London's largest private garden, a 39-acre oasis of wildlife and royal landscapes
The Palace Garden at Buckingham Palace is London's largest private garden, spanning an impressive 39 acres and serving as a verdant oasis in the heart of the city. This magnificent landscape has been carefully cultivated for centuries and represents the perfect blend of formal garden design and natural beauty.
The garden features over 350 different species of wildflowers, 200 mature trees, and a stunning 3-acre lake that reflects the palace's grandeur. It's home to diverse wildlife including birds, butterflies, and other species that thrive in this carefully managed urban sanctuary.
Beyond its natural beauty, the garden serves important ceremonial functions, hosting the famous Garden Parties where thousands of guests are invited to experience the royal grounds firsthand. It's a space that balances privacy with occasional public access, maintaining the dignity of the monarchy while showcasing the natural splendor of the royal estate.
Book Palace Tickets
The garden boasts over 350 species of wildflowers and plants, creating a colorful tapestry throughout the seasons. From spring bulbs to summer blooms, the garden offers constant visual interest and supports local pollinators.
Over 200 mature trees including ancient oaks, beeches, and planes provide shade, structure, and habitat for wildlife. Many of these trees have witnessed centuries of royal history.
The 3-acre lake is a focal point of the garden, featuring elegant bridges, fountains, and carefully landscaped banks. It provides a serene water feature that reflects the palace's architectural beauty.
The garden supports diverse wildlife including birds, butterflies, and small mammals. The Royal family actively supports conservation efforts within this urban wildlife haven.
The Palace Garden has evolved over centuries alongside the development of Buckingham Palace itself. What began as marshy ground in the 17th century has been transformed into one of London's most beautiful and significant gardens, reflecting changing tastes in landscape design and the growing importance of the monarchy.
During the Victorian era, the garden reached its current magnificent form under Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The royal couple took a personal interest in the garden's development, introducing exotic plants and creating the lake that remains a centerpiece today.
The garden has served multiple purposes throughout its history - as a private retreat for the royal family, a venue for garden parties and ceremonies, and increasingly as an important space for conservation and environmental education. Today, it represents the perfect marriage of royal tradition and modern environmental stewardship.
Learn more about palace history
The grandest of the State Rooms, featuring the Chairs of Estate used for the coronation. Discover the ceremonial heart of Buckingham Palace.
Explore Throne Room
The largest room in the palace, created in the 1850s and used for state banquets and investiture ceremonies with stunning chandeliers and portraits.
Explore Ballroom
A spectacular 47-meter long gallery displaying masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto from the Royal Collection.
Explore Picture Gallery