London: Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket & Royal Walking Tour

Planning to tick off one of London’s most iconic sights? This tour offers a combination of a guided walk through the city’s royal landmarks and exclusive access to Buckingham Palace’s State Apartments—an experience that’s both enriching and practical. With a solid average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 780 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this tour worth their time and money.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances education, convenience, and authentic royal sights. The guided walk offers a chance to soak up London’s regal atmosphere, complete with interesting stories and historical tidbits—plus, you’ll skip the long lines for the Palace itself. The pre-booked tickets guarantee swift entry, saving you precious time during busy visiting periods.

One potential consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking, including some stairs, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility issues. Also, inside Buckingham Palace, photography isn’t permitted, which can be disappointing for some who love snapping pictures in stunning interiors. Still, if you’re a history buff, royal enthusiast, or just curious about the British monarchy, this tour offers a fantastic blend of guided insights and exclusive access.

This experience is best suited for visitors who want a comprehensive, well-organized visit that combines sightseeing with insider knowledge. It’s perfect for those wanting to make the most of limited time in London, and for anyone eager to learn about the Palace and its place in British culture.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line tickets mean no waiting at Buckingham Palace, giving you more time for the interiors and gardens.
• The guided walking tour covers major royal sights like The Mall, St. James’s Park, and Clarence House.
• The State Apartments are open only a few months a year, making this exclusive visit particularly special.
• The audio guide enhances the experience with stories about the royal family, furnishings, and traditions.
• For 2025, the Kings Tour Artists Exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the artistic tastes of King Charles, displayed in the Palace Ballroom.
• The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with approximately 1.5 hours inside Buckingham Palace, including time at the cafes and gardens.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Meeting Point and Start of the Tour

You’ll meet your guide at the Duke of York Column, a tall, prominent landmark near Piccadilly Circus. This meeting spot is convenient for those arriving by tube, with easy access from Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross stations. The guide, often someone knowledgeable and engaging (reviewers have praised guides like Natalie and Lee for their humor and insights), kicks things off with a brief overview of the royal sights ahead. Many reviewers noted how guides go beyond basic facts, sharing fun anecdotes and tips, such as the best spots to see the Changing of the Guard or hidden details about the royal residences.

The Guided Walk: The Mall, St. James’s Park, and Royal Landmarks

The walk itself lasts roughly 15-20 minutes, and it’s packed with sightseeing. You’ll stroll along The Mall, a grand boulevard built to resemble a royal red carpet, perfect for imagining royal processions. This stretch is not just beautiful but historically significant, as it’s the route the Royal Family takes on official occasions.

Next, you’ll pass through St. James’s Park, one of London’s oldest and most scenic green spaces. Reviewers often mention how the walk through the park gives a peaceful break from the crowds and offers ideal photo opportunities of the surrounding historic buildings. You’ll also see St. James’s Palace and Clarence House, giving you a sense of the scale and grandeur of royal London.

Inside Buckingham Palace

The highlight of the tour is the chance to explore the State Apartments, which are only open for a limited part of the year—making this a rare and exciting opportunity. Thanks to your pre-booked tickets, you’ll bypass the long queues and proceed directly inside. The interiors showcase lavish furnishings, sparkling chandeliers, and intricate ornamentation. Many reviews highlight the stunning rooms, the art collection, and the exquisite furniture.

You’ll use the official audio guide, which offers detailed stories about the furnishings, history of the Palace, and the royal family. One reviewer mentioned how the guide’s anecdotes about the gifts from heads of state over the centuries added a layer of context and fascination. Be prepared for some “neck-craning” moments as you admire the ceilings and chandeliers, often commented on as breathtaking.

The Kings Tour Artists Exhibition

Starting in 2025, the Kings Tour Artists Exhibition will debut in the Palace, featuring over 70 artworks personally selected by King Charles. This exclusive collection offers an intimate look into the monarch’s artistic tastes, making the visit even more special for art lovers and royal enthusiasts alike.

Practical Details

The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, with approximately 1.5 hours inside Buckingham Palace. Reviewers have appreciated the balance—enough time to see the interiors without feeling rushed, plus ample moments for photos outside in the gardens, where photography is permitted. The included headsets ensure you can hear your guide clearly, though some feedback has indicated occasional audio static, so be prepared for brief interruptions.

The Value and Overall Experience

When considering the cost of $90.25 per person, this tour offers good value, especially when you factor in the skip-the-line feature and the detailed guided experience. Many travelers mention that the actual interior visit, with its luxurious furnishings and treasures of the Royal Collection, is worth every penny. One review stated, “Being inside the Palace was an amazing experience,” which sums up how memorable this visit can be.

The guided walk adds context and background that you might not get on your own, making the experience richer and more engaging. Many reviewers praise guides like Paul, Natalie, and Lee for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness. This personal touch significantly enhances the overall enjoyment.

The exhibition in 2025 promises an added layer of exclusivity and artistry, appealing to those with an eye for art and royal traditions.

Considerations

While the tour is excellent, it involves a fair amount of walking and stairs, so it might not suit everyone—particularly those with mobility issues. Photography inside the Palace is not allowed, which can be a letdown for some, but the stunning gardens and exterior views compensate. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, royal fans, and art lovers who want a curated, informative visit to Buckingham Palace and some of London’s key royal sites. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to maximize your sightseeing with skip-the-line access and expert guides. Families with children (who are comfortable with walking and stairs) will also find this engaging and educational.

If you’re after a comprehensive yet manageable way to see the palace and learn about Britain’s monarchy, this tour hits the mark. It combines practical convenience, immersive storytelling, and exclusive access—a winning combo for many travelers.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour involves walking and stairs, children who enjoy history and royal stories generally find it engaging. Be aware that photography isn’t allowed inside the Palace, which might be a disappointment for some kids.

How long does the Palace visit last?
You’ll spend about 1.5 hours inside the Palace, exploring the State Apartments at your own pace with the audio guide.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the Palace is not permitted. However, you’re free to take pictures in the gardens and outside the Palace.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential since the tour involves walking and some stairs. It’s also a good idea to carry water, especially in warmer weather.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour does not accommodate large bags, baby strollers, or baby carriages. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users or those with certain medical conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the meeting point is at the Duke of York Column. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the start location.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a fantastic combination of sightseeing, storytelling, and exclusive access that makes it a standout choice for visitors eager to learn about Britain’s royal traditions. The guides’ knowledge and humor, paired with the breathtaking interiors and limited-time exhibitions, create a memorable experience that’s both educational and fun.

If you value skip-the-line convenience and want to see the luxurious State Apartments, this experience is well worth the price. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a guided perspective and want to avoid long queues, making your time in London more efficient and enriching.

For royal aficionados or travelers with a curiosity for British culture, this tour delivers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into one of London’s most iconic landmarks, with enough flexibility and depth to satisfy most visitors.