London: Buckingham Palace State Rooms with Bus and Boat Tour

London: Buckingham Palace State Rooms with Bus and Boat Tour

If you’re looking to see some of London’s most famous landmarks in a relatively compact package, this tour offers a good mix. It combines a self-guided visit to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, a hop-on hop-off bus tour around central London, and a cruise along the Thames. Priced at around $101 per person and lasting about an hour for the palace part, it’s designed for travelers wanting a flexible, multi-faceted experience.

One of the things we love about this tour is how it simplifies the logistics: no need to worry about complicated tickets or multiple bookings. The e-tickets are accepted on all hop-on hop-off services, and the included audio guides in 12 languages make exploring easier and more informative. However, a potential drawback is that the overall time is tight if you want to fully enjoy each component—particularly if you’re planning to explore the city at your leisure. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, comprehensive glance at London’s highlights rather than a deep dive into each attraction.

This tour is especially good for first-time visitors who want an overview of London’s most recognizable sights without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of guided and independent exploration, this setup works well. Just keep in mind that it’s a fast-paced experience designed to give you a taste rather than a deep immersion.

Key Points

• Convenience: Combine multiple landmarks and experiences in one ticket, saving time and effort.
• Flexibility: The 24-hour hop-on hop-off allows you to explore at your own pace, hopping on and off as you wish.
• Authentic Views: The boat cruise offers a refreshing perspective of London’s skyline, perfect for photo opportunities.
• In-Depth Palace Tour: See the 19 State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, filled with stunning furniture and royal treasures.
• Guided Insight: The audio guides in multiple languages and knowledgeable staff enhance your understanding of each site.
• Limited Time Inside: The 1-hour duration at Buckingham Palace is quite brief, so plan your visit accordingly.

Exploring Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Gardens

The highlight of this experience is access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, which are usually off-limits to the public except during specific times of the year. The self-guided tour offers a chance to see some of the most exquisite rooms, furnished with French and English antique furniture, ornate chandeliers, and royal artworks. The mention of treasures from the Royal Collection, including works by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, hints at the grandeur inside.

A couple of reviewers commented positively on the well-organized tour guides and the convenience of electronic tickets. One noted, “The tour guide in the palace was very well organized,” which adds to the overall smoothness of the experience. Another reviewer found the evening boat cruise after dark particularly impressive, describing it as “very atmospheric,” indicating that timing can significantly enhance your visit.

Beyond the State Rooms, the Royal Gardens are a rare treat. This walled oasis in central London features over 350 wildflowers and 30 bird species. Walking through these gardens provides a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets, with lovely views of the palace’s southern façade and the famous lake. The gardens’ natural beauty is often overlooked, but this tour allows you to appreciate them as a hidden gem in the middle of London.

It’s worth noting that no photography is permitted inside Buckingham Palace, and pushchairs are not allowed in the State Rooms, although baby carriers are available. This policy helps preserve the decor and artworks but does mean you’ll need to be prepared for a more static experience if visiting with young children.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Experience

Once you’ve admired Buckingham Palace and strolled the gardens, your ticket grants access to a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus service. The buses depart every 20 minutes from multiple, clearly marked stops, making it easy to tailor your sightseeing day.

The Red and Blue routes cover central London landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge. The Orange route takes you further afield, including Madame Tussauds, Hyde Park, and Regent’s Park. The free Wi-Fi onboard is a nice touch, allowing quick photo uploads or catching up on messages while traveling.

Many reviewers appreciated the ease of the bus system. One noted that they didn’t have enough time to fully explore via the bus, suggesting that if your schedule is tight, prioritizing what you want to see is key. The bus is a good way to get a broad overview, especially if you’re new to London or short on time.

The audio guides available in multiple languages add value, offering interesting facts and context for each stop. Remember, live guides are subject to availability, so don’t rely solely on them for detailed narration.

Thames River Cruise: A Unique Perspective

The boat cruise along the Thames is an often-overlooked highlight that deserves a mention. Departing from Westminster Pier, the cruise takes you towards Tower Millennium Pier with panoramic views of landmarks like Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament.

The one-way ticket offers a relaxed way to see the city from a different angle, with live commentary enhancing the experience. Travelers have mentioned that traveling after dark creates a special atmosphere, with lights reflecting on the water.

Note that this cruise ticket is one-way only, so plan your route accordingly. It’s an excellent option for capturing photos or simply enjoying the city’s shimmering skyline without the crowds on land.

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: The Buckingham Palace visit lasts about an hour, so plan your day accordingly to avoid rushing.
• Tickets: Your digital tickets are accepted on all hop-on hop-off buses, making entry seamless.
• Accessibility: The tour mentions wheelchair accessibility, but it’s wise to confirm directly if you or someone in your group needs specific arrangements.
• Photography and Phones: Inside Buckingham Palace, photography isn’t allowed, but mobile phones can be used in the gardens if kept off during the tour.
• Children and Baby Gear: Pushchairs are not permitted inside the State Rooms, but baby carriers are available, which can make visits smoother with little ones.

Final Thoughts

This combination tour offers a convenient and varied way to tick off some of London’s most iconic sights. The self-guided Buckingham Palace tour lets you explore at your own pace without feeling hurried, while the hop-on hop-off bus provides flexibility to see the city’s highlights without the hassle of navigating public transport. The Thames cruise wraps it all up with a scenic view of London’s skyline, especially lovely in the evening.

We believe this tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview and value the combination of independent exploration and guided insights. It’s also great for those interested in royal history, classic landmarks, and scenic river views, especially if you prefer a structured yet flexible day.

However, travelers with more time or those seeking an in-depth experience of each site might want to consider booking individual tickets for each attraction. The limited time at Buckingham Palace can feel rushed, especially if you want to linger and take photos, but for most, the experience offers a manageable, enjoyable taste of London’s royal and cultural splendors.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind pushchairs aren’t allowed inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms**. Baby carriers are available, which can make touring easier with young children.

Do I need to print my tickets?
No, e-tickets are accepted on all services, making it easy to show your booking on your phone.

Can I hop on and off the bus at any stop?
Yes, your 24-hour ticket allows unlimited hopping on and off at any of the clearly marked stops along the routes.

How long do I spend inside Buckingham Palace?
The self-guided tour lasts about an hour, so plan accordingly and try to arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

Is the Thames cruise round-trip?
No, the boat ticket is one-way, so plan your route if you want to return by different means.

Are audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides are included in the price and available in 12 languages, enhancing your understanding of each site.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring a power bank for your phone, comfortable shoes, and a rain jacket, as London weather can be unpredictable.

This tour offers a practical, well-rounded introduction to London’s essential sights, perfect for those who want a taste of royal splendor, cityscapes, and river views—all in one reasonably priced package.