London: Buckingham Palace and Tea at The Clermont Hotel

Experience the Majesty of Buckingham Palace with a Classic Afternoon Tea at The Clermont Hotel

If you’re dreaming of a classic London day that combines regal sights with a relaxing tea experience, this tour promises just that. It’s a chance to step inside one of the most iconic royal residences and then unwind sipping a traditional afternoon tea—an ideal combo for lovers of history, culture, and hearty bites.

What makes this experience appealing? First, you get to explore all 19 State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, a rare chance since the Palace is only open to the public during a brief 10-week window each year. Second, the luxurious gardens are also included, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets. Third, the afternoon tea at The Clermont Hotel provides a cozy, indulgent finish, with plenty of delicious treats and a variety of teas.

However, a potential challenge is the logistics involved—there’s no guided tour, and you’ll need to navigate between the meeting point, the Palace, and the hotel on your own, which some travelers found less straightforward. This experience is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of self-guided exploration and relaxed dining, and who don’t mind a bit of planning to make the most of their day.

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Key Points

Exclusive Access: Explore all 19 State Rooms and the gardens at Buckingham Palace during their limited opening period.
Authentic Artworks: View treasures from the Royal Collection, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
Flexible Experience: No guided tour included, giving you freedom to explore at your pace.
Decadent Tea: Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a selection of herbal teas.
Location & Logistics: You’ll need to pick up your tickets at The Albert pub and walk between the venues—plan your time accordingly.
Price & Value: At $107 per person, the experience offers a good mix of culture and culinary delight, though some reviews suggest that the logistical aspects could be smoother.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Buckingham Palace: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a rare chance to step inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, which are typically closed to the public. These rooms serve as the setting for royal ceremonies and are lavishly furnished with some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection. Expect to see paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, as well as exquisite sculptures and porcelain, all displayed in rooms decorated with English and French furniture.

Because the Palace is only open for a limited 10-week period each year, this experience can feel like a unique moment to witness the grandeur of royal life firsthand. However, it’s important to note that the tickets are not provided directly at the Palace. Instead, you’ll pick up a voucher at The Albert Pub, then walk to the ticketing office, which a few reviews noted was a slightly confusing process.

Once inside, visitors often mention the audioguide, which is included in the ticket price, helping you understand the significance of each room’s decor and history. Note that photography is not allowed inside the Palace, so you’ll want to rely on your memories and the audioguide to capture the experience.

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The Gardens: A Quiet Oasis

The gardens are an unexpected highlight—spacious, beautifully maintained, and offering a serene escape amid the grandeur of the Palace. Only accessible during this limited opening period, the gardens provide a glimpse into royal outdoor life, with lush lawns and scenic views.

Authentic Insights from Visitors

One reviewer mentioned that the guide inside the Palace was knowledgeable, though the experience could feel a bit rushed if you’re not prepared for the self-guided nature. Another noted that the artworks and furnishings are truly impressive, making it well worth the visit for art lovers.

The Logistics: Navigating Between Venues

The experience begins with a ticket exchange at The Albert Pub on Victoria Street, a 9-minute walk from Buckingham Palace. You’ll need to arrive between 12:00 and 12:45 PM to collect your voucher. From there, the walk to the Palace ticketing office is straightforward, but some reviews have pointed out that there’s no clear guidance on how to reach the next steps, which can cause confusion.

After exploring the Palace, you’ll have some free time before heading to The Clermont Hotel for afternoon tea at 4:00 PM. The walk from the Palace to the hotel is about 23 minutes along The Mall, which is manageable for most, but travelers should plan their timing carefully to avoid missing the tea service.

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The Afternoon Tea Experience

Set at The Clermont Hotel, the tea offers a classic selection of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and decadent desserts like Victoria sponge and chocolate-orange tart. The menu is generous, and reviews often mention the quality of the food and plentiful tea options including English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and herbal varieties.

The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, ideal for relaxing after a morning of palace touring. Some guests suggested that purchasing snacks or souvenirs at the Palace’s garden shop might be a good idea if you want extra treats or mementos.

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Real-World Tips

Prepare for a bit of walking and navigation between meeting points.
Arrive early at The Albert Pub for a smoother check-in.
Consider the timing—afternoon tea is scheduled at 4:00 PM, so plan accordingly.
If you want to visit the Palace garden beyond the tour, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets, as access is limited during the open weeks.

Pricing and Value

At $107 per person, this experience packs in quite a bit: a comprehensive tour of the State Rooms, gardens, and a refined afternoon tea. Compared to guided tours that include transportation, this setup might seem more DIY, but it cuts costs and allows for flexibility.

However, some reviewers pointed out that the logistics could be more streamlined. The process of exchanging tickets at The Albert Pub and the walk to the Palace might feel cumbersome, especially for those unfamiliar with London. Still, for art and history lovers, the chance to see priceless artworks and the sumptuous interiors can justify the price.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for visitors who enjoy independent sightseeing combined with a leisurely meal. It suits those who appreciate art, history, and a touch of luxury without necessarily needing a guided commentary. It’s also perfect if you’re comfortable navigating London’s streets and have a flexible schedule.

However, it might be less suited for travelers who prefer guided group tours, detailed explanations, or want an all-in-one package with transportation included. The logistics and timing require some planning, and the process can be a bit confusing without prior familiarity.

Final Thoughts

This experience offers a rare chance to visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and gardens during their limited open season, paired with a classic afternoon tea. While the process of ticket collection and moving between sites demands some planning, the quality of the interiors, art collection, and the cozy tea at The Clermont make it worthwhile.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys exploring at your own pace and loves art and British tradition, this experience could be a highlight of your London trip. Just be prepared for some logistics and coordinate your timings carefully.

On balance, it provides a meaningful balance of culture, comfort, and culinary delight—great for history buffs, art lovers, and those looking to indulge in a true London ritual.

FAQ

Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, you must exchange your confirmation for a printed voucher at The Albert Pub before the tour day. The tickets for Buckingham Palace and the tea are arranged through this process.

How do I get from The Albert Pub to Buckingham Palace?
It’s a short 9-minute walk along Buckingham Gate/B323 from The Albert Pub to the Palace ticketing office.

Is the audioguide included?
Yes, the audioguide is included in the ticket, helping you learn about the rooms and artworks during your visit.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography is not permitted inside the Palace.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you will walk between venues, and the weather in London can be unpredictable.

Is transportation provided between the Palace and the hotel?
No, you will need to walk or arrange your own transportation. The walk to The Clermont Hotel is about 23 minutes along The Mall.

To sum it up, this experience offers a taste of royal elegance and British tradition, tailored for those eager to explore at their own pace. It’s a worthwhile option for art and history enthusiasts who enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a touch of indulgence, provided they’re comfortable with the logistical details.