Royal English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours

If you’re planning a trip to London and love the idea of combining sightseeing with tasting classic British flavors, this Royal English Walking Food Tour could be just what you’re after. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the glowing reviews and comprehensive itinerary suggest it offers a well-balanced mix of history, sights, and food.

What we really like about this tour is how it pairs stunning royal sights with delicious British specialties—from cheeses to afternoon tea—making it perfect for anyone eager to experience a true taste of London. Plus, with a small group of just 12 people, you can expect a more personal, engaging experience.

One potential drawback? The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point. Also, keep in mind that the itinerary might shift due to weather or availability, which is pretty standard but worth noting if you’re a meticulous planner.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want to hit key sights and sample local foods without feeling rushed. It’s also great if your time in London is limited—about 3.5 hours still packs in a lot of highlights.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting in historic and royal London areas
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience
• Includes iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and the Royal Parks
• Tastings of British favorites like cheeses, afternoon tea, chocolates, and more
• Guided by knowledgeable locals who share interesting stories along the way
• No hotel pickup, so plan your transportation to the meeting point

What to Expect from the Royal English Walking Food Tour

This tour offers a hearty taste of London’s royal heritage combined with a curated selection of traditional British foods. Over about three and a half hours, you’ll explore some of London’s most recognizable sights and enjoy authentic tastes that have been enjoyed by royalty and locals alike.

Starting Point: Green Park and Nearby Spots

Your adventure begins at Green Park Underground Station, a convenient hub close to many central sights. The first stops are Princes Arcade and Burlington Arcade—both charming shopping streets with high-end boutiques and impressive architecture. These spots give you a glimpse of a world where the royals might do their shopping, plus some excellent photo ops.

Reviewers rave about the shopping streets: “Keep your cameras ready as we may meet the special police force guarding this place here too,” one reviewer notes, highlighting the unique chance to see London’s iconic guards in action while enjoying treats.

Exploring Royal Art and History

A major highlight is the visit to the Royal Academy of Arts. This institution has been inspiring artists and visitors for over 250 years, offering a window into Britain’s vibrant arts scene. While the interior isn’t part of the tour, the exterior and history provide context for London’s cultural heartbeat.

Next, you’ll step into Fortnum & Mason, a storied department store that’s been serving the royal household since the 1700s. It’s a perfect spot to admire luxury goods and historic charm. The reviews mention it as “a class apart,” and many appreciate the chance to see a retail experience steeped in tradition.

Royal Sights and Stories

The tour then heads to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll see the gates and listen to fascinating stories about the monarchy. The guards stand still at attention, and this offers a chance for some memorable photos—though access inside the palace isn’t on the agenda.

The Heart of the Experience: Afternoon Tea and Food Tastings

The most cherished part of the tour is the stop at Piccadilly Circus, where you’ll enjoy a full afternoon tea. Think scones with clotted cream and jam, sandwiches, cakes, and macaroons—just like you might see in a Royal court or a fancy hotel. The experience is relaxed, with plenty of time to savor each bite.

Throughout the walk, you’ll sample a variety of foods: cinnamon swirl pastries, Scotch eggs, British cheeses, hot meat pies, and even chocolates. Accompanying drinks include coffee, champagne, and traditional English beverages like mead and Kings Ginger.

One review describes the tasting experience as “fit for a queen,” emphasizing the quality and variety of the foods. The guide pairs each tasting with stories about the Royal Household, adding a layer of context that makes each bite more meaningful.

The Realistic Perspective

While many guests found the tour “fantastic,” some noted that the pace is quite relaxed—making it a good fit for those who enjoy taking their time. The group remains small, and the guide’s insights are consistently praised, making the experience engaging rather than just a walk-and-eat.

The Details: Pricing, Duration, and Logistics

At $135.70 per person, this tour offers a lot in terms of experience and food. Considering the inclusion of multiple tastings, a knowledgeable guide, and visits to iconic sites, the value is quite fair. It’s especially good for those wanting to combine sightseeing with food in a limited time.

The tour lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes with walking involved—comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll cover quite a bit on foot. The small group size (up to 12 travelers) ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions or get personalized tips.

Booking about 71 days in advance on average signals that this experience is popular—so if you’re interested, it’s worth planning ahead.

What’s Not Included

The tour doesn’t cover hotel transportation, so plan to meet at the starting point in Green Park. It also doesn’t include entry fees for Buckingham Palace, but the outside view and stories make that a minor point.

The Experience: What Visitors Say

Reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides—especially Sam and Kevin, who are praised for their friendliness, local insights, and ability to make the tour fun. “Sam was an awesome guide,” a reviewer shares, noting how he even found the perfect spot to watch the changing of the guards while snacking.

Guests also love the stunning views and the chance to see lesser-known spots along with the main landmarks. One mentioned, “We saw lots of interesting things that we wouldn’t have likely seen on our own,” which speaks to the added value of guided storytelling and insider tips.

The variety in tastings, from cheeses to afternoon tea, keeps the tour lively. Several reviewers mention that they appreciated the quality of the food and the pairing with drinks—especially the champagne and traditional English mead, which added a special touch.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace, historical stories, and good-quality food. It’s especially good if you’re a first-time visitor wanting to quickly hit the main royal sights while tasting London’s culinary staples.

It’s also suitable for those who appreciate small-group experiences, as it offers a more personal feel than larger tours.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule and need a quick overview, this tour’s 3.5-hour duration strikes a good balance. If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a family-friendly experience, note that the alcohol tastings are limited to 18+, but the food and sightseeing are accessible for most.

The Sum Up

In all, the Royal English Walking Food Tour stands out for blending history, culture, and culinary delights seamlessly. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and authentic British flavors make it a compelling choice for those wanting a deeper, more personal experience of London’s royal side.

You’ll love the chance to explore iconic sights with a local who shares captivating stories, and the tasty food stops will leave you feeling like part of the royal court—if only for a few hours. The value for the price is quite good considering the quality of the tastings and the richness of the sights.

This tour is perfect for first-timers, food lovers, and anyone eager to walk through London’s regal neighborhoods while enjoying some of the best traditional eats. If you’re looking for an experience that combines sightseeing with genuine, memorable flavors, this one ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point, Green Park Underground.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, covering both sightseeing and food tasting.

Are the food and drink options suitable for vegetarians?
The tour can be modified for vegetarians if you add a note when booking. The default menu includes items like Scotch eggs and meat pies, but options can be adjusted.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you’ll be on your feet for several hours.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, tea, and water are available, and you can skip the alcoholic options.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most of the experience is accessible to adults, the alcohol tastings are limited to those 18 and over. Children may enjoy the sights and food but should be supervised.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary and menu may change based on weather conditions or availability, but the core experience focuses on outdoor sights and indoor tastings, so it generally remains enjoyable in various weather.

If you’re craving an experience that makes history, sights, and flavors come alive in a compact, well-organized package, this walking tour could be just what you need for a memorable London visit.