Royal London Tour with Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace

From the outside, London’s royal landmarks seem to beckon with a promise of history, ceremony, and elegance. This Royal London Tour with Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace offers a stylish way to tick off London’s most iconic sights while savoring a classic British tradition. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve studied the details, reviews, and itinerary to give you an honest, practical overview of what to expect.

What I love most about this experience is how it combines a guided exploration of the city’s royal and political heart with a luxurious afternoon tea—balancing history and indulgence in a way that feels both authentic and pampering. Plus, the tour’s focus on key landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey is perfect for those on a tight schedule, giving you a snapshot of London’s grandeur without wasting time wandering aimlessly.

One potential consideration is the cost, which might seem steep at $177.45 per person, but when you weigh it against the guided expertise, convenient itinerary, and the quality of the afternoon tea, many will find it offers good value—especially for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights with less hassle.

Now, let’s go deeper into what makes this tour tick, what you’ll love, and a few tips to get the most out of it.

Key points / Takeaways

Expert Blue Badge Guide: Knowledgeable guides bring the sights alive with engaging stories and insights you won’t find in a guidebook.
Convenient Group Tour: Traveling by coach means you see more in less time, with the benefit of a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped ride.
Prime Locations: Stops include Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, giving you a broad view of London’s regal and political hub.
Flexible Sightseeing: Watching the Changing of the Guard offers a traditional spectacle and a great photo opportunity—free, and often a highlight for visitors.
Luxurious Afternoon Tea: The experience at The Rubens at The Palace is praised for its sumptuous sandwiches, pastries, and perfect scones.
Accessibility & Family Friendly: The tour is suitable for all ages, with wheelchair and stroller access, making it a great option for families or those with mobility needs.

Exploring London’s Royal Heart in Half a Day

If you’re visiting London for just a short time, this tour makes the most of your limited hours by covering many of the city’s best-known royal sights. The entire experience starts at Victoria Coach Station at 9:00 am, and within a few hours, you’ll have seen Westminster’s grand Gothic architecture, caught a glimpse of Big Ben, and marveled at the exterior of Buckingham Palace. The guide, likely a Blue Badge expert, will share stories about the palace’s history, the significance of Whitehall, and the royal traditions that make London unique.

The itinerary is designed with efficiency in mind, so while you won’t go inside most sites (except for the optional Buckingham Palace visit if you choose), the focus is on viewing from the outside and understanding their importance. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place on certain days, is a must-see for many visitors, offering a spectacle of uniforms, precision, and centuries-old tradition. If the guard isn’t scheduled at Buckingham Palace, the tour will include the Horse Guards Parade for an equally impressive display.

The coach’s Wi-Fi and USB charging are thoughtful touches, allowing you to stay connected or capture photos on the go. The small group size (up to 52 travelers) makes for a friendly, less overwhelming experience, and the personal audio headsets ensure you don’t miss any of the guide’s stories, even in a noisy crowd.

Watching the Changing of the Guard

This ceremony is often the highlight for first-timers. It’s a well-orchestrated display of British pomp, with soldiers in traditional uniforms marching rhythmically to music. The guide will tell you the history behind the ceremony and share some fun facts. Since it’s a free event, it’s a popular, sometimes crowded spectacle, so arriving early or securing a good viewing spot can make a difference.

If the guard isn’t at Buckingham Palace due to schedules, visitors will see the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade instead. This flexibility ensures you won’t miss this iconic moment of royal pageantry.

Lunch and Indulgence at The Rubens at The Palace

Following your sightseeing, the tour concludes with a four-hour visit to The Rubens at The Palace, a 5-star hotel just steps from Buckingham Palace. Here, the afternoon tea is praised for its sumptuous sandwiches, delightful pastries, and perfect scones with clotted cream and fruit preserves. Several reviews mention the friendly service and the spectacular views of the Queen’s stables, adding to the overall charm.

The experience is more than just the food; it’s about the ambiance—a bright, elegant space that makes you feel pampered. For many, this is a memorable highlight, especially after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a balanced introduction to London’s royal sights without the hassle of planning individual visits. It works well for first-time visitors, families with children, or anyone short on time but eager to experience the city’s regal atmosphere.

If you’re a royal enthusiast or simply love classic British traditions, the combination of sightseeing and afternoon tea hits the right notes. Keep in mind, the price point reflects the guided service, coach transport, and the high-quality tea, so it’s a premium experience but offers good value for the convenience and quality.

Logistics and Practical Tips

• Book well in advance—the tour is popular, and bookings are typically made about 50 days ahead.
• Start early at 9:00 am from Victoria Coach Station, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day.
• The tour ends at The Rubens around noon, with the afternoon tea following immediately—perfectly timed for a leisurely meal.
• No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so plan to arrive at Victoria Coach Station and make your way to the hotel afterward.
• For those with dietary restrictions, the hotel requests at least 48 hours’ notice for special menus.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.

The Cost: Is It Worth It?

At $177.45 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but consider what’s included: guided commentary, coach transportation, a luxury afternoon tea, and an efficient way to see many of London’s royal sights. For visitors with limited time or those wanting a stress-free experience, this package offers convenience and comfort.

The reviews reinforce this value, with guests praising the knowledge of the guides—especially highlighting guides like “Evan Evans” for making the stories engaging—and the stunning views of the royal quarters and cityscape.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 9:00 am from Victoria Coach Station and concludes around noon at The Rubens for the afternoon tea.

Is the Changing of the Guard included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll watch the Changing of the Guard, which is a highlight, scheduled for certain days. If it’s not at Buckingham Palace, it will be at Horse Guards Parade.

Do I need to worry about accessibility?
No, the tour is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Is the afternoon tea included in the price?
Yes, the four-hour visit to The Rubens at The Palace with afternoon tea is included, featuring a range of traditional sandwiches, pastries, and scones.

Can I visit Buckingham Palace inside?
Admission to inside Buckingham Palace is not included in this tour, but you can see the exterior and watch the Changing of the Guard.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?
Yes, dietary restrictions can be accommodated if notified at least 48 hours in advance.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, you need to meet at Victoria Coach Station; the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

Final thoughts

For anyone eager to get a taste of London’s royal atmosphere without the fuss of navigating alone, this tour offers a well-paced, enjoyable way to see the highlights. The guide’s knowledge, combined with the convenience of coach travel and the luxury of afternoon tea, makes it a solid choice—especially for first-timers or those on a schedule.

While it’s a pricier option, the combination of sights and experiences means you’re paying for both convenience and quality. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative, and indulgent way to spend half a day in London, this tour hits the mark.

For travelers who want more time inside the palaces or specific attractions, this might feel a bit limited. But for a quick, elegant glimpse of London’s royal and political core, it’s hard to beat.

Enjoy your London adventure—embracing the regal, the historic, and the delicious!