Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London

Buckingham Palace and the iconic double-decker buses are quintessential London experiences. This tour combines the best of both, allowing visitors to explore the city’s highlights in style. Guests embark on a vintage bus journey, taking in famous landmarks before cruising along the River Thames. But the real highlight? Exclusive access to the opulent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, where the royal family resides. For those short on time or new to London, this tour offers an unparalleled introduction to the city’s rich history and regal splendor.

Key Points

• This tour combines a vintage double-decker bus tour of London’s iconic landmarks with a scenic Thames River cruise and exclusive access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms.
• The 2-hour bus tour covers must-see sights like Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and provides unobstructed views from the open-top design.
• The 30-minute Thames River cruise offers a unique water-level perspective of the city’s architecture and bridges, including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
• Visitors can explore the opulent decor and grandeur of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, which are open to the public for a limited period each year.
• The tour is ideal for first-time or time-pressed travelers to efficiently discover multiple top attractions in London.

Tour Overview

The tour allows visitors to experience London’s top highlights via a combination of vintage double-decker bus, river boat, and on-foot exploration.

It takes guests to iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and the London Eye.

The tour includes a Thames River sightseeing cruise and exclusive access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, which are only open for three months each year.

This is an ideal experience for first-time or time-pressed travelers to discover multiple top attractions and perspectives on the city.

Duration and Meeting Point

The tour lasts a total of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, comprising a 2-hour vintage bus tour, a 30-minute Thames River cruise, and an optional 15-minute visit to Westminster Abbey. Guests should arrive at the meeting point, Victoria Coach Station, at 7:30 am for a 7:45 am departure. The tour concludes at Buckingham Palace Road, allowing independent travel from there.

Details	Information
Duration	2 hours bus tour, 30 minutes Thames cruise, 15 minutes Westminster Abbey (optional)
Meeting Point	Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9TP, UK
Departure Time	7:45 am (boarding starts at 7:30 am)
End Point	Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1, UK

Vintage Bus Tour

Departing from Victoria Coach Station, the vintage double-decker bus takes guests on a comprehensive 2-hour tour showcasing London’s iconic landmarks.

Passengers marvel at the grand scale of Trafalgar Square, the Gothic beauty of Westminster Abbey, and the historic splendor of the Tower of London.

The open-top design provides unobstructed sightlines, while the on-board guide offers insightful commentary.

The bus tour seamlessly transitions to a scenic 30-minute cruise along the River Thames, providing a different perspective of the city’s skyline.

This combined experience allows time-pressed visitors to discover multiple top attractions efficiently and enjoyably.

Scenic Thames River Cruise

Following the 2-hour vintage bus tour, travelers embark on a scenic 30-minute cruise along the River Thames.

The boat provides unobstructed views of London’s iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye. The cruise offers a unique water-level perspective of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the stunning architecture and bridges.

Some key features of the Thames River cruise include:

1. Panoramic views of the city skyline
2. Narration by a knowledgeable guide
3. Comfortable seating on an enclosed boat
4. Opportunity to rest and recharge before the palace visit

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

After the scenic river cruise, visitors gain access to the renowned Buckingham Palace State Rooms.

These lavish interior rooms are only open to the public for three months each year. Visitors can admire the opulent decor, including sparkling chandeliers, gilded furniture, and priceless artworks.

The tour includes the Throne Room, wherein the Queen holds state ceremonies. Though photography isn’t allowed inside, the experience offers a rare glimpse into the palace’s private spaces.

While an optional add-on, the Buckingham Palace visit completes the day’s experience, showcasing the grandeur of British royal heritage.

Traveler Experiences and Feedback

Travelers have left an average of 41 reviews for this tour, rating it 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides, great organization, scenic views, and enjoyable experiences at Buckingham Palace.

However, some critiques mention scheduling gaps, rushed transitions, and guides lacking enthusiasm.

To help you enjoy the tour, consider these recommendations:

1. Prepare for possible rain, as the open-top bus may change to closed-top.
2. Maintain moderate physical fitness, as the tour is stroller accessible.
3. Take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
4. Check the meeting point details to avoid initial confusion.

Important Considerations

What are some important considerations to keep in mind for this Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London? First, be prepared for potential rain – the open-top bus may need to switch to a closed-top design. Plus, a moderate level of physical fitness is required, though the tour is stroller-accessible. Fortunately, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior. One area for improvement is the meeting point – the tour operator should provide clearer directions to reduce initial confusion.

Consideration	Description
Weather	Prepare for rain; bus may switch to closed-top
Fitness Level	Moderate fitness required; stroller-accessible
Cancellation	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour
Meeting Point	Operator should improve directions to reduce confusion

Exploring London’s Highlights

This vintage bus tour whisks travelers through the heart of London, showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The experience kicks off at Trafalgar Square, home to the famous Nelson’s Column, before heading to iconic Big Ben and the nearby Westminster Abbey.

After a scenic boat cruise along the River Thames, the tour culminates at the magnificent Buckingham Palace, where visitors can explore the sumptuous State Rooms.

The highlights of this tour include:

1. Witnessing the grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral
2. Marveling at the engineering feat of Tower Bridge
3. Delving into the storied history of the Tower of London
4. Enjoying panoramic views from the iconic London Eye.

Ask Away

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Photos are allowed on the tour, except inside the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Visitors should check with the guide about any restrictions. Photography may be limited to protect the historic interiors and provide a peaceful experience for all.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather, guests can receive a full refund or reschedule their tour at no additional cost. The tour operator will promptly notify travelers and provide instructions on how to proceed.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, they do provide free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, which can help budget-conscious travelers plan their trip more flexibly.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes entry to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, but food and drink aren’t allowed inside. You’ll need to purchase any refreshments separately during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for Entering Buckingham Palace?

There’s no strict dress code for visiting Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, but visitors should wear smart, comfortable clothing. Casual attire like shorts and t-shirts is generally fine, though guests are advised to avoid overly revealing or scruffy looks.

Final Words

This comprehensive tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience London’s iconic landmarks. Guests embark on a vintage bus journey, followed by a scenic river cruise and exclusive access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms. With its convenient duration and budget-friendly price, this tour is an ideal choice for first-time visitors or those short on time, providing an immersive glimpse into London’s rich history and royal heritage.