The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour

Get rare summer access to the royal State Rooms, only open a few weeks each year!

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· 2.50h · England, United Kingdom

With Buckingham Palace’s limited access and high-demand tickets, a visit can quickly become challenging. Secure privileged access entry to this royal icon and step into the regal rooms most only see on TV, listening to tales of palace intrigue and power, from Queen Charlotte’s private refuge to King Charles III’s official quarters. Wander the Mall and St. James’s Park as your guide shares the monarchy’s deepest secrets. This isn’t just a tour, it’s your VIP pass to the royal world!

A group of tourists standing out front of Buckingham Palace with their guide from The Tour Guy.

An image of St. James Park in London with The London Eye in the background.

A group of tourists walking into Buckingham Palace with their guide from The Tour Guy.

An image of the front of Buckingham Palace in London.

An image of the State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace.

An image of the State Dining Rooms inside Buckingham Palace.

An image of the Throne Room inside Buckingham Palace.

Tour Itinerary

Meet your guide at St. James Square
St. James Park
The Mall
Royal Gates

Buckingham Palace
Palace State Rooms
Throne Room
End inside Buckingham Palace

After meeting your small group and local guide at St. James Square, you'll head to the historic and stunning St. James's Park for a stroll through the trees and along the pond as your guide wows you with remarkable stories about the former hunting ground of King Henry VIII. You will also visit the Mall as you imagine royal carriages go by. Then, you will make your way into the most famous Royal Palace in London, up the grand staircase of Buckingham Palace, as one of only a few who manage to get tickets.

Buckingham Palace Tour Description

Your 2.5-hour tour includes:

Walking tour of St. James Park and the Mall
Admission ticket to Buckingham Palace
Audio guide for palace tour
A friendly, local guide

St. James Park and the Mall

This luscious 57-acre park is such an oasis in the bustling concrete jungle of London. But there’s more to it than just serenity. It’s known past dates back to a 13th-century leper colony. Fast forward to the 16th century and King Henry VIII fortified the area against repeated flooding so he could use it for his hunting lodge.

The Mall, which is the main road used by the Changing of the Guard and the Royal Family during public processionals, also has an important role from history. The transformation of this whole area as an important part of the Buckingham Palace property will come to life as your guide explains its unique history.

Buckingham Palace

The palace waiting for you at the end of the Mall is what you came to see. Your guide will lead you to the correct entrance and verify your entry tickets, so you don’t have to worry about getting inside. Since no tour guides are allowed inside Buckingham Palace, they’ll make sure you’re set with your audio guide and bid you farewell.

Palace State Rooms

While most of the palace is not open to the public, for a few weeks out of the year you can explore some of the most palatial rooms of the British monarchy. This part of your self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace will lead you through the ornate State Rooms. These are where the Royal Family entertain or meet with private guests.

You’ll see rooms like the White Drawing Room, the Ballroom, and the Throne Room. All of which have world-class paintings and vintage furniture—some of which have existed since the 1800s!

Throne Room

The room that interests most guests at Buckingham Palace is the Throne Room. Your audio guide will help you understand the importance and history of those stately chairs (Chairs of Estate) that were even used by Queen Victoria! It’s an incredible room to stand in as you feel the centuries of history and tradition that built a lasting empire.

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What you get with this tour

Passionate English-speaking guide
Tour of St. James Park and Mall
Entry to Buckingham Palace
Palace State Rooms
Audio guide for palace
Max 20 people
Guide gratuity
Hotel pick-up
Wheelchair accessible

Customer reviews

169 total reviews

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5.0/5 (based on 169 reviews)

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Sophie was fabulous!

27 September 2025

Reviewed by
Sarah Fryman

This was an amazing tour made even more enjoyable by our lovely guide, Sophie. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the historical sites we visited while at the same time very lovely and entertaining! I highly recommend this tour.!

27 September 2025

Reviewed by
David Hall Jr

22 September 2025

Reviewed by
Jose Fernandez

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Please wear comfortable shoes as this is a walking tour.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?

Photography is not allowed inside the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, which is where most of your tour occurs.

What to bring?

Please wear comfortable shoes as this is a walking tour.

Does this include a guided tour of the palace?

Due to palace restrictions, no tour guides are allowed to accompany groups into the palace. After your guided tour of St. James Park and the Mall, your guide will lead you to the correct entrance, verify your tickets, and provide you with your audio guides for your self-guided tour.

Will we get to see the Changing of the Guard?

This tour has a timed entry at mid-morning, which means you'll be inside the palace during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. You can also book our Changing of the Guard and Westminster tour if you’re really hoping to witness that ceremony.

Can I bring a stroller or backpack?

There is a security check before entering Buckingham Palace. You'll need to store any strollers or large bags at the check-in before entering security. Smaller bags and purses are allowed. Water bottles are allowed, but food and drink cannot be consumed inside the palace.

Why don't I see any availability for this tour?

Buckingham Palace is only open for a few weeks and certain days in July and August. If you’re interested in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, check out our Westminster tours that run all year long.

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