Buckingham Palace Tour and Afternoon Tea

A fully guided visit to Buckingham Palace, combined with a scenic afternoon tea on the English Bus Tea Bus, offers a well-rounded way to experience central London. Priced at $117.54 per person, this 4-hour tour is ideal for those seeking a blend of royal history and leisurely sightseeing, with a focus on comfort and convenience. The tour includes admission to Buckingham Palace, featuring access to the State Rooms and the palace gardens, plus a panoramic bus tour of London that highlights landmarks like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

This experience is designed to be flexible, starting at 10:45 am from a central London departure point, and it offers a self-guided component after the palace visit. The afternoon tea takes place at 3 pm in Victoria, with a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink to start, followed by a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, small tea cakes, and tea. Notably, the tour can accommodate dietary requests such as vegan or gluten-free meals if requested 72 hours in advance.

While the tour does not include a live guide or hotel transfers, it provides a convenient, enjoyable way to see some of London’s top sights at a reasonable price, with the opportunity for a relaxing afternoon tea in style. It’s a good choice for visitors who want a comprehensive yet manageable experience in a limited timeframe, especially for those interested in royal residences and famous landmarks.

Key Points

• Includes opening access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and gardens
• Features a scenic, panoramic bus tour of London’s iconic landmarks
• Offers a traditional afternoon tea with prosecco or soft drink
• Tour duration is approximately 4 hours, starting at 10:45 am
• Requires self-arrival at the afternoon tea location in Victoria after palace visit
• Tour is suitable for those with moderate mobility; no on-board toilets on the bus

Visiting Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Gardens

Buckingham Palace remains a working royal residence and the official London home of His Majesty the King. The tour grants entry to the 19 State Rooms, which are decorated with French and English antique furniture, and display treasures from the Royal Collection. Expect to see masterpieces by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, along with sculptures by Canova and porcelain by Sèvres.

The palace gardens are often called an oasis in central London and are a key highlight. Visitors can view these walled gardens, which offer a peaceful escape amid the city’s hustle. The admission includes an audio guide to enhance understanding of the royal residence’s history and significance.

The Scenic Panoramic Tour of London’s Landmarks

After the palace visit, the tour continues with a bus ride through London, offering panoramic views of key sights. The Golden Tours route takes you past Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye, among other landmarks. The bus provides an easy, seated view of the city, making it suitable for all ages and mobility levels.

This scenic drive allows guests to relax while taking in the sights, with the route subject to traffic or road closures, which can cause slight variations. The bus is designed for comfort, with shared tables and a maximum group size of 30 travelers.

Afternoon Tea at Bulleid Way in Victoria

Following the palace visit and bus tour, guests are free to head to Victoria for afternoon tea at 3 pm. The Tea Bus is a distinctive experience where you start with a glass of Prosecco or soft drink, then indulge in a classic afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, plus small tea cakes.

The menu can be adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets with prior notice, and all drinks are served with a variety of teas. The Tea Bus route takes in sights like Tower Bridge and Big Ben, adding to the experience with stunning views of London.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This tour departs from Bulleid Way in Victoria at 10:45 am, with the Palace visit included in the price. Since it is self-guided after the palace visit, guests need to make their way independently to the afternoon tea location. The tour does not include live guides or hotel pickups, but it is near public transportation, making access straightforward.

The tour is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness, but those requiring mobility access should book 14 days in advance by calling the provider. Note that there are no toilets on the bus, which could be a consideration for some guests.

The Cost and Booking Flexibility

Priced at $117.54 per person, this tour provides good value, combining entry to Buckingham Palace, a scenic bus tour, and a traditional afternoon tea. The experience is booked 15 days in advance on average and features free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

While the tour does not include gratuities or a live guide, the self-guided format offers flexibility, and the admission tickets are included in the price.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most

This tour appeals to visitors interested in royal architecture and history, along with those craving a relaxing, sightseeing-focused afternoon. It works well for groups, families (over age 5), and anyone looking for a seamless combination of sightseeing and leisure. The shared tables and small group size foster a friendly atmosphere, making it suitable for social travelers.

Final Thoughts on the Buckingham Palace and Afternoon Tea Tour

This well-organized experience balances royal grandeur with London highlights, offering easy access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and a delightful afternoon tea. The scenic bus route helps guests see London’s most famous landmarks comfortably and conveniently.

While the lack of a live guide may be a drawback for some, the audio guide and self-guided components ensure an informative visit. The flexibility of the independent tea after the palace visit allows you to tailor the experience to your pace.

This tour offers a solid choice for those wanting a combination of royal history, sightseeing, and afternoon tea at a reasonable price. It’s especially suited for fans of British royalty and classic London sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Buckingham Palace tour guided?
No, this tour includes admission with an audio guide but no live guide.

What is included in the afternoon tea?
Guests receive finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, small tea cakes, and a choice of tea or soft drink in Victoria.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, vegan and gluten-free options can be requested 72 hours in advance.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children under 5 are not permitted on the tour.

Is transportation provided between stops?
No, the tour does not include hotel transfers or on-bus transportation. The sightseeing bus is self-guided.

What should I do if I need mobility assistance?
Guests requiring mobility access should book 14 days in advance by calling the provider.

Is there a restroom on the bus?
No, there are no toilets onboard the sightseeing bus.

What happens if there are traffic delays?
The bus route may change due to traffic or road closures, but the experience is designed to be flexible.

How long is the entire experience?
It lasts approximately 4 hours—starting at 10:45 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

This Buckingham Palace Tour and Afternoon Tea combines royal elegance with London sightseeing in a comfortable, accessible format that’s perfect for a memorable day in the city.