Queen to open Buckingham Palace grounds to public for summer picnics for the first time

Barbecues, ball games and alcohol are not allowed

(Getty Images)

For the first time in its history, the grounds of Buckingham Palace will be opened to the public for picnics this summer.

The Queen’s official London residence has been largely closed to visitors since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is reopening on 17 April with a new and unique opportunity for this summer.

From 9 July until 19 September, members of the public will be allowed onto the grounds of Buckingham Palace, where they will be able to take self-guided tours of the private gardens.

The visit to the gardens is ticketed, but guests will be permitted to bring along a picnic, as well as chairs and blankets, to enjoy on the garden’s famous lawns - however, barbecues, ball games and alcohol are banned.

The Royal Collection Trust manages the public openings of all of the Queen’s official residences and made the announcement today.

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They said: “The garden at Buckingham Palace will open to visitors from July to September this year, allowing the grounds of Her Majesty The Queen’s official London residence to be explored through a self-guided garden tour for the first time.

“The unique opportunity to enjoy a picnic on one of the sweeping lawns will be part of the visit. Features in the south-west of the garden, including the Rose Garden, summer house and wildflower meadow, can be viewed through one of the guided tours that will run each day.”

Additionally, on weekends during April and May, guided tours of Buckingham Palace’s gardens will be offered. Visitors can experience “the garden in springtime, with its meadows carpeted with primroses and bluebells, and flowering camellia, magnolia and azalea shrubs and trees”.

Small indoor tours of the palace are set to resume in May and run until September. From July, garden access will also be included with indoor palace tours.

Tickets can be purchased online.