Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour & Palace Entry

Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour & Palace Entry Review

If you’re dreaming of a regal adventure in London, this Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour offers a blend of storytelling, sightseeing, and exclusive access to one of the world’s most famous residences. While it’s not a full private tour of the Palace itself, it combines a guided exploration of iconic royal sites with entry to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and gardens.

What really shines about this experience is the chance to walk through London’s royal neighborhoods with an expert guide who shares fascinating facts and fun anecdotes. Plus, the entry to Buckingham Palace at the end makes it worth the price for royal enthusiasts.

That said, some travelers have expressed concerns about the tour structure, especially regarding the division between guided and self-guided portions. It’s important to know what to expect so you can plan accordingly. If you’re someone who loves history, royal traditions, and a well-organized walking route, this tour might suit you perfectly—just keep in mind the mixed reviews about the guide’s role and timing.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience offers interesting insights into London’s royal life and landmarks.
• Includes entry to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and gardens, which are otherwise hard to access.
• Timing and structure might vary; some guests experienced a mix of guided and self-guided segments.
• Tour duration is around four hours, making it ideal for a half-day activity in London.
• Group size is limited to 50 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.
• Price point offers good value when considering the Palace entry and guided commentary in central London.

In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins promptly at 10:00 am at The King’s Gallery within Buckingham Palace grounds. It’s essential to arrive a few minutes early to avoid missing the start, especially since the guide will leave strictly on time. The entire experience lasts about four hours, but the guided portion covers approximately two hours of walking through key royal sites, with the palace visit occupying the final segment.

The Guided Walking Tour

Led by guides like Marc, who has been praised for his knowledgeable and humorous commentary, this part of the tour is designed to give you a taste of royal London. Expect to walk through St James’s Palace, scrutinize the Royal London hangouts, and see the iconic Buckingham Palace from the outside.

One of the highlights is the chance to possibly witness the changing of the guard—a classic British tradition—though timings for this event aren’t guaranteed daily. The guide shares stories about the royal residence, its history, and the royal family’s activities in London.

The Palace Entry and Gardens

The ticket includes access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, where you’ll see priceless treasures and artworks from the Royal Collection. Visitors often find the interior stunning—ornate furnishings, historical artifacts, and fine art, all set against the backdrop of royal tradition.

Beyond the State Rooms, you’ll stroll through the impressive 42-acre royal garden, often called a “walled oasis” in the heart of London. This area isn’t just scenic; it’s a lively habitat for 30 bird species and over 350 wildflowers. The gardens are a rare sight for visitors, as they are not typically open to the public.

What Reviewers Say

While some reviews highlight Marc’s engaging storytelling and the tour’s overall good value, others point out frustrations. One critic noted a discrepancy where only part of the four hours was guided, with the rest being a self-guided visit using a free audio guide. This split can feel confusing if you expect a continuous, fully-guided experience.

Another review praised the quality of the guide and recommended the tour for those who can walk for around 90 minutes, indicating the physical aspect of the walk. Conversely, there are comments about customer service issues and the perception that the tour was misleading — so it’s worth approaching with clear expectations.

Practical Details and Tips

• Comfortable shoes are a must, as you will be walking for about 1.5 to 2 hours during the guided portion.
• Arrive early to meet the guide on time; the tour starts promptly.
• The tour is moderate in physical demand, but travelers should be prepared for some walking and standing.
• Bags larger than 45cm x 20cm x 30cm are not permitted inside the Palace, so plan to store larger items elsewhere.
• Photography is only allowed outside in the gardens or outdoor areas—not inside the State Rooms.
• No food or drinks (except bottled water) are allowed inside the Palace, but you can enjoy snacks in outdoor areas or the gardens.
• The tour group is limited to 50 travelers, which helps maintain a more personalized experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of guided storytelling and exclusive Palace access makes this experience appealing. You get a personalized narrative about the Royal Family’s London life from someone like Marc, who clearly loves sharing royal secrets. The garden walk adds a peaceful, scenic touch to the royal exploration.

However, the mixed reviews about the structure—part guided, part self-guided—mean this isn’t the best choice if you’re looking for a fully guided, comprehensive royal tour. Some travelers might find the self-guided portion less engaging, especially if they expected a continuous, guided experience.

The price of approximately $60.29 per person is reasonable considering the entry to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and gardens. When you factor in the cost of separate tickets or guided tours, this package offers decent value for those interested in royal history.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for royal enthusiasts eager to get an insider’s perspective and visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms. It suits those who enjoy walking tours with a charismatic guide and are comfortable with moderate physical activity.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, fully guided royal tour with insider access to private areas, this might fall short. But for visitors wanting a balance of storytelling, sightseeing, and palace access, it hits the right notes.

Travelers who don’t mind some parts being self-guided or who want to explore at their own pace might find this a good fit—but be prepared for the split structure.

The Sum Up

This Buckingham Palace Royal London Walking Tour offers an engaging way to explore London’s royal neighborhoods with the added bonus of touring Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and gardens. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Marc, make history come alive with stories and humor, enriching the experience.

While some travelers might find the structure a little confusing, overall, the tour provides good value for those interested in royal history and heritage. It’s particularly suited for visitors who enjoy walking, storytelling, and seeing the exterior and gardens of Buckingham Palace up close.

If you’re after a half-day, well-organized tour** that combines outdoor exploration with exclusive palace access, this experience could very well be a highlight of your London trip. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews and plan accordingly—arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the royal sights.

FAQs

Is the tour guided throughout or self-guided?
The tour begins with a guided walk led by an expert guide, but part of the experience—specifically the visit to Buckingham Palace—is self-guided using a free audio guide.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around four hours, with approximately two hours of guided sightseeing plus the time spent inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and gardens.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as you’ll be walking for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Be prepared for the weather, especially if it’s rainy, as much of the tour is outdoors.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the State Rooms is prohibited. However, you can take pictures outside in the gardens and outdoor areas.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Yes, bags larger than 45cm x 20cm x 30cm are not permitted inside the Palace and must be stored elsewhere. Also, items like alcohol, pens, or aerosols are not allowed through security.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
It’s suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level who can walk for about 1.5 hours. Pushchairs cannot be taken into the State Rooms and need to be checked in before entry.

By understanding what this tour offers and its limitations, you can make an informed decision on whether it fits your London travel plans. For royal fans and history lovers, it’s a solid option—just remember to set your expectations about the guided versus self-guided portions.