Inside Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Royal London Walking Tour

London , United Kingdom

Inside Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Royal London Walking Tour

Active

(57 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the inner sanctuary within the walls and gates of Buckingham Palace. The spectacular State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open for only a few short months each year and on these dates, you have full access. With pre-reserved tickets you’ll spend more time inside the Palace and avoid the hassle of reserving them yourself. On your way to Buckingham Palace, you’ll dive deep into the heart of royal life in the UK on a walking tour as your guide uncovers centuries of fascinating history.

Available options

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

What's included

Local English-speaking guide

Pre-reserved skip-the-line Buckingham Palace tickets (State Rooms)

Expertly guided walking tour of London

Audio guide for Buckingham Palace

Detailed itinerary

Begin your royal London walking tour just outside Buckingham Palace, where your knowledgeable guide will give you and your small group a crash course in regal life.

Stop 2 Pass by

Make your way through Green Park and pause outside Clarence House, a beautiful nineteenth-century estate that the most recent generations of royals—including the current king himself—have called home.

Stop 3 Pass by

Head a little further back in time at St. James’s Palace, in use as a royal residence for more than 300 years up until the reign of Queen Victoria and a busy working palace to this day.

Stop 4 Pass by

Next, you’ll follow the path of many a royal procession as you stroll down The Mall, the instantly recognizable route running alongside St. James’s Park. Your guide will share the stories of events commemorated in history books that used this very route, from royal weddings to coronations and Jubilee celebrations.

Stop by Wellington Barracks, home to the royal Foot Guards on duty in the area, and learn about who they are and how they protect the Royal Family.

Stop 6

For the highlight of your tour, head to the historic Royal State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Only open to the public for a few months a year, this collection of ornate 19th-century salons and galleries will transport you straight to the heart of this storied institution. See the lavish White Drawing Room, Throne Room, and more magnificent spaces still used today by the Royal Family to entertain guests. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the State Rooms at your own pace with the informative audio guide.

What's not included

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9

24 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

33 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.

We are able to accomodate guests with mobility impairment or wheelcharis, but space is limited please make sure to email our Guest Experience team.

This tour is in English.

This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Please note - The Staterooms are open from July 11 to Sept. 29 of the current fiscal year.

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.

Important notes

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
• When you arrive, you will pass through an airport-style security check.
• Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
• This tour doesn't include the changing of the guard.
• We are able to accomodate guests with mobility impairment or wheelcharis, but space is limited please make sure to email our Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com at the time of your booking for proper arrangements.

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets