London: Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Royal Walking Tour

Review of the London: Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Royal Walking Tour

Getting a glimpse inside Buckingham Palace’s famous State Rooms is a treat, and when paired with a guided walk through London’s royal sights, it offers a comprehensive taste of Britain’s monarchy. This tour, offered by Walks – UK, covers everything from historic palaces to the route used for royal processions, blending inside access with outdoor exploration. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances history, scenery, and storytelling.

What I particularly like about this tour is the opportunity to skip the long lines at Buckingham Palace, thanks to pre-reserved tickets. This is a big time-saver and allows more time to enjoy the lavish interiors, like the White Drawing Room and the Throne Room, which many travelers find especially memorable. Plus, walking down The Mall—the iconic promenade lined with royal flags—is a moment that captures the majesty of London’s royal pageantry. The guides, often praised for their knowledge and humor, really bring the stories to life, making history feel immediate rather than distant.

One thing to consider is that this tour is quite rigorous in terms of walking. It’s about three hours of moderate-paced strolling, so comfortable shoes are a must. The tour’s focus on the State Rooms is seasonal, limited to July through September, which might mean some visitors have to plan their visit around that window. Also, as with most royal experiences, photography inside the palace is not allowed, which could be a disappointment if you’re hoping for pictures.

This experience offers solid value for those interested in the monarchy’s inner workings, outdoor royal landmarks, and history told with engaging guides. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of indoor grandeur and outdoor sightseeing, and who appreciate expert-guided storytelling to deepen their understanding of British royalty.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Skip-the-line access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms saves time and enhances the experience.
• Knowledgeable guides like Sue and Peter are consistently praised for their friendly demeanor and depth of historical insight.
• The seasons matter—the State Rooms are open from July 11 to September 29, so plan your visit accordingly.
• The tour includes a guided walk from Clarence House to St. James’s Palace, providing context about royal residences and landmarks.
• Walking down The Mall and visiting St. James’s Park gives you a genuine sense of royal London’s outdoor spaces and ceremonial routes.
• The combined indoor and outdoor experience offers a well-rounded understanding of the monarchy’s history and contemporary relevance.

Exploring Buckingham Palace and Surroundings: A Deep Dive

Starting Point at Canada Gate: The Gateway to Royal London

The tour kicks off at Canada Gate, a regal entrance along the South Carriage Drive. This spot is often less crowded and offers great photo opportunities of the palace grounds. Arriving 15 minutes early, as recommended, ensures you’re ready for the guide’s warm welcome with a green Walks sign. This initial meeting point sets a relaxed tone for the next three hours.

Visiting Clarence House and St. James’s Palace: Royal Residences with a Past

From there, the journey takes you past Clarence House, a 19th-century estate with a long royal history, including recent royal occupants. Though just a quick pass-by, it’s a reminder of the British Royal Family’s diverse residences. Then, walking by St. James’s Palace—the oldest royal residence still in use—gives you a sense of royal continuity. One review notes that guide Sue shares engaging stories about local points of interest, making these stops lively rather than just brief photo ops.

Walking Down The Mall: London’s Royal Red Carpet

The highlight of the outdoor segment is strolling down The Mall, often described as London’s royal red carpet. This well-maintained boulevard, flanked by trees and flags, leads up to Buckingham Palace and is used for royal processions, weddings, and jubilees. Walking this route, I love the way it connects the city’s vibrant streets to the pageantry of the monarchy, making you feel part of a living tradition.

Inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms: Opulence and History

The core of the tour is the inside visit to the State Rooms with pre-reserved tickets, allowing you to skip the long lines. The White Drawing Room is especially memorable, as it’s used for official gatherings. The Throne Room, recently used for King Charles III’s coronation chairs, offers a glimpse into regal ceremonies. Many reviewers, like Donald C, praise guides for their “great depth of knowledge” about the royal residences and the monarchy’s history.

The rooms are decorated with historic paintings, ornate furniture, and impressive chandeliers, giving you a sense of the monarchy’s grandeur. An audio guide enhances this experience, offering detailed commentary while you explore at your own pace. Be aware that photography inside is not permitted, which can be a bit frustrating for those wanting to remember the interiors.

Additional Landmarks: Wellington Barracks and St. James’s Park

Passing by Wellington Barracks, home of the Foot Guards, adds a military element to the royal story. A walk through St. James’s Park, London’s oldest Royal Park, offers a peaceful break and a chance to see ducks, pelicans, and the iconic St. James’s Palace from afar. These outdoor spaces enrich the tour, offering both scenic beauty and historical context.

End at Buckingham Palace: A Fitting Finale

The tour concludes back at Buckingham Palace, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the royal residence and its role today. Many reviews mention how guides make the history come alive, adding personal stories and humor that keep the group engaged. Peter, for example, was praised for his knowledge and humor, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour and Who Might Want To Consider Alternatives?

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate guided storytelling and want a rundown of London’s royal sites. If you’re fascinated by the monarchy, enjoy outdoor walking, and want insider insights, you’ll find it rewarding. It’s also a good choice for travelers who prefer skip-the-line access and don’t want to waste precious sightseeing time queuing.

However, if you’re mainly looking for interior photos or are sensitive to walking distances, you might find the physical pace a bit demanding. Also, since the State Rooms are only open seasonally, planning around the summer months is essential to see the interior highlights.

The price point—around $93 per person—includes skip-the-line tickets, a knowledgeable guide, and a scenic, educational walk. For those who value expert narration and behind-the-scenes access, this fee offers good value. For budget travelers, alternative options like standalone tickets or shorter self-guided walks might be more affordable but less immersive.

This experience is particularly well-suited for history enthusiasts, fans of the royal family, and first-time visitors wanting a structured, comprehensive tour. People interested in ceremonial routes and outdoor landmarks will also appreciate the combination of walking and inside access.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Go

Duration and Timing

Expect about 3 hours of activity, with the tour starting at a convenient morning or early afternoon time—check availability for specific start times. Arriving 15 minutes early is the best way to ensure a smooth start.

Accessibility and Comfort

The tour is wheelchair accessible but space is limited; it’s wise to contact the provider in advance if mobility assistance is needed. Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking for a significant part of the experience.

Cost and Value

At roughly $93, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see the State Rooms and major royal landmarks without lines. The combination of indoor access, outdoor sightseeing, and expert narration adds tangible value, especially for first-time visitors.

Restrictions and Seasonal Notes

The State Rooms are open from July 11 to September 29—outside of this window, the interior visit won’t be available. Photography inside the palace is not allowed, so plan accordingly.

FAQs

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it begins at Canada Gate, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since it’s a walking tour. No large luggage or weapons are allowed, and photography inside Buckingham Palace is prohibited.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, but space is limited. It’s best to contact the provider ahead of time to ensure accommodations.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour in English?
Yes, the guide speaks English. Audio guides are also provided for inside Buckingham Palace.

What happens if the State Rooms are closed?
If closures occur, the tour will be modified as time permits. The guide will inform you beforehand if possible.

How long is the walking part of the tour?
Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours of outdoor strolling, including walking down The Mall, through St. James’s Park, and past other landmarks.

To sum it up, the London: Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Royal Walking Tour offers a balanced, insightful experience for those seeking an inside look at Buckingham Palace coupled with outdoor sightseeing. It’s a great choice for history buffs, Royal Family fans, and travelers wanting a structured, guided exploration of London’s royal side. The knowledgeable guides, combined with skip-the-line access and scenic walks, make it a memorable way to spend part of your London stay. Just remember to check the season for the State Rooms and wear comfortable shoes—your feet will thank you.