Royal Tour & Buckingham Palace State Rooms or Royal Mews Option

When you think about London’s royal attractions, two iconic sights immediately come to mind: Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews. This tour offers a chance to see these highlights alongside a knowledgeable local guide, usually for around $81 per person. It lasts about 3 to 4 hours, making it a manageable way to get a solid dose of royal history and royal sights in one go.

What we love about this experience is how it balances historical storytelling with practical access—thanks to skip-the-line tickets—and offers a choice between exploring the opulent State Rooms or the working Royal Mews. Plus, the tour’s small group size (max 15) ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the wheelchair accessibility makes it possible for most to enjoy the full experience.

A small possible consideration is that, depending on the season and site closures (like the State Rooms from late September to July, when they’re closed for maintenance), you might visit the Mews instead, which shortens the tour. It’s worth checking in advance if your planned visit coincides with these dates.

This tour suits history buffs, royalty enthusiasts, or anyone eager for a luxurious glimpse into royal life. If you appreciate stories, views, and a well-organized itinerary, this walk will satisfy.

Key Points

• Flexible options: Choose between the State Rooms or Royal Mews, depending on your interests.
• Skip-the-line tickets: Get priority access, saving you time.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides enrich the experience with stories and local insights.
• Small groups: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized tour.
• Accessible for most: Wheelchair accessibility included.
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours, making it a convenient half-day activity.

Exploring London’s Royal Heart: The Itinerary

Starting at Canada Gate: A Regal Welcome

Your journey begins outside Canada Gate near Buckingham Palace, right on Carriage Drive. Our guide (and those lucky enough to be with us) typically kicks off with some quick history about royal life and the significance of the nearby palaces and parks. The location itself is perfect for snapping photos, with the palace’s facade just a short walk away.

Walking through Green Park & Clarence House

We loved the way the guide painted a picture of Clarence House, former home of the royal family and now the residence of the Prince of Wales. It’s a beautiful 19th-century estate, and hearing about its history helped us appreciate how intertwined these buildings are with the royal narrative.

Next, strolling through Green Park adds a natural touch to the royal landscape, with its lush trees and open spaces. It’s a scenic route that connects us naturally to the next stop: St. James’s Palace.

Visiting St. James’s Palace: A Royal Residence for Over 300 Years

While it’s less grand than Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace remains an active royal residence and a symbol of continuity. Our guide explained its history and current role, making it clear why this palace is still an important part of royal life.

The Mall & Royal Processions

Walking down The Mall offers a quintessential London experience. The wide avenue lined with flags and trees has hosted countless royal parades, weddings, and jubilees. Our guide shared colorful stories about the events that have taken place along this route, which added a layer of living history.

Wellington Barracks & the Royal Foot Guards

A quick stop at Wellington Barracks introduced us to the Foot Guards. The guide explained how these soldiers have been protecting the royal family for over 400 years. It’s fascinating to see their uniformed discipline and learn about their role in ceremonial and protective duties.

The Optional Highlights: What You Can Expect

Changing of the Guard: A Classic Royal Spectacle

If you opt for the Changing of the Guard, you’ll get a front-row view of this ceremony, which is a favorite among visitors. It lasts about 40 minutes and involves a parade of elaborately dressed guards changing shifts and performing a precise drill.

Reviewers mentioned the vantage point as a highlight, with one saying, “Doing the tour with Terry made the whole experience worth it!” The ceremony’s mix of tradition, pageantry, and discipline makes it a memorable sight.

Royal Mews: The Working Royal Stables

If you choose to visit the Royal Mews, you’ll step into one of the world’s finest working stables. Here, you’ll see historic coaches and carriages, including the Gold State Coach, used for coronations since 1953 and featured prominently in royal celebrations like the Platinum Jubilee.

The Mews also give a behind-the-scenes look at how the royal transportation operates today. Travelers have plenty of time to explore the stables and exhibits with an audio guide, which adds depth to the experience.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms: The Heart of Royal Ceremonies

The highlight for many is touring the Buckingham Palace State Rooms. These exquisitely decorated rooms—such as the White Drawing Room and Throne Room—are used for official entertaining and ceremonies. Their lavish decor and historical significance translate into an authentic glimpse of royal life.

Visitors note that these rooms are only open a few months each year, so planning ahead is essential. The audio guide helps you appreciate the details of each space, from the ornate furnishings to the paintings.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

The reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction. One reviewer called their guide “excellent,” noting that friendly, knowledgeable guides make the difference. Another mentioned that the views during the Changing of the Guard are “good,” and the overall experience is “super nice.”

However, not everyone had a smooth experience. One guest reported difficulty finding the meet-up spot, which caused them to miss the tour. This underscores the importance of careful attention to meeting instructions and timing.

Many visitors appreciated the skip-the-line tickets—these save hours of waiting and make the most of your limited time in London. The small group size was also a recurring positive, allowing for questions and more personalized commentary.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price: At roughly $81, this tour offers good value, especially considering the skip-the-line tickets and expert guide included.
• Duration: Expect 3 to 4 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.
• Booking in advance: The tour is typically booked around 70 days ahead, so plan early if you want a specific date.
• Site closures: The State Rooms are only open from July 11 to Sept 29; outside these months, you’ll visit the Royal Mews instead, which shortens the visit slightly.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible but limited spaces mean early contact with the provider is recommended.
• Meeting Point: Located at Canada Gate—a central and easy-to-find spot near Buckingham Palace.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a royalty admirer, this tour hits the sweet spot of seeing key sites while learning their stories. History lovers will appreciate the detailed commentary and exclusive access to the State Rooms and Mews. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, rundown of royal London.

Those looking for a more intimate experience will value the small group size and personalized guidance. However, travelers with mobility issues should confirm accessibility options ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers an engaging and well-organized way to experience London’s royal side. The combination of historic sites, ceremonial pageantry, and working stables provides a layered understanding of the monarchy’s day-to-day operations and ceremonial grandeur.

The skip-the-line tickets and expert guides make it a practical choice for those who want to maximize their time without sacrificing depth. While site closures might affect your experience during certain months, the tour’s flexible options keep it worth considering year-round.

This is an excellent choice for curious travelers eager for a rich, authentic glimpse into royal London—whether you’re captivated by the palaces or the working stables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose between the Buckingham Palace State Rooms and Royal Mews during this tour?
Yes, you can select either the State Rooms or the Mews when booking. The availability of the State Rooms depends on the season, with open dates from July to late September.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but space is limited. It’s best to contact the provider ahead of your booking to ensure arrangements.

How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is around 3 to 4 hours, depending on whether you visit the State Rooms or the Mews.

Do I need to book early?
Absolutely. The tour is often booked about 70 days in advance. This helps secure your preferred date and access to limited-entry sites.

What happens if the State Rooms are closed during my visit?
If the State Rooms are closed (from late September to July), you’ll visit the Royal Mews instead, which reduces the tour length to approximately 2.5 hours.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience with your guide.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
All tickets, including skip-the-line access to the Mews or State Rooms, are included in the price. No extra charges are expected unless you choose to buy souvenirs or additional extras.

This tour is a well-rounded, practical way to experience some of London’s most regal sights without the hassle. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a memorable, authentic experience, this small-group tour with knowledgeable guides offers a glimpse into the life and ceremonies of the British royal family.