The Queen has announced that this summer the Royal Family will open an area of about 15.7 hectares (39 acres) to the public.
Restrictions have prevented Buckingham Palace from hosting its summer open house for the second year in a row. Visitors will be allowed to visit on their own, from 9 July to 19 September 2021. The tour will take in some of the gardens, which have long been an exclusion zone, reserved for parties and music events.
Buckingham Palace grounds
The gardens of Buckingham Palace are considered a "green oasis" in the heart of London, with a rich ecosystem. This is home to more than 1,000 species of plants, including a mulberry tree about 400 years old, from the time of King James I. In spring, flowers bloom brilliantly in the gardens, such as the yellow of primroses, the red of camellias, the white of magnolias...
A 19th-century lake is also a popular attraction, connecting to the Serpentine in nearby Hyde Park. Visitors can access the vast green lawns, which offer panoramic views of the lake garden and wildflower meadows. Picnics and gatherings are allowed on the lawns; however, alcohol, ball games and barbecues are prohibited.
The State Room in Buckingham Palace
Tours inside the palace are still limited to small groups and guided tours. These tours are available in May and June, allowing visitors to visit the State Rooms and some of the Royal Collection's treasures. Visitors can also see inside the palace via a virtual tour on the official British Royal website.
