Explore the grandeur of London’s royal heritage on the "Inside Buckingham Palace & See The Westminster Sights Tour." This 5-hour adventure offers exclusive access to the opulent state rooms and beautiful gardens of Buckingham Palace, alongside a guided exploration of iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey. With a small group setting, live English-speaking guides, and wheelchair accessibility, participants can enjoy England’s rich history and uncover the stories that lie within these remarkable sights.

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Key Points

This 5-hour tour includes exclusive access to Buckingham Palace’s state rooms and gardens, as well as a walking exploration of Westminster’s iconic sights.
Guests will spend 2 hours at Buckingham Palace, with additional time allocated for photo opportunities at Trafalgar Square, 10 Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey.
The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and offers a small group size for an intimate experience, with audio guides available in multiple languages.
Wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance are available, making the tour suitable for a wide range of visitors.
The tour starts at The Ritz London, with the nearest tube station being Green Park Underground, and participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an umbrella.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Inside Buckingham Palace & See The Westminster Sights Tour" offers a comprehensive 5-hour experience, allowing visitors to explore the iconic Buckingham Palace and discover the surrounding historic landmarks of Westminster.

Priced from $97 per person, the tour is available for booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour starts at The Ritz London and covers key stops like Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey.

Highlights include guided tours, access to Buckingham Palace’s state rooms and gardens, and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony (on select days).

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Itinerary Highlights

Beginning at The Ritz London, the tour takes visitors on a 5-hour journey to explore Buckingham Palace and the iconic sights of Westminster.

After spending 2 hours at the palace, the tour moves on to Trafalgar Square, granting 20 minutes to capture photos of the famous landmark.

The group then visits Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, each for 20 minutes.

The tour culminates with 40 minutes in Parliament Square and 20 minutes at Westminster Abbey, allowing participants to witness the Changing of the Guard and explore the historic abbey.

Tour Features

This tour features a live tour guide in English, ensuring a personalized and informative experience for all participants.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, catering to guests with mobility needs. Plus, the group size is kept small, providing a more intimate and engaging atmosphere.

Visitors will have access to Buckingham Palace, including the state rooms and royal gardens, with a multi-language audio guide to enhance their understanding.

On top of that, depending on the day, guests may witness the captivating Changing of the Guard ceremony.

What’s Included

Although the tour doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, it provides visitors with Buckingham Palace entry tickets, granting them access to the palace’s state rooms and royal gardens.

The tour also includes a 3-hour walking exploration of Westminster’s top sights, led by a fun local guide. An audio guide in multiple languages is provided for added convenience.

While lunch and drinks aren’t included, participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks. The tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing guests to explore the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and the historic landmarks of Westminster.

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Meeting Point & Important Information

The meeting point for the Inside Buckingham Palace & See The Westminster Sights Tour is located outside the Ritz Hotel, at 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR.

Green Park Underground Station is the nearest tube stop, with the left-hand exit just a short walk away.

Participants should come prepared with:

Comfortable walking shoes
An umbrella, just in case
A camera to capture the stunning sights

The tour guide won’t accompany the group inside Buckingham Palace after the walking tour portion, so guests should be ready to explore the palace’s interiors and gardens on their own.

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Exploring Buckingham Palace

Visitors explore the magnificent Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen, during the first part of the tour.

They’ll wander through the 19 state rooms, admiring the opulent decor and priceless artworks. The tour includes access to the palace gardens, where they can stroll through the lush greenery.

Guests also visit the "Queen Victoria’s Palace" exhibition, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and traditions of the British monarchy. The tour guides share insights and anecdotes, enhancing the experience.

After the palace visit, the group continues the walking tour of nearby Westminster sights.

Discovering Westminster Sights

After exploring the regal splendor of Buckingham Palace, the tour now leads participants to discover the iconic sights of Westminster.

The walking tour takes visitors to:

Trafalgar Square, a grand public space flanked by the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column
Horse Guards Parade, where the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place
10 Downing Street, the official residence of the UK Prime Minister
Parliament Square, housing the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben

Along the way, the guide provides insights and allows time for photo opportunities, immersing the group in the rich history and architecture of this renowned district.

Practical Tips for the Tour

Though the tour covers a lot of ground, participants can make the most of their experience by keeping a few practical tips in mind.

Bring comfortable shoes and an umbrella, as the tour involves several walking segments. Carrying water and snacks is also recommended, as lunch isn’t included.

Arriving at the meeting point near the Ritz Hotel 15 minutes early ensures a timely start.

While the tour guide won’t accompany visitors inside Buckingham Palace, the audio guide provides helpful information.

With these considerations, travelers can enjoy the stunning sights of Westminster to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside Buckingham Palace?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside Buckingham Palace, except in some restricted areas. However, the use of tripods and filming are usually prohibited to avoid disrupting the experience for other visitors.

Is There a Dress Code for Entering Buckingham Palace?

There is no specific dress code for visiting Buckingham Palace. However, visitors are expected to wear smart, casual attire. Shorts, flip-flops, and very casual clothing are generally not permitted inside the royal residence.

How Long Does the Changing of the Guard Ceremony Last?

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace typically lasts around 30-45 minutes. It involves a formal military parade as the Queen’s Guard is relieved by a new regiment, complete with a marching band and ceremonial guards.

Is There a Cloakroom or Storage Facility at the Meeting Point?

The meeting point at The Ritz Hotel does not have a dedicated cloakroom or storage facility. Participants will need to carry their belongings with them during the tour. It’s recommended to pack light and bring only essential items for the day.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own During the Tour?

Participants can explore on their own during the tour, but the guide will not accompany them. The tour includes set stops, and the guide’s supervision is limited to the scheduled activities and sights.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore London’s royal heritage. Visitors can marvel at the opulence of Buckingham Palace‘s state rooms, stroll through its picturesque gardens, and discover the iconic landmarks of Westminster. With a small group setting, live guides, and wheelchair accessibility, this experience promises an unforgettable journey through England’s rich history. Visitors should come prepared with snacks to fully enjoy this 5-hour adventure.