London: Buckingham Palace and Tea at The Clermont Hotel

If you’re dreaming of a taste of royal life, this experience offers a chance to see all 19 State Rooms of Buckingham Palace — a rare peek behind the palace gates — followed by a traditional afternoon tea at The Clermont Hotel. It’s a well-curated combo for those craving a taste of British pomp and a touch of elegance, all wrapped into about four hours.

What we really like about this tour is how it packs iconic sights with the classic British ritual of afternoon tea. Plus, the access to the palace’s gardens—only open for a limited 10 weeks each year—makes it a sought-after experience. On the flip side, some travelers might find the logistics a bit tricky, especially the handoff at the meeting point and the absence of a live guide. But if you’re after a taste of royal grandeur and a cozy culinary treat, this could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a structured, picture-worthy half-day with a refined twist.

Key Points

• Limited Royal Access: Only 10 weeks a year for the garden opening, making this a rare chance.
• Self-Guided Format: No live guide, so it’s more of a self-paced experience with an audio guide.
• Convenient but Separate Locations: Meeting point at The Albert Pub; then you walk to Buckingham Palace and later to The Clermont Hotel.
• Culinary Delight: Enjoy a traditional, multi-course afternoon tea with a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a range of teas.
• Authentic Art & Furniture: The State Rooms feature masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, and exquisite furnishings.
• Mixed Reviews on Logistics: Some found the ticket exchange and walk between sites less straightforward, but others appreciated the detail and value.

This tour promises a full exploration of all 19 State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, which are rarely open to the public. We loved the way the rooms are furnished with pieces from the Royal Collection—paintings from Rembrandt to Rubens, sculptures by Canova, and stunning porcelain and furniture—offering a real feast for art lovers. The rooms are set up for official ceremonies and entertaining, giving visitors a glimpse into how the royals host dignitaries and guests.

The audio guide is included, which means you’re free to wander at your pace and absorb details about each room’s history and their significance. Reviewers note that the guides are knowledgeable, adding depth to the experience. However, there’s no live guide, so you’ll miss personalized storytelling or Q&A opportunities. Some visitors felt the experience could be improved with more detailed signage or a guided tour, but for many, the self-guided format still offers good value.

The highlight for many is the garden, open just for a short window each year. It’s a lovely outdoor space that adds a touch of nature to the stately rooms, though a few reviewers mentioned accessibility issues or that the garden’s layout was somewhat limited in scope.

You begin by exchanging your voucher at The Albert Pub, located on Victoria Street. This step surprises some as it’s an extra formality before heading to the palace. From there, you walk (about 9 minutes) to Buckingham Palace, which is convenient if you’re prepared for walking in central London.

Once at the palace, you’ll queue for security—similar to airport checks—so arrive prepared for a short wait. The actual entrance is at 13:30, and you’ll spend approximately 90 minutes inside. Some reviews mention that the tickets are not the same as entry tickets, which can cause confusion and frustration if you expect a guided tour or immediate access. Others noted that the audioguide was embedded in the ticket, which simplifies things.

After your visit, you’ll need to make your own way to The Clermont Hotel, which is about a 23-minute walk along The Mall. While the walk is scenic, it might be a bit tiring, especially if you’re carrying souvenirs or feeling jet-lagged. The hotel is a charming spot for your afternoon tea, and the experience there is a classic British affair.

At The Clermont Hotel, the focus shifts from regal grandeur to culinary comfort. The traditional afternoon tea menu features delicate finger sandwiches—cucumber, ham, egg mayo, and smoked salmon—plus scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. The cakes are decadent, including Victoria sponge, Eton Mess, and chocolate-orange tart, which our reviewers describe as “fabulous” and “perfectly presented.”

The tea selection is broad: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Mint, Green, and herbal options. The reviewer comments that the tea was “delicious” and the portions generous, making it well worth the $107 price point. Some reviewers mentioned that the timing between palace visit and tea was quite a gap—about two hours—which might feel long if you’re eager to relax immediately afterward. Others appreciated the calm break after the palace tour to unwind and chat about what they’d seen.

While the experience offers a lot, here are some points to keep in mind:

• Transportation: You’re responsible for your own travel between the meeting point, Buckingham Palace, and The Clermont Hotel. Walking is straightforward but might be tiring, especially in bad weather.
• Timing: The palace visit begins at 13:30, with the afternoon tea at 16:00. Make sure you’re set to arrive early at The Albert Pub to exchange your voucher.
• Group Size: Since there’s no guide leading the entire experience, it’s more of a solo or small-group activity. This can be nice for flexibility but means you need to keep track of your timings.
• Cost vs. Value: At $107, the experience isn’t cheap, but it includes a detailed palace tour, garden access, and a full afternoon tea. For art and royal enthusiasts, this hits many highlights in a compact package.
• Accessibility: The walk between venues and the security checks might pose challenges for some travelers, especially those with mobility issues.

Several reviewers shared their honest impressions. One lamented the difficulty in coordinating the ticket exchange and the walk to the palace, calling the process “horrendous,” and suggesting that a simpler, guided approach might be better. Another mentioned the long wait in line for tickets and the absence of guidance on how to navigate the process smoothly.

Despite logistical hiccups, many found the art collection and interior décor of the State Rooms breathtaking. One traveler from Denmark appreciated the knowledgeable guides and described the entire visit as “absolutely fantastic.” Others, however, felt that the lack of a live guide and limited information on site detracted from the experience.

In terms of food, reviewers agreed that the afternoon tea was delightful, with some noting the bread and pastry quality to be “exquisite” and the portions “more than enough.”

This experience is ideal for art lovers, history buffs, and those seeking a quintessentially British experience. If you’re a fan of the royal family or have always wanted to see the State Rooms up close, this tour offers a rare glimpse into the palace’s inner world.

It’s also perfect for travelers who enjoy combining sightseeing with culinary treats—the classic afternoon tea makes for a relaxing finale. But be aware that it’s not a guided tour, so if you prefer in-depth storytelling or personalized attention, you might prefer a different option.

This tour is less suited for visitors with mobility concerns or those expecting a seamless, guided experience from start to finish. The logistical steps—ticket exchange, walking between sites, and self-guided touring—may require some patience.

In sum, London: Buckingham Palace and Tea at The Clermont Hotel provides a well-rounded blend of regal history, art, and British tradition. The access to the State Rooms and gardens makes it special, especially during the limited opening period, while the afternoon tea offers a delicious, leisurely way to unwind.

While the logistics can be a bit confusing and the experience less personalized than guided tours, many will find the access and the food worth the price. It’s best suited for those eager to see some of London’s most iconic sights at their own pace and indulge in a traditional British pastime.

If you’re after a balanced, authentically enjoyable experience that combines culture with comfort, this tour is worth considering. Just plan ahead for the logistics, and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable taste of royal London.

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

Are there guided tours inside Buckingham Palace?
No, this experience uses an audio guide, and there’s no live guide during the palace visit.

How long is the palace tour?
The visit to the State Rooms and garden lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is the afternoon tea included in the price?
Yes, the afternoon tea at The Clermont Hotel is part of the package, with a menu including sandwiches, scones, cakes, and teas.

What do I need to do upon arrival?
You need to arrive early at The Albert Pub, exchange your GetYourGuide confirmation for a printed voucher, then walk to Buckingham Palace for security checks.

Can I visit the gardens?
Yes, the gardens are included with the palace visit but only during the 10 weeks of opening each year.

Is transportation provided between locations?
No, you are responsible for your own transport between the meeting point, the palace, and the hotel.

This experience offers a taste of British elegance, perfect for those who appreciate art, history, and good food. While the logistics require some planning, the chance to step inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and enjoy a refined afternoon tea makes it a memorable outing. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a structured, cultural half-day that balances sightseeing with culinary indulgence.