Three Palaces, Three Different Access Rules

"Visiting a royal palace" is not one thing — Buckingham, Windsor and Hampton Court run on entirely different opening calendars, sit in different locations and offer different characters. The most common planning mistake is treating all three the same. This guide sets out which palace is open when, and how they combine.

Quick Answer: Buckingham Palace's State Rooms open only in summer — 9 July to 27 September 2026, from £33 a day; the Changing the Guard runs year-round and is free to watch, typically at 10.30am on Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday (the schedule can change with weather). Windsor Castle, about 22 miles from the centre, is open most days year-round (generally closed Tuesday-Wednesday, Wednesday only from July-September), adult tickets from £32 in advance. Hampton Court Palace is the closest to central London, open year-round, known for its Tudor kitchens and famous maze.

Role clarity: Optivest is a property investment advisory and FCA-authorised mortgage broker. We do not sell tickets or make reservations; tickets come from the Royal Collection Trust's official website.

Buckingham Palace: The Summer Window

The direct answer: Buckingham Palace's opulent State Rooms are not open year-round — only in summer, typically July through late September, once the royal household has moved to another residence.

The 2026 schedule:

Hours: 9 July-31 August, open daily 9.30am-7.30pm (last entry 5.30pm); 1-27 September, Thursday-Monday 9.30am-6.30pm. Entry is timed and advance booking is required — walk-up tickets are rarely available, and cost more when they are.

Inside: a self-guided route through 19 State Rooms — the Throne Room (familiar from royal wedding photos), the Grand Staircase, the Music Room, and the Picture Gallery, holding works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck. The tour ends with a walk through part of the garden, past the lake. A 2026 note: ongoing conservation work means the White Drawing Room will not be accessible during this year's summer opening.

Changing the Guard: held year-round outside the palace and free to watch. It typically begins at 10.30am but can be cancelled or shifted with weather or state occasions — check the official Household Division site for the confirmed schedule. Arriving around the Victoria Memorial before 10.15am gives the best vantage point.

Windsor Castle: The Year-Round Alternative

The direct answer: Windsor Castle has been in continuous use as a royal residence since 1070, making it the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle — and unlike Buckingham, it is open most days of the year.

Location and transport: about 22 miles from central London. Two rail routes: from Paddington, changing at Slough, to Windsor & Eton Central (about 22-28 minutes), or a direct service from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (about 50-55 minutes, no change). Both stations are a 10-15 minute uphill walk from the castle.

Opening days: generally closed Tuesday and Wednesday, though from July to September it closes only on Wednesdays. Check the current schedule before visiting — as a working palace, it can close at short notice.

Hours: open from 10am; closing at 5.15pm (March-October) or 4.15pm (November-February), with last entry an hour before closing.

2026 ticket prices (advance/on the day): adults £32/£36; ages 18-24 £21/£24; ages 5-17 and disabled visitors £16/£18; access companions and under-5s free. Booking ahead is always cheaper and guarantees your preferred date and time.

Inside: the State Apartments (works by Canaletto, Rubens and Van Dyck), the nearly 56-metre St George's Hall, Queen Mary's Dolls' House (a miniature marvel that captivates adults as much as children) and St George's Chapel, included when open (closed to visitors on Sundays for services). Winter months also open the Semi-State Rooms, a more intimate glimpse of royal life not seen in summer.

Optivest Note: for families who don't confuse it with Buckingham, Windsor has a real practical advantage — it can be planned year-round. For a trip that misses Buckingham's summer window, Windsor is the most reliable alternative for actually walking inside a working royal palace. Allow at least 2.5-3 hours, and plan for half a day if you're adding a walk through Windsor town or the guard ceremony.

Hampton Court Palace: The Closest to Central London

The direct answer: Hampton Court Palace, a Tudor palace dating to the reign of Henry VIII, is the royal palace closest to central London — open year-round, on a timed-entry system.

Hours: summer (26 March-29 October) 10am-5.30pm; winter (30 October-25 March) 10am-4.30pm (last entry an hour before closing). Closed 24-26 December.

Inside: the Tudor and Baroque palaces, historic kitchens, extensive gardens and the famous Hampton Court Maze — a classic activity for anyone who enjoys getting lost. Allow at least 3 hours, though most visitors stay a full day given the maze, the Magic Garden and 60 acres of grounds.

Practical notes: small bags pass security; on-site lockers handle larger luggage (£1 coin deposit). Pushchairs are welcome, and the Magic Garden is fully pushchair-friendly. Picnics are allowed in the gardens (no glass or alcohol).

Combining the Three Palaces in One Trip

The direct answer: the sensible order depends on logistics and the season.

A note on the London Pass: it includes entry to the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court, which can add up to savings for anyone visiting more than one. Kensington Gardens itself is free to enter year-round.

Note: General information only. Opening dates, hours and prices change, and every palace here is a working royal property that can close at short notice. Confirm on the Royal Collection Trust's official website before visiting. Optivest does not sell tickets or make reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you always go inside Buckingham Palace?

No — the State Rooms open only in summer (9 July-27 September in 2026). The rest of the year you can see the exterior and watch the Changing the Guard, but not go inside. The Royal Mews and King's Gallery run on separate, wider calendars.

Is Changing the Guard held every day?

No. It generally runs a few days a week (such as Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) and can be cancelled for weather or state occasions. Check the official Household Division schedule before your visit.

How do I get to Windsor Castle from London?

Two options: from Paddington, changing at Slough, to Windsor & Eton Central (about 22-28 minutes), or a direct train from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (about 50-55 minutes). Both stations are a 10-15 minute walk from the castle.

Which palace suits children best?

Hampton Court Palace — the maze, the extensive gardens and the Magic Garden are built with families in mind. Windsor's Queen Mary's Dolls' House also holds children's attention well. Buckingham's State Rooms tour leans more toward an adult audience.

Is St George's Chapel open every day?

No — as an active place of worship, it closes to sightseers on Sundays for services. On other days it's included with Windsor Castle admission.

Conclusion

Each of the three royal palaces answers a different question: Buckingham shows genuine royal splendour, but only in summer; Windsor offers a year-round experience of a residence still in use; Hampton Court delivers Tudor history closest to central London. The right choice depends on your travel dates.

If you are planning more than a visit to London, Optivest's advisory team is available: Contact us or WhatsApp. Continue with our afternoon tea guide and London parks guide.