Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour & Palace Entry

Discover the Royal London Walking Tour with Buckingham Palace Entry for $60.29

This 4-hour guided tour in London offers a well-rounded glimpse into the royal scene, starting at The King’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace. Led by an expert guide, the experience combines engaging storytelling with access to the State Rooms and the exquisite royal gardens. The tour ends with entry to Buckingham Palace, giving visitors a chance to see the residence of His Majesty the King and enjoy the lush 42-acre garden.

While the tour is praised for knowledgeable guides and a comprehensive itinerary, reviews highlight some limitations, such as a portion of the experience turning into a self-guided visit. Nonetheless, it remains a popular choice for those interested in royal London and curious about Buckingham Palace’s inner workings. The entire experience, including a multimedia guide, costs $60.29, making it a reasonably priced way to combine guided exploration and palace access.

Key Points

• 4-hour guided tour of London’s royal sites with entry to Buckingham Palace included.
• Starts at The King’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace at 10:00 am.
• Led by an expert guide who shares fascinating royal facts.
• Includes a walk through the State Rooms and the 42-acre royal garden.
• Reviews praise knowledgeable guides, but some mention parts of the visit turning into a self-guided experience.
• Maximum group size is 50, with a multimedia guide provided.

Starting Point at The King’s Gallery Inside Buckingham Palace

The tour begins at The King’s Gallery within Buckingham Palace. This spot is the designated meeting point, and guests are advised to arrive before 10:00 am to ensure timely start. The location itself is significant, as it connects directly to Buckingham Palace’s interior and sets the tone for a regal exploration.

This initial meeting point offers easy access via public transportation, making it convenient for most visitors. The gallery serves as a fitting starting point for a tour that immerses you in the royal atmosphere from the very first moment.

Exploring The King’s Gallery and The State Rooms

From the start, the guide leads a leisurely walk through significant royal sites around London, lasting roughly two hours. The highlight is The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, where visitors gain insight into royal art collections displayed within the palace walls.

The State Rooms are a key part of the visit, showcasing priceless pieces from the Royal Collection. Visitors are able to see the opulent interiors and learn about the history and traditions associated with royal residences. While the tour claims to include entry to the State Rooms, reviews indicate that about half of the palace visit involves self-guided exploration using a free audio guide, which may be a disappointment for those expecting a full guided experience.

Buckingham Palace Gardens and Royal Wildlife

The tour concludes with a walk along the south side of Buckingham Palace’s gardens, described as a walled oasis in central London. The gardens are home to 30 bird species and over 350 types of wildflowers, offering a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets.

Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy views of the palace exterior and its gardens, which are off-limits for photography inside the State Rooms but open for personal use outside. The garden walk provides a chance to absorb the royal atmosphere and appreciate the vastness of the grounds.

Buckingham Palace Entry and Garden Visit

The final part of the experience involves entry to Buckingham Palace, which is brimming with royal history. The palace functions as both the residence of the monarch and the administrative hub of the royal household.

Guests get to explore the garden, home to a variety of bird species and native wildflowers, during their allotted time. The garden walk offers picturesque views of the palace exterior and a chance to relax in the royal grounds before the tour ends back at the starting point.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Tour Logistics

The tour departs promptly at 10:00 am from The King’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid missing the guide, as the group size is capped at 50. The entire experience is designed for moderate physical fitness, with comfortable shoes suggested due to walking involved.

The tour features a multimedia guide included in the price, which can help fill in details during self-guided sections. Guests should be aware of security protocols, such as airport-style checks and restrictions on bicycles, large bags, and photography inside the State Rooms.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes the Royal London Walking Tour and entry to Buckingham Palace. However, food and drinks are not included—except for bottled water—and are not allowed inside the Palace. Tips for guides are optional, and no gratuities are specified.

Guests should note that the tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so planning ahead to ensure timely arrival is essential.

Strengths Highlighted by Reviews

Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and humor, especially praising guide Marc, who is described as friendly and entertaining. The experience offers a good overview for those interested in royal traditions and London’s royal landmarks.

Limitations Noted in Feedback

Some reviews point out disappointing aspects, such as the portion of the visit turning into a self-guided experience using a free audio guide—which may not meet expectations for a guided tour. Plus, a few guests mention poor customer service or confusing advertisements about the duration, but these are isolated comments.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour suits history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and visitors who appreciate guided storytelling. It’s particularly appealing for those who want a structured walk through iconic sites combined with at least some guided commentary. However, those expecting a fully guided palace tour should be aware of self-guided elements during the palace visit itself.

Final Thoughts on the Buckingham Palace Royal London Walk

This experience offers a cost-effective way to explore London’s royal highlights in a compact time frame. The expert guides and access to Buckingham Palace make it appealing, especially for first-time visitors. The garden walk adds a peaceful, scenic element to the royal exploration.

While some may find the self-guided portion limiting, the combination of walking, storytelling, and palace access provides a solid overview of London’s monarchy. It’s a good choice for those wanting an accessible, moderate-paced tour with a touch of royal grandeur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The tour requires moderate physical activity and comfortable shoes. Pushchairs cannot go inside the State Rooms and must be checked in, so it might be less suitable for very young children or those with mobility challenges.

How long does the entire tour last?
The guided walking portion lasts about two hours, with additional time at Buckingham Palace for self-guided exploration. The total experience lasts approximately four hours.

Do I need to arrive early for the tour?
Yes, it’s recommended to arrive before 10:00 am to ensure timely meeting with the guide.

Is photography allowed inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the State Rooms is prohibited, but you are free to photograph exterior areas and the gardens outside.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers the Royal London Walking Tour and entry to Buckingham Palace. It also includes a multimedia guide for self-guided sections.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What should I wear on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are highly recommended due to walking involved. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, especially if rain is forecast.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Large bags (over 45cm x 20cm x 30cm), bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are not allowed inside the palace and must be stored elsewhere.

Is the tour suitable for large groups?
Yes, up to 50 travelers can join, making it manageable but still lively.

What makes this tour different from other royal tours?
The combination of a guided walk through London’s royal sites with direct entry to Buckingham Palace makes this tour stand out, especially with the inclusion of the royal gardens and the multimedia guide for a personalized experience.