The Queen will reopen Buckingham Palace to visitors this month
Buckingham Palace has been closed to the public since last summer

By Emma Dooney
The Queen’s official residence is finally reopening to the public after almost a year-long closure.
- The Queen’s official residence will reopen to visitors this month, after closing last summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Visitors will be allowed to roam the Queen’s gardens and picnic on the lawns for the first time.
- In other royal news, the mysterious disappearance of the Queen’s working royal leaves just 11 serving.
Buckingham Palace will welcome visitors into its spacious outdoor grounds from April 17, where they will be free to wander around its 39-acre gardens at their own pace. This marks the first time royal fans will be permitted to roam the property alone, with previous visits carefully led by a designated tour guide.
The Queen’s gardens boast an array of beautiful features, including wildflower meadows, plane trees planted by Queen Victoria, and a 3.5-acre lake buzzing with honeybees. Bordered by 156 meters of herbs, the tranquil green space is the ultimate nature oasis from London’s busy streets.
Guests will also be allowed to crack open a picnic basket on one of the many lawns and enjoy a bite to eat in their plush surroundings, a privilege that was formerly only granted during the Royal Jubilee in 2012. Dining al fresco in Her Majesty’s backyard has historically been forbidden, with its grassy areas fenced off to deter peckish tourists.
We’re reopening! This summer we’re opening #BuckinghamPalace garden for visitors to explore. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to picnic on the Palace lawns. https://t.co/wmn9RJgvvG pic.twitter.com/EbeCJqzfpwApril 7, 2021
If that’s not enough to scratch your royal itch, don’t worry – the indoors of Buckingham Palace will reopen to the public on May 21.
Tours of the State Rooms will be run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until June 20, and will set you back £60 for one adult ticket. The tour includes an exploration of the rooms used to host official royal engagements, including the Ballroom, the Green Drawing Room, the Throne Room, White Drawing Room, Music Room, Blue Drawing Room, East Gallery, and Bow Room.
-
Late-night TV show hosts reflect on Derek Chauvin's verdict, demanding 'we all must continue to call out injustice'
From Jimmy Fallon to James Corden
By Danielle Valente •
-
6 historic moments in Oscars history to relive before Hollywood's big night
That Halle Berry win, right?!
By Danielle Valente •
-
How are Prince Harry and Prince William acting towards one another? This royal expert shares his thoughts
The brothers' relationship has been highly scrutinized
By Danielle Valente •
-
Calling all Harry Potter fans! A massive store filled to the brim with magic is coming exclusively to this city
21,000 square feet of witchcraft and wizardry
By Danielle Valente •
-
The internet is already obsessed with Kate Winslet's highly anticipated new HBO crime drama
Clear your calendar because you're about to be busy taking in every minute of HBO's Mare of Easttown
By Rylee Johnston •
-
The Queen’s heartbreak as she will never again enjoy this special birthday tradition after losing Prince Philip
The Queen has turned 95 as she remains in mourning for the Duke of Edinburgh
By Emma Shacklock •
-
Queen shares heartfelt 95th birthday message giving thanks for ‘support and kindness’ after Prince Philip’s death
Tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh have been a 'comfort' to her
By Emma Shacklock •
-
Chrissy Teigen reveals Meghan Markle wrote to her after her tragic miscarriage
Chrissy Teigen has shared details of her relationship with Meghan Markle in a recent interview
By Emma Dooney •