London: Buckingham Palace and Royal London Walking Tour

Imagine strolling through London’s historic streets, learning about the royal family from an expert guide, and ending your day inside Buckingham Palace—the iconic residence of the monarchy. For around five hours, this tour takes you on a detailed journey through royal London, mixing sightseeing, stories, and royal secrets. The experience costs about $59.27 per person, which is fairly reasonable given the amount of history, culture, and exclusive access packed into the day.

What really stands out are the knowledgeable guides—many reviewers mention guides like Sarah or Philip who make the stories come alive with lively anecdotes and insider tidbits. Another highlight? The chance to enter Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with a multimedia guide, offering a rare glimpse into the palace’s lavish interiors and priceless artworks.

On the flip side, some travelers note that parts of the tour can feel rushed, especially with the busy schedule. The tour’s duration, roughly five hours, includes a significant amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s best suited for those who love history, royal intrigue, and don’t mind a bit of a pace to see many of London’s most famous royal sites.

If you’re someone who wants a mix of guided storytelling and personal exploration—plus a chance to step inside a real royal palace—this tour offers a very engaging way to spend a day in London.

Key Points

Expert-guided walking tour of London’s royal sites, offering historical stories and insider details.
Includes entry to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, with an audio guide to enhance your visit.
Tour duration of about 5 hours with a 2-hour walk and palace visit.
Visit iconic locations like St James’s Palace, Horseguards, and Westminster Abbey.
Limited days and times: operates Thursday to Monday, with specific start times.
Cost-effective considering the entrance fees and guided experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail: What You’ll See and Do

If you're drawn to exploring London on foot, we've looked into these other walking experiences

Starting at Buckingham Palace’s King’s Gallery

Your adventure begins outside The King’s Gallery, right at the gates of Buckingham Palace. Here, your guide will meet you and set the scene with stories about the royal residence. This initial spot provides a perfect backdrop for photos and gives context for what’s to come.

Walking Tour of Royal London

The walk takes about two hours, during which you’ll see several must-see sites and hear fascinating stories. Your guide, whose enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, will lead you through Westminster, passing by important buildings like St James’s Palace and the Horseguards. Expect to learn about the lives of the royals, the significance of Royal Warrants on Jermyn Street, and amusing facts—like where the Queen Mother bought her cigarettes.

Many reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling skills—”Sarah was incredibly engaging and made the history come alive,” one reviewer noted. Another praised her knack for sharing lesser-known facts, such as details about the Royal Family’s favorite spots and traditions like cream teas at Fortnum and Mason.

Key Royal Sites and Stories

St James’s Palace: We loved the way the guide explained its role as the Queen’s official residence and the social hub of the monarchy.
Changing of the Guard: While not guaranteed, if your timing aligns, you might see this iconic ceremony and learn about its history.
Royal Warrant Holders: Jermyn Street is packed with shops that supply the Royal Family, and your guide will point out some of the most interesting ones.
The Royal Family’s quirks: From the Queen Mother’s shopping choices to royal traditions, these stories add color to the tour.
Fortnum and Mason: A quick stop to appreciate this historic department store and its royal connections, including the tradition of cream teas.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ending at Buckingham Palace

After the walk, your guide will escort you to Buckingham Palace for your scheduled entry at 12:30 PM. This is a highlight many travelers appreciate, as they gain access to the State Rooms—the very areas where the royal family hosts official events and dignitaries.

While you're exploring London, here are other experiences we've looked into

Inside the Palace: The State Rooms

The visit to Buckingham Palace is a real treat. You’ll see 19 State Rooms, decorated with furnishings and artworks from the Royal Collection, including works by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt. The multimedia guide helps you understand the significance of each room, from the Grand Ballroom to the Throne Room.

The gardens are also worth exploring—an oasis in the heart of London, bursting with wildflowers and home to various bird species. Observing the lush greenery and the famous lake from the garden’s south side provides a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

The entire experience is designed to give you a balanced view of London’s royal history. The cost includes the guided tour, entry to the palace, and the multimedia guide—making it a good value for those interested in royal London. Keep in mind, food and drinks aren’t included, so plan accordingly, and wear comfortable shoes since there’s a fair amount of walking.

Some reviews mention that the pace can be brisk, especially for those less accustomed to walking long distances. It’s also a tour that operates only Thursday to Monday, so plan your trip accordingly. Arriving 15 minutes early is advised, and the meeting point is conveniently located outside the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and first-time visitors who want to see the highlights of London’s royal sites in one day. It’s also ideal if you prefer guided stories over solo sightseeing, as many reviewers praise their guide’s engaging narratives. If you enjoy inside access to historic buildings and are comfortable walking, this tour will suit you well.

However, travelers looking for a luxury, private experience might find it a bit organized and busier than they prefer. Also, if your schedule is tight or you want a more relaxed pace, you might want to consider splitting the sightseeing from the palace visit.

Final Words: Is it Worth It?

For the price, this tour offers a rundown of London’s royal scene, combined with the rare chance to visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms—an experience many don’t get to enjoy without a special ticket or palace event. The Guide’s storytelling makes history come alive, adding a layer of personality to the sites.

If you’re fascinated by royal traditions, curious about the monarchy, or simply want a well-organized way to see major royal sites, this tour balances content and access nicely. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in learning stories rather than just snapping photos.

Just keep in mind the walking involved and plan for a leisurely, comfortable day. With the right expectations, this experience can be a memorable highlight of your London trip.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes around 5 hours, including a 2-hour guided walk and the palace visit.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace and finishes at Westminster Abbey.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you can bring bottled water inside Buckingham Palace.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended as the tour operates Thursday to Monday and has limited start times.

Are the tickets flexible?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if plans change.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the State Rooms is not allowed, only in outdoor areas or the garden for personal use.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 years old, mainly due to the walking and the nature of the visit.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, as the tour involves quite a bit of walking on different surfaces.

This tour combines storytelling, history, and exclusive access in a way that makes your visit to London truly special. Whether you’re a royal enthusiast or just eager to see the city’s most iconic sites, it offers a well-rounded experience.