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Royal London Tour: Buckingham to Kensington
4.4
56 Ratings
Greater London
Explore royal history with a Kensington Palace tour, witness the Guard Change, and enjoy afternoon tea. Discover tales of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.
Explore royal history with a Kensington Palace tour, witness the Guard Change, and enjoy afternoon tea. Discover tales of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.
Duration:
5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Guard’s Division Memorial - Begin your royal London adventure at the Guards Memorial, where the guide will introduce the British regiments responsible for guarding the royal palaces.
- Changing of the Guard - Enjoy a prime view of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. While many tourists compete for space in front of the palace, they…
- Guard’s Division Memorial - Begin your royal London adventure at the Guards Memorial, where the guide will introduce the British regiments responsible for guarding the royal palaces.
- Changing of the Guard - Enjoy a prime view of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. While many tourists compete for space in front of the palace, they often miss the main event! Instead, the guide will take you to the ideal spot to witness the full spectacle of the New Guard’s arrival with a band, and provide fascinating insights into this renowned British tradition.
- Hyde Park - Next, take a leisurely walk through the stunning Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, where you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Albert Memorial. Throughout the journey, the guide will bring London’s royal history to life, sharing stories of the monarchy, notable figures, and royal dramas to fully immerse you in this essential part of British heritage.
- The Orangery Restaurant - Before embarking on a self-guided tour of Kensington Palace, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Orangery, featuring scones, sandwiches, and more in a charming baroque setting.
- Kensington Palace - Conclude your tour at Kensington Palace. Explore this historic residence at your leisure with an audio guide, imagining life as a young Queen Victoria in these magnificent surroundings.
What's Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Afternoon tea at the Orangery
- Pre-reserved tickets to Kensington Palace
- Private tour (if option selected)
- Audio guide at Kensington Palace
- Local English-speaking guide
- Afternoon tea at the Orangery
- Pre-reserved tickets to Kensington Palace
- Private tour (if option selected)
- Audio guide at Kensington Palace
What's Not Included
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Immerse yourself in British royal tradition with a comprehensive day-long experience showcasing London’s premier royal landmarks and ceremonies. Enjoy the best view of the iconic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and visit Kensington Palace, complete with a traditional afternoon tea. Delve into centuries of royal history as you hear stories…
Immerse yourself in British royal tradition with a comprehensive day-long experience showcasing London’s premier royal landmarks and ceremonies. Enjoy the best view of the iconic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and visit Kensington Palace, complete with a traditional afternoon tea. Delve into centuries of royal history as you hear stories about Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and others. With all logistics managed, including pre-booked access with an audio guide to Kensington Palace, this royal London tour is an ideal outing for anyone fascinated by British history and regal elegance. Opt for a private tour by selecting the Private Kensington Palace Tour during booking. A dedicated guide will lead your group on a royal walking tour of London, join you for afternoon tea, and accompany you to Kensington Palace for a self-guided tour. A private tour allows you to set your own pace and enjoy more interaction with an expert local guide.
- The tour is in English.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour so guests should be able to walk at least 3 miles without difficulty.
- Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled at very short notice, especially in wet weather and can be decided as late as 10:45am on the day. The tour will still run with an alternative itinerary.
- Kensington Palace is Self guided with audio guide.
- Please note that for security reasons bag searches might take place at Kensington Palace
Location
Guards Memorial
Horse Guards Road
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Guards Memorial - Horse Guards Rd.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(56 Ratings)
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Seaside325873
May 23, 2026
Excellent job done by Sophie - Sophie was a real pleasure! It was a warm day and she made sure we were able to take breaks in the shade
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tim_s
May 17, 2026
Shadow Is The Best! - Take this tour with Shadow! We had a private tour with her, exceptionally friendly, and easy to be with. Not to mention she has a Masters in history from
Cambridge. She showed us everything. Wonderful education of the gardens, palaces, changing of the guards it was incredible. She had so many wonderful bit of history and fun mixed in with the tour. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Huntersr1345tq
May 4, 2026
Fantastic Tour! - Danny was a fantastic guide! Super knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. Would recommend this tour to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity42950417103
May 4, 2026
So informative and passionate about London - Best tour that I have ever been on! I highly recommend Danny of Walks tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T8415rnjor
Apr 23, 2026
Fantastic Walking Tour - Imagine my surprise when I arrived for my group tour and the other participants for whatever reason had not arrived so I got to do this amazing tour 1:1 with Danny. I was made to feel most welcomed and very comfortable as we embarked on our walking journey together. Dani was so knowledgeable and entertaining and amazing at his job. It was lovely to be able to share afternoon tea and have fantastic conversation. Either in a group setting or 1:1 Danny is marvellous at what he does. Thank you so much for a memorable day. This will be one that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer10566346059
May 13, 2026
We saw the King! - Danny had his hands full with our tour…the state’s opening of parliament shut down a bunch of the pathways and roads. We didn’t see the changing of the guard but we saw a TON of royal processions! It was amazing and an unexpected experience! Fantastic! Danny stayed calm and composed throughout despite the unexpected road shut downs and rain. Our group had several persons that were not physically ready for the pace of walking…any complaints from them is because they booked an event they were not physically prepared to do. Danny accommodated as best he could and was pleasant the entire time. He had wonderful facts and energy for the entire event. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
859bqcd9wr
Apr 25, 2026
Wear comfy shoes you will be WALKING - Our guide - Peter - was amazing!! That being said the changing of the guard was cancelled and no one let us know in advance or we would have changed tour date/times. Tea at the Orangery was only so-so. A British member of our party said it was a very scant service and you share tea with the group, you do not get to enjoy with only your party. Tea with strangers isn’t what we were looking for on our honeymoon. You will do a lot of walking - around 5 miles - and you will learn and see a lot so that was great. Again Peter was a true highlight of our whole trip.
Review provided by Viator
Phillipgo267rr
Apr 29, 2026
Tour was very good Guide was excellent. Tour was not finished, partially cancelled. Yet to receive promised refund - Yet to receive refund for partial tour cancellation
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Afsbus
May 13, 2026
Ripped off - The exact same thing that happened to Jerry, happened to me. We were told to meet at the Guard Memorial, but the street was closed off so we had to walk there. We arrived at about 5 minutes before the tour start and saw no one except a different tour group. We called Viator and after holding about 20 minutes, they told us the tour started and we could not join them. So we went to BP and watched the guard change. This tour is not necessary. Viator wouldn't issue a refund so I will reach out to my credit card and dispute. Since Viator books local tours, they don't stand behind it if the local company leaves without you. All our other tours were fine.
Review provided by Viator
Jerry_m
Apr 23, 2026
$crewed out of $300 - I’m sure most viewers won’t get to see this review. If you put the meeting point address in your “maps” the actual location is about 1/4 mile off. They “request” checking in 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. After locating the meeting point, because we weren’t able to find the meeting point and check in we discovered the guide left with the group at least 5 minutes prior to the start time. Since we had 3 hours to “catch up” to the group, I asked to forgo the tour and just attend the tea. But they would not I allow us to participate in any of the tour.
Review provided by Viator
