London: Royal London Tour

When it comes to experiencing London’s iconic royal sights, there are plenty of options. One popular choice is the Royal London Tour offered by Evan Evans Tours. This three-hour guided journey promises a glimpse into the city’s royal heritage, combining impressive landmarks and engaging commentary. While I haven’t been on this specific tour myself, I’ve gone through the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what you can expect.

What really caught my eye are two standout features: First, the knowledgeable Blue Badge guide that leads the way, offering insights that bring each site to life. Second, the luxury motor coach makes what could be a hectic day much more comfortable. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that, being a shorter, morning tour, it might not leave enough time to explore each site deeply or get out for close-up photos.

This tour is well-suited to travelers who want a broad overview of London’s royal landmarks with ease and comfort, especially if they prefer guided experiences over solo wandering. If you’re pressed for time but want to check off key sights, it could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Concise but comprehensive: A good way to see many major landmarks quickly
• Comfortable transportation: First-class coach with audio guides in multiple languages
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable tour guide adds depth to the experience
• Limited time for exploration: Focus is on highlights, not deep dives
• Ideal for first-timers: Perfect for those new to London’s royal sites
• Good value: Around $67.35 offers a decent introduction to key sights

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Royal London Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at Victoria Coach Station, a central and easily accessible spot in London. From here, the group embarks on a panoramic drive around Parliament Square, which is an excellent way to get a first glimpse of some of London’s most recognizable landmarks. The guide’s narration helps set the scene, giving you context about the buildings and history you’ll see.

Westminster Abbey

Next, you’ll visit Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married. This is a highlight for many, not just because of the royal weddings but also due to its stunning architecture and the many royal ceremonies held there. You get about an hour here, which is enough to appreciate the exterior and hear some stories, but don’t expect to step inside unless you book separate tickets. The guide’s commentary makes the most of this stop, giving insights into its significance.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

One of the main attractions is Buckingham Palace, especially for the iconic Changing of the Guard. The tour allocates about an hour for this part—enough time to get a good view of the ceremony and take photos. The guard change is scheduled on specific days—Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—so check the schedule if that’s a priority. Many reviews mention how close and impressive the ceremony is, with one reviewer noting, “it gets you up close to the changing of the beautiful horse guards.”

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Additional Landmarks

The tour also includes stops at the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial, which are stunning sights worth noticing, especially if you’re interested in royal or cultural history. Afterward, there’s a visit to St. James’s Park, a charming green space in the middle of the city that provides a moment of calm amid sightseeing.

End of the Tour

The tour wraps up back at Victoria around noon, leaving plenty of time for lunch or further exploration. The guide is available to suggest good local spots and help with transportation, making the transition from this guided experience to your next activity smooth.

The Experience: What’s It Like?

Travelers seem to find the coach very comfortable, and the audio guides in multiple languages (Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean) add a nice touch if you prefer to listen in your language. Having a Blue Badge guide means you’re likely to get accurate, engaging stories that make the sites more meaningful.

One reviewer mentioned that the guided tour provided enough insight to help plan future visits, saying, “It did give us an insight into what we found interesting and will use this as a guide to visit these places more fully.” This suggests that it’s a good starting point rather than an exhaustive exploration.

However, not everyone feels the tour offers ample time at each stop. One person noted they would have liked “more time to get out and see the wonderful buildings and landmarks,” but acknowledged that a morning tour naturally limits how long you can linger.

Pricing and Value

At around $67.35 per person, the tour offers a reasonable way to see several of London’s royal highlights without the hassle of navigating public transportation or arranging multiple tickets. For the price, you’re getting expert narration, comfortable transport, and a quick but meaningful overview of royal London.

Who Will Enjoy It?

This tour works best for first-time visitors who want a structured, comfortable way to see key landmarks. It’s also suitable if you’re short on time but still want a taste of London’s royal history. While it’s not a deep dive into every site, the guides’ insights help make each stop worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for an easy, guided introduction to London’s royal landmarks, this tour is a solid pick. The comfortable coach and knowledgeable guide make the experience enjoyable and informative. It’s especially handy if you want to avoid planning logistics or navigating the busy streets on your own.

That said, if you’re keen to spend more time at each location or visit specific sites in detail, you might find this tour a little rushed. It’s a good “snapshot” rather than an in-depth exploration, but it provides a useful overview that can inspire further visits later.

Overall, for around $67, you get a well-organized, engaging tour that showcases London’s royal charm without overwhelming you. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate guided storytelling and want a comfortable, hassle-free way to see the highlights.

FAQs About the Royal London Tour

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
No, it does not. The meeting point is at Victoria Coach Station, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from there.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, starting in the morning. Make sure to check availability for specific start times.

Are there guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, the tour offers an immersive audio-guide in Spanish, German, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, and Korean.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the changing of the guard included?
It’s scheduled on specific days (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays). The guard change is a self-guided part of the tour, so you can watch it at your convenience within the allocated hour.

What sites are covered during the tour?
You’ll see Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Albert Memorial, and St. James’s Park.

Are food and drinks included?
No, those are not included, but guides can suggest places to eat after the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically designed as a family-focused tour, the stops are mainly outdoor and visual, making it manageable for older children interested in history and royalty.

If you’re eager to see London’s royal sights comfortably and with expert narration, this tour could be just what you need. It’s a practical way to tick off several major landmarks without much fuss—perfect if you want a quick, engaging overview.

You can check availability for your dates here: