London: Three Palaces Walk & Tea at Kensington Palace

Explore London’s Royal Heart with a Guided Walk and Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace for $160.29

This tour offers an engaging 2 to 2.5-hour journey through London’s iconic royal sites, starting from Green Park and culminating at Kensington Palace. For $160.29 per person, you enjoy a carefully curated route that covers St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Parks, followed by a delightful Afternoon Tea in the historic Queen Anne’s Tea Room. The experience is led by a knowledgeable guide, with reviews highlighting Simon’s engaging storytelling and delicious food. This tour suits those interested in royalty, history, and classic London scenery, and it’s perfect for visitors who want a well-paced, informative stroll combined with a charming culinary experience.

While no entry to the palaces is included, the tour’s focus on exterior sights and stories makes it accessible and engaging. Expect beautiful views, historic anecdotes, and the chance to ride London’s iconic red bus. It’s a comprehensive yet relaxed way to see some of London’s most celebrated royal landmarks in just a few hours.

Key Points

• Includes a guided walk through St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, and Royal Parks
• End with a traditional Afternoon Tea at the historic Kensington Palace Orangery
• Led by expert guide Simon, praised for storytelling and knowledge
• No palace entry, focus is on exterior sights, architecture, and history
• Tour duration is 2 to 2.5 hours with a 55-minute tea experience
• Price is $160.29 per person, which covers guide and tea, but not entry or transportation

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Starting Point at Green Park and the First Glance at London’s Royal Scene

The tour begins at Green Park, near the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly, a central and easily accessible location. From this starting point, the guide leads you through some of London’s most famous royal surroundings, setting the tone for a day filled with regal architecture and stories. The initial walk takes about five minutes and serves as a warm-up before visiting the key sites.

This first segment helps travelers get oriented and acquainted with the area’s royal significance. The guide’s insights deepen understanding of Royal London’s layout and its history, providing context for the sites ahead.

Discovering Hidden Corners of St James’s Palace

One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to see St James’s Palace, the King’s official residence in London. While there’s no entry inside, the guide passes by the historic Tudor palace and shares fascinating stories about its role in royal ceremonies and its reputation as a royal favorite. The walk around this area reveals lesser-known corners of St James, where aristocrats once played and dueled.

Watching the changing of the guard at St James’s Palace on specific mornings (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) adds a traditional touch, with the inspection of the Old Guard being an essential spectacle. The guide emphasizes the significance of these ceremonies and how they connect to royal traditions.

Buckingham Palace and the Royal Guard in Action

Next, the tour moves to the iconic Buckingham Palace, with a close-up view of the bear-skin hats and royal guards. The guide shares stories about the palace’s history and its function as the main royal residence in London. If visiting on a Changing of the Guard morning, visitors have the chance to witness this time-honored ceremony, adding a sense of pageantry to the experience.

While guests do not enter the palace, they get a comprehensive view of its exterior, including the Victoria Memorial and the surrounding St. James’s Park. The guide’s anecdotes make the architecture and traditions more vivid.

Walking Along Constitution Hill to the Duke of Wellington’s Memorial

The route continues along Constitution Hill, a historic stretch linking Buckingham Palace to the Duke of Wellington’s statue. This walk provides a brief overview of London’s aristocratic history and offers photo opportunities of the palace and the memorial dedicated to the military hero.

The walk here is about 10 minutes, and it’s a chance to appreciate the blend of royal and military history that pervades the area.

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Riding the Iconic London Red Bus to Kensington Gardens

A fun highlight is the 15-minute ride on a traditional red London bus. This gives visitors a feeling of local life as they transfer from the royal quarter to Kensington Gardens. The bus ride encapsulates the essence of London transport culture and offers a different perspective on city sights.

Arriving in Kensington Gardens, the tour offers a photo stop at the Sunken Garden and a chance to enjoy the serene surroundings. Here, the guide shares stories about Princess Diana and her memorial, located nearby.

Exploring Royal Parks and the Sunken Garden

The journey through the Royal Parks includes a guided walk and a photo stop, emphasizing the lush greenery and historical significance of these open spaces. The guide points out landmarks, trees, and statues, enriching the experience beyond just visual enjoyment.

The Sunken Garden stands out for its romantic setting, with the Princess Diana Statue as a focal point. The guide narrates the story behind the statue and its importance in Royal London.

Indulging in Authentic Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace

The tour concludes with a 55-minute Afternoon Tea at Queen Anne’s Tea Room, located within the Kensington Palace estate. Guests enjoy traditional sandwiches, cakes, scones, and a selection of quality teas. The historical setting of the Orangery adds a regal and tranquil atmosphere to the experience.

Guests find the food plentiful and well-prepared, with reviews praising the delicious scones and cakes. The guide also shares stories about the history of Tea, adding context to this cherished British tradition.

Practical Details: Logistics, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour departs from Green Park, with clear instructions on the meeting point next to the Ritz Hotel’s park gate. The activity is suitable for most people willing to walk about an hour, as the hour-long walk is part of the experience. It’s important to note that luggage or large bags are not permitted, and the tour does not accommodate mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

For those concerned about weather, the tour runs rain or shine, and travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, camera, water, and a credit card for any additional purchases. The group size can be private, and the tour offers full flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

Why This Tour Stands Out in London

This guided walk excels in combining outdoor sightseeing with engaging storytelling. The expert guide, notably praised for Simon’s knowledge and storytelling skills, makes the history of London’s royal sites come alive. The well-paced itinerary ensures visitors see the most important palaces and landmarks without feeling rushed.

The Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace further distinguishes this experience, offering a luxurious finishing touch that immerses guests in royal elegance. While it doesn’t include palace inside visits, the tour’s focus on exterior sights, architecture, and stories provides a comprehensive understanding of London’s royal landscape.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This experience is ideal for history buffs, royalty enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed but informative London outing. The small group atmosphere and knowledgeable guides create an engaging environment, perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

It’s especially suited for visitors who want a combination of sightseeing, storytelling, and a classic British tradition like afternoon tea. The tour’s moderate pace and outdoor focus make it accessible for most people, excluding those with mobility impairments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry to the palaces included in this tour?
No, this tour does not include entry to any royal palace. It focuses on sightseeing the exteriors and hearing stories about their history.

What is the duration of the tour?
The guided walk lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, with an additional 55-minute Afternoon Tea experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Green Park, next to the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly, and finishes back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour involves about an hour of walking and is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, camera, water, and a credit card are recommended.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the Afternoon Tea included in the price?
Yes, the tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes are included, along with a selection of quality teas.

Are transportation costs included?
No, the tour does not cover transportation or bus fares. The bus ride is part of the experience.

What makes this tour different from other royal London tours?
Its focus on exterior sights, detailed storytelling, and ending with a luxurious Afternoon Tea make it a well-rounded experience, especially praised for Simon’s storytelling.

Is the guide’s storytelling engaging?
Absolutely. Reviews highlight Simon’s storytelling skills as a major strength, making history lively and memorable.

Can I book a private group?
Yes, private groups are available, offering flexibility and personalized attention.

This London: Three Palaces Walk & Tea at Kensington Palace tour combines a rich historical walk with a relaxing afternoon tea, making it an excellent choice for visitors eager to explore the royal side of London in a friendly, informative setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby