Enter Buckingham Palace & See The Main Westminster Sights Tour

Explore London’s Royal Heritage and Main Sights in a Guided Walking Tour

This 5-hour guided walking tour in London offers an engaging way to see the city’s most famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. For $103.22 per person, participants enjoy a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate atmosphere. The tour begins at the luxurious Ritz London, with a departure time at 10:00 am, and includes entry to Buckingham Palace, access to royal gardens, and a detailed audio guide to explore the palace at your own pace.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of a comprehensive walking itinerary with inside access to Buckingham Palace—a rare opportunity in London. The guides are praised for being knowledgeable and considerate, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors and those eager to explore Britain’s royal history without the crowds. While the tour does not include lunch or transport, it offers a well-paced introduction to London’s main sights with an emphasis on history, architecture, and royal traditions.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 5-hour walking tour covering London’s top landmarks
• Entry to Buckingham Palace, including gardens and the Queen Victoria Palace exhibition
• Small group size for an intimate experience with a maximum of 15 travelers
• Expert guide provides engaging stories about the British Royal Family
• Tour departs from The Ritz London at 10:00 am and ends at Buckingham Palace

Starting at The Ritz London for a Luxurious Departure

The tour begins at The Ritz London, located at 150 Piccadilly, setting a grand tone for the day. At 10:00 am, participants meet their guide for a 3-hour Westminster sightseeing walk. The meeting point is convenient, being close to major public transportation, and the tour provides a mobile ticket for seamless entry. The group size is limited to 15 people, fostering a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

After the introduction, the guide leads the group through Green Park towards Buckingham Palace, offering stories of the royal residence and its history. Tickets for the palace are included, but the guide does not join you inside. Instead, an audio guide is provided for self-guided exploration of 19 magnificent state rooms, the royal gardens, and the Queen Victoria Palace exhibition. This part lasts approximately 2 hours, giving plenty of time to soak in the royal ambiance at your own pace.

Admiring the Royal Residence and Watching the Changing of the Guard

The highlight for many is the visit to Buckingham Palace, the official home of the King. After a walk through the scenic Royal Mews, the tour offers the exciting chance to watch the Changing of the Guard on certain days—a spectacle renowned worldwide. The guide finds the best spots for viewing, ensuring you don’t miss this iconic ceremony.

Inside the palace, visitors appreciate the multilingual audio guide, which narrates stories behind the state rooms and highlights key pieces of royal furniture and art from the Royal Collection. The gardens and Queen Victoria Palace exhibition are also included, providing a deeper understanding of royal life and history. The entrance fee covers the palace’s interior tour, making this a genuinely worthwhile experience.

Exploring Westminster’s Iconic Sights from Trafalgar Square to Whitehall

Following the palace visit, the tour continues with a walk through central London to see landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column. At Trafalgar Square, the group admires the fountains and the National Gallery, which is visible from the square. This spot is perfect for photos and soaking in the lively atmosphere of central London.

Next, the guide takes the group to Horse Guards Parade near St. James’s Park, a popular photo opportunity with its historic arch and the famous clock. Just nearby is Whitehall, where grand government buildings and the historic Downing Street are located. The guide shares stories about the political history of the area, adding context to the impressive architecture.

Close-Up Views of Parliament and Big Ben

At Parliament Square, the group’s attention focuses on the Palace of Westminster and the Big Ben clock tower. The 40-minute stop offers fantastic photo opportunities with views of the London Eye and the Churchill Statue. The guide explains the significance of these iconic structures and their roles in British politics and culture.

This part of the tour emphasizes London’s political history and the architectural grandeur of Westminster, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts. The group is encouraged to take their time and appreciate the details of these historic buildings while listening to the guide’s engaging commentary.

Westminster Abbey: A Site of Royal Crowning and over 1000 Years of History

The tour then walks to Westminster Abbey, a magnificent church with over a thousand years of history. Here, the guide highlights its architectural features and its role as the site of royal coronations. Although the interior tour is not included in the initial walking, visitors can enjoy the 20-minute exterior view and learn about notable events and figures associated with the Abbey.

This historic church is one of London’s most beautiful structures, and its significance in British royal history is evident in the stories shared during the tour. The nearby parliamentary buildings further contextualize the political and royal connections of Westminster.

Inside Buckingham Palace: A Self-Guided Royal Tour and Gardens

After the walking part of the tour, visitors gain entry to Buckingham Palace with a multi-language audio guide. This allows for a self-guided exploration of 19 state rooms, where visitors can admire royal furniture, artworks, and the royal gardens. The Queen Victoria Palace exhibition adds further insights into royal life and history.

The visit to the palace takes approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to appreciate the luxurious interiors and exquisite gardens at your own pace. The audio guide enhances the experience by providing detailed commentary on each exhibit, making it a rich and engaging visit.

Practical Details: Group Size, Accessibility, and Cancellation

This tour limits the group size to 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities for questions. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed, and is near public transportation for easy access.

The cancellation policy is flexible: tickets can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes booking with confidence easier, especially for those unsure of their plans.

Who Will Most Appreciate This Tour

This tour appeals to those interested in royal history, iconic landmarks, and the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace without the crowds typical of large group tours. It is especially suitable for first-time visitors to London seeking an efficient, informative introduction to the city’s main sights. The small-group size and expert guides ensure a more personalized experience and engaging storytelling.

Final Thoughts on the Buckingham Palace & Westminster Sights Tour

With its combination of guided walks, entry to Buckingham Palace, and self-guided exploration, this tour offers a well-rounded way to explore central London. The high praise for the guides’ knowledge and considerate attitude underlines the quality of the experience. While it doesn’t include lunch or transport, the pacing and access to key landmarks compensate well, making it suitable for those wanting a comprehensive introduction to London’s royal and political heart.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, royalty enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see London’s most famous sights with a knowledgeable guide and some insider stories. It balances sightseeing with personal time at the palace, providing a memorable outlook into London’s royal traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The entry to Buckingham Palace, access to the palace gardens, the Queen Victoria Palace exhibition, and a guided walking tour of Westminster’s main sights are included.

How long is the interior of Buckingham Palace open to visitors?
The self-guided exploration of the state rooms, gardens, and Queen Victoria Palace exhibition lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does the tour guide join inside Buckingham Palace?
No, the guide does not escort visitors inside. Instead, visitors use an audio guide provided for self-guided exploration.

Is the changing of the guard included?
On certain days, the Changing of the Guard is visible, and the guide finds the best viewing spots.

What are the meeting and ending points?
The tour starts at The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, and ends at Buckingham Palace.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While most travelers can participate, the tour involves walking and some standing, so mobility considerations should be noted.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, water, and something to nibble if desired, as lunch and drinks are not included.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age restrictions are not detailed; check with the provider if traveling with children.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is usually booked around 61 days in advance, so early booking is recommended to secure your preferred date.

This well-organized, engaging tour promises a rewarding experience for those eager to explore London’s royal and political landmarks in a manageable and enjoyable way.