London: Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket & Royal Walking Tour

A visit to London offers countless sights, but the Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket & Royal Walking Tour provides a unique chance to see the State Apartments of the famous royal residence during their limited open season. Priced at $90.25 per person and lasting 2.5 hours, this tour combines a guided walk through iconic landmarks such as St. James’s Park, The Mall, and Clarence House with skip-the-line access inside the palace. The experience is ideal for those eager to explore London’s royal traditions, enjoy expert commentary, and avoid long queues, all in a manageable half-day outing.

While the inside visit to Buckingham Palace is limited to 1.5 hours, the guided walking part adds engaging context and scenic views. The inclusion of the official audio guide enhances the inside experience, revealing stories behind the furnishings, treasures from the Royal Collection, and recent exhibitions like the new Kings Tour Artists Exhibition debuting in 2025. This combination makes the tour both informative and convenient, especially for visitors who want priority access without sacrificing depth.

Key Points

• Includes skip-the-line tickets to Buckingham Palace’s State Apartments, open only a few months each year
• Guided walking tour covers The Mall, St. James’s Park, St. James’s Palace, and Clarence House
• Duration of 2.5 hours, with 1.5 hours inside Buckingham Palace and 1 hour for the walk
• Official audio guide provides detailed stories about the palace, its history, and royal traditions
• Start point is at the Duke of York Column, not at Buckingham Palace itself
• Price is $90.25 per person, with flexible booking options including free cancellation and pay later

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Starting Point: Duke of York Column

The tour begins at the Duke of York Column, a tall column topped with a statue, located near Waterloo Place. From Piccadilly Circus, take the tube to Piccadilly Circus and walk south along Regent Street toward St. James’s Park. If arriving via Charing Cross station, walk down the Mall toward Buckingham Palace, with the column clearly visible on your right. This meeting spot is not at Buckingham Palace but provides easy access to the royal sights that follow.

Guided Tour of The Mall and St. James’s Park

The guided walk lasts about 15 minutes on The Mall, the grand avenue built to resemble a red carpet leading to Buckingham Palace. The guide shares engaging details about the history and architecture of this iconic stretch. As you stroll into St. James’s Park, expect a 10-minute overview of this beautifully landscaped area, known for its wildlife and serene lakes. Both locations showcase London’s regal atmosphere and set the tone for the inside palace visit.

Inside Buckingham Palace: The State Apartments

The highlight of the tour is the 1.5-hour inside visit to Buckingham Palace, available only when the Palace opens to the public a few months each year. You’ll dive into the lavish State Apartments, marveling at sparkling chandeliers, sumptuous furnishings, and exquisite treasures from the Royal Collection. Many of these items, including Sèvres porcelain and historic furniture, were gifts from foreign dignitaries over centuries. The audio guide provides insights into the history of the palace, its residents, and royal traditions.

The Kings Tour Artists Exhibition in 2025

A new feature for 2025 is the Kings Tour Artists Exhibition, displayed inside the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace. This collection showcases over 70 masterpieces personally selected by His Majesty The King. It offers a rare glimpse into the artistic preferences of the monarch and adds a fresh cultural element to the palace visit.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting the Gardens and Exterior Attractions

Outside the palace, visitors enjoy views of Buckingham Palace Gardens and the surrounding area. Photography is permitted in the gardens but not inside the palace. The walking tour includes stops at landmarks such as Clarence House, the former home of Prince Charles and Camilla, and the Mall, which was constructed to resemble a royal red carpet.

The Logistics: Meeting Spot and Accessibility

The tour starts at the Duke of York Column, with directions available from Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross stations. The tour involves a reasonable amount of walking and some stairs, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parking and large bags are not permitted, and baby strollers are not allowed inside the Palace.

Tour Timing and Pacing

The 2.5-hour duration balances sightseeing and inside exploration. The guided walk takes roughly 35 minutes, followed by 1.5 hours inside Buckingham Palace. The timing allows for a leisurely experience, with free time to enjoy the gardens or gift shop. Audience size is kept manageable, and headsets ensure clear audio even in crowded areas.

Guide Quality and Reviews

Multiple reviews praise guides like Sophie, Natalie, Paul, and Lee for their knowledge, humor, and friendly approach. Many mention how the guides enhance the experience with interesting stories and tips for viewing the changing of the guard or photography spots. Some reviewers note issues with audio devices having static, but overall, the guides receive high marks for their entertainment and expertise.

The Value of Priority Access

The biggest advantage of this tour is skip-the-line tickets, allowing visitors to bypass long queues at Buckingham Palace. This benefit is especially valuable during busy periods when public access is limited. The combination of a guided walk and inside visit offers excellent value for those eager to explore the royal sights efficiently.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to London who want a rundown of the city’s royal landmarks. The interactive guides and exhibitions make it engaging, while the limited season for palace openings ensures this is a timely opportunity. However, those requiring full accessibility should consider other options, as wheelchair users are not supported here.

Final Thoughts on the Buckingham Palace Tour

The London: Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket & Royal Walking Tour offers a well-rounded experience combining scenic walks with inside access to one of the world’s most famous residences. The expert guides and skip-the-line tickets deliver convenience and insight, making it a smart choice for visitors eager to understand royal traditions and see the Palace interiors when open.

While the duration is just enough to get a taste of royal London, it remains a half-day commitment that leaves plenty of time for exploring other attractions. The exhibition in 2025 adds extra value, making this tour not just a sightseeing trip but an educational experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes skip-the-line tickets to Buckingham Palace, a guided walk of The Mall, St. James’s Park, and Clarence House, plus an official audio guide for the palace visit.

Where does the tour start?
It starts at the Duke of York Column, located near Waterloo Place. Directions are provided from Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross stations.

How long is the palace interior visit?
The inside of Buckingham Palace lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with plenty of time to explore the State Apartments and view royal treasures.

Is the entire Buckingham Palace open to the public?
No, the State Apartments are open only during specific months each year, making this a rare chance to see inside.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour involves stairs and some walking, so it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I take photographs inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography is not permitted inside the Palace, but you can take pictures in the gardens.

What’s new for 2025?
The Kings Tour Artists Exhibition inside the Ballroom showcases over 70 artworks personally selected by His Majesty The King.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, the tour is kid-friendly, and guides are praised for their engaging, humorous style.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, advance booking is recommended to secure skip-the-line tickets and guarantee availability.

What is the cost of the tour?
The price is $90.25 per person, which includes all entrance fees, guides, and audio devices.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby