England · ROYAL PALACES

Royal Palaces in England: The 15 Best Visits

55 tours  ·  from $19

Buckingham Palace opens its state rooms for part of the year, the Tower is open all of it, and Kensington and Hampton Court sit either side of the river. The 15 below cover tickets, guided access and the ceremony timings, with prices and how early each one needs booking.

Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket - The Beefeater tour: the best way to get your bearings
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Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

1.Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,677 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $49Our pick

Visit the Tower of London at your own pace, then join an included 45 to 60 minute Yeoman Warder tour from the moat. See the White Tower, Medieval Palace, ravens, Traitors’ Gate, execution site, Royal Armories, and Crown Jewels. Guide names vary, though Nev has been praised for his humor and lively storytelling.

“Tower of London tour was amazing. The Yeoman was entertaining and knowledgeable. The history is so interesting.”

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Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour - Starting at the Duke of York Column
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Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour

2.Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Changing of the Guard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,720 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $98

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Duke of York Column for a royal walk through St. James’s Park, a guided attempt to view the Changing of the Guard, and admission to Buckingham Palace. Inside, you explore the State Rooms independently with an audio guide. The ceremony may be replaced by a Westminster walk if schedules or weather change.

“The Buckingham tour was fantastic! If you don't want to walk around in the area, skip the tour and go straight to the palace. There was a lot of speaking before our tour.”

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London's Palaces & Parliament Tour (See Over 20+ London Top Sights) - Buckingham Palace and the royal approach
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London’s Palaces & Parliament Tour (See Over 20+ London Top Sights)

3.London’s Palaces & Parliament Tour (See Over 20+ London Top Sights)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,609 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $30Top rated

Walk from The Ritz to Westminster Station with a local guide such as Ash, Mark, Tanya, or Christopher. In about three hours, you’ll see Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. The 10 a.m. departure includes the Changing of the Guard on selected days, though schedules can change.

“Intriguing stories, funny, comfortable with stops for refreshments every hour with guide Connor Simkins”

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Walking Tour of London Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham - Westminster Abbey: choose the right version
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Walking Tour of London Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham

4.Walking Tour of London Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,213 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $95

Spend three or four hours walking through Westminster with a Blue Badge Guide. See Big Ben, Parliament, St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, and St James’s Palace. The four-hour option includes a guided Westminster Abbey visit with skip-the-line entry. The three-hour option includes a self-guided Abbey visit for organ music, evensong, or mass, subject to the schedule.

“this entire experience is horrible tour guide was not where he was supposed to be and I could barely get in touch with anyone. I do not recommend this experience.”

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Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London - Blenheim Palace and Churchill’s Oxfordshire home
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Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London

5.Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,139 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $109

Travel from Victoria to Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, and Bampton, the village used in Downton Abbey. You’ll have a guide, audio headset, Wi-Fi coach, and time for photos, lunch, and a look inside the palace if your booking includes admission. Guides such as Kevin, Simon, Angela, and James have led this route.

“Research in advance if there is a themed event at the palace. Would not have gone had we known about the Wizard of Oz carnival.”

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Tower of London: Crown Jewels & Beefeater Opening Ceremony - The Crown Jewels before the lines build
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Tower of London: Crown Jewels & Beefeater Opening Ceremony

6.Tower of London: Crown Jewels & Beefeater Opening Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 969 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $88

Enter the Tower of London before the main crowds, watch its Beefeater-led opening ceremony, and explore the Crown Jewels, White Tower, Inner Ward, and Outer Ward. Depending on your selected option, continue by Thames boat toward Buckingham Palace. Guides such as Jo, Natalie, Michael, and Cecily add lively historical detail.

“We loved the opening key ceremony and being the first group into the Crown Jewels. We did not see the changing of the guard or horse ceremony due to the day we scheduled. Jo (guide) lead us on very friendly and informative tour. She answer all questions and good recommendations”

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Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace - Starting at the Duke of York Column
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Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace

7.Changing of the Guard Guided Tour at Buckingham Palace

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 941 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $19Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Duke of York Column and follow a headset-supported walking route through St. James’s. You’ll watch the guards from several chosen viewpoints, hear stories about royal ceremony, and finish outside Buckingham Palace. Guides such as Louise, Paul, David, Natalie, and Kevin have led recent tours. Upgrade options add the Royal Mews and King’s Gallery.

“Tour guide Louise was brilliant … excellent knowledge and delivery. She was entertaining as well and so helpful for other tourist tips at end of the tour.”

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The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea - Italian Gardens, Round Pond, and royal connections
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The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

8.The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 934 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $158

Meet near Queensway Station for a guided walk through Kensington Gardens, including the Italian Gardens and Round Pond, then settle into a private table at the Orangery beside Kensington Palace for traditional afternoon tea. Guides such as Doug and Paul add royal history and humor. Palace entry costs extra unless selected at checkout.

“This is a must have tour to see the lights of London. Absolutely fabulous.! The guide was very knowledge and a lot of fun.”

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Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace - Starting at Victoria Palace Theatre
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Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace

9.Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London at Buckingham Palace

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $19

Join a guide such as Rachel, Mike, or Connor for a two-hour walk through royal London and the Changing of the Guard. You will move between several viewing points, hear the story behind the ceremony, pass Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, The Mall, and St James’s Park, then finish at Horse Guards Parade. Expect about three miles of walking and plenty of standing.

“Our tour guide, Rachel, a born and bred Londoner, was exceptional, friendly, cheerful, energetic and very knowledgeable!! She knew it ALL! And could answer any question we had. Very easy walking tour and took us to the BEST locations to watch and listen to the guard band, the new and old shifts that change every other day and knew exactly where to stand at every event. Had excellent knowledge of the Monarchy and buildings. Loved this tour!”

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VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet - The first walk through the Tower grounds
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VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

10.VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 849 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $155

Spend about three hours exploring the Tower of London with an expert guide, then meet a Beefeater for questions and photos. You’ll see the Crown Jewels, White Tower, Royal Armouries, Raven House, battlements, and Tower Green. Guides include Ben, Warren, John, Miranda, and Peadar K, with early morning entry helping you avoid the worst queues.

“The experience includes mostly time outdoors; dress accordingly, especially in winter! Our guide, Ben, was very knowledgeable and personable. The Crown Jewels were a sight to behold and our time with the Beefeater was informative and unique.”

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Blenheim Palace Tour and The Cotswolds Day Trip from London - Blenheim Palace: grand rooms and a Churchill connection
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Blenheim Palace Tour and The Cotswolds Day Trip from London

11.Blenheim Palace Tour and The Cotswolds Day Trip from London

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 597 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $109

Travel from Victoria Coach Station to Blenheim Palace, explore its grand State Rooms and gardens, then visit Bourton-on-the-Water and Downton Abbey’s Bampton. Expect a full 10-hour day, a comfortable coach with Wi-Fi and USB charging, and lively commentary from guides such as Manon, Phil, Angela, or Kevin, subject to availability.

“V less time given in Blenheim palace just one n half hr is too less time as from palace back to coach walk is complete 15 mins .so exactly one hr to see palace n 3 gardens is definitely v less time, saw everything just running around . In Cotswold there was 2 villages kept to be seen in itinery but 2nd village Bampton was not necessary as their was nothing to see . N so time was cut off everywhere. Viator tours are good but v less time given to see any place.”

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Kensington Palace Entrance Ticket - Victoria’s childhood under the Kensington System
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Kensington Palace Entrance Ticket

12.Kensington Palace Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 557 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $28

Explore Kensington Palace at your own pace for about three hours. See the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, Victoria: A Royal Childhood, Royal Collection art, palace gardens, and the Dress Codes exhibition from 13 March to 30 November 2025. This is an admission ticket, not a guided group tour, and an audio guide helps explain the rooms.

“Must see if you’re in this area of London. The audio guide was very helpful and I was able to wander around at my own pace. I highly recommend this self guided tour.”

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London: Buckingham Palace & Big Ben (& Westminster Abbey entry) - Trafalgar Square and the route toward Whitehall
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London: Buckingham Palace & Big Ben (& Westminster Abbey entry)

13.Buckingham Palace & Big Ben (& Westminster Abbey entry)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 506 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $135

Join a small group of up to 15 at The Ritz London for a guided walk past Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, Big Ben, and Parliament. Guides such as Ash, Ashley, Will, and Christopher add history and humor, then you enter Westminster Abbey with a pre-booked ticket and audio guide.

“Ashley was great! It was the perfect amount of information… He was willing to answer all our questions and gave lots of tips on dining, area, attractions, and shopping.”

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Guided Tour of London - Parliament Square and Big Ben: London’s political front door
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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Guided Tour of London

14.Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Guided Tour of London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 451 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $113

Join a Blue Badge guide such as Paul, Lucy, Sean, or Dan for a four-hour walk through Westminster and St. James’s. Enter Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line admission, then see Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, royal residences, Jermyn Street, and Piccadilly Arcade from outside.

“An absolutely outstanding tour! As there were only two of us, the experience felt very personal and special. Our guide Sean went above and beyond by introducing many additional places along the way and sharing fascinating stories. He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate, and even took lots of photos for us, which we truly appreciated. The pace was perfect, the explanations were clear, and the whole tour felt relaxed and enjoyable. Highly recommended! Thank you so much Sean!”

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The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace - Royal residences, the Mall, and St. James’s Park
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The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace

15.The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 326 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Walk through Royal London with a guide such as John, Alan, or Peter, then watch the Changing of the Guard from a carefully chosen viewpoint. You’ll see Buckingham Palace from outside, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, Big Ben, Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade, and Trafalgar Square. The tour lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes and does not enter Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace.

“An absolutely stellar experience from start to finish. The Changing of the Guard Tour and Buckingham Palace were incredible, but what truly made this tour exceptional was John. His knowledge, energy, and engaging interactions brought everything to life, even in the cold. John made the tour genuinely fun, lively, and memorable, keeping everyone entertained and comfortable despite the 9°C weather. As a Nigerian girl, that warmth and enthusiasm made all the difference and turned what could have been a chilly day into an unforgettable experience. I will definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting London, especially because of John. This was a standout, five-star experience and one I’ll alw...”

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