London: Buckingham Palace Ticket and Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Exploring London with the Buckingham Palace Ticket and Afternoon Tea Bus Tour: An Honest Review

London is a city packed with iconic sights, royal history, and charming traditions—making it a favorite for travelers worldwide. This tour, combining a visit inside Buckingham Palace with a leisurely afternoon tea aboard a vintage bus, promises a blend of culture, history, and indulgence. Although we haven’t taken it ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions offer a clear picture of what to expect, helping you decide if this experience is right for you.

What we love about this tour is the chance to step into the Royal residence, the unique way it combines sightseeing with a relaxing afternoon tea, and the flexibility of choosing between a hotel or bus-based dining. However, a key consideration is that the tour is unescorted, meaning you’ll need to manage your own logistics after visiting Buckingham Palace. This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural exploration and leisurely indulgence, especially those who appreciate a traditional British tea experience.

Key Points

• Includes access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with audio guides in multiple languages
• Offers a chance to walk through the stunning Palace Gardens and see treasures from the Royal Collection
• Provides a traditional afternoon tea either on the bus or at The Wellington Hotel
• Unescorted experience, requiring self-arranged transport for the afternoon tea part
• Approximately 4 hours total, with a flexible, laid-back pace
• Good value considering entry to the Palace, audio guides, and a full afternoon tea

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This London Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into London’s royal history paired with a quintessentially British afternoon tea. Let’s break down each part to understand exactly what you’re getting and the experiences involved.

Visiting Buckingham Palace: The Historic Heart of British Royalty

Your day begins outside Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the reigning monarch. The meeting point at the King’s Gallery Entrance at 10:30 am is straightforward, right next to the gates where you’ll likely see the changing of the guard if timing aligns. The admission includes entry to the State Rooms, a rare opportunity to see where official royal functions and receptions are held.

The State Rooms are decorated with fine French and English antiques, with notable artworks by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt. The furniture and art collections are not just beautiful but tell stories of Britain’s royal history. Many reviewers mention the thrill of walking through these rooms and seeing treasures that are rarely open to the public—adding a layer of exclusivity to the experience.

The audio guide enhances the visit, offering commentary in different languages, which makes the experience accessible for international visitors. One reviewer mentioned being impressed that they could “actually go inside,” especially since access is limited during the year. The gardens are also a highlight, often called a “walled oasis,” with over 30 bird species and more than 350 wildflowers. Walking along the southern edge of the garden, you’ll enjoy views of the famous lake and the West Front of the Palace—a rare peek into the royal outdoor space.

The Royal Gardens and Exterior Views

While the interior is the main draw, the external views are equally valued. The gardens provide a tranquil setting amid London’s hustle, and many guests appreciate the opportunity to see this lesser-visited part of the Palace grounds. Some reviews, however, hint at the limited time and the need to manage expectations if you’re hoping for a lengthy garden tour—this is more of a quick stroll than a full garden visit.

Post-Visit Logistics and Self-Guided Afternoon Tea

After your Palace visit, you’ll be free to make your way to the afternoon tea bus. The walk from Buckingham Palace to Victoria’s Bulleid Way takes around 10 minutes, which is manageable even with a bit of sightseeing in between. Check-in for the afternoon tea bus is at 3:00 pm, departing at 3:15 pm from Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way.

This part of the experience is unescorted, meaning you’ll need to handle your own travel arrangements. The tea served on the bus is quite popular, with guests receiving a glass of Prosecco or soft drink to start. The menu includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, small tea cakes, and a selection of teas. Reviewers have noted the food as “delicious” and “well worth the price,” especially given that it’s included in the overall package.

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The Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Wellington Hotel

Alternatively, for those craving a more traditional and refined experience, you can opt for afternoon tea at The Wellington Hotel. Located just a short walk from the bus departure point, this offers a more classic setting with a wide range of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and fine teas. This upgrade might appeal to those who want a sit-down experience with more ambiance.

The Experience’s Value and Considerations

At $107 per person, this tour packs a lot into a relatively short time. You’re getting access to Buckingham Palace’s interior, an audio-guided tour in multiple languages, and a delicious afternoon tea. The inclusion of both the palace visit and the tea makes it a good value compared to booking these activities separately, especially for first-time visitors keen to tick off one of London’s top attractions.

However, the unescorted nature of the afternoon tea segment might be a downside for some, as you’ll need to coordinate your own transport and timing afterward. Reviewers also mention that the tour route can change due to traffic or road closures, which is typical in London but worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule.

How the Tour Compares to Others

Many similar experiences focus solely on one aspect—like just visiting Buckingham Palace or enjoying afternoon tea in a hotel. This combined approach saves time and provides a more immersive experience. The audio guide is highlighted as a helpful feature, especially since guides aren’t provided on-site. While some reviews point out the loud music on the bus and a driver’s difficult-to-understand commentary, these are minor inconveniences that won’t spoil the overall experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a blend of sightseeing and indulgence without overextending their schedule. It’s especially good for first-timers who want to see Buckingham Palace’s highlights and enjoy a proper English tea in one package. If you’re a history buff, the audio-guided Palace tour will satisfy your curiosity, while those seeking a relaxed, social meal will appreciate the afternoon tea.

It might not suit those looking for a guided tour with a dedicated guide or those wanting a full day of sightseeing in one go. Plus, since the experience is unescorted, you’ll need to handle your own logistics after the Palace visit.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a lovely mix of culture, history, and food, making it a versatile choice for many visitors. The admission to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms is a major highlight, and the audio guide adds educational value. The afternoon tea—whether on the bus or at The Wellington Hotel—is a delightful treat and provides a genuine taste of British tradition.

For those who enjoy a relaxed pace and value combining experiences, this tour provides a good balance of sightseeing and leisure. The cost seems reasonable given what’s included, and the flexible options allow for some personal preferences.

However, if you prefer guided tours, comprehensive garden visits, or a more structured experience, you might want to explore other options. The unescorted nature of the afternoon tea part means you’ll need to plan your own transport and timing afterward.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not allowed on this tour, but older kids and teens who enjoy history and food might find it engaging.

Do I need to bring my own tickets?
Yes, you’ll need to enter your reservation number and email on the provided link to redeem your tickets, and a printed voucher is required for entry.

Is the Palace open year-round?
The review mentions that access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms is limited to certain months, with July being one of the months when it was open during the review.

Can I customize the afternoon tea option?
Vegan and gluten-free options can be requested at booking, but the standard menu is fixed, and no special requests are typically accommodated.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is appropriate, especially if you plan to visit the Palace and enjoy a sit-down tea at The Wellington.

Are there restrooms on the bus?
No, there are no toilets onboard the afternoon tea bus, so plan accordingly.

What happens if there are traffic delays?
The bus route may change due to traffic or road closures, which is common in London, but the experience remains enjoyable.

Is there a guided commentary during the bus tour?
No live guide is provided, and some reviewers found the commentary hard to understand or too loud, so manage expectations accordingly.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are permitted up to 7 days in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this experience offers a charming way to enjoy London’s royal sights and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. It’s best suited for travelers who value a combination of history, comfort, and a touch of British class. With its reasonable price and memorable highlights, it could be just the right fit for your London itinerary—especially if you’re eager to indulge in a classic afternoon tea after a regal visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: