London: Buckingham Palace and Tea at Royal Horseguards Hotel

Taking a tour that combines a peek inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with a relaxing afternoon tea at the Royal Horseguards Hotel sounds like a quintessential London experience. While this isn’t an all-day, fully guided extravaganza, it offers a taste of royal grandeur coupled with some of the city’s finest afternoon tea.

What we love about this experience is the chance to walk through all 19 State Rooms — a rare opportunity, given that these rooms are only open 10 weeks each year. The scenic stroll along The Mall to the Royal Horseguards Hotel adds a wonderfully relaxed element, perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely pace without feeling rushed. Plus, the afternoon tea features a tempting menu of sweet and savory treats, paired with a signature blend of teas.

A potential snag? The logistics can be a bit tricky. You’ll need to collect your tickets in advance at a pub several minutes away from the palace, and you’re responsible for getting between the two venues—no guided transportation or instructions are provided. That said, the flexible nature of this tour makes it ideal for those comfortable navigating London’s busy streets.

This experience suits travelers who want an authentic peek into royal London with a focus on comfort and a touch of indulgence. If you enjoy a mix of sightseeing and culinary treats with a small group, it could be a memorable addition to your London itinerary.

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Key Points

Exclusive Access: Visit all 19 State Rooms and the palace gardens—only possible during a limited annual window.
Prime Location: Buckingham Palace is at the heart of London, with a scenic walk along The Mall.
Authentic Experience: Enjoy treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
Relaxing Finish: Unwind with a traditional afternoon tea at a historic hotel on the River Thames.
Logistical Notes: You’ll need to pick up tickets at a pub, with self-directed transportation between venues.
Small Group Feel: Limited to 6 participants, fostering a more intimate experience.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

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Starting Point and Ticket Collection

The experience kicks off at 52 Victoria Street, at the Albert Pub, where you’ll exchange your booking confirmation for tickets. From there, the walk to Buckingham Palace takes about 9 minutes, along Buckingham Gate. According to reviewers, this initial step can be a little confusing because staff at the pub aren’t always aware of the collaboration with the tour provider, and directions aren’t overly clear. It’s wise to arrive early to avoid any last-minute rush.

Entry into Buckingham Palace and the State Rooms

At 13:15, you’re scheduled to enter Buckingham Palace. The tickets include access to all 19 State Rooms and the gardens—a rare chance to see the lavish interiors used for royal ceremonies and official entertaining. These rooms are furnished with iconic pieces from the Royal Collection, such as paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck. You can also admire sculptures by Canova, exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain, and refined English and French furniture.

The tour is self-guided but comes with an audio guide, which many reviewers appreciated for providing background and context that elevated the visit beyond just looking at pretty rooms. Some noted that the audio guide is automatically included with the ticket, which saves the extra expense.

The Garden and Limited Access

While the State Rooms are breathtaking, one common critique from visitors is the limited access to the gardens. You’re allowed into the garden area but can’t explore beyond the designated viewing points unless you purchase separate tickets for the garden itself. Reviewers mention that the garden beyond the accessible area isn’t included, making this part of the experience somewhat superficial if you’re hoping for extensive outdoor views.

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The Transition to Afternoon Tea

Post-visit, you’re responsible for walking (or taking a short taxi) to the Royal Horseguards Hotel, about a 20-minute stroll along The Mall and Victoria Embankment. Reviewers highlight that this walk is pleasant but can feel a bit rushed if you’re carrying souvenirs or tired from the palace visit.

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Afternoon Tea at the Royal Horseguards Hotel

At 16:15, the tour concludes with a delightful afternoon tea featuring a selection of sweet treats—like lemon meringue pie, Victoria sponge, and chocolate Éclair—and savory sandwiches such as cucumber and cream cheese and smoked salmon. The all-butter scones with strawberry and raspberry jam, plus Cornish clotted cream, make a perfect finishing touch.

The tea menu offers a variety of options, from English Breakfast to Earl Grey and herbal infusions like chamomile or green tea. Many reviewers mention the quality of the food and the friendly service, which makes this a relaxing, elegant way to cap off the day.

Practical Considerations and Logistical Details

Timing: The total experience lasts approximately 3 hours, but you should factor in travel time between venues.
Transportation: You’re on your own for moving between Buckingham Palace and the hotel, which is a point to consider if you’re managing luggage or mobility issues.
Group Size: Limited to 6 people, creating a more personal atmosphere but requiring early booking.
Cost and Value: While the tour is not the cheapest, it offers a comprehensive view of the State Rooms coupled with a high-quality afternoon tea—good value for those wanting a premium experience.

Authenticity and Real-World Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer noted that the actual palace visit was fantastic, but the process of acquiring tickets felt somewhat disorganized. They shared that staff at the pub weren’t always aware of the collaboration, and there was a 45-minute wait to get into the palace, which some might find frustrating. Plus, they cautioned that you cannot photograph inside the palace, so don’t expect to capture those grand rooms on your camera.

Another pointed out that the audioguide is included, but the separate garden tickets need to be purchased if you wish to see more outdoor areas. Their tip? To buy a garden ticket directly at the palace instead of relying on this package, to maximize your outdoor experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour offers a refined glimpse of royal London’s treasures, perfect for travelers who appreciate art, history, and elegant food. If you’re comfortable navigating London’s streets and don’t mind the self-guided aspect, you’ll enjoy the flexibility and intimacy of this experience.

It’s especially suited for those seeking a balanced mix of cultural sightseeing and culinary indulgence—without the crowds of larger group tours. The small group size means you can ask questions and enjoy a more personalized experience, though it does mean early booking is essential.

While it isn’t a comprehensive guided tour of London’s royal sights, it’s ideal for visitors wanting an up-close look at Buckingham Palace’s most sumptuous rooms and a delicious, leisurely afternoon tea to round out the day.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this experience requires booking ahead because it’s limited to small groups, and tickets are issued in advance.

How do I get my tickets?
Tickets are collected at 52 Victoria Street at the Albert Pub. You’ll exchange your booking confirmation there before heading to the palace.

Can I bring luggage or large bags?
The information doesn’t specify restrictions, but it’s best to travel light since the ticket collection and walk between sites are on foot.

Is transportation included?
No, you are responsible for making your own way between Buckingham Palace and the Royal Horseguards Hotel.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including the palace visit and afternoon tea.

Are guides or tour leaders present during the tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience, but an audio guide is included with your tickets.

Are there options for vegetarians or special diets?
The menu includes standard options, but custom requests aren’t mentioned; it’s best to check directly with the hotel.

Is photography allowed inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the State Rooms is prohibited.

What’s the dress code?
While not explicitly stated, smart casual attire is advisable for a visit to a royal palace and a formal hotel setting.

Can I customize the experience?
This tour is fixed in structure; customization isn’t offered, but you can modify your schedule in London to suit your pace.

Final Verdict

This experience is a great choice for those who want an authentic glimpse of royal life combined with delicious, well-presented afternoon tea. Although the logistics require some planning, the chance to see Buckingham Palace’s lavish State Rooms is a rare treat.

The small-group size and high-quality food make it a more intimate, refined alternative to larger, more commercial tours. If you’re comfortable navigating London on your own and value a blend of culture and cuisine, this tour offers a memorable way to spend an afternoon in the British capital.

For travelers eager to experience royal splendor in a relaxed setting, it’s worth considering. Just be prepared for the logistical aspects—and perhaps pack some patience along with your camera.