Royal London Tour with Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace

Discover London’s Royal Heritage and Elegant Afternoon Tea

The Royal London Tour with Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace offers a perfect combination of iconic sights and luxurious dining. Priced at $177.45 per person, this 7-hour experience is ideal for visitors wanting a comprehensive glimpse into London’s royal traditions. The tour features expert Blue Badge guides, comfortable superior coach transport, and ends with a relaxing afternoon tea at the 5-star The Rubens at the Palace Hotel.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on key royal landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Whitehall, combined with a classic British afternoon tea. It suits all ages, with accessibility for wheelchair and stroller users, and it’s well-suited for short visits or first-timers eager to see London’s royal sights without the hassle of navigation.

While the afternoon tea is a highlight, the tour’s timing and pacing are carefully arranged, offering ample time for photos and observations. The group size is limited to 52 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience. Keep in mind, admission tickets for Buckingham Palace are not included, and hotel pick-up or drop-off is not part of this package.

Key Points

• Duration: About 7 hours, including sightseeing and afternoon tea
• Cost: $177.45 per person, with bookings typically made 50 days in advance
• Highlights: Visits to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, 10 Downing Street, and Whitehall
• Special Feature: Watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade
• Finishing Touch: Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, overlooking royal stables

Starting Point and Tour Logistics

The tour departs from Victoria Coach Station, located at 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, at 9:00 am. It ends at The Rubens at the Palace, which is about a 5-minute walk from Victoria Station. The use of Wi-Fi and USB charging on the coach helps keep guests connected during the journey. The group size is capped at 52, helping maintain an intimate atmosphere.

This tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, and champagne is not part of the standard package. It’s accessible for most travelers, and the expert guides provide informative commentary while maintaining a comfortable pace.

Exploring Westminster and Central London Landmarks

The tour’s route takes in Westminster Abbey, known as the coronation church and burial site for monarchs. Guests get a view of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, where the UK Parliament meets. The guide explains the significance of these structures, offering context for their roles in British history.

Westminster Abbey’s Gothic architecture makes for impressive photographs, while Big Ben’s iconic clock tower is a symbol recognized worldwide. The Palace of Westminster serves as the seat of government, emphasizing London’s political heart.

Whitehall, a historic road leading south from Trafalgar Square, features government buildings and important memorials, adding depth to the sightseeing experience. The tour ensures guests see these landmarks from outside, making it ideal for quick visits or tight schedules.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

A major highlight is a 40-minute stop at Buckingham Palace to observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This event exemplifies Britain’s ceremonial pageantry and provides a vivid display of traditional pomp. The ceremony typically takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, but if it’s not scheduled, the group visits Horse Guards Parade instead.

The palace exterior offers an impressive backdrop for photos, and the guide provides background on royal traditions associated with the changing of the guard. While the admission ticket to enter Buckingham Palace is not included, the outside view and ceremony remain a memorable sight.

Whitehall and 10 Downing Street Insights

The tour passes along Whitehall, a street lined with historic government buildings, including 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister. While the street itself is the main focus, guests gain context about its political significance, seeing the Prime Minister’s residence from the outside.

Guests also see Whitehall’s memorials and statues, which highlight Britain’s military and political history. The guide shares stories about Whitehall’s role in national ceremonies and its architectural evolution.

Photos and Exploration at Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square marks the heart of London’s West End, commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar with Nelson’s Column. The group spends time here for photos and to appreciate the lively atmosphere of this historic square, which is often bustling with street performers and visitors.

This stop offers an excellent chance to capture iconic London sights and absorb the city’s vibrant street culture. The guide offers insights into the square’s history and significance, enriching the visual experience.

The Noble Tour of Westminster: Parliament and Historic Streets

The Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for the UK Parliament’s two houses. Guests see the exterior features of this grand Gothic structure and learn about its historical role in British governance. The guide explains the significance of the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Walking through Whitehall, guests also observe the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street, recognizable from its black door and security presence. The tour offers quick, informative views of these political landmarks, perfect for those interested in Britain’s democratic traditions.

A 40-Minute Salute to Royalty at Buckingham Palace

The 40-minute viewing of the Changing of the Guard is a highlight for many. This ceremony showcases British precision, tradition, and pageantry, with soldiers in formal uniforms and ceremonial movements. The guide highlights the historical importance and symbolism behind this ritual.

Guests enjoy watching this spectacle from outside the palace gates, capturing memorable photos. The event’s schedule depends on the day of the week, but the tour accommodates this by adding a visit to Horse Guards Parade if necessary.

The Luxurious Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace Hotel

The tour culminates with a 4-hour visit to The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, a luxurious 5-star venue just steps from Buckingham Palace. Located in a bright, spacious Palace Lounge, guests enjoy a traditional afternoon tea featuring sumptuous sandwiches, fresh-made pastries, and classic scones with clotted cream and fruit preserves.

Guests also have the option to enjoy house cocktails, which are highly praised. The views of The Queen’s Stables add a regal touch to the dining experience, with guests watching royal carriages come and go. The afternoon tea is an independent visit, included in the tour, providing a relaxing and elegant end to the sightseeing.

Accessibility, Inclusions, and Practical Tips

This guided tour includes Wi-Fi, USB charging, and an audio headset for clear commentary. It’s accessible for all ages, including wheelchair and stroller users, making it suitable for families and individuals with mobility needs.

Included are the Blue Badge guide, coach transport, and afternoon tea. The tour does not include hotel transfers or champagne, and admission tickets for attractions like Buckingham Palace are not included.

Guests are advised to inform of dietary restrictions at least 48 hours in advance for the afternoon tea. The start point is Victoria Coach Station, with the tour ending at The Rubens near Victoria Station.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for visitors on a short trip to London who want to see major royal landmarks efficiently. It appeals to those interested in British traditions, royal architecture, and classic afternoon tea. Families, first-time visitors, and anyone seeking a comfortable, guided exploration of central London will find this tour suits their needs.

While not including inside palace tours, the outside views and ceremonies still offer plenty of memorable moments. The luxurious tea experience is a delightful reward after a day of sightseeing.

Royal London Tour with Afternoon Tea at The Rubens: Final Thoughts

This tour combines convenient sightseeing with a refined dining experience, making it a well-rounded way to explore London’s royal presence. The expert guides ensure that history and tradition are communicated clearly, while the luxury afternoon tea offers a perfect cultural finishing touch.

The timing allows for a relaxed pace, with opportunities to take photos and soak in the sights. Its accessibility and comprehensive route make it a valuable choice for a first visit or special occasion in London.

While admission to Buckingham Palace is extra, the outside ceremonies and key landmarks deliver a satisfying overview of Royal London. If you appreciate history, tradition, and elegant dining, this tour offers a memorable day out in the heart of London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up included in this tour?
No, the tour starts at Victoria Coach Station, and there is no hotel transfer included.

What is the duration of the sightseeing part of the tour?
The sightseeing lasts approximately 3 hours, covering major royal and political landmarks.

Are the changing of the guard ceremonies guaranteed?
The tour visits Buckingham Palace on days when the ceremony takes place, typically Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. If not scheduled, the group visits Horse Guards Parade instead.

Does the tour include entry inside Buckingham Palace?
No, admission tickets for inside Buckingham Palace are not included.

Can children participate in this tour?
Yes, this tour is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

What is included in the afternoon tea?
Guests enjoy sandwiches, pastries, scones with clotted cream, and fruit preserves. House cocktails are available and highly recommended.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is most often booked around 50 days in advance.

Is there Wi-Fi on the coach?
Yes, Wi-Fi and USB charging are provided on the coach.

What is the cost of this tour?
The price is $177.45 per person, which includes all guided sightseeing and afternoon tea.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please inform the tour provider at least 48 hours in advance to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free requests.