Getting there
Green Park, St James's Park and Victoria Underground stations are all within about a 10-minute walk of Buckingham Palace.
When to walk
The area around the palace is busiest in the late morning on days when the Changing of the Guard takes place. Early mornings and early evenings are calmer, and St James's Park is pleasant at any time of day.
Coffee and food
St James's Park has a café, and there are plenty of places to eat around Victoria, Piccadilly and Westminster.
Getting around
The Mall and the main paths through St James's Park are wide and mostly flat. Each tour page says whether its route is step-free.
Why go self-guided
London's royal sights are free to see from the outside. A self-guided tour adds the stories, in your own language, without booking or a group to keep up with.