Royal Tour & Buckingham Palace State Rooms or Royal Mews Option

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to get a real sense of the city’s royal scene, this Royal Tour with options to visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms or Royal Mews could be a solid choice. We’ve looked into what this tour offers, and it seems to appeal to many travelers, especially those interested in a blend of history, architecture, and a touch of pomp.

What stands out is the opportunity to explore either the lavish State Rooms or the working Royal Mews, which really caters to different interests—whether you’re into royal interiors or carriages and stables. Plus, the added bonus of a local guide makes the experience more engaging and informative. However, the price point, at around $80.92 per person, needs to be weighed against what’s included, especially considering the short window of access during certain times of the year.

For those who enjoy guided walks, engaging stories, and a chance to see some of London’s most iconic sites, this tour could be a great fit. But if you’re after a more private or flexible experience, you might find this a bit structured. It’s best suited for history buffs, culture lovers, and anyone eager to peek behind the royal curtain without spending entire days on a tour.

Key Points

• Flexible options: Choose between visiting Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms or Royal Mews, depending on your interests.
• In-depth insights: Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn fascinating stories about royal life and London landmarks.
• Efficient sightseeing: The tour covers key sites like St. James’s Palace, The Mall, Green Park, and Clarence House in just a few hours.
• Skip-the-line access: Pre-reserved tickets help save time, especially during busy seasons.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.
• Good value: With about 3 to 4 hours of guided exploration and entry to iconic royal sites, the price offers reasonable value, especially for the included skip-the-line tickets.

Walking Through London’s Royal Footsteps

We loved the way this tour combines the best of London’s royal scenery with local insights. Starting just outside Buckingham Palace at Canada Gate, you’re immediately in the heart of the action. Your guide will fill you with little-known tidbits about royal life—think of it as a behind-the-scenes look without the crowds.

Walking through Green Park and stopping outside Clarence House gives you a taste of royal residences, and the guide’s stories about the current king and former residents add a personal touch. Visiting St. James’s Palace, still a bustling royal residence, makes the history feel tangible. And strolling down The Mall is like stepping into a living postcard, with stories of royal weddings, jubilees, and coronations swirling around you.

This part of the tour really sets the scene for what’s to come, and reviews highlight the quality of the storytelling. One reviewer said, “Our guide was excellent,” and others appreciated the local knowledge that made each site more meaningful.

The Changing of the Guard or Royal Mews?

Depending on the option you choose, your experience will shift slightly. If you opt for the Changing of the Guard, you’ll get a prime vantage point to watch this elaborate ceremony, which has been protecting the royal residence for over 400 years. It’s a classic sight, full of precision and pomp. The ceremony lasts about 40 minutes, and many travelers mention how impressive the guards’ uniforms and routines are.

If you prefer something more tangible, the Royal Mews tour might be your highlight. You’ll get to see the royal coaches and carriages, including the famous Gold State Coach used for coronations and jubilees—featured in the recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III. You’ll spend roughly an hour and a half exploring these historic vehicles, with audio guides helping you understand their significance.

One guest remarked, “Seeing the coaches, especially the Gold State Coach, was a real highlight,” and many appreciate the chance to see these working stables up close. The skip-the-line tickets for the Mews mean you won’t waste time in queues, which is a plus during busy seasons.

The Crown Jewel: Buckingham Palace

For those choosing the Palace’s State Rooms, prepare to be wowed by the grandeur inside. These lavish rooms are only open to the public a few months a year, making this a special opportunity. You’ll see the White Drawing Room, Throne Room, and other ornate spaces, all still used by the royal family for entertaining.

The reviews point out that “The Palace interior is worth seeing,” and the audio guides help you appreciate the details. Spending about 1.5 hours touring the State Rooms allows you to soak in royal opulence without feeling rushed.

It’s important to note that access to the State Rooms is seasonal, so if you visit outside their open period (July 11 to September 29), you’ll be directed to the Royal Mews instead, which still makes for a worthwhile visit but with a shorter duration.

Practicalities and Price Analysis

At around $80.92 per person, the tour offers a decent value considering you get skip-the-line tickets and a guided walk through some of London’s most famous royal sites. The entire experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, which is perfect for fitting into a day without feeling overwhelming.

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide who keeps the flow engaging and informative. Plus, the small group size (max 15 travelers) means a more intimate experience and plenty of chances to ask questions.

One noteworthy point from reviews is that unfortunately, some guests experienced confusion about the meet-up location due to conflicting instructions, which led to some missing parts of the tour. This highlights the importance of carefully reading the confirmation details and arriving on time.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility impairments. However, since it’s mainly a walking tour, those with difficulty walking should notify the provider in advance.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those interested in royal London, history, and architecture. If you enjoy guided stories that bring history to life, you’ll find the knowledgeable guides a real asset. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a well-organized, efficient way to see major landmarks without the hassle of figuring everything out on their own.

However, if you’re seeking a highly flexible or private experience, this might feel a bit structured. The seasonal access to the Palace’s State Rooms is also something to keep in mind if your visit falls outside the open months.

Overall, it offers great value and a comprehensive glimpse into royal life, making it a solid choice for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts alike.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pre-reserved skip-the-line tickets for either the Royal Mews or Buckingham Palace State Rooms (depending on your selection), a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, and a guided walk through central London’s royal sites.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 3 to 4 hours, covering walking and visits to key royal landmarks, with dedicated time at Buckingham Palace or the Royal Mews.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but since it involves walking, travelers with mobility impairments should notify the provider beforehand to ensure accommodations.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 70 days ahead on average, and the tickets are pre-reserved, which helps skip long lines during peak times.

Are the interior visits seasonal?
Yes, the Palace State Rooms are open from July 11 to September 29. Outside these dates, you will visit the Royal Mews instead, which shortens the tour slightly.

What if I miss the meetup point?
Some reviews mention confusion about the meetup location, so it’s crucial to read your confirmation email carefully and arrive on time. Contact the provider if needed.

Can I participate if I don’t speak English?
The tour is conducted in English, so non-English speakers might find it challenging to follow along unless they are comfortable with the language.

Final Word

If you’re after a well-structured, educational, and visually impressive tour of London’s royal sights, this experience ticks many boxes. It’s a smart choice for those who want to see the highlights efficiently, learn engaging stories, and get a peek into royal life, all without breaking the bank. Just be mindful of seasonal access, meet-up details, and your walking comfort—these are the keys to making the most of your royal adventure.