Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour & Palace Entry

Introduction

This Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour with Palace Entry offers a chance to explore one of the most iconic royal residences in the world. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, reviews and details paint a picture of an experience that combines guided sightseeing with the chance to step inside the famous palace.

What stands out are the knowledgeable guides, the opportunity to learn fascinating royal facts, and the chance to see the exquisite Buckingham Palace gardens. However, some reviews mention that the tour’s length and guide involvement can vary, so it’s worth considering whether this format matches your expectations. This experience is perfect for those passionate about British royalty or history buffs eager to see the Royal Collection firsthand without overpaying for exclusive access.

Good To Know

• Guided experience with knowledgeable guides enhances the storytelling and engagement.
• Includes entry to Buckingham Palace and its gardens, offering a close-up of royal life.
• Timing and duration are approximately four hours, but some reviews note a significant portion is self-guided.
• Limited to group sizes of up to 50, making it a relatively intimate tour.
• Practical tips like arriving early, wearing comfortable shoes, and understanding palace restrictions can improve your visit.
• Price point around $60 offers a balance of guided insight and palace access, but check what’s included.

What to Expect from the Tour

This Royal London Walking Tour begins at The King’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace at 10:00 am, where you’ll meet an expert guide ready to take you on a journey through London’s royal hotspots. The tour runs for about four hours, combining walking visits to significant sites with a timed visit to Buckingham Palace itself.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

The tour kicks off here, where you’ll get an overview of the Palace’s grandeur and its role in royal life. The guide will share stories about the building’s history and its importance as a working royal residence. Expect to learn about the Royal Collection and see some of the priceless pieces displayed here.

The guide, as one reviewer mentioned, was “very knowledgeable and friendly,” making the history come alive with humor and insight. This part of the tour lasts roughly two hours, allowing plenty of time to soak in the surroundings and ask questions.

Stop 2: Buckingham Palace Gardens

After the tour of the State Rooms, visitors are led outside to walk along the south side of the palace gardens, which are described as a “walled oasis” in central London. The gardens are home to over 350 wildflowers and 30 bird species, a surprising contrast to the busy city. You’ll get great views of the palace and the chance to see the royal garden up close — a favorite aspect for many, especially those interested in royal life beyond the public eye.

Note: Photographs are only permitted outside, in gardens or outdoor areas, so don’t forget your camera for the garden shots.

The Guided Tour Experience

Most of the reviews indicate that the success of this tour hinges on the guide’s expertise. One reviewer said, “MARC was great on the walking tour… very knowledgeable, friendly, and funny.” Such positive feedback suggests that a good guide can make all the difference, transforming a simple walk into an engaging storytelling session.

However, another reviewer pointed out that a significant portion of the experience is self-guided, as the actual Palace entry is a separate part of the tour. They complained that, despite being advertised as a four-hour guided experience, about two hours was spent independently exploring Buckingham Palace with a free audio guide — not a dedicated guide from the tour provider.

The Palace Entry: What You Get

The highlight for many is the chance to step inside Buckingham Palace, which is included in the tour. Here’s what you need to know:

• The Palace is a fully functioning royal residence and the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household.
• The tour includes access to the State Rooms and the Royal Collection, where you’ll see exquisite artworks and historical artifacts.
• Visitors can walk through the gardens along the south side, enjoying views of the grand façade.

It’s important to note that photography inside the State Rooms is not allowed, but you can take photos outside in the gardens or outdoor areas. This restriction has disappointed some visitors expecting to document their visit extensively.

Gardens and Wildlife

The gardens, often called a “walled oasis,” are a major draw. With over 350 wildflowers and 30 species of birds, you’re in for a peaceful stroll amidst royal greenery. The gardens are described as a “true sight to behold” and a peaceful retreat from London’s hustle.

Practicalities and Tips

• Timing: Arrive before 10:00 am, as the guide will leave promptly. Being punctual ensures you don’t miss the start.
• Physical Fitness: The tour involves walking and standing, so moderate fitness is recommended.
• Comfortable Shoes: Since much of the experience is on foot, sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable.
• Security Checks: Like airport security, items like alcohol, scissors, or aerosols are prohibited. Baggage larger than 45cm x 20cm x 30cm must be stored elsewhere.
• Buggies and Photography: Pushchairs aren’t allowed inside the State Rooms and must be checked in. Photographs are only permitted outdoors.
• Duration and Group Size: Expect around four hours, with groups capped at 50 travelers, making it manageable but still lively.

Additional Considerations

Some reviews highlight that the tour can feel rushed or that the self-guided portion inside Buckingham Palace may not meet everyone’s expectations. If you’re seeking a full guided experience inside the Palace, this tour might fall short. Conversely, if you’re happy to explore the Palace with the aid of an audio guide after a guided outdoor walk, this could be a good fit.

Authentic Perspectives from Reviewers

One reviewer expressed delight at the guide MARC’s expertise, calling him “an excellent tour guide,” which highlights the importance of a knowledgeable guide to enrich the experience. Conversely, another shared disappointment over the perception of misleading advertising — with the actual guided component being shorter than expected, and the bulk of the Palace visit being self-guided with a free audio guide.

A third reviewer appreciated the walkability and the engaging commentary, suggesting that if you’re comfortable walking for about 1.5 hours and enjoy storytelling, this tour offers good value.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Yes, if you value expert commentary, a manageable group size, and access to the gardens, this tour offers a balanced introduction to royal London. The combination of a guided outdoor walk with entry to Buckingham Palace makes it a flexible option for those who want both storytelling and sightseeing.

However, if your priority is inside-the-palace guided access, or a fully guided experience with no self-guided elements, you might find this tour somewhat lacking. The price point around $60 offers reasonable value, given the palace entrance fee and guided commentary, but always check what exactly is included.

Who Would Love This Tour?

Royal enthusiasts eager to see Buckingham Palace from the outside, learn quick-fire facts, and enjoy a relaxed walk through royal gardens will enjoy this experience. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy a mix of guided storytelling coupled with free exploration.

If you’re a history buff or a photo enthusiast, the outdoor gardens and exterior views offer plenty of photo opportunities, though inside photos are restricted.

Final Thoughts

This Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour strikes a good balance between guided storytelling and self-exploration. The inclusion of palace entry adds significant value, but be aware of the potential for parts of the experience to feel self-directed depending on your expectations.

The guides seem to make a real difference; a knowledgeable, engaging guide can turn an ordinary walk into a memorable highlight. For travelers interested in British royalty, beautiful gardens, and manageable group sizes, this tour provides an accessible taste of royal London.

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to combine sightseeing, history, and palace access without splurging on a private tour, this offers a practical and enjoyable option. Just remember to plan ahead, arrive early, and keep your camera ready for outdoor shots!

FAQs

Does the tour include transportation?
No, this is a walking tour that starts and ends at Buckingham Palace’s King’s Gallery. You’ll need to reach the meeting point via public transport or walking.

What is the duration of the tour?
Approximately four hours, including the guided walk, the visit to Buckingham Palace, and the garden stroll.

Is there a guided inside the Palace?
The tour includes entry to Buckingham Palace, but part of the experience is self-guided with a free audio guide. The actual guided time inside is limited.

Are there any restrictions inside Buckingham Palace?
Yes, photography inside the State Rooms is not allowed, and items like large bags or pushchairs are restricted or must be checked.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as much of the tour involves walking outdoors and inside the Palace’s outdoor areas.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, pushchairs are not allowed inside the State Rooms, so younger children must be carried or use strollers outside.

Can I get good photos?
Yes, in the outdoor gardens and exterior areas. Inside, photos are prohibited.

What is the group size?
Maximum of 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience manageable and engaging.

How much does it cost?
Around $60.29 per person, which includes the guided tour, palace entry, and gardens.

Overall, this tour offers a solid introduction to London’s royal sights, especially suited for those who want a mix of guided storytelling and the chance to see Buckingham Palace’s exterior and gardens without premium prices or private access.