Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour & Palace Entry

A Friendly Look at the Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour & Palace Entry

If you’re considering a visit that combines a guided exploration of London’s royal scene with a peek inside Buckingham Palace, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a mix of sightseeing, fascinating royal facts, and a chance to see the famous residence of Britain’s monarchs. With a price of just over $60, it’s an accessible way to add some royal sparkle to your trip.

What we really like about this experience is the fact that it includes a guided walk led by an expert—helping you connect the dots of London’s royal history and landmarks. Plus, the fact that it offers entry to Buckingham Palace itself means you’ll get a closer look at this iconic building and its stunning gardens. On the flip side, one potential drawback is that part of the experience turns into a self-guided tour, which might feel less personal if you’re expecting full guided narration throughout.

This tour feels best suited for those who want a manageable, well-organized way to see key royal sights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you’re a history buff, a royal enthusiast, or simply curious about London’s monarchy, it’s worth considering. Just keep in mind, it’s not a deep dive into royal history, but more of an enjoyable overview with a bit of insider knowledge.

Key Points

• Includes guided walking tour with a knowledgeable guide providing insights into royal London.
• Entry to Buckingham Palace is included, allowing a self-guided exploration of the State Rooms and gardens.
• The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, balancing sightseeing without feeling rushed.
• Price point around $60 offers good value for a guided experience and palace access.
• Tour size is capped at 50 travelers, which helps keep things manageable.
• Practical considerations include arriving on time, comfortable shoes, and understanding that photos inside the State Rooms are not permitted.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point at The King’s Gallery

Your adventure begins at The King’s Gallery within Buckingham Palace, where you’ll meet your guide. This is a fitting start because it’s a grand and historic location itself, setting the tone for the royal sights ahead. From here, the guide will lead you on a walk through the heart of royal London, touching on various sites, hangouts, and historic spots associated with the monarchy.

The Guided Royal Walking Tour

The two-hour guided portion is where the tour really shines—at least, when it’s about the guide. We’ve seen some rave reviews about guides like Marc, who’s described as “very knowledgeable and friendly,” with a good sense of humor that keeps the tour lively. This part of the tour includes stops at notable buildings like St Jamess Palace—residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall—and the iconic Buckingham Palace itself, the official London home of the reigning monarch.

During this walk, you might catch the famous changing of the guard, a tradition that many visitors find fascinating. Your guide will share stories and facts about these ceremonies and the history of the sites, making the sights come alive.

Buckingham Palace & The Gardens

The second part of your experience involves entry to Buckingham Palace, where you get to walk through the State Rooms and see priceless items from the Royal Collection. This is a highlight, especially for first-time visitors, because it offers a rare peek inside the working palace. Keep in mind that photography inside the State Rooms isn’t allowed, so bring your imagination instead of your camera.

The palace’s gardens are also part of the visit, a rare opportunity to enjoy this exquisite 42-acre royal garden. As one review pointed out, the gardens host 30 species of birds and over 350 wildflowers, so if you appreciate nature, this is a lovely way to wind down your tour.

The Experience’s Flow and Pacing

The entire experience is designed to last about four hours, including the guided walk and palace visit. The initial walk is about two hours, giving enough time to soak in the sights and learn some royal lore. The second part, the palace visit, is also around two hours, giving you time to see the rooms and gardens at your own pace.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Arriving at The King’s Gallery on time is essential, as the guide departs promptly. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as you’ll be walking and standing for a good chunk of time. Comfortable shoes are a must because London’s streets aren’t always smooth, and you’ll be on your feet for at least two hours during the walking portion.

Security checks are standard and can involve a wait, so don’t forget to keep your belongings light and free of prohibited items like alcohol or aerosols. Also, note that pushchairs are not allowed inside the State Rooms and must be checked in, which is a common practice at many historic sites.

What the Reviews Say

While some reviews praise guides like Marc for their knowledge and friendliness, others highlight issues with the tour’s structure. One reviewer noted that “the tour is advertised as four hours, but only two hours are guided,” with the rest being a self-guided visit using a free audio guide. This can be a letdown if you’re expecting a fully guided experience throughout.

Another reviewer expressed strong disappointment with customer service, feeling the experience was a “total scam” and not what was advertised. This underscores the importance of setting expectations—if you’re comfortable with a partly self-guided part, it could still be worthwhile.

On the positive side, many travelers have enjoyed the tour’s value, especially when guided by knowledgeable guides like Marc, who make the experience informative and fun.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a good fit if you want a combination of guided sightseeing and palace access without breaking the bank. It’s suited for those who enjoy history and royal culture but don’t need an exclusive, fully guided inside experience. If you’re okay with part of the palace visit being self-guided, you’ll find this a practical way to see key sites.

It’s also suitable for visitors who value local insights and want to learn engaging facts from an expert guide, making the experience more enriching than just wandering on your own.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a straightforward way to explore some of London’s most famous royal sights with the comfort of a guide and the inclusion of Buckingham Palace’s interior. Its value lies in the blend of walking, storytelling, and palace access—all for a reasonable price.

However, if you’re expecting a fully guided tour inside the palace or a more luxurious experience, you might want to look elsewhere or prepare for some parts of the day to be self-guided. It’s best for curious travelers who want to learn about the monarchy, enjoy a leisurely walk, and see the palace without fussing over logistics.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for first-timers or those with a moderate interest in royal London. Just keep your expectations aligned with what’s offered, and you’ll likely find it a worthwhile addition to your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed for families, children comfortable with walking and standing may enjoy the experience. Keep in mind that pushchairs aren’t allowed inside the State Rooms, so plan accordingly.

How long does the whole tour last?
Approximately four hours, including walking, sightseeing, and the palace visit.

Is the tour guided throughout?
The guided portion lasts about two hours, where you’ll have a knowledgeable guide. The palace visit itself is self-guided using a free audio guide.

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers a royal walking experience and entry to Buckingham Palace, including the State Rooms and gardens.

Are photos allowed inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the State Rooms isn’t permitted. You can take photos in the outdoor areas and gardens for personal use.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as you’ll be walking and standing for parts of the tour.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Yes, prohibited items like alcohol, aerosols, small scissors, and large bags are not allowed inside the palace and must be stored elsewhere.

Can I join the tour without booking in advance?
It’s recommended to book at least five days in advance as the tour is popular and fills up quickly.

What if I want a fully guided inside experience?
This tour includes a self-guided palace visit with an audio guide, so if you want a fully guided inside tour, consider other options.

What do past travelers say about the guides?
Many praise guides like Marc for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.

If exploring London’s royal side sounds appealing, this tour might just be the manageable, informative outing you’re after. Just stay aware of what’s included—and what isn’t—and you’ll have a better idea of whether it matches your travel style.