London: Buckingham Palace and Tea at The Clermont Hotel

London: Buckingham Palace and Tea at The Clermont Hotel offers a chance to step inside one of the world’s most famous royal residences and then relax with a quintessential British tradition: afternoon tea. For $107 per person, this experience combines cultural sightseeing with a leisurely culinary treat, making it a popular choice for visitors wanting a taste of royalty and comfort in central London. The tour includes access to all 19 State Rooms at Buckingham Palace and its spectacular gardens, open for just 10 weeks each year—an exclusive window for most travelers. Following the palace visit, a refined afternoon tea awaits at The Clermont Hotel, Charing Cross, famous for its classic menu and cozy ambience.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the chance to see the treasures from the Royal Collection—from Rembrandt paintings to fine Sèvres porcelain—and the opportunity to enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and decadent desserts. The combination of culture and culinary relaxation is well thought out. A slight caveat is the need to organize your own transportation between venues, as this isn’t a guided tour with a coach or driver. That flexibility can be both a plus and a challenge, depending on your preference for scheduling and navigation.

This tour suits visitors who want a well-rounded experience: those eager to peek behind the palace’s historic doors as well as those who value a proper afternoon tea. It’s especially ideal if you’re comfortable with self-guided transit and are interested in exploring at your own pace. Be aware, some reviews mention logistical hurdles, but others praise the value for money and the quality of the experience.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Explore all 19 State Rooms and the Palace gardens, open only for a limited 10 weeks annually.
• Rich Collections: View masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, alongside exquisite porcelain and furniture.
• Flexible Schedule: You will need to organize your own transport between the meeting point, palace, and hotel.
• Value for Money: The price of $107 covers entrance, an audio guide, and afternoon tea, making it a reasonably priced cultural package.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea with a variety of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and an extensive tea selection.
• Mixed Reviews: Some visitors praise the quality of the palace tour and food, while others find the logistics cumbersome.

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A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at The Albert Pub on Victoria Street, where you’ll exchange your voucher for tickets. This initial step is a bit unusual—you’re asked to pick up a physical ticket at a pub before proceeding—but it’s a common feature of many non-guided experiences. Once you’ve got your tickets, you’re on your own to navigate the short walk to Buckingham Palace, which is about 9 minutes away along Buckingham Gate. This step can seem a bit confusing if you’re expecting a guided group, but the process is straightforward once you know the route.

Buckingham Palace Tour: Inside the State Rooms

The highlight of this experience is definitely the interior visit to Buckingham Palace. You’ll explore all 19 State Rooms, each lavishly decorated and filled with treasures from the Royal Collection. Expect to see paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, along with sculptures by Canova. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest English and French furniture and delicate porcelain pieces, giving you a real sense of royal grandeur.

The tour is self-guided, aided by an audio guide, which is included. This allows you to absorb the history and details at your own pace, pausing to admire each masterpiece or to snap photos (though photography inside the palace is generally prohibited). Keep in mind, the palace opens to the public only 10 weeks each year, making this a rare chance to access the private rooms and gardens.

The Gardens

Beyond the rooms, the visit includes access to the palace gardens, a rare privilege that offers insight into the outdoor spaces used for official ceremonies. The gardens are beautifully landscaped, and many visitors find this part of the tour calming and picturesque. It’s a highlight for those interested in the royal estate beyond just the interior.

The Logistics and Timing

Your ticket at The Albert Pub is scheduled for 13:30. The palace visit itself takes about an hour, and you’re expected to arrive on time to avoid missing your slot. After touring the palace, you’ll have a gap of around 2-3 hours before heading to The Clermont Hotel for afternoon tea at 16:00. This gap can be used for a quick stroll along The Mall or some souvenir shopping, but reviews suggest that the logistics of moving between venues can be a bit confusing if not well planned.

Afternoon Tea at The Clermont Hotel

The final part of the experience is a proper British afternoon tea. The menu features a variety of finger sandwiches—cucumber, ham, egg mayo, smoked salmon—plus fresh scones with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. The cakes are tempting, with options like Victoria sponge and chocolate-orange tart, alongside a selection of herbal and leaf teas including English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Green Tea.

Many reviewers have praised the quality of the food and the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel, which offers a nice contrast to the formal palace visit. The experience is leisurely, allowing you to reflect on your morning while enjoying the decadence of traditional tea. It’s a classic British scene, and it’s likely to satisfy those seeking comfort after a busy sightseeing morning.

The Balance of Costs and Benefits

At $107, this experience offers a reasonable bundle—entrance to Buckingham Palace, access to the State Rooms and gardens, an audio guide, and a generous afternoon tea. For those who appreciate a good value, it’s a straightforward way to tick off a major London highlight without the expense or hassle of booking each part separately.

However, some reviews reveal logistical frustrations. One traveler noted, “You must remove this option. Only guided tour to Buckingham palace then followed some simple snacks near to the exit of the palace should be better rather than taking a transport from Buckingham palace to the Palace Horseguards hotel which is quite far to walk.” The journey between venues wasn’t clearly explained and added an unanticipated layer of complexity.

The experience’s success depends largely on your comfort with navigating London on your own and managing your own timing. If you prefer guided groups or luxury transportation, this might not be the best fit.

People who value flexibility and a personalized pace will find the self-guided format appealing. But if you’re seeking a seamless, guided, all-inclusive experience, you might find the logistics off-putting.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for independent travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration and don’t mind organizing their own transit. It’s also perfect for history and art lovers keen to see the Royal Collection treasures firsthand. If you love a traditional afternoon tea and want to combine it with a visit to a historic royal residence, this tour hits both marks.

However, those who prefer guided commentary or a more structured day might prefer guided tours that include transportation and detailed guides. Also, if you’re traveling in peak tourist season, be prepared for crowds and longer lines, especially at Buckingham Palace.

Final Thoughts

Overall, London: Buckingham Palace and Tea at The Clermont Hotel offers a well-balanced blend of royal sightseeing and a classic British treat. The access to all 19 State Rooms and the gardens is a rare privilege, and the afternoon tea provides a cozy, indulgent end to the day. It’s a flexible experience that rewards those comfortable navigating London on their own, and it’s especially valuable for art and history enthusiasts wanting a close-up look at the Royal Collection.

While the logistical steps can feel a bit cumbersome—exchanging tickets at The Albert, walking between venues—the quality of the palace interior and the pleasure of a proper tea often outweigh those inconveniences. For travelers seeking a mix of culture, comfort, and a taste of royal life without breaking the bank, this tour offers good value.

That said, if seamless guided service and transportation are your priority, consider other options. But for the independent spirit, this experience remains a rewarding glimpse into London’s royal and culinary traditions.

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FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, you must book ahead and exchange your voucher at The Albert Pub for tickets before the visit.

Is transportation between venues included?
No, you are responsible for making your own way between The Albert Pub, Buckingham Palace, and The Clermont Hotel.

What time do I need to arrive?
Your tickets are scheduled for 13:30 at The Albert Pub. Be punctual to ensure you don’t miss your palace entry.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the State Rooms is generally not permitted, but you can take pictures in the gardens and outside.

What does the afternoon tea include?
A selection of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, cakes, pastries, and a choice of herbal or leaf teas.

How long is the palace tour?
The visit to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms typically lasts around an hour, with additional time for the gardens.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not specifically geared for children, the art and garden viewing can be enjoyable for families with older kids.

What if I have mobility issues?
The experience involves walking between venues and within the palace; check with the provider for accessibility details.

How is the overall value?
Considering the entrance, access to the collections, and afternoon tea, many find it a good deal, though some reviews mention logistical frustrations.

Can I customize this experience?
Since it’s a self-guided tour, you can extend your time at the palace or explore nearby sights at your own pace.

To sum it up, this tour is best suited for travelers eager to see the royal treasures and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea without the pressure of guided tours or guided transportation. It offers a good balance of culture and comfort but requires a bit of planning on your part. If you’re comfortable with self-guided logistics and want a taste of London’s royal world combined with a lovely teatime, it’s a worthwhile choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: