Full Royal Tour: Royal London & Buckingham Palace Tour

Exploring London’s royal landmarks becomes both accessible and engaging with the Full Royal Tour: Royal London & Buckingham Palace Tour. Priced at $102.87 per person and lasting around 5 hours, this tour offers an intimate glimpse into the heart of British royalty, ideal for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike. The tour features small-group sizes for personalized attention, and includes rare access to the interior of Buckingham Palace, a highlight most visitors cannot see independently.

Starting from The Ritz London, the tour covers over 15 top royal sights, blending on-foot exploration with expert narration. While parking worries are eliminated thanks to walking routes and ease of access, it’s important to note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, and the tour does not include snacks. Nonetheless, this experience is a well-rounded introduction to London’s royal history, perfect for those eager to see iconic landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Includes rare access to Buckingham Palace’s interior, with 19 state rooms and royal gardens.
• Duration of around 5 hours, combining walking and guided exploration.
• Small group size ensures a more personal, engaging experience.
• The tour covers more than 15 royal sights, including Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.
• Price of $102.87 offers a comprehensive royal London experience without hidden costs.
• Strong reviews highlight expert guides, especially praise for Greg’s knowledge and storytelling.

Introduction to the Royal London & Buckingham Palace Tour

This tour offers a rundown of London’s royal sites within a comfortable 5-hour window. Starting at The Ritz London, the experience is designed for those wanting a rich historical context combined with rare access to Buckingham Palace. The small-group format—capped at 15 travelers—ensures each participant receives personalized attention and has opportunities to ask questions.

The tour is mostly on foot, making it convenient to avoid parking issues and enjoy London’s streets up close. The multi-language audio guide at Buckingham Palace enhances the visit, providing additional information about the 19 stunning state rooms and royal gardens. The price includes all entrance tickets to key sites, making this a straightforward, value-packed option for those interested in royal history.

Exploring Buckingham Palace and Green Park

The tour begins with a stroll through Green Park, leading to the archway of Buckingham Palace, the residence of the British monarch. The guide shares stories about the palace’s history and significance, setting a regal tone for the day. On certain days, visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard, with the guide helping find the best viewing spots.

After the palace visit, the group walks along the Royal Mews, absorbing the grandeur of this iconic royal residence. The inside access to Buckingham Palace allows visitors to explore 19 state rooms, filled with royal furniture and artworks from the Royal Collection. The two-hour visit here is a highlight, providing an immersive experience not available to the general public.

Iconic Landmarks at Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade

Next, the tour reaches Trafalgar Square, a symbol of London’s history and culture. The guide points out Nelson’s Column, the fountains, and the National Gallery, which is worth exploring further if time permits. This stop offers a quick, 20-minute photo opportunity to take in the lively atmosphere.

Following Trafalgar Square, the group heads to Horse Guards Parade, where the famous arch and iconic clock make for excellent photographs. Located at the edge of St. James’s Park, this site enhances the royal theme of the tour while offering a chance to appreciate London’s historic military tradition.

Discovering Government and Parliamentary Sites on Whitehall

From Horse Guards Parade, the guide leads visitors along Whitehall, London’s historic government street. Here, Downing Street is the highlight—home to British Prime Ministers since 1735. Although access to the street itself is restricted, the guide provides insights into its history and significance.

The grand buildings and monuments lining Whitehall reveal the power and tradition of British governance. The 20-minute stop allows a close look at historic architecture and notable landmarks such as the Cenotaph and Horse Guards.

The Majesty of Parliament Square, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey

At Parliament Square, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben dominate the skyline. Visitors enjoy about 40 minutes to view these iconic symbols of London and learn about their history. The guide points out the London Eye and Churchill Statue, offering context for the city’s political and cultural landscape.

Moving on, the tour includes a 20-minute visit to Westminster Abbey, one of London’s most beautiful and historic buildings. This church has hosted over a thousand years of royal ceremonies, including coronations. Its architecture and history make it a must-see stop, with plenty of photo opportunities and stories about England’s royal traditions.

The Royal Experience at Buckingham Palace Gardens and Queen Victoria’s Palace Exhibition

After walking through Westminster, the group returns to Buckingham Palace grounds for a guided exploration of the royal gardens. This outdoor space offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets. The Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition is also accessible, showcasing more royal memorabilia.

This part of the tour takes about 2 hours, providing ample time to explore the magnificent gardens and royal collections, completing the royal London experience with a sense of the monarch’s private world.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Access

The tour departs promptly at 10:00 am from The Ritz London. The meeting point is convenient, near major public transportation options. The group size is limited to 15, fostering a more engaging atmosphere and allowing the guide to cater to individual questions.

Participants receive tickets and directions for Buckingham Palace at the end of the walking portion, as the guide does not join inside the palace. Once there, visitors enjoy an audio guide that enhances the experience of the state rooms and gardens.

Tour Logistics and What’s Not Included

This tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so travelers should arrange their own transportation to the starting point. Snacks are not provided, so it’s advisable to bring water or small refreshments. The walking is moderate, but comfortable footwear is recommended given the amount of strolling involved.

The service animals are permitted, and the tour is accessible to most travelers. The small group size ensures more personalized interaction and a relaxed pace, but it also means early booking is recommended, with most bookings made 108 days in advance.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Experiences

The key feature that distinguishes this tour is the rare interior access to Buckingham Palace, allowing visitors to see state rooms and royal art collections usually closed to the public. The expert guides thoroughly explain the sites’ history, with specific praise for Greg’s storytelling and knowledge.

Another advantage is the balanced itinerary—covering major royal sites, government buildings, and iconic landmarks—with most stops being free to explore or photograph. The small-group format enhances the experience, making it more intimate and engaging than larger tours.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour provides a rundown of London’s royal sights, some reviews suggest that timing and explanations could improve. One reviewer noted a lack of clarity about Buckingham Palace tour times and felt that some parts could be self-guided after the initial briefing.

It’s also important to remember that hotel transfers are not included, so convenient public transportation or nearby parking options are best. The walks are on city streets, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

Full Royal Tour: Buckingham Palace & Royal London Final Thoughts

This tour appeals most to those wanting a detailed, guided look at London’s royal landmarks with inside access to Buckingham Palace. The price reflects the inclusion of entrance tickets and a knowledgeable guide, making it a good value for a comprehensive royal experience.

While it offers a well-paced itinerary with insider stories and exclusive views, some guests feel that certain parts could be more streamlined. However, the expert guidance and rare access make it worthwhile, especially for history buffs or first-time visitors eager to understand the connection between London and its monarchy.

This tour provides a solid, approachable way to explore the most iconic royal sites in London while enjoying a small-group environment that feels personal and informative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include access inside Buckingham Palace?
Yes, the tour includes rare access to 19 state rooms and the royal gardens, with a multi-language audio guide provided inside.

How long does the Buckingham Palace visit last?
The inside visit of Buckingham Palace lasts about 2 hours, focusing on state rooms and the Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition.

Are snacks included in the tour?
No, snacks are not included, so participants should bring their own water or small refreshments.

Is this tour suitable for mobility-impaired travelers?
Since the tour involves walking between sites and on city streets, travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly; most travelers can participate but should assess their comfort with walking.

What features make this tour stand out?
The rare access to Buckingham Palace’s interior and the small-group setting are key features, along with the expert guidance praised by many reviewers.