London: Buckingham Palace State Rooms with Bus and Boat Tour

Exploring London’s highlights with a visit to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, combined with a bus and boat tour, offers a well-rounded experience for travelers longing to see the city’s iconic sights. For $102 per person, this package delivers a mix of royal elegance and lively cityscape, all at a pace that suits your curiosity. The self-guided tour of the Palace’s grand State Rooms, coupled with access to the Royal Gardens, gives you an intimate glimpse into royal life, while the hop-on hop-off bus and Thames river cruise help you see London’s most famous landmarks from multiple perspectives.

What we like most about this experience is how flexible it is — you can explore at your own speed inside the Palace, then hop on a bus or river cruise when you want. Plus, the inclusion of audio guides in 12 languages ensures travelers from all backgrounds will get the most out of their visit. However, it’s worth noting that the entire experience is designed to be a one-day outing, so if you’re keen to spend more time inside each part, doing them separately might make more sense.

This tour suits those who appreciate a mix of history and sightseeing but prefer to control their own schedule rather than a packed guided tour. Travelers who value authentic experiences—like walking through the Royal Gardens or enjoying London’s skyline from the Thames—will find this combo appealing. Just keep in mind the limited time inside Buckingham Palace, especially if you want to linger over the treasures.

Key Points

• Flexibility & Convenience: Self-guided inside Buckingham Palace, hop-on hop-off buses, and a Thames cruise all in one ticket.
• Rich Experience: See the Royal Collection, explore Royal Gardens, and enjoy iconic London sights like Big Ben and the London Eye.
• Ease of Use: No need to print tickets – e-tickets are accepted on all services, with buses departing every 20 minutes.
• Authentic Views: The Royal Gardens offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle, and the boat cruise provides a scenic perspective of London’s riverside landmarks.
• Value for money: Price includes entry, transportation, and a boat ride, making it a cost-effective way to cover several attractions.
• Accessibility & Practical Info: Mobile phones allowed in the palace gardens, but not inside the State Rooms. Mobility access must be booked directly with Buckingham Palace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience: A Deep Dive

Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Royal Gardens

Stepping inside Buckingham Palace is a highlight that many travelers cherish. The 19 State Rooms are packed with furnishings and artworks that speak of regal splendor—think French and English antique furniture, paintings by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, as well as sculptures by Canova. These rooms are not just showpieces; they are active parts of the Royal Household, used for official functions and receptions.

What makes this part of the tour especially compelling is the opportunity for a self-guided exploration. You can take your time, revisit rooms if something catches your eye, or linger in the gardens. The Royal Gardens themselves are surprisingly tranquil, offering a peaceful escape amid the city’s chaos. With over 30 bird species and 350 wildflowers, they provide a slice of nature in the heart of London. We loved the views from the southern side, overlooking the palace’s lake and façade—ideal for photos or just soaking in the grandeur.

The Practicalities of Visiting Buckingham Palace

One of the best features of this package is the no-print ticket policy. Your e-ticket is accepted across all services, simplifying logistics. The entrance process is smooth, with a dedicated King’s Gallery Entrance for visitors. Be prepared for a one-way route inside the Palace for safety reasons, which means you can’t backtrack through the State Rooms once you’ve entered.

A key consideration is that no photography is allowed inside, so you’ll have to rely on your memory or photos of the outside. Also, pushchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms and must be checked in, but baby carriers are available for loan. For visitors with mobility issues, booking directly with Buckingham Palace ensures proper accommodations.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Your City Companion

The 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket unlocks the city’s treasures at your pace. The buses run every 20 minutes on the Blue and Red routes, with the Orange route every 30 minutes, making it easy to fit around your schedule. We appreciate that all buses offer free Wi-Fi, which is handy for looking up more info or sharing photos.

The routes cover essential sights like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. The Classic Tour (blue and red routes) is the most comprehensive, while the Essential Tour takes you through parks like Hyde and Regent’s. Travelers praised the knowledgeable guides (or the audio guides) in reviews, noting that they helped make sense of the landmarks’ history and significance.

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Thames River Cruise: A Refreshing Perspective

The one-way cruise along the Thames is a lovely way to see London from a different angle. Departing from Westminster and heading toward Tower Millennium Pier, the boat ride offers panoramic views of London’s skyline. As you cruise, the live commentary enriches the experience, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories you might overlook from the streets.

Most reviews about the boat ride are positive, highlighting how it complements the sightseeing experience. The cruise is particularly spectacular at sunset or after dark, when London’s buildings are lit up—an experience some reviewers found especially memorable. Keep in mind, your ticket covers only a one-way trip, so plan your route accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This combined experience is best suited for travelers who want to see a variety of highlights without the hassle of booking multiple tickets or navigating different sites. It offers a balance of structured access to Buckingham Palace with the freedom to explore London at your own pace via bus and boat. The inclusion of audio guides and flexible scheduling makes it accessible for most visitors.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, quieter moments in the Royal Gardens or values seeing London’s landmarks from the river, this tour offers a lot of value. It’s also ideal for those on a limited schedule who want to hit multiple top sights in one day, especially since the tickets are valid for 24 hours, giving you room to customize your experience.

However, if your main focus is on deep inside Buckingham Palace, or if you prefer guided, small-group tours, you might find other options more suitable. Also, if you love to linger, doing each activity separately could be more satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use my e-ticket for all parts of the tour?
Yes, your e-ticket is accepted on all services, including entry to Buckingham Palace, the bus, and the boat cruise.

How often do the buses depart?
Buses leave approximately every 20 minutes on the Blue and Red routes, and every 30 minutes on the Orange route.

Is the boat cruise a round-trip?
No, the boat ticket is valid for a one-way journey only from Westminster to Tower Millennium Pier or vice versa.

Are there audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides are included in the price and are available in 12 languages.

Can I visit Buckingham Palace on a specific date?
Yes, but you need to book in advance. The tour starts at the King’s Gallery Entrance, with a staff escort.

What should I know about photography?
Photographs are not permitted inside the State Rooms, but you may take photos in the Palace Gardens.

Are there any restrictions for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, access must be booked directly with Buckingham Palace, and some areas might have restrictions.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not provided as part of this tour.

What is the best time of day for the boat cruise?
Many find the evening cruises especially beautiful, as city lights create a stunning backdrop, but it runs every 30 minutes throughout the day.

In all, this package offers a well-rounded taste of London’s royal and city life. It balances the grandeur of Buckingham Palace with the lively, scenic streets and riverside views, perfect for those who want a flexible, accessible way to experience London’s essence. Whether you’re marveling at art treasures, snapping photos from a boat, or just soaking in the city’s energy, this tour provides a practical route to memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: