London: Buckingham Palace Ticket and Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

London: Buckingham Palace Ticket and Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Travelers looking to combine a taste of royal grandeur with a quintessential British afternoon tea will find this tour offers a pleasant mix. For $107 per person, you get admission to Buckingham Palace’s state rooms, a guided audio tour in multiple languages, and a relaxing afternoon tea on a vintage bus. The experience kicks off in central London, with a chance to see one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, then meander through the city’s sights while sipping tea and nibbling on scones.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to visit the Palace’s interior—a rare treat for most visitors—paired with a unique tea experience onboard a vintage bus, which offers a different perspective on London’s iconic sights. The self-guided aspect means you can explore the Palace at your own pace, and the afternoon tea, whether on the bus or at a nearby hotel, adds a leisurely touch.

However, a key consideration is that the bus tour is unescorted and requires travelers to walk between the Palace and the bus departure point afterward, which can be a bit of a logistical puzzle. It’s not necessarily a problem if you’re comfortable navigating on your own, but it’s worth planning ahead.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy delving into history at their own pace and appreciate a relaxed, cultural break with good food. If you’re eager to see the interior of Buckingham Palace and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in London, this combo tour offers a memorable, value-packed day.

Key Points

Visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with an audio guide, including treasures from Rubens and Rembrandt.
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea on a vintage bus, with Prosecco or soft drinks included.
Self-guided exploration allows flexibility and personal pacing inside the Palace.
The tour is unescorted, requiring some independent movement between activities.
Good value for money considering the Palace admission, audio guide, and afternoon tea.
Consideration for logistics: you’ll need to walk a short distance after the Palace visit to reach the tea bus departure point.

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A Close Look at the Experience

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Visiting Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms

The crown jewel of this tour is the admission to Buckingham Palace, a rare chance to go inside a working royal residence. Most travelers will have seen the Palace from the outside, but stepping into the State Rooms offers a glimpse into the royal way of life. The rooms are exquisitely furnished with French and English antiques, showcasing some of the most treasured pieces from the Royal Collection—think Rubens’ paintings or Canova sculptures.

Your audio guide will help illuminate the history and stories behind each room and piece, offering context that makes the visit more meaningful. Given the Palace’s limited opening times, the fact that it’s open in July when you might visit makes it a lucky timing for many. As one traveler put it, “I actually got to go inside!” which is a highlight many value.

Exploring the Gardens

While the interior is the main event, the Palace Gardens are a hidden gem. Often called “the walled oasis in the middle of London,” the gardens feature 30 species of birds and over 350 wildflowers. Walking along the lake and the west front of the Palace offers a peaceful contrast to the busy city. These gardens are less crowded and give a sense of the grandeur and tranquility the royal family enjoys daily.

The Afternoon Tea on the Bus

After your self-guided Palace visit, you walk about ten minutes to the bus stop for your afternoon tea experience. The vintage bus, which departs at 3:15 pm, provides a unique vantage point on London’s sights while you indulge in finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and small tea cakes. The inclusion of Prosecco or soft drinks adds a celebratory touch, making it feel like a proper British treat.

Some reviews note that the bus driver’s commentary can be limited or difficult to understand, especially if diverted due to traffic or road closures. One traveler mentioned that the commentary was drowned out by loud music, which could be disappointing if you’re expecting detailed sightseeing commentary. Nevertheless, the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to enjoy tea while drifting past iconic landmarks offer a charming experience.

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Alternatives and Additional Options

For those seeking a more traditional setting, the tour provides an option to enjoy afternoon tea at The Wellington Hotel nearby, which some might find more elegant or relaxing. This is ideal if you’re craving a classic, sit-down tea experience rather than the more casual bus setting.

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Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation & Timing

The initial meeting point is outside the King’s Gallery Entrance at Buckingham Palace at 10:30 am, where you’ll present your voucher and receive your audio guide. The Palace visit lasts as long as you wish within the opening hours, but booking in advance is essential, especially since the tour is unescorted.

Afterward, you’ll need to walk approximately 10 minutes to the bus departure point at Bulleid Way, Victoria, where check-in begins at 3 pm. The bus departs at 3:15 pm, and the ride lasts about 90 minutes. Be prepared for a shared table on the bus and no onboard toilets, which is typical for short sightseeing buses but worth knowing.

Cost & Value

At $107 per person, this tour offers good value considering admission to Buckingham Palace, the audio guide, and the afternoon tea. Many reviews highlight the delicious food and the interesting opportunity to inside the Palace, which is a rare experience for most travelers.

However, keep in mind that the tour is unescorted, and you are responsible for your own logistics after the Palace visit. If you prefer guided commentary or sightseeing with a guide, this might not be the best fit.

What Travelers Say

While many are pleased with the experience, a few feel that the bus ride could be more engaging. One reviewer noted, “If I was a serious tourist, I would have been disappointed,” due to the limited commentary and diversion from planned routes. Still, the inside Palace experience and the food tend to be praised.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to see the Palace’s interior and enjoy a relaxed, foodie-focused afternoon. It’s also well-suited to those who appreciate flexibility—since the tour is self-guided, you can explore at your own pace.

However, if you’re looking for a fully guided tour with in-depth narration or prefer guided commentary on the bus, you might find this setup less satisfying. The tour appeals most to independent travelers comfortable navigating London on their own, and those who value authentic, non-touristy experiences like inside the Palace and a leisurely tea.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a balanced combination of royal insight and leisurely indulgence. The chance to visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms—a privilege for many travelers—and enjoy tea onboard a charming vintage bus makes for a memorable day. While the unescorted nature and some limitations to the bus commentary** may not suit everyone, the experience provides excellent value for those looking to blend sightseeing with a relaxed, authentic British tradition.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates self-guided exploration, a touch of luxury, and a love for history, this tour is likely to delight—especially if you’re visiting during the Palace’s open season in July. Just remember to plan your timing carefully and be prepared for some independent walking and navigation.

FAQ

Is the Buckingham Palace tour guided?
No, the Palace visit is self-guided with an audio guide available in multiple languages.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is essential, especially since the Palace is only open during certain months, and the tour is non-refundable once booked.

How do I get from the Palace to the afternoon tea bus?
It’s about a 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace to Bulleid Way for the tea bus departure, so plan accordingly.

What does the afternoon tea include?
The tea features finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, small tea cakes, and your choice of tea or soft drink.

Can I upgrade the afternoon tea option?
Yes, you can opt for afternoon tea at The Wellington Hotel for a more traditional setting.

Is there a guide on the bus?
No, the bus ride is unescorted, and commentary may be limited or not as detailed as some travelers expect.

Are children under 5 allowed?
No, children under 5 are not permitted on this tour.

In all, this tour balances royal history, cultural tradition, and London sightseeing in a way that many will find rewarding—just keep your walking shoes handy and your expectations in check for the bus commentary.