Visit Kensington Palace & 3 Hour Westminster Walking Tour

Discover the grandeur of London’s royal heritage with this engaging half-day experience. Explore iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey on a guided walking tour, then learn about the opulent interiors of Kensington Palace at your own pace. This tour combines the rich history of London’s architectural gems with the chance to explore the lives of Britain’s monarchs. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this experience promises to captivate and enlighten, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s storied past.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Hour Tours and Experiences in London.

Key Points

• The tour offers a combination of a 3-hour Westminster walking tour and independent exploration of Kensington Palace.
• The walking tour highlights popular landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square.
• Kensington Palace tickets are included, allowing visitors to explore the palace’s royal history and exhibits at their own pace.
• The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and is wheelchair accessible, accommodating diverse needs.
• Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Kensington Palace, which is approximately a 30-minute journey from the tour’s ending point.

Tour Overview

This tour combines a Westminster Walking Tour and a visit to Kensington Palace. It lasts 3 hours for the walking tour, with independent exploration of Kensington Palace afterward.

Highlights include Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard (on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square.

It’s perfect for time-pressed visitors who want to see multiple attractions in half a day. The tour cost includes Kensington Palace tickets.

The walking tour is led by a local guide, while transportation to Kensington Palace isn’t included.

Meeting and Logistics

The meeting point for the tour is The Ritz London, located at 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, UK.

The nearest tube station is Green Park Underground.

The tour ends at Kensington Palace Gardens, about 30 minutes away by public transport, costing around £5.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

Participants can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Transportation to Kensington Palace isn’t included, so travelers must make their own arrangements.

Highlights of the Walking Tour

The walking tour takes visitors on a journey through some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights include a visit to Buckingham Palace, where travelers can witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony (on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays).

The tour also takes participants to the awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey and the iconic Big Ben, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the city’s rich history.

Trafalgar Square, with its towering Nelson’s Column, is another must-see destination.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide offers fascinating insights, ensuring an informative and enjoyable experience for time-pressed visitors.

Exploring Kensington Palace

After the walking tour, visitors can explore the captivating Kensington Palace at their own pace.

The palace offers a chance to explore British royal history, with exhibits showcasing the lives of monarchs like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Guests can wander through the opulent State Apartments, admiring the grand interiors and art collections.

The beautiful Sunken Garden provides a tranquil oasis for relaxation. Plus, the independent exploration allows travelers to tailor their visit according to their interests and pace.

With the tour tickets included, visitors can make the most of their time at this iconic landmark without rushing.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes a local guide for the walking portion, providing participants with an informative and engaging experience.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and accommodates strollers and service animals, ensuring it’s inclusive for all travelers.

While transportation to Kensington Palace isn’t included, the tour cost covers admission tickets, allowing visitors to explore the palace independently at their own pace after the walking tour.

Key highlights of the tour’s inclusions and accessibility features are:

• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accommodations
• Service animal friendly
• Local guide for walking tour
• Kensington Palace admission tickets included

Reviews and Feedback

Overall, visitor reviews for the tour offer a mixed perspective. The tour has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 29 reviews.

Positive comments highlight the knowledgeable guides, informative nature of the tours, and overall enjoyable experiences.

However, some common criticisms include a rushed pace, lack of detailed directions to Kensington Palace, and issues with customer service regarding rescheduling.

Plus, some participants expressed disappointment with specific exhibits at Kensington Palace.

Despite these concerns, the tour guides are praised for their humor and knowledge, which enhance the overall experience.

Visitors should plan accordingly to avoid scheduling conflicts with other tours.

Getting to Kensington Palace

The tour concludes at Kensington Palace Gardens, with participants needing to make their own way there via public transportation.

The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately £5. Options include:

• Taking a bus from nearby Victoria Station
• Catching the Tube (underground) to High Street Kensington station
• Requesting a taxi or rideshare service
• Walking, which takes about 45 minutes from the end of the walking tour

It’s important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time to reach Kensington Palace, as the tour doesn’t provide transportation.

Proper planning will ensure participants make the most of their independent exploration of the palace after the guided walking portion.

Additional Considerations

Participants should consider a few additional factors when booking and attending this tour.

As the tour doesn’t include transportation to Kensington Palace, visitors will need to arrange their own travel from the end point.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, so booking early is recommended.

While the tour is wheelchair accessible, it’s essential to inform the provider of any special needs in advance.

Lastly, travelers should plan their schedules carefully, as the fast-paced nature of the tour may conflict with other activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Walking Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the walking tour. The tour guides encourage capturing the sights and landmarks along the way, though they may request guests be mindful of other travelers and avoid disruptions.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for children. It offers wheelchair accessibility and accommodations for strollers and service animals. However, the tour’s fast pace may not be ideal for younger participants who require more time and flexibility.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

The tour includes accommodations for wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals. Participants don’t need to bring any special equipment as the tour provider handles accessibility needs. However, bringing snacks and arranging transportation to Kensington Palace is recommended.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include More Sights?

The tour can be extended to include more sights, but this would require booking an additional separate tour. The standard tour focuses on the key highlights and allows for independent exploration of Kensington Palace afterwards.

What if I Have Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?

For travelers with dietary restrictions or food allergies, the tour operator recommends bringing their own snacks and lunch. They’ll accommodate service animals but can’t provide specialized meals. It’s best to plan ahead if you have specific dietary needs.

Sum Up

This combined experience allows visitors to enjoy London’s rich history and royal heritage. The guided walking tour showcases iconic landmarks, while exploring Kensington Palace at one’s own pace offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of the British monarchy. Perfect for time-conscious travelers, this half-day tour provides an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the city’s captivating culture and legacy.