Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & British Royalty Guided Tour

Discover the Royal Grandeur with the Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Guided Tour

For those eager to get a rare glimpse inside Buckingham Palace, this tour offers an exceptional opportunity. Priced at $92.48 per person, it combines a guided walking tour of royal London landmarks with exclusive access to the State Apartments, which are open to the public only two months each year. The entire experience lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable yet enriching half-day outing.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want a structured, informative experience with expert guides, as well as the chance to walk through St. James Park, The Mall, and St. James Palace before entering the palace. Keep in mind, the inside visit is self-guided using audio guides, which many reviews praise for allowing flexible exploration. It’s well suited for travelers who value priority access and insider stories but may not want a fully guided inside tour.

Key Points

• Includes entry to the famous Buckingham Palace, only open two months a year.
• Guided walking tour of Royal London landmarks such as St. James Park and The Mall.
• Inside the Palace: Explore the opulent State Apartments with an audio guide.
• New for 2025: Experience The Kings Tour Artists Exhibition featuring over 70 artworks personally selected by King Charles III.
• Tour duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, with small group sizes capped at 30 travelers.
• Booking is made at least 57 days in advance, reflecting high demand.

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Royal London

The tour begins at the Duke of York Column on St. James’s. From this central London location, the expert guide leads a walking tour to several royal landmarks. The meeting point is easy to reach via public transportation, and the group size is limited to 30 people, ensuring a comfortable experience.

The tour ends near Spur Road, close to Buckingham Palace, making it simple to continue exploring or head to nearby attractions after the experience. The walking pace covers St. James Palace, St. James Park, and The Mall, offering historical insights along the way.

Highlights of the Royal London Monuments Tour

The walk provides a history-rich overview of the royal residences and their significance. At St. James Palace, visitors see where iconic royals like Princess Diana and Anne Boleyn once stayed. The Park itself is a lush, historic space once home to the Royal Zoo.

Walking down The Mall, designed as a red carpet leading to Buckingham Palace, visitors pass by Clarence House, the residence of Prince Charles and Camilla. These stops offer photo opportunities and context about the royal family’s residence and ceremonial traditions.

Inside Buckingham Palace: The State Apartments

The main attraction is inside Buckingham Palace, accessible only during this limited period. The entry ticket grants access to the lavish State Apartments, where sumptuous furnishings, chandeliers, and priceless artworks decorate the rooms.

The audio guide directs exploration in self-guided rooms, allowing visitors to pause and admire at their own pace. Notable highlights include Sèvres porcelain, English and French furniture, and art collections. Many reviews describe the rooms as stunning, with ceilings and chandeliers that impress with their craftsmanship.

The New Kings Tour Artists Exhibition in 2025

Starting in 2025, visitors will experience The Kings Tour Artists Exhibition within Buckingham Palace. This new addition showcases over 70 artworks personally selected by King Charles III. The collection provides an intimate look at the monarch’s artistic interests and personal tastes.

The exhibition is hosted in the majestic Ballroom, adding a cultural and artistic dimension to the palace visit that many reviews find fascinating. This fresh display makes the inside experience even more special, especially for art enthusiasts.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour includes headsets where appropriate, ensuring clear narration. It does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so visitors need to arrange their own transportation. The walking involves stairs and a moderate physical fitness level is recommended, though the pace is manageable.

Photography inside Buckingham Palace is not permitted, but visitors can photograph the gardens freely. The meeting point at Duke of York Column is close to public transportation, simplifying logistics.

Value and Review Insights

Many reviews highlight the convenience of priority entry, avoiding long lines. Guides are praised for their knowledge, with Raf often mentioned as an outstanding storyteller. The self-guided palace tour is appreciated for flexibility, though some wish it had been fully guided, as indicated in reviews.

Pricing at $92.48 is considered good value for the combination of walking tour, insider stories, and palace access. Some comments note that buying tickets directly may be cheaper, but booking through City Wonders includes skip-the-line access and guidance that enhances the experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour suits visitors wanting an organized, informative experience with inside access to Buckingham Palace. It is ideal for those interested in royal history, architecture, and art collections. The small group size and expert guides make it a comfortable option for history buffs, families, or culture enthusiasts.

However, light walkers should be aware of the moderate physical effort involved, and those looking for a fully guided inside tour might find the self-guided aspect limiting.

The Sum Up: A Solid Choice for Royal Enthusiasts

The Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & British Royalty Guided Tour offers a well-rounded experience blending historic walking exploration with inside access to a world-famous royal residence. For $92.48, visitors get to enjoy priority entry, learn from passionate guides, and see artworks personally curated by King Charles III.

While the inside tour is self-guided, the audio guides and expert commentary during the walk make this trip informative and enjoyable. It’s a particularly valuable option during the limited opening months, providing a rich glimpse of royal life many only see on television.

This tour perfectly suits those who appreciate history, architecture, and royal traditions but should be considered by light walkers and art lovers looking for a comprehensive, accessible experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking and stairs; strollers and baby carriages are not accommodated. Children with moderate physical fitness should be fine, but parents should consider the walking pace.

What is included in the ticket price?
The admission ticket to Buckingham Palace, a guided walking tour of royal landmarks, audio guides inside the palace, headsets, and the new Kings Tour Artists Exhibition are included.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the palace is not permitted for security reasons. You can, however, photograph the gardens freely.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the walking tour and inside palace exploration.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 57 days in advance due to high demand, especially during the limited open months.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing peace of mind in planning.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of royal landmarks, priority access, and the art exhibition makes this tour a unique opportunity to experience royal London in a structured, enriching way.

Are guides available during the inside visit?
No, the inside visit is self-guided with audio guides, but the guides accompanying the walking tour are highly praised for their knowledge and entertainment during the outdoor segment.

Is this tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves stairs and walking, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The walking pace is moderate, but some physical effort is expected.