London: Buckingham Palace and Tea at Royal Horseguards Hotel

Introduction

If you’re planning to see a slice of royal life without the crowds or complexity of a full palace tour, this experience offers a convenient way to peek inside Buckingham Palace’s opulent State Rooms and relax afterward with afternoon tea. It’s a package designed for travelers who crave a taste of London’s regal ambiance combined with a touch of sophistication, all in a manageable three-hour window.

What we find appealing are two main points: first, the chance to explore all 19 State Rooms—which are only open to the public for about 10 weeks each year—and second, the opportunity to enjoy a classic afternoon tea at a historic London hotel. The main consideration is that this isn’t a guided tour with a live guide, and logistical details like ticket collection and walking between venues require some planning, which might be a minor inconvenience for some.

This experience suits visitors who enjoy self-guided exploration, appreciate historic grandeur, and want to combine sightseeing with a leisurely culinary break. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy a mix of culture, history, and a touch of luxury, but are comfortable handling their own logistics and timing.

Key Points

• Exclusive access: Visit all 19 State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, rarely open to the public outside this limited window.
• Historical treasures: The rooms are filled with masterpieces, fine furniture, and royal collectibles.
• Self-guided format: There’s no live guide; you’ll explore with an audio guide and your own pace.
• Logistics matter: You must collect tickets beforehand and walk independently between venues.
• Authentic experience: The afternoon tea at The Royal Horseguards Hotel offers a classic British treat.
• Limited group size: Tours are small, capped at just 6 participants, enhancing intimacy and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Buckingham Palace: What You Can Expect

The highlight of this experience is the tour of Buckingham Palace’s 19 State Rooms. These rooms are the setting for royal ceremonies and official entertaining, furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection. Expect to see paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, sculptures by Canova, exquisite Sèvres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture.

While some reviews reveal that the experience can be a bit complicated—particularly with ticket collection and entry—what’s clear is that the rooms themselves are stunning. The grandeur is palpable, and the interior design is a testament to royal craftsmanship. However, it’s important to note that you are not allowed to take photos inside, and the garden beyond the palace remains out of reach unless you purchase a separate ticket.

The gardens, which are only open during this limited period, add another level of exclusivity. But some visitors express disappointment that the garden area is not accessible beyond the designated entrance, and that only a portion of the outdoor grounds can be appreciated during this visit. For some, this may be a drawback, especially if they hoped for extensive outdoor views.

The inclusion of an audio guide helps to fill in the details that a guide might provide—adding educational context without the pressure of a guided tour. We liked the way this allows for a personalized experience but wish there had been a live guide to answer questions on the spot.

The Logistics: Ticket Pickup and Independent Walking

One of the trickier parts of this experience is the ticket collection process. You must exchange your voucher at The Albert Pub on Victoria Street around midday—between 12 and 12:45 PM—and then walk about 9 minutes to Buckingham Palace. After exploring the State Rooms, you are responsible for making your way to The Royal Horseguards Hotel for afternoon tea, which is about a 20-minute walk along The Mall.

This arrangement offers flexibility but requires good planning, especially if you’re unfamiliar with central London. The absence of a guided escort means you’ll need to navigate the streets on your own, which could be confusing for some or a hassle during busy times.

The experience ends back at the meeting point, completing an efficient loop of royal sights and leisure. The small group size (limited to 6) is a plus, creating a cozy atmosphere and allowing for more personal space.

The Afternoon Tea: A Classic London Experience

Following your palace visit, the journey continues with a delicious afternoon tea at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, a grand historic building on the River Thames. The tea service begins at 4:15 PM, giving enough time to enjoy the palace tour and stroll to the hotel.

The menu includes a delightful selection of sweet treats—lemon meringue pie, Victoria sponge, chocolate éclairs, and more—and a variety of savoury sandwiches like cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and ham with mustard. The all-butter scones come with strawberry and raspberry jam, plus Cornish clotted cream, ensuring a proper British tea experience.

Tea options include classic English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and herbal choices like mint and chamomile. The reviews highlight the quality of the food and the relaxing ambiance, making this a perfect wind-down after a busy morning of sightseeing.

The hotel’s historic appeal and riverside location add a touch of elegance, elevating the simple act of drinking tea into a memorable moment. It’s an ideal way to soak up some of London’s genteel charm without rushing.

The Cost and Value

Pricing for this experience combines the cost of access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with the afternoon tea at a reputable hotel. While not inexpensive, the package offers a solid value if you’re interested in a comprehensive, casual glimpse of royal life paired with a classic British tradition.

However, some reviews mention that the process of ticket collection and independent navigation can feel a bit cumbersome, so travelers should factor in the time and effort required. The small group size and inclusion of an audio guide enhance the experience, but the lack of a live guide might be a missed opportunity for deeper insight.

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Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who prefer flexible, self-directed sightseeing and want a taste of royal life without the crowds or complex guided tours. It’s ideal for history and culture lovers who appreciate art, furniture, and treasures, and who are comfortable handling their own logistics. The afternoon tea offers a quintessentially British pause, perfect for those who want to indulge in a moment of calm amid sightseeing.

If you’re seeking a straightforward, elegant way to glimpse Buckingham Palace’s interiors and enjoy a leisurely tea, this tour delivers. Be prepared for some walking and planning, but in return, you’ll get an intimate, refined experience that balances history with comfort.

FAQs

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, tickets are reserved through a booking process, and you must exchange your voucher at The Albert Pub before the tour.

Where do I pick up my tickets?
You collect your tickets at The Albert Pub, 52 Victoria Street, between 12-12:45 PM. Make sure to bring your confirmation.

Is transportation included?
No, you are responsible for walking between the ticket pickup, Buckingham Palace, and The Royal Horseguards Hotel.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the State Rooms is not permitted, but you’ll be able to take photos outside and of the building from the garden.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is appropriate; comfortable shoes are recommended given the walking involved.

How long do I have inside Buckingham Palace?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but the tour lasts around 3 hours total, including walking and the tea.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to small groups of six, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the afternoon tea included in the price?
Yes, the cost covers the tea at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, including food and a selection of teas.

Final Words

This experience offers a charming blend of royal intrigue and classic British leisure, ideal for those who enjoy cultural insights at their own pace and a cozy, elegant break afterward. While some logistical aspects require planning, the chance to see the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace—filled with masterpieces—and unwind over a traditional afternoon tea makes it a memorable choice for many visitors. Perfect for those wanting a refined, quieter glimpse into London’s royal world, it pairs historical splendor with a bit of indulgence, making for a well-rounded half-day outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: