for under-5s).

Each year, Buckingham Palace hosts a special exhibition in the State Rooms: this summer, Queen Victoria’s Palace marks the 200^th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth and tells the story of how the young Queen transformed Buckingham Palace from an unloved private house into a working royal residence and a powerful symbol of the British Monarchy through paintings, costumes and sparkly jewels. Can you think of a more interesting way for Victorian history to soak in?

Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019)

There are loads of activities on all summer long; everything is free with admission except the Garden Tour. Happy exploring!

June/July events

Horses and Hooves at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

29 June, 27 July, 31 August, 28 September, 24-26 October, 30 November 11:00–15:00

2019 marks the 200th birthday of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. On the last Saturday of the month, families visiting the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace will learn all about Victoria and Albert’s lives, from royal animals to Victorian London, with storytelling and hands-on arts and crafts activities. A must for kids who couldn't get enough of the Beasts of London exhibition.

Little Foals at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

5 July, 2 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 10:30–12:30

On the first Friday of each month, under 5s and their carers can learn all about the horses and carriages on display at the world’s finest working stables, through interactive storytelling and arts-and-crafts activities. Warning: your child may soon be asking if they can go riding in London.

August events

Buckingham Palace Family Festival

24 – 26 August, 11:00–15:00

On the last weekend in August, families can explore a host of fun activities in a special Family Festival at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery. Throughout the day, drop-in arts and crafts activities, dance and drama workshops and storytelling sessions will bring the role of the Palace and the Royal Family to life for young visitors. This year, the Buckingham Palace Family Festival includes the opportunity to join an exclusive tour of the Buckingham Palace Garden, with special access to some of the garden’s most beautiful corners. With the help of a storyteller and musical troubadour, young explorers will learn all about the royal history of the garden and the wildlife that calls it home.

The world of Victoria and Albert at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

3-4, 10-11 and 17-18 August, 11:00-15:00

Every weekend in August at the Royal Mews, families can enjoy trails, storytelling, arts and crafts and object-handling sessions that bring to life the busy family life of the Royal Mews during Queen Victoria’s reign.