Royal Tour & Buckingham Palace State Rooms or Royal Mews Option

If you’re planning to visit London and want to see the crown jewels of royal life, this tour offering a choice between Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms or the Royal Mews is a strong candidate. Priced at about $81 per person, it’s a well-organized, 3-4 hour exploration led by friendly, knowledgeable guides, with reviews praising its informative nature and engaging pace. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a bit of history, stunning visuals, and a manageable group size — capped at 15 travelers — making for a personal experience in the heart of London.

What I particularly like about this experience is how it balances the grandeur of royal residences with the authenticity of seeing everyday working stables or the lavish carriages used in royal ceremonies. The guides seem to genuinely enjoy sharing stories — one reviewer especially loved “Terry,” who kept everyone included and informed. The ability to skip the lines with pre-reserved tickets is another major plus, saving precious time and making sure you get the most out of your visit.

One of the few considerations to keep in mind is the timing. The tour is based on the availability of the State Rooms, open only from July through September. If you’re visiting outside those months, the trip focuses more on the Royal Mews, which might mean a slightly shorter experience. Also, as a walking tour, decent mobility helps, though they do accommodate wheelchair users, so it’s worth emailing ahead if needed.

Key Points

• Flexible Tour Options: Choose between Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms or Royal Mews, depending on your interests.
• Expert Local Guides: Guides like Terry and Sue are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience engaging.
• Skip-the-Line Access: Pre-reserved tickets let you avoid long waits, especially important during busy seasons.
• Authentic Royal Insights: See behind the scenes of royal life, whether it’s the State Rooms’ opulence or the working stables at the Mews.
• Accessible for Most: The tour is wheelchair accessible, with advance notice recommended for mobility impairments.
• Ideal for Small Groups: With a maximum of 15 guests, the tour feels intimate and personalized.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Introduction

Your journey begins just outside Canada Gate, near Buckingham Palace — a fantastic location to set the scene for royal London. The guide kicks things off with a quick overview of royal life, history, and the significance of the nearby buildings. Expect to get some tips on how to get the most out of your visit, and perhaps some charming anecdotes — one review mentions how their guide, Sue, was notably friendly and knowledgeable.

The Walk through Green Park and Clarence House

Following the initial briefing, your small group strolls through Green Park, absorbing the sights of lush lawns and stately trees. Your guide will point out Clarence House, a beautiful 19th-century estate that has housed many recent generations of royals, including the current king himself. Although you don’t go inside, standing outside the residence offers a tangible connection to royal life.

Visiting St. James’s Palace and The Mall

Next, the walk takes you past St. James’s Palace — a royal residence that’s been in use for over 300 years. While not open to the public during this tour, its history as a working palace adds depth to its presence. The approach along The Mall, formerly a royal procession route, is one of the highlights, as your guide shares stories about major royal events, including weddings, jubilees, and coronations. The view down The Mall is iconic, and many guests comment on the “amazing stories” told about the route.

Wellington Barracks and Changing of the Guard

If you opt for the Changing of the Guard, you’ll have a prime vantage point to watch this elaborate ceremony. The guards, who have protected the monarch for over four centuries, go through a highly choreographed exchange of duties, and the ceremony is as colorful as it is historic. One reviewer noted how “doing the tour with Terry made the experience truly memorable,” especially during this part.

Royal Mews or Buckingham Palace State Rooms

This is the heart of the tour, the moment that makes a difference in overall value. If you’ve chosen the Royal Mews, you’ll explore one of the world’s finest working stables. Here, the highlight is the Gold State Coach, used in previous coronations and celebrations like the Platinum Jubilee. The stables also house royal carriages, and with an audio guide, you get a chance to explore their stories at your own pace. One reviewer described the Mews as “impressive,” and appreciated the chance to see the working side of royal life.

Alternatively, if you’re inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, you’ll find yourself amid the lavish White Drawing Room, Throne Room, and other magnificent spaces. These rooms have hosted countless royal events and are rarely open to the public. Guests praised the “opulent” decor and the fact that the rooms are still used for entertaining. Having an audio guide helps make the most of this elegant glimpse into royal tradition.

Final Stop and End of Tour

Your tour concludes near Buckingham Palace, giving you the chance to linger, explore independently, or plan your next visit. The small group size ensures you get that personalized touch — many reviews mention how guides like Terry and Sue make everything more engaging and relatable.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who are keen on seeing the inner workings and grand spaces of British royalty without the hassle of long lines or overwhelming crowds. It’s especially perfect for those with a moderate walking ability, as the route involves a fair bit of strolling, though it’s all on fairly even terrain. History buffs, window-shoppers at heart, or anyone who appreciates stories behind the pomp and pageantry will find plenty to love.

Families with children, older travelers, or groups looking for a small, intimate experience will appreciate the personal attention and flexible pacing. Keep in mind, the tour runs only from July to September for the State Rooms, so plan accordingly if your trip falls outside that window.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of royal London that combines history, spectacle, and authentic behind-the-scenes views. The pre-reserved tickets and small group size mean you spend less time waiting and more time appreciating the sights. Guides like Terry and Sue seem to bring a real passion for their subject, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing.

While it might not cover every corner of royal life, it hits the essential highlights with style and insight. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat guest, this tour provides valuable context and stunning visuals, making it a worthwhile addition to any London itinerary.

It’s especially good for those who want to combine history, regal architecture, and lively storytelling into a manageable, well-organized outing. If you’re looking for an immersive yet relaxed exploration of London’s royal heart, this tour strikes a nice balance of value, information, and memorable moments.

FAQs

Can I choose between the Buckingham Palace State Rooms and Royal Mews?
Yes, when you book, you can select the option that suits your interests. The State Rooms are open only from July to September, while the Royal Mews are available year-round.

Does the tour include skip-the-line tickets?
Yes, both the Royal Mews and Buckingham Palace State Rooms are pre-reserved with skip-the-line access, saving you time and hassle.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but space is limited. It’s recommended to email the provider in advance to ensure accommodations.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The full tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, with each main part—visiting the Royal Mews or Palace, and the walking segments—lasting about 1.5 hours. The visiting time can be shorter if the State Rooms are closed.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 people, making for a more personal, less crowded experience.

Are there any seasonal closures I should know about?
Yes, the State Rooms are only open from July 11 to September 29. Outside this period, the tour focuses on the Royal Mews, and the duration will be slightly shorter.

To sum it up, this guided tour offers a thoughtful look at royal London, backed by genuine expert guidance and convenient skip-the-line access. It suits travelers who want a flexible, authentic experience blending history, color, and tradition — all within a comfortable, intimate setting.