London: Three Palaces Walk & Tea at Kensington Palace

Exploring London’s royal side can feel like flipping through a history book — but this tour makes it enjoyable, immersive, and surprisingly relaxed. It combines a guided walk past some of the most famous royal palaces and landmarks with a charming afternoon tea in Kensington Palace’s Orangery. The experience offers a taste of aristocratic London’s grandeur, with engaging stories from knowledgeable guides and delicious regional treats.

What we love most is how seamlessly it balances sightseeing with comfort, making the history accessible without feeling rushed. Plus, the moments of quiet at St James’s Palace and the scenic ride on an iconic red bus give you a true London feeling.

One potential consideration: this isn’t a palace entry tour, so if you’re eager to go inside, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Still, for its focus on storytelling, scenery, and a touch of royal luxury, this tour suits history buffs, first-timers, and those craving a more leisurely, insider view of London’s royal quarter.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from a passionate and knowledgeable guide enhances the experience.
• Scenic walking routes take you through London’s most iconic royal neighborhoods.
• A relaxed pace with short stops and a bus ride makes it suitable for most fitness levels.
• The highlight: an afternoon tea in Kensington Palace’s Orangery, complete with traditional treats.
• No palace entry included, but the outside views and stories make it worthwhile.
• Great value for those wanting a comprehensive, yet leisurely royal sightseeing experience.

An In-Depth Look at the London Royal Tour

When planning a visit to London’s royal landmarks, it’s tempting to cram as much as possible into one day. But this tour offers a more measured, story-focused approach that we found truly refreshing. For around $160, you get roughly two to two and a half hours of expert-guided walking, punctuated by a delightful afternoon tea that’s worth the upgrade on its own.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

Starting at Green Park, the tour kicks off next to the Ritz Hotel, a location that already sets the tone for elegance. Your guide, often described as “fantastically knowledgeable” (as one reviewer mentioned Simon), will lead you through a series of stops that peel back the layers of London’s royal history.

St James’s Palace is your first stop. While you won’t go inside, observing its Tudor architecture and hearing stories about its role as a royal favorite sets the stage. Our reviewer noted that their guide “knew everything about the Royals,” and was able to share stories that made every step meaningful. Guests often comment on the small, hidden corners of St James’s that feel like secret royal backyards.

Buckingham Palace follows. While the interior isn’t part of this tour, seeing the exterior and the iconic guards in their bearskin hats still makes an impression. On Changing of the Guard days, you might even witness the elaborate inspection of the Old Guard at nearby St James’s Palace — a ritual that many guests find captivating and full of pomp.

A scenic walk along Constitution Hill then takes you past the Duke of Wellington’s statue, giving a sense of royal history intertwined with London’s streets. The review highlights that “the guide’s stories brought these familiar sights to life,” making what might be just a photo stop into a mini history lesson.

Riding on an iconic red London bus to Kensington Gardens is a highlight — not just for the fun of it, but because it feels like a local experience. The bus ride offers views of the Royal Albert Hall and other notable sites, making the whole experience feel authentic and connected.

In Kensington Gardens, you’ll have some time for photos, especially at the Sunken Garden where Princess Diana’s statue resides. Many reviews mention how special it was to see this peaceful spot dedicated to her, with one guest commenting, “It’s a lovely contrast to the busy city, and a fitting tribute.”

The tour culminates at Kensington Palace, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea in the Orangery. The treat includes a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a selection of quality teas. Reviewers rave about the “delicious food” and the “elegant surroundings,” making the ending a true highlight.

What’s Included and What You Should Budget For

The tour fee covers a guide, the afternoon tea, and transportation via the red bus. However, it’s important to note that entry to the palaces is not included — so if you’re eager to explore inside Kensington Palace or Buckingham Palace, you’ll need additional tickets.

You’ll also want to budget for additional drinks and souvenirs if you wish to purchase water or alcohol during tea. The experience offers great value considering the storytelling, scenic stops, and the delicious tea.

The Guides: Why They Make a Difference

Guests consistently praise the guides, with many mentioning “Simon” or “Tom” by name. They’re not just narrators but storytellers who weave facts with anecdotes. One guest described Simon as an “amazing storyteller” who knew every detail about the Royals, making each stop fascinating.

The guides also adjust the pace when needed, accommodating delays or extra questions, which reviewers appreciated. For those who love history but dislike being rushed, a knowledgeable guide like Simon makes all the difference.

The Walk: A Balance of Sightseeing and Comfort

The tour’s walking segments are carefully timed, with no excessively long stretches. Expect some gentle strolling through the royal quarter, with brief stops for photos and stories. The pace is relaxed enough for most people, though it involves about an hour of walking overall. Reviewers mention the route as manageable, even for visitors with limited mobility, although it might not suit those in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments.

The Afternoon Tea: A Royal Affair

The pièce de résistance is the High Tea served at Kensington Palace’s Orangery. Here, the quiet elegance of the setting pairs perfectly with the delicious offerings. Guests rave about the “spot-on” quality of the tea and the “plenty of food” that sometimes leaves guests with leftovers to take home.

The tea is a great way to unwind after the walk, and the knowledgeable staff add to the regal vibe. It’s worth noting that water or alcohol isn’t included in the price but can be purchased separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors to London, or anyone wanting a relaxed, story-rich overview of the city’s royal landmarks. It’s also perfect if you like combining sightseeing with a taste of British tradition — afternoon tea in particular.

If you’re traveling with kids or mobility-impaired guests, check the accessibility details carefully, as the tour involves walking and standing.

Final Thoughts: Why This Tour Is a Good Choice

This guided walk and tea combo offers a well-rounded, engaging day in London’s royal district. It’s a chance to see London’s most iconic palaces and landmarks through the eyes of passionate guides who bring history to life with stories and humor. The inclusion of a traditional afternoon tea elevates the experience into something truly memorable, especially if you’re a fan of British culinary classics.

While it doesn’t include interior palace visits, the outside views and insider stories compensate nicely, creating a sense of intimacy and authenticity not always found in larger group tours. The ride on the iconic red bus is the cherry on top, adding a distinctly London touch to your day.

This tour offers incredible value for those wanting a taste of royal London with a relaxed, informative, and delicious twist. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling, scenic walks, and a good cup of tea.

FAQ

Is there any entry to the Royal Palaces included in this tour?
No, this tour does not include entry to the palaces. You will see the exteriors and hear stories about the inside, but if you want to go inside Kensington Palace or Buckingham Palace, you’ll need separate tickets.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours, including walking, sightseeing, and the bus ride. It’s designed to be leisurely without feeling rushed.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there’s about an hour of walking involved. It’s also wise to carry an umbrella and camera, especially if the weather shifts.

Can I bring large bags or luggage?
Large bags or luggage aren’t allowed on the tour, so plan to leave those behind.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s generally suitable for most able-bodied adults, but not for wheelchair users or guests with mobility impairments, due to the walking involved.

What does the afternoon tea include?
You’ll enjoy traditional sandwiches, cakes, scones, and a selection of high-quality teas served in the elegant Orangery at Kensington Palace.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers flexible booking options, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.

To sum it up, this tour offers a delightful blend of storytelling, sightseeing, and culinary indulgence. It’s perfect for those looking to explore London’s regal side with comfort and style, soaking up stories as much as the scenery. Whether it’s your first visit or a London revisit, this experience provides a memorable, well-paced look at the city’s royal heritage — topped off with afternoon tea, of course.