Royal Collection Trust has announced its programme of group visits and private tours at the official residences of His Majesty The King for 2025–26.
In 2026, Buckingham Palace and the adjacent Royal Mews will welcome groups to explore one of the few remaining working royal residences in the world. At Windsor Castle, visitors will be able to explore 1,000 years of royal history, while in Edinburgh, groups can tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of The King in Scotland.
Buckingham Palace
The Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace will take place from 9 July to 27 September 2026. For the best value for groups, the ‘A Royal Day Out’ ticket combines a visit to the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and the Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style exhibition. Visitors can also combine a visit to the State Rooms with a Garden Highlights Tour.
The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
.To mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace will play host to the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of the late Queen’s fashion ever mounted. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will run from 10 April – 18 October 2026
The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Drawing the Italian Renaissance will run until 6 March 2026. Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian are among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time, as part of an exhibition featuring more than 80 drawings by 57 artists – the most wide-ranging show of its kind in Scotland in over half a century.
Then from 24 April to 6 December 2026, The King’s Gallery will host The Edwardians: Age of Elegance.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Groups can explore Edinburgh’s Royal Palace and The King’s official residence in Scotland. The Palace is home to 900 years of Scottish royal history and stands at the foot of the Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur’s Seat. Throughout the year, groups can experience the charm of the Palace when it is closed to the public during private guided morning and evening tours.
Windsor Castle
Groups can discover the Castle’s history as the home of 40 monarchs and learn how it is used regularly for ceremonial and State occasions today. Private guided tours of the State Apartments, led by expert guides, will take visitors on a journey through 1,000 years of royal history in evenings after the Castle has closed to the public.
This Christmas, the Castle will offer a festive experience steeped in royal history. In St George’s Hall, a towering, 20-foot-high Nordmann fir tree grown in Windsor Great Park will be decked with thousands of sparkling lights and shimmering green and gold ornaments.
Details of group discounts and special Private Talks and visits are included in the new Royal Collection Trust Group Visits & Private Tours 2026 brochure. To download a digital brochure, receive a copy or to make a booking, visit www.rct.uk/traveltrade.
