FAQs

In line with government guidelines, we ask visitors to consider wearing a face covering in our indoor spaces, shops and crowded places unless exempt.

We recommend visitors continue to maintain a respectful distance from staff and other visitors not in their group. Please continue to show courtesy and consideration for other people visiting the Palaces.

Can I change the date or time of my booking?

We can make changes to unused admission tickets bought directly via our website (exc. events such as the Ceremony of the Keys or special events etc.) for an amendment fee.

You don’t need to make this change before your visit and can visit between now and 29 February 2024 on any date we’re open, subject to availability. Check availability of tickets across the sites here, pick your date and time, call our team on 0333 320 6000 to make change. Our phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 09:00-14:00.

Ticket changes are subject to Terms of use and availability, and must be made at least 3 working days before your new visit date. In the meantime, DO NOT make a new booking as it will not be refundable.

My e-tickets are missing

We recommend searching your email inbox for hrp.org.uk. If you can't find your e-tickets, you can show your confirmation email/booking reference at the Ticket Office.

I can't download my e-tickets

Please show your confirmation email / booking reference at the Ticket Office.

I don't have a booking confirmation email

You can search your email for hrp.org.uk or you can quote your booking number or email address at the Ticket Office. 

Do I need to arrive at the beginning of my timeslot?

During peak times, i.e. weekend visits or scheduled events such as the Festive Fayre, you can arrive any time within your selected one hour timeslot. During off peak times i.e. weekdays, during school term time, you are welcome to arrive any time before the last admission time.

My ticket has no time slot / says 6am

If you were not prompted to choose a time whilst booking your ticket, it is an off-peak ticket and you can enter any time from opening to last admission. Tickets marked 6am are also off-peak but are showing this time due to how tickets are configured in our ticketing system.

You can arrive at any time within your chosen timeslot, but if you cannot make this allotted time, the admissions team will try their best to accommodate you in the next available timeslot.

Please be aware that timeslots on the day may be fully booked and this cannot always be guaranteed.

• Student: You are entitled to a concession rate ticket if you are over the age of 16 and in full time education. You are required to show a current student identification card once on site to validate the discounted price. International students are entitled to this rate if they also meet these requirements with a valid id card.
• 65+ years: You are entitled to a concession rate ticket if you are 65 or over. You may be required to show an identification card (with your date of birth) once on site to validate the discounted price. International visitors are entitled to this rate if they also meet these requirements of proof of age.

Those with a registered disability are entitled to a free carers ticket. 

Complimentary adult carer tickets can be booked online (1 per booking) or obtained on the day of your visit upon presentation of proof of registered disability (such as a Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA letter or PIP letter).

The access page has further detail on what to expect during your visit.

Please ensure you have your valid London Pass ready for scanning on arrival. Separate terms and conditions apply. You do not need to pre-book if visiting on a London Pass. 

Third party vouchers cannot be redeemed on the Historic Royal Palaces website, and you will need to contact the voucher provider to make your booking for you. Tickets purchased through a third party provider are subject to the Terms and Conditions of that company and you would need to contact them directly to discuss your booking or request further information about the offer.

You can’t pre-book tickets for any discounted offers at any of our sites. You need to bring your card / pass with you to the Ticket Desk to collect a ticket. Children using a Blue Peter Badge need their badge, card and proof of age and must be accompanied by an adult. We’ll admit you on the next available timeslot (subject to availability) and will not ask your party to split up if you are visiting with people with pre-booked tickets however due to limited capacity, you may have to queue.

As Historic Royal Palaces is a charity, we receive no funding from the Government or the Crown, so we depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors.  We are unable to support other fundraising activities with complimentary tickets.

Only Blue Badge guides may guide within Banqueting House. Please book directly with them through a Blue Badge Tourist Guide association.

There is no on-site car parking and parking in the nearby area is limited. The nearest car park is Q-park Trafalgar.

You are able to spend as much time as you like within the Banqueting House during opening hours, however we recommend you schedule approximately 45 minutes for your visit. Banqueting House is a popular venue for events and weddings so is sometimes subject to earlier closures. The audio tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.

There is no left luggage facility at Banqueting House. Many of the nearby rail stations have storage facilities. 

If you lose something during your visit please contact the nearest member of staff. Alternatively, contact [email protected] and we’ll do our best to try to reunite you with your property.

You are welcome to take non-commercial photographs (without the use of flash) within the palace in most cases. Some items or imagery may be prohibited from being photographed and this will be clearly signposted, or ask a member of staff if you are unsure. The use of tripods and selfie-sticks is prohibited. For more information on visitor photography can be found here. Images of the palace are available for sale from our Photographic Library. Requests for commercial photography, filming or sketching should be made in advance. 

Wedding and engagement photography is available exclusively to our brides and grooms. 

There is no specific dress code for visitors to Banqueting House. We do ask that you dress respectfully as families are likely to be present. If there are offensive slogans or other clothing items deemed to be inappropriate you may be approached by a member of staff. Please note we do not allow visitors (adult or child) to be in costume at the Banqueting House. There are costumed interpreters and guides on site, and to avoid confusion for other visitors please refrain from dressing in costume.

For general information browse History and Stories and What's on. For detailed information relating to the collections on display, email [email protected]

Please be aware that adults are not permitted to enter the palace in costume unless otherwise stated as part of an event arranged by Historic Royal Palaces.