Guided Kensington Palace Tour, Royal Guard Change & Afternoon Tea
At a glance
Guided Kensington Palace Tour, Royal Guard Change & Afternoon Tea is a 5h 30m small-group experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by Walks - UK. Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 91 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $92.86 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: St. James Palace (exterior)(if option selected), Clarence House (exterior)(if option selected), Afternoon tea at the Orangery (if option selected).
Highlights
- Small group of up to 16 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 5h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 16 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Step into British royal tradition with a full-day experience covering London’s finest royal sites and ceremonies. From the best vantage point of Buckingham Palace's iconic Changing of the Guard to a visit to Kensington Palace complete with a traditional afternoon tea, you'll explore centuries of royal history as you hear tales of Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and more. With all logistics taken care of—including pre-reserved access with an audio guide to Kensington Palace—this royal London tour is a perfect day out for anyone captivated by British history and regal charm. Upgrade to a private tour when you select Private Kensington Palace Tour at the time of booking. A dedicated guide just for your party will take you on a royal walking tour of London, accompany you for afternoon tea, and escort you to Kensington Palace for a self-guided visit. If you're short on time, select the "Palace and Kensington Gardens" option for a shorter tour focused on the Palace and its gardens.
What's included
What's included
- St. James Palace (exterior)(if option selected)
- Clarence House (exterior)(if option selected)
- Afternoon tea at the Orangery (if option selected)
- Kensington Gardens
- Hyde Park (if option selected)
- Changing of the Guard (if option selected)
- Pre-reserved tickets to Kensington Palace
- Buckingham Palace (exterior) (if option selected)
- Audio guide at Kensington Palace
Not included
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 15m
Start your royal London tour at the Guards Memorial, where your guide will introduce the British regiments that guard the royal palaces.
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Stop 2 · 1h 15m
Settle in for a front-row view of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. While most tourists jostle for space in front of the palace, they'll actually miss most of the main event! Instead, your guide will lead you to the perfect vantage point to see the full spectacle of the New Guard's arrival with a band, and share interesting insights about this celebrated British tradition. (if option selected)
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Stop 3 · 1h 30m
From there, stroll through the beautiful Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, where you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Albert Memorial. Along the way, your guide will bring London’s royal history to life, sharing tales of the monarchy, famous figures, and royal dramas to fully immerse you in this staple of British heritage. (if option selected)
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Stop 4 · 1h
Before your self-guided tour of Kensington Palace, you'll indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at the Orangery, complete with scones, sandwiches, and more in a delightful baroque setting. (if option selected)
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Stop 5 · 1h 30m
Your final stop is Kensington Palace. Explore this historic residence at your own pace with an audio guide to imagine life as a young Queen Victoria in these grand surroundings.
Meeting point
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at The Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH, UK.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Guards Memorial - Horse Guards Rd.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Guided Kensington Palace Tour, Royal Guard Change & Afternoon Tea take?
The experience lasts about 5h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $92.86 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
St. James Palace (exterior)(if option selected); Clarence House (exterior)(if option selected); Afternoon tea at the Orangery (if option selected); Kensington Gardens; Hyde Park (if option selected); Changing of the Guard (if option selected).
Where does it start?
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at The Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH, UK. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a…
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 91 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.
