Inside Buckingham Palace & See The Westminster Sights Tour

Step into the world-famous Buckingham Palace with this engaging 5-hour tour that combines a guided walk of Westminster’s most iconic sights with an inside visit to the British Royal residence. Priced at $101.02 per person, this experience is ideal for those who want a well-rounded glimpse of London’s royal and political heart, including a chance to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition. The tour includes access to the magnificent royal gardens and state rooms, making it a rich experience without the need for independent ticketing or long waits.

With a small group size and a friendly local guide, this tour emphasizes personal attention and fun storytelling, making it a great choice for travelers seeking both education and entertainment. The duration of five hours allows for a relaxed pace, plenty of photo opportunities, and in-depth exploration of key sights. Keep in mind, Buckingham Palace is only open from mid-July to late September, so planning ahead is essential to see the interior.

Key Points

• Includes entry to Buckingham Palace, with access to the state rooms, royal gardens, and Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition
• Combines a 3-hour Westminster walking tour with highlights like Big Ben, Parliament Square, and Westminster Abbey
• Opportunity to watch the Changing of the Guard (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun at 10 am, weather permitting)
• Starts outside the Ritz London at 150 Piccadilly, with a meet-up near Green Park Underground station
• Small group size ensures a more intimate and personalized experience
• Skip the lines for Buckingham Palace tickets and enjoy a multi-language audio guide

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Discover Buckingham Palace’s Interior and Royal Gardens

This tour offers a rare chance to enter Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British Royal Family. Once inside, you explore 19 state rooms, each filled with royal furniture and artwork from the Royal Collection. The audio guide helps bring the history and grandeur of these rooms to life, making it easier to appreciate the royal furnishings and famous artworks.

Along With the interior, you gain access to the stunning royal gardens, which are often overlooked by visitors. These gardens provide a peaceful escape and a chance to see the palace from a different perspective. The Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition rounds out the visit, offering further insights into royal life and history.

The timing of the palace’s opening is limited to mid-July through late September, so booking early is advised. This part of the tour is ideal for those interested in royal interiors and garden views that are rarely open to the public.

Starting Point: Green Park and The Ritz London

The tour commences outside The Ritz London, located at 150 Piccadilly. Guests gather near the red telephone boxes and souvenir stands, underneath the Ritz sign, next to Green Park Underground station. After this easy meet-up, the guide begins the 3-hour Westminster sightseeing walk.

This starting point is central and convenient, especially for travelers staying in or near central London. The Green Park location allows quick access to other central attractions, making it simple to combine this tour with other sightseeing plans.

The tour concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward for onward plans or dinner reservations.

Inside the Westminster Experience: Iconic Landmarks and Sights

The walking tour covers some of London’s most recognizable landmarks, including Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Parliament Square. These stops provide photo opportunities and quick explanations from the guide about each site’s significance.

The guide also leads visitors past Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence, offering a glimpse into the UK’s political hub. The 40-minute stop at Parliament Square allows for photos and a chance to absorb the buzz of Westminster’s political heart.

Each stop is designed to be informative yet relaxed, with plenty of time for photos and questions. The guide’s storytelling helps connect the dots between these landmarks and Britain’s history.

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The Changing of the Guard is a highlight for many visitors, and this tour offers a prime viewing opportunity. The ceremony takes place only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 am and is subject to weather conditions. The guide directs guests to the best vantage points to witness this colorful display of tradition.

It’s worth noting that the ceremony may be cancelled in extreme weather, so travelers should be flexible. Watching the guards change in front of Buckingham Palace provides a vivid taste of royal pageantry that makes the entire experience memorable.

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Exploring Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Exhibitions

Once inside, visitors explore 19 state rooms filled with royal furniture and famous artworks. The multi-language audio guide enhances the experience, providing context and details about each room’s history and furnishings.

The royal gardens are included in the visit, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment. The Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition adds further depth, showcasing royal memorabilia and history related to Queen Victoria’s time.

Since Buckingham Palace is only open to the public from mid-July to late September, this tour offers an exclusive glimpse during those months. The combination of interior, gardens, and exhibition makes this a comprehensive royal visit.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Accessibility

The meeting point outside The Ritz is easy to find, next to the Green Park Underground station. The tour operates with a small group, enhancing interaction with the guide and a more personalized experience.

It is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs. The tour does not include hotel transfers or meals, so travelers should plan to bring snacks and drinks, along with comfortable shoes and an umbrella for unpredictable weather.

The tour’s duration of five hours balances sightseeing and rest, with a leisurely pace suitable for most visitors.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This experience offers a solid combination of outdoor sightseeing and inside royal access, unlike many other tours that focus solely on external views. The entry to Buckingham Palace and the Royal Garden access distinguishes it from standard walking tours.

Pricing at $101.02 is competitive, especially considering the included Palace entry, exhibitions, and guided commentary. The skip-the-line ticket ensures efficient entry, avoiding long waits.

Other similar tours often focus just on Westminster or Buckingham Palace separately, but this combined approach provides a broader perspective of London’s royal and political centers.

Final Thoughts on the Inside Buckingham Palace & Westminster Tour

This tour is a compelling choice for visitors who want to explore both Westminster’s landmarks and inside Buckingham Palace in a single, well-planned experience. The small group setting and fun local guide make it engaging, while the multi-faceted itinerary ensures a rundown of London’s royal and political history.

The limited opening period of Buckingham Palace means early booking is essential, but the inclusion of royal gardens and Queen Victoria’s exhibition enriches the visit. While the tour does not include hotel pickup or meals, it offers excellent value for those interested in royal interiors, iconic sights, and photo opportunities.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a mix of guided storytelling, iconic landmarks, and inside access, making it a memorable part of any London visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour begins outside The Ritz London at 150 Piccadilly.

Can I see Buckingham Palace in winter?
No, Buckingham Palace is only open to visitors from mid-July to late September, making this the best time for inside access.

Is the Changing of the Guard included?
Yes, the tour watches the Changing of the Guard ceremony on select days at 10 am, weather permitting.

How long is the walking portion of the tour?
The Westminster sightseeing walk lasts approximately 3 hours, covering key landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, a camera, and some snacks or drinks for the day.

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