Buckingham Palace Garden — Attraction in London

Well, what's to say other than this was a wonderful day out. Picnic on the lawns of Buckingham Palace. Beautifully organised. Wonderful friendly staff everywhere sporting a smile and a welcome and if required telling you a short tale relating to the gardens. Entry costs in line with most major London places to visit.

To top up your picnic there are two icecream stalls. Tea / coffee and food stall. Costs are London prices so be warned but no different than what you would pay anywhere in London.

Wonderful goodies shop to spend your money . Quality items to suit most pockets. Well made and although obviously very "Buckingham Palace", really are delightful.

Absolutely spotless and plentiful toilet facilities.

There are undercover areas likely for rainy or very hot days. Fortunately we had a nice temperature of around 20C.

I read some comments that the gardens were disappointing. They are not. They are a few but not many formal garden areas.

The gardens are more like a well maintained park. You have a large lawned area surrounded by many, many wonderful trees.

Along side the trees are lovely large flower borders which lend a graceful appeal to the place.

There is a small lake with areas left to let nature have its way.

The whole area is fully wheelchair friendly.

A real oasis in the centre of a large city.

Few pointers to mention. Entry is via the Royal Mews (around 7 mins walk from Victoria Station ) . No alcohol permitted. Airport style security upon entry. Read the information that comes with the tickets. There are tours you can book to further explain the stories and plants around the gardens (not essential in my humble opinion). These are not well advertised so if you want to book these look a bit more online after booking your entry tickets.

A real 5 star day...

The Gardens at Buckingham Palace date back to the 16th century, with a rich history of garden parties from 1763 to the present day. Henry VIII acquired the land between Whitehall and Kensington as a personal hunting ground. The land became a proper garden in the early 17th century when James I planted several thousand mulberry trees. Despite James’ best intentions to kickstart the British silk industry, his mulberries were the wrong species for the silkworms and his attempt failed. Some of these mulberries are still in situ today. In the latter half of the 17th century, the gardens became more formal under Henry Wise and the Duke of Buckingham. In 1762, George III and Queen Charlotte acquire Buckingham House as a private Royal residence and host the first garden party the next year. In 1820, George VI transformed Buckingham House into Buckingham Palace and employed William Townsend Aiton, director of Royal Botanic Garden Kew, to landscape the garden into a more natural style. This redevelopment saw construction of the lake and The Mound, an artificial hill to block the view from the Royal Mews. George IV’s failing health saw the decline of the garden but it was revitalised under the management of Prince Albert. Queen Victoria celebrated her diamond jubilee in the gardens in 1897. Much of the dense Victorian shrubbery was removed under George VI, favouring the planting of many flowering trees and scented shrubs. Current management of the garden is surprisingly sympathetic to wildlife; there are 5 acres of long grass, home to over 350 species of...

A truly stunning and peaceful escape in the heart of London! The Buckingham Palace Gardens are a hidden gem, offering a breathtaking variety of plants and beautifully maintained landscapes. One of the most unique features is the chamomile lawn—when you walk across it, the grass releases a gentle, aromatic fragrance, making the experience even more special.

Steeped in history, these gardens have been carefully cultivated for centuries, with their design influenced by famous royal gardeners. Walking through the grounds, you’ll find a mix of wildflower meadows, impressive flower beds, and serene lakes, all providing a perfect setting for a relaxing visit.

Opening Times & Tickets: • Open to the public during the summer (July–September) • Entry Prices: • Adults: £32.00 • Young Person (18-24): £20.50 • Child (5-17): £16.00 • Under 5s: Free (National Trust or Historic Royal Palaces memberships do not cover admission, so book in advance!)

If you’re visiting London in the summer, this is an experience not to miss! Whether you’re a history lover, a garden enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful stroll, the Buckingham Palace Gardens are...