Inside Buckingham Palace & See The Westminster Sights Tour

Inside Buckingham Palace & See The Westminster Sights Tour: An In-Depth Review

Traveling to London often involves a mix of must-see landmarks, royal traditions, and a touch of history that makes every visit memorable. This tour from Top Sights Tours LLC. offers a well-rounded experience, combining a walk through Westminster’s most famous sights with an inside peek at Buckingham Palace, one of the world’s most recognizable royal residences. For those seeking an authentic, educational, and visually stunning day in London, this experience has a lot to offer.

What really draws us in is the combination of small group touring and expert local guides—these elements make all the difference in providing a more personalized and engaging experience. We also love that the tour includes access to the palace’s private gardens and Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition, offering more depth than typical sightseeing. A potential downside? The limited window for Buckingham Palace’s interior visits—only open from mid-July to late September—means that timing needs careful planning if you want inside access.

This tour appeals most to visitors who want a comprehensive look at Westminster, combined with a rare inside visit to Buckingham Palace. It’s perfect for history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and those who prefer an organized, guided experience to navigate London’s busy streets.

Key Points

• Concise and immersive: Combines a 3-hour guided Westminster walk with a 2-hour inside visit to Buckingham Palace.
• Expert guidance: Enjoys the company of a fun, knowledgeable local guide who brings the sights to life.
• Inside access: Includes entry to 19 royal state rooms and access to royal gardens and Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition.
• Iconic sights: Covers landmarks like Parliament Square, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, and Horse Guards Parade.
• Small group size: Ensures personalized attention and easier photo opportunities.
• Flexible booking: Options for free cancellation and pay-later reservations add convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Ease of Access

The tour begins outside the Ritz London at Piccadilly, a location that is both iconic and easy to find. Meeting next to two red telephone boxes and souvenir stands under the Ritz sign offers a classic London scene. The nearest tube station, Green Park, makes this a convenient starting point after a morning coffee or a quick tube ride. The tour’s meeting point is straightforward, and the guide’s promptness sets a professional tone for the day.

Westminster Walking Tour: 3 Hours of Covered Sights

The first part of the experience is a comprehensive walking tour of Westminster. Over 3 hours, you’ll see many of London’s most recognizable landmarks, including Downing Street, Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, and Westminster Abbey.

We appreciated the guide’s ability to weave history, local anecdotes, and practical tips into the narrative. For instance, seeing Downing Street from the outside gives you a sense of the British political heart, even if you can’t go inside. The stop at Parliament Square provides a perfect photo opportunity of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, which are especially striking when lit up at dusk or in the morning light.

The walking segments are manageable, and the stops are timed well—around 20 to 40 minutes—allowing you to absorb the atmosphere without feeling rushed. The guide also points out hidden details and shares stories behind the landmarks, making the sightseeing more meaningful.

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard

On certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 10 a.m.), you’ll get to watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. This is a highlight for many visitors, offering a vibrant display of tradition and precision. The guide clarifies that the schedule is subject to weather and military changes, but we found that catching this ceremony enhances the royal experience.

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Inside Buckingham Palace: 2 Hours of Royal Grandeur

After the walking tour, it’s time to head inside Buckingham Palace. The entry includes a multi-language audio guide, ensuring you don’t miss key points about the 19 state rooms and royal art collections. We loved the opportunity to see the lavish rooms decorated with royal furniture and masterpieces from the Royal Collection—a rare glimpse into royal life.

The palace gardens are equally impressive, offering tranquil green spaces in the midst of London’s bustle. The Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition adds historical context, providing insights into the monarchy’s evolution.

One key point travelers should note: Buckingham Palace is only open from mid-July to late September. If you’re visiting outside that window, you’ll only experience the exterior and gardens. Therefore, timing your visit is crucial for inside access.

Final Stops and Overall Flow

The tour concludes back at the initial meeting point, giving a nice sense of closure. The entire experience lasts about five hours, which balances sightseeing with enough time to soak in the sights without feeling overlong. The small group size ensures that everyone can ask questions and enjoy personalized attention.

Practical Details and Tips

Price & Value

At $101.02 per person, the tour offers good value considering the inclusion of Buckingham Palace tickets, access to royal gardens, the Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition, and a small-group guided experience. Separate tickets for Buckingham Palace often cost more, especially with guided audio, making this package economical.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you’ll be on your feet for most of the day. An umbrella is advisable, especially if the weather is unpredictable. Bring a camera to capture iconic views, and pack some snacks or water to stay energized between stops.

Accessibility & Flexibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal. Flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, give travelers peace of mind.

Considerations

Timing is an essential factor—if inside Buckingham Palace is a priority, plan your visit accordingly. Also, note that the guide will escort you to the palace after the walking tour but won’t accompany you inside, so you’ll need to navigate the interior on your own.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, describing them as “fun” and “full of interesting facts.” Several mentioned that the stunning views and photo opportunities made the tour worthwhile. However, some note that scheduling issues or weather could affect certain parts, like the Changing of the Guard.

One reviewer appreciated the compact size of the group, which helped with questions and photos, stating, “It felt more personal than a large bus tour.” Others loved the inclusion of Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition, calling it “a fascinating glimpse into royal life.”

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a structured, informative day combining Westminster’s landmarks with an inside look at Buckingham Palace. It’s ideal for those with limited time but a strong interest in royal history and iconic London sights. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find this tour accessible, engaging, and well-organized.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to experience London’s most famous sights and the Royal Family’s crown jewel, Buckingham Palace. The combination of guided walks, insider access, and stunning views makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a taste of royal London without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and routes themselves.

While timing the interior visit requires some planning, the overall experience delivers a rich, engaging glimpse into the city’s political and royal heart. The small group setting and expert guides ensure you won’t just pass by landmarks—you’ll understand their stories and significance.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, this tour encapsulates the city’s grandeur and tradition in a comfortable, enjoyable package. It’s an experience that balances education, entertainment, and a bit of royal allure—definitely worth considering for your London trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

What’s included in the ticket price?
The price covers entry to Buckingham Palace, access to the palace gardens, Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition, and the guided Westminster walk.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your planning.

Will the guide accompany me inside Buckingham Palace?
No, the guide will escort you to the palace but will not join you inside. You’ll have an audio guide inside to explore independently.

What landmarks will we see during the walking tour?
You’ll pass by Downing Street, Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, the Horse Guards Parade, Westminster Abbey, and more.

How long does the entire tour last?
Plan for about 5 hours in total—3 hours of walking and 2 hours inside Buckingham Palace.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, camera, and some snacks or water are recommended.

When is Buckingham Palace open to visitors?
From mid-July to late September, the palace opens for interior visits. Outside that period, access is limited to gardens and exterior views.

This detailed, balanced tour review aims to help you decide if this experience matches your interests and travel style. It combines practicality with enthusiasm and offers insights that hopefully inspire your London adventure!

You can check availability for your dates here: