Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & British Royalty Guided Tour

If you’re planning a trip to London and considering a visit to Buckingham Palace, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a chance to step inside one of the world’s most iconic residences—but only for a limited time each year. We’ve looked into what this experience offers, and from the reviews and info available, here’s an honest rundown of what you can expect.

Two things we genuinely like about this tour are the opportunity to see the opulent State Apartments and the beautiful walking route through historic royal sites. The fact that it includes a guided walk around St. James Park, The Mall, and other royal landmarks adds context and makes the experience feel more connected.

However, a potential drawback might be the self-guided nature inside Buckingham Palace—meaning you won’t have a guide walking with you once you’re inside. For some, this might lessen the sense of a personal touch or storytelling during the palace visit itself.

This tour seems best suited for history fans, royal enthusiasts, or travelers who want an organized, hassle-free way to access Buckingham Palace’s interior without spending hours arranging tickets themselves.

Key Points

• Limited Access: The State Apartments are only open to the public for two months each year, making this tour a rare chance.
• Expert Guides & Walking Tour: The guide’s commentary about royal landmarks enhances the experience outside the palace.
• Self-Guided Palace Visit: Inside Buckingham Palace, you get an audio guide, but no guide accompanies you, which some may find less personal.
• Included Exhibition: A new feature for 2025 – The King’s Tour Artists Exhibition, showcasing over 70 art pieces chosen by King Charles III.
• Value for Money: Combining a guided walk with priority entry into the palace provides a convenient, organized experience.
• Physical Demands: Expect some walking and stairs, and note that strollers and baby carriages aren’t suitable.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This experience starts with a meeting at the Duke of York Column located on St. James. From there, you’ll join a knowledgeable guide who will lead you on a roughly two-and-a-half-hour walk through London’s royal sights. Your guide offers engaging commentary about the history and significance of these landmarks, making the walk both educational and fun.

The Walking Tour: Exploring Royal London

As you stroll through St. James Park, you’ll get a taste of London’s greenery and see where the Royal Zoo once stood. Your guide will share stories about St. James Palace, famous for hosting royals like Princess Diana and Anne Boleyn, setting the scene for your visit.

Next, the route takes you down The Mall—a grand boulevard resembling a giant red carpet—leading straight toward Buckingham Palace. Along the way, you’ll see Clarence House, the residence of Prince Charles and Camilla, providing a sense of the royal neighborhood’s layout.

Approaching Buckingham Palace

Arriving at the gates of the palace is where the excitement peaks. Unlike some tours that only offer external views, this package provides priority access to the State Apartments, a rare opportunity since the palace is open only two months per year.

The palace interiors are truly something to behold. Using an audio guide, you’ll explore rooms decorated with sumptuous furnishings, chandeliers, and priceless art, including pieces from the Royal Collection like Sèvres porcelain. Many reviewers have commented on the palace’s stunning architecture and interior design, noting that it feels like stepping into a real-life royal palace.

The New for 2025: The King’s Tour Artists Exhibition

This year’s highlight is The King’s Tour Artists Exhibition—a collection personally selected by King Charles III. It features over 70 artworks that give a rare glimpse into the artistic preferences of the monarch himself. Visitors can spend around 20 minutes exploring this collection, adding a special touch to the palace visit.

Inside the Palace: What’s Different?

Inside, the rooms are lavish, filled with impressive art, ornate furniture, and sparkling chandeliers. You won’t be able to take photos inside, but the gardens are fair game if you want some shots. The experience is mostly self-guided via the audio guide, which some reviews mention as being quite helpful, especially for those who prefer to go at their own pace.

What About the Price?

At around $92.48 per person, this tour offers a package that combines priority entry, guided walking, and the new art exhibition. While it’s not the cheapest, the value lies in avoiding long queues, gaining insider knowledge, and accessing the palace during a rare opening period.

Some reviews pointed out that booking through Viator, the tour provider, is more expensive than buying tickets directly—costing roughly double—so if you’re purely budget-conscious, it’s worth considering your options.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Duke of York Column

Your day begins at this well-known London landmark. Here, your guide will meet you and set the tone with entertaining stories and historical tidbits about the royal residences and London’s royal history.

The Walk to the Palace

As you walk from the meeting point, you’ll learn about sites like St. James Palace—a royal residence with deep roots—and St. James Park, one of London’s prettiest parks. This part of the tour is appreciated for the expert commentary and the leisurely pace, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

St. James Palace and St. James Park

Both locations are rich in history and offer a break from the crowds. The park is a lovely green space, and some reviews mention it used to be home to the Royal Zoo, adding a fun historical fact.

The Mall and Clarence House

Walking down The Mall, you’ll see the grand approach to Buckingham Palace, perfect for photos and an understanding of its grandeur. Passing Clarence House, the official residence of Prince Charles, helps put the royal residences into context.

Approaching Buckingham Palace

Once at the gates, the focus shifts to the palace’s interior, where the real magic happens. Expect to spend around 20-30 minutes inside, guided by an audio device. Reviewers have raved about the sumptuous décor and impressive art collection.

Inside Buckingham Palace

The rooms include the State Apartments, richly decorated with elegant furnishings, art, and historic items. The new exhibition adds a fresh perspective, showcasing artworks personally chosen by the King.

What the Reviews Say

Many clients have shared positive experiences. Several mention that the walking part of the tour is fun and informative. One reviewer appreciated the entertaining stories from the guide, while others liked how the guided walk made it easier to navigate the busy streets.

Inside the palace, reviewers highlight the stunning interiors and artworks, with one saying, “The artwork is impressive. The overall design & furnishings are stunning.” Others appreciate the priority access, reducing wait times and avoiding long lines.

That said, a few reviews note that once inside, the tour becomes self-guided, which some might find less engaging than a fully guided experience. Plus, the cost can seem high compared to buying tickets directly, especially if you’re comfortable navigating on your own.

Physical Aspects and Practical Tips

This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking and some stairs, so it’s best suited for travelers who are moderately fit. As noted, strollers cannot be accommodated, and photography inside is not permitted for security reasons, although capturing the gardens is fine.

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is manageable for most, but if you’re sensitive to heat or crowds, remember that parts of the day might be busier, especially during peak season.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who wants organized access to Buckingham Palace, with a knowledgeable guide explaining the surrounding landmarks, this tour is a good pick. It’s especially suited for visitors who prefer skip-the-line entry and a structured experience. History and architecture lovers will appreciate the interiors and the new art exhibition.

However, if you’re comfortable exploring independently and are simply after the inside look, you might find the self-guided palace visit alone to be more flexible—and possibly cheaper.

Final Thoughts

This Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & British Royalty Guided Tour combines a scenic walk through royal London with a rare inside look at the Palace’s State Apartments. The inclusion of the new King’s Tour Artists Exhibition and the convenience of priority access make it a compelling choice for many.

While the self-guided element inside the palace might not appeal to everyone, the overall experience offers a blend of expert narration outside, beautiful vistas, and a chance to see the interiors of one of the world’s most iconic royal residences.

If you’re a history enthusiast, a royal aficionado, or someone who values organized logistics, this tour will likely meet your expectations. Just keep in mind the cost and the fact that inside, you’ll be exploring mostly on your own with an audio guide. For many, this mix of guided sightseeing and self-guided palace exploration strikes a nice balance.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
This tour involves some walking and stairs, so it’s best for travelers who can manage moderate physical activity. It’s not specifically geared toward children, but older kids who enjoy history and architecture might find it interesting.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography is not permitted inside the palace for security reasons. However, you can take photos in the gardens if you wish.

How long does the palace visit last?
Inside Buckingham Palace, you can expect to spend around 20 minutes exploring the State Apartments, with additional time for the walk and outside sightseeing, making the total tour about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
You get an expert guide on the walking tour, an audio guide for Buckingham Palace, an entrance ticket, headsets, and access to the new King’s Tour Artists Exhibition.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed if you cancel within this window.

Are there any hidden costs?
The price covers the tour, entry, and the exhibition. However, there are no included hotel pickups or drop-offs, and souvenirs or food are not part of the package.

When is the best time to take this tour?
Since the palace is only open for two months a year, plan your visit accordingly. The tour is popular enough to be booked about 57 days in advance on average, so early planning is wise.

In all, this tour offers an organized, enriching experience with a good mix of outdoor sightseeing and interior exploration. Whether you’re a royal history buff or just want a smooth way to see Buckingham Palace, it’s worth considering—especially if you want to skip the lines and access the palace during its limited opening period.