Royal Tour & Buckingham Palace State Rooms or Royal Mews Option

Imagine walking through the historic streets of London, surrounded by centuries of royal tradition, with a knowledgeable guide bringing these stories to life. That’s exactly what this Royal Tour of London promises—an engaging journey into the crown’s storied past and present. Whether you opt to visit the Buckingham Palace State Rooms or explore the Royal Mews, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the Royal Family’s world, all in about three to four hours.

One of the first things we love about this experience is its flexibility—you get to choose between two major highlights, depending on your interests. Whether you’re captivated by the luxurious State Rooms or fascinated by royal carriages and working stables, both options are curated to give you a memorable peek into British royalty. Plus, the expert guiding and skip-the-line tickets mean you spend less time waiting and more time soaking in the sights.

A possible consideration? The tour is quite walking-intensive, covering several points of interest along London’s iconic route, which might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues beyond limited wheelchair accommodations. Also, since the Royal State Rooms are generally open only from July to September, your experience can vary based on the time of year.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, and royal traditions—and those who want a guided, insider perspective without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a rundown, or anyone keen on the royal side of London with limited time.

Key Points

• Flexible options allow you to choose between the Royal Mews or Buckingham Palace State Rooms.
• The skip-the-line tickets save precious time, especially during peak seasons.
• The local guide enhances the experience with stories and insider knowledge.
• The tour covers major royal landmarks like St. Jamess Palace, The Mall, and Green Park.
• It’s wheelchair accessible, making it accommodating for those with mobility impairments.
• The group size is limited (up to 15 people), ensuring a more personal experience.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Canada Gate and Green Park

Your journey begins just outside Buckingham Palace at Canada Gate, where your guide will greet you and start sharing snippets of royal life. The location is perfect for snapping photos of the palace’s iconic façade and soaking in the atmosphere of Green Park. We loved the way the guide packed in quick, engaging history about the area, making the initial moments both informative and picturesque.

Exploring Clarence House and St. James’s Palace

Next, the tour takes you past Clarence House, a beautiful 19th-century estate that has served as a royal residence for generations, including the current King. Walking past these historic buildings gives a tangible sense of the monarchy’s continuity. The guide often shares anecdotes about these palaces, adding context to what might otherwise be just another building.

St. James’s Palace follows—the official residence of the Royal Family until Queen Victoria’s time. Though today it’s not open to the public, its presence in the royal landscape remains significant. The guide emphasizes its role as a working palace, which helps visitors understand that many of these sites are still very much part of royal life behind closed doors.

Walking Along The Mall and Seeing Wellington Barracks

The path along The Mall is packed with history—royal processions, coronations, and celebrations have all taken this route. The guide’s stories make the walk lively, helping you visualize the grandeur of past ceremonies and current events. We also pause outside Wellington Barracks, home to the royal Foot Guards, where the guide explains their role in protecting the Royal Family, adding a layer of contemporary relevance to the experience.

The Changing of the Guard or Royal Mews

Depending on your chosen option, the tour focuses on either the Changing of the Guard or the Royal Mews.

If you pick the Changing of the Guard:

You’ll get a prime vantage point to observe this centuries-old ceremony. Watching the guards perform their elaborate ritual is both visually striking and historically fascinating. Multiple reviews mention how memorable and well-timed this part of the experience is; one guest noted, “doing the tour with Terry made the entire experience worth it—he was very knowledgeable and made sure everyone was included.” The guards’ precision and pageantry make for great photos, and you’ll come away with a solid understanding of their role.

If you choose the Royal Mews:

Prepare to be dazzled by the displays of royal coaches and carriages, including the legendary Gold State Coach. This carriage, used for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and jubilee processions, is a highlight—an ornate symbol of royal tradition. The audio guide (included with the ticket) allows you to explore at your own pace, soaking in details about the craftsmanship and history of each vehicle. Reviews praise the Royal Mews as “one of the finest working stables in existence,” with visitors often remarking on how close they can get to the actual royal transportation.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms (Open July to September)

The climax of the tour, if you opt for the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, is stepping inside one of the most recognizable royal residences. The interiors are decorated with opulent salons, the White Drawing Room, and the Throne Room, all vividly brought to life through the audio guide. These rooms are still used for official entertaining, offering a glimpse into the monarchy’s ceremonial side.

The State Rooms are only open during a few months each year, making this a rare opportunity. Visitors often find the lavish decor and historic art collection worth the visit; one reviewer called the interior “worth seeing, even if you’ve toured other European palaces.” The guided tour format helps you navigate the rooms efficiently, ensuring you see the highlights without feeling rushed.

When the State Rooms Are Closed

In the off-season, the tour replaces the State Rooms visit with extra time at the Royal Mews, which still offers plenty of royal spectacle, but with fewer rooms to explore. The shorter duration of 2.5 hours in this case still makes for a rewarding experience, especially if you appreciate royal vehicles and working stables.

The Practicalities of the Tour

Pricing and Value

At $80.92 per person, this tour offers good value considering the skip-the-line tickets and the expert guidance. The inclusion of access to major sights, combined with a knowledgeable guide, means you avoid the common pitfalls of trying to navigate alone, particularly during busy seasons. Multiple reviews confirm that the guides are well-informed and friendly, enhancing the overall experience.

Duration and Group Size

Spanning about 3 to 4 hours, the tour strikes a balance—enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed. The small group size (max 15) ensures more personal attention, which is appreciated when navigating busy spots and listening to in-depth stories.

Accessibility and Convenience

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though space is limited. The meeting point near public transportation makes it easy to join from various parts of London. Since it’s primarily a walking tour, you should be comfortable walking at a moderate pace, but the pace can be adjusted if needed.

Booking Tips

The tour is generally booked about 70 days in advance on average, so if your trip is planned well ahead, securing your spot shouldn’t be an issue. Be aware that the exact experience can vary depending on the day, especially if there are closures or weather disruptions. Some guests have encountered minor hiccups with meet-up instructions, so it pays to double-check your confirmation email.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who love history, architecture, and royal traditions. It’s perfect if you’re after a guided, structured overview of royal London, especially if you prefer not to plan every detail yourself. First-timers to London will appreciate the broad scope, while repeat visitors might enjoy seeing familiar sights from a new perspective.

Those with an interest in royal ceremonies, historic palaces, and royal transportation will find plenty to fascinate. It’s also a good choice for visitors with limited time, as it condenses several major attractions into a manageable tour. However, if your mobility is limited or if you prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer walking segments, you should consider the tour’s walking demands.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a solid value for those eager to see London’s royal landmarks with minimal fuss. The combination of expert guides, skip-the-line access, and the chance to see inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms or the Royal Mews makes it quite appealing. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the monarchy’s current role and its historic significance, all wrapped in a well-organized and engaging package.

For history buffs, first-time visitors, and royal enthusiasts, this tour hits many marks. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer guided experiences that bring stories to life and who want to avoid long lines or confusing navigation.

In short, if you’re looking for an efficient, insightful, and visually stunning way to explore London’s royal side, this tour is a strong choice—offering a taste of regal life that’s both educational and memorable.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, though space is limited. If you have specific needs, it’s best to contact the Guest Experience team in advance.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the options chosen and pace of the group.

What attractions are included in the tour?
You’ll see major sites like Canada Gate, Green Park, Clarence House, St. James’s Palace, The Mall, Wellington Barracks, plus either the Changing of the Guard, Royal Mews, or Buckingham Palace State Rooms.

Can I visit the State Rooms outside of this tour?
No, the State Rooms are only open to the public during specific months (typically July to September). During the rest of the year, the visit to Buckingham Palace is replaced by access to the Royal Mews.

Are tickets pre-reserved?
Yes, the tour includes pre-reserved skip-the-line tickets to both the Royal Mews and Buckingham Palace, if you select those options when booking.

What’s the best time to book this tour?
Since it’s popular and often booked 70 days in advance, it’s wise to reserve early, especially if you want to visit the State Rooms during their open months.

To sum it up, this guided royal tour offers a practical, engaging, and visually fascinating way to connect with London’s royal heritage. It’s best suited for those who want a well-organized experience with minimal stress, guided by friendly, knowledgeable experts. Whether you choose to see the majestic State Rooms or the working Royal Mews, you’re guaranteed a memorable glimpse into the life of the British monarchy—an experience that’s both educational and awe-inspiring.