royal tours in london

11 Best Royal Tours in London for Visitors (2024)

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Ready to tour the royal locations of London?

You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to explore the best 11 royal tours in London – all led by expert guides who want to share the beauty of this part of England and help you skip the tourist traps.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.

The best royal tour in London is this London Royal Parks Bike Tour including Hyde Park.

It has over 400 great reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best royal tour of London is this London Royal Parks bike tour!

Click here to check prices and availability.

London royalty has a rich history.

Whether you’ve taken the train into London for a day trip or are staying in the city, learn all the history of the Royal Family through the years on these tours.

If you want to see what your other options are, including royal London tours with Changing of the Guard, royal family tours in London and royal walking tours in London, here are 10 more tours that are definitely worth your time.

So let’s get into the list of the best royal tours in London so you can book it already!

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended so you don’t miss out.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Royal London Tours

1. london royal parks bike tour including hyde park : royal tour london.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 400+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

If you plan to do a lot of walking while in London, you should consider this bike tour.

Visit the Royal Parks by bicycle and learn all about them!

You’ll still get some exercise while giving your legs a slight rest.

Your local guide will keep you safe as you travel across busy intersections and find yourself gawking at the sights. 

You’ll cycle past Big Ben and get to visit 4 Royal Parks.

Visit the Houses of Parliament and the Churchill War Rooms.

Explore Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square.

See the National Portrait Gallery before stopping at Nelson’s Column for lunch.

Cycle through Green Park, Hyde Park, and St. James’s Park.

See Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

With so many things to see, you’ll be glad you’re on bikes.

That means less time in transit and more time to see these quintessential places in London!

2. Best of Royal London including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard and Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 380+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
• Boat ride on the River Thames
• Headsets, when needed
• Guided walking tour of London’s royal sights

Start your tour at the Tower of London.

You’ll have early access tickets so you can visit before the crowds arrive!

Watch the Beefeater guards perform the opening ceremony and see the Crown Jewels!

You’ll be able to explore the entire grounds of this iconic London attraction.

Then you’ll get to cruise down the River Thames.

The 30-minute boat ride down the river will be a great way to see several quintessential London landmarks that are up and down the river.

Before the tour ends, you’ll also get to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

And if that’s not enough, you can also witness the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall.

This tour is a great way to see some of the best parts of Royal London!

If you’d rather see the highlights than every single royal location, this is the way to go.

3. Royal London Tour with Changing of the Guard

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert Guide
• Superior Coach with Wifi & USB charging on board
• Personal Audio Headset
• Changing of the Guard

On this tour, you’ll drive by many iconic locations.

You’ll also get to see some quintessential London landmarks.

Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

You can even upgrade to get tickets to the London Eye.

This tour will start at Victoria Coach Station so you can get settled in a comfy coach.

You’ll also have state-of-the-art headphones to help you hear every word your guide says.

While driving by locations with connections to London’s royalty, you’ll be able to take many photos.

You’ll also get to hear trivia, history, and other information from your knowledgeable guide.

The tour will stop at Buckingham Palace so you can watch the Changing of the Guard. You will also learn the significance of this ceremony.

Finally, you’ll head back as the tour comes to an end.

4. Treasures of London: The Royal Family Private Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private tour
• Local Guide
• One cup of authentic tea or glass of wine
• This tour is carbon neutral

This highly-rated tour has 9 exciting stops.

Since it will be a private group tour , you don’t have to stress about following the schedule as strictly as on other tours.

Another perk is its affordable cost!

And don’t forget that it’s a carbon neutral tour that allows you to get a lot of steps in!

This tour starts at St. Mary’s Church and Paddington Green.

Stroll through Leinster Gardens False Facades and visit Kensington Palace. Learn more while seeing Albert Memorial and the Goring Hotel.

Stop by the Albert to enjoy a drink, included in your ticket price.

Then visit Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace, and Buckingham Palace.

While walking through London and seeing these landmarks, you’ll learn all kinds of information about the Royal Family and their heritage! 

5. Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour from London

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Entrance to Windsor Castle
• Expert guide
• Superior Coach including Wifi and USB Charging On-board

Fans of the Royal Family will love this tour !

You’ll learn so much insider information and royal family secrets. 

You’ll get to explore the town of Windsor and take a tour of Windsor Castle.

See the area where the British Royal Family have lived for centuries! Learn about the history of this majestic castle and see where current royals actually live!

Take a self-guided tour of the castle with a free multimedia tour.

Your visit to Windsor will be long enough to go shopping and take lots of pictures!

Then you will also see St. George’s Chapel.

This historic and beautiful chapel has been around for over 500 years.

It recently became famous worldwide because it was where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle held their wedding ceremony. 

Your guide will answer many questions, even questions you didn’t know you had!

6. Royal London and Royal Palaces Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2-3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Guided Tour of London about the Royal Family and Royal Palaces
• This tour uses photos to bring the story of the Royal Family and Royal Palaces to life.
• Local London tour guide
• 8 iconic stops

This walking tour is an easy way to see everything royal that London has to offer!

Your local tour guide will share loads of information about the British Royal Family and British Royal History.

Immerse yourself in royal London as you learn all kinds of interesting facts! 

You’ll have many photo opportunities as you stroll throughout London.

Visit Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace and learn what makes each of them significant.

See the Clarence House and Lancaster House and find out their interesting histories. 

You’ll have the opportunity to walk down Pall Mall and even catch the Horse Guards Parade!

You’ll also get to see the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

You might think you know a lot about these places, but you have plenty more to learn on the tour!

The best part is the low cost!

If you want to see everything on a budget, this may be the perfect tour for you.

7. Ultimate Royal London: Tower of London and Westminster Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Entrance tickets to the Tower of London
• Guided River Thames boat ride
• Guided Westminster walking tour
• English-Speaking local expert guide

This tour provides guests with a crash course of Royal London history.

With a small group capped at 12 people, you’ll learn so much!

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions that come to mind.

This tour begins at the Tower of London.

Explore the grounds, see some artifacts, and learn the history.

You can tour the Tower of London at your own pace to ensure that you aren’t too rushed.

Next, cruise down the River Thames.

A river cruise is always a blast.

This is especially true on the River Thames because you’ll see so many iconic London landmarks!

Your guide will fill you in with all the interesting facts about these places.

Throughout your tour, you’ll also pass by the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St. James’s Palace, and Buckingham Palace.

While you won’t actually tour these places, you’ll get to take a few quick pictures and learn a little bit about them.

When passing Buckingham Palace, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Horse Guards Parade.

8. The Crown Private Royal Tour London : royal London tour

• Experienced tour guide.
• No tour fee for kids 10 years and under.

This Royal London tour is perfect for fans of The Crown .

You’ll see several of the filming locations for the show.

You’ll also get to learn about the real history that inspired the popular show!

This private tour is a great way to see many iconic London landmarks and royal attractions.

Your tour guide will share loads of knowledge about everything you see throughout the day.

And since it will be a small group tour, you know that you’ll get plenty of opportunities to ask your own questions.

On this tour, guests will walk through Whitehall and Parliament Square. Learn about real London Royalty and insider information about The Crown.

In addition to Buckingham Palace, you’ll also see St. James’s Park and St. James’s Palace.

You’ll also get to see Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. 

Not only will you get your steps in, you’ll see the gorgeous sights of London and filming locations from your favorite show highlighting London Royalty.

9. Royal London Private Walking Tour

• Local guide
• Hotel pickup

Love the idea of a private tour, but hate the idea of private tour prices?

This is a great way to enjoy a private tour for a fairly reasonable price!

You’ll get to see every Royal landmark in the city and have a personalized tour.

The guide will be able to answer any of your questions and you don’t need to worry about other guests!

You can even upgrade and enjoy afternoon tea at Kensington Palace.

The tour starts at Big Ben and ends at Kensington Palace.

You’ll visit 15 locations in between! And you’ll also pass by a few photo-worthy locations.

In addition to the more popular royal locations, you’ll see some of the lesser-known ones.

You’ll walk by Downing Street. See Clarence House and Apsley House.

Explore some Royal Parks!

Visit the Wellington Arch, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, and Queen Victoria Statue in Kensington.

You’ll also get to see Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall.

10. Private Guided Tour of Royal London : royal tour of London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 16+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2-3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private expert guide 
• Bespoke recommendations for your time in London
• Ability to personalize your tour
• Option to make a reservation at a restaurant we think you’ll like

This highly personalized tour is a great way to see Royal London.

You can ask your guide a variety of questions.

Even ask about the best way to spend the rest of your trip!

This is great if you want local advice on how to enjoy London.

In addition to personalizing your tour, you can even request a personalized reservation.

Tell them about your favorite types of food and they’ll make a reservation at a local restaurant they think you’ll like!

You can customize the itinerary to fit your needs.

You’ll pass by so many Royal London landmarks!

Pause to learn the history or take photos.

You can spend extra time at your favorite landmarks since you’re not rushing like you would on a non-private tour.

This tour is a great way to experience luxury while touring London!

11. Royal London and The Beatles Private Tour

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional Blue Badge Tour Guide
• Private walking tour
• Public transport from Cavendish Avenue to Baker Street to Regents Street

This private tour is great for anyone who loves the Royal Family and the Beatles.

Or anyone who can’t agree with their travel partner about which one is better!

This private tour takes about half a day and will cover all the spots made famous by the Beatles and the Royal Family.

Learn about British history and pop culture history. 

Cross the iconic Abbey Road.

Visit Marylebone Station and Montagu Square.

See Savile Row.

Your tour guide will share loads of information about this iconic band.

Then head towards some Royal locations!

See Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey!

Visit St. James’ Park and Parliament Square.

Learn all about the history of these Royal places.

At the end of the tour, you can find out some of the Beatles’ favorite haunts so you know where to grab a drink or lunch!

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 9 Best Day Trips to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Day Trips from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best London Beatles Tours
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
• 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• 17 Best London Foodie Tours
• 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 11 Best London Bike Tours
• 13 Magical Isle of Skye Tours
• 11 Cool Tours of Downton Abbey Spots in the UK
• 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
• 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
• 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
• 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
• 9 Best London East End Tours

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour

Fancy yourself as royalty as you tour the state rooms, throne room and royal collection..

Ready to dive deeper into the Royal Family? Then don't miss your chance to be enthralled by the stories surrounding the monarchy as you tour the stately rooms in Buckingham Palace and surrounding areas like historic St. James's Park and the Mall. Your guide will tell stories about the former country house purchased for Queen Charlotte that is now the official home of King Charles III. An unforgettable morning getting to know the British Royals is waiting for you!

• Buckingham Palace and walking tour
• St. James Park
• Pass Through Royal Gates
• Views of Buckingham Palace
• Picture Gallery in the palace
• White Drawing Room
• State Dining Room and Ballroom

Throne Room

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!

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

See what people are saying

10 total reviews

An Exceptional St. James Park and Buckingham Palace Tour with Sophie and The Tour Guy

Sophie's guided walking tour through St. James Park and along The Mall to Buckingham Palace was one of the highlights of our trip to London. Her wealth of knowledge about the history and significance of these iconic London landmarks enriched our experience. Sophie's engaging storytelling made the past come alive, and her passion for the city's history was evident. She expertly navigated us through St. James Park's serene beauty and led us to Buckingham Palace with enthusiasm. Sophie's friendly and accommodating demeanor made the tour not just informative but also incredibly enjoyable. Highly recommend Sophie for an exceptional London tour! Thank you to the The Tour Guy!

show more reviews

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.

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.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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Top Sight Tours Group

Full Royal Tour: Royal London & Buckingham Palace Tour

Start time: 10am , see westminster & visit buckingham palace.

I will guide you on an exploration of London’s Royal landmarks. This will give you a good idea of the history, culture & legends of the worlds best-loved Monarchy

After the walking tour we then head to Buckingham Palace where you will enter the Queens Royal Residence and visit the State Rooms!

We will head through Green Park to Buckingham Palace, where we’ll watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony (Daily during the summer months)

After witnessing this traditional ritual, we’ll head to Westminster. Sights we’ll see along the way include Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, Horse Guard Parade, Big Ben (sadly covered up), and the Houses of Parliament

Our last stop in Westminster is Parliament Square where we will gaze upon the largest of all the Royal Palaces : The Palace of Westminster.

Afterwards, you will be given tickets for your Buckingham Palace experience!

Please note : Changing of the Guard will take place daily in June & July, otherwise only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

Know before you go

What’s included:

• Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket
• Fun local guide!
• 15+ Top Royal Sights of London
• Small Tour Group Size (10 – 15 guests per group)

Please bring with you

• An umbrella if its raining
• Comfy Shoes
• Drinks & Snacks
• Camera (for all the photos you’ll be taking!)

Where we meet

We meet outside the Ritz Hotel (W1J 9BR). Next to two red telephone boxes. Nearest underground station is Green Park.

Once you have booked, we will send you a confirmation email with all the details of how, where, and who to meet on the day of your tour.

Tour Highlights

Visit Buckingham Palace 

• 19 State Rooms
• Queens Royal Residence

Westminster Tour Sights Include:

• Buckingham Palace
• Queen Victoria Fountain
• St James Park
• Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Admiralty Arch
• Downing Street
• Westminster Abbey
• Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace)
• Trafalgar Square
• Nelson Column
• Parliament Square
• Horse Guards Museum
• Churchill’s WW2 Bunker

For a Private Westminster Tour Click here .

Private London Tours of the Top 30 attractions in London. Click here

Fancy a London Food tour ? Click here

Want Southbank Tours? (London Bridge area) Click here

For more London Tours : Click here

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Experience the original Royal English Tea with traditional sandwiches, cakes & scones in the grounds ...

St Pauls Cathedral & See Over 30 Top London Sights – Private Tour

See over 30 London sights with an awesome private guide, then enter the incredible St Paul's Cathedr ...

Go Up The Shard & London Landmark Walking Tour (Private)

See over 30 top London sights with a private guide, then get the best view in the city from the top ...

Explore Tower Bridge & London’s Best Landmarks Tour (Private)

Explore 30+ top London landmarks with a private guide and go inside the iconic Tower Bridge! ...

Private Westminster Tour & Visit Westminster Abbey & Churchill War Rooms

See over 20 of London's most iconic sights and visit Westminster Abbey & Churchill War Rooms ...

Visit Kew Gardens & 3 Hour Westminster Private Walking Tour

See over 15 of London's most iconic sights in a 3-hour private walking tour, then explore the stunni ...

Westminster Private Walking Tour & Visit The Tower of London

See Buckingham Palace, Big Ben & 20+ other top sights before entering the infamous Tower of London! ...

Westminster Private Walking Tour & London Eye Ticket

See the top Westminster sights on a fun private 3-hour London walking tour, then enjoy a ride on the ...

Westminster 3-Hour Private Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

See 20+ of London's most iconic sights in a private 3-hour tour, then enter the incredible Churchill ...

Visit Kensington Palace & 3 Hour Westminster Walking Tour (Private)

Explore the famous landmarks of Westminster with a private guide, then visit Kensington Palace - off ...

The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Private Walking Tour

Join us on a fun 3 hour private walking tour and see the top 20 Attractions in Westminster, and go u ...

St Pauls Cathedral & Westminster Private Walking Tour

Enter London's famous cathedral after seeing the Westminster Area with a private guide - see Bucking ...

Sherlock Holmes Museum & Westminster Walking Tour (Private Tour)

Explore the iconic sights of Westminster with your own private guide, then immerse yourself in the w ...

Explore Tower Bridge & Westminster Private Walking Tour

Go inside the iconic Tower Bridge after seeing 20+ top Westminster sights with your own private guid ...

Thames River Cruise & Westminster 3-Hour Private Tour

Take a cruise along the River Thames after exploring the top sights of Westminster with your own per ...

London Private Tour: Changing of the Guard & Westminster Abbey

Join a 3-hour historic walking tour to explore over 20 of London’s iconic landmarks, followed by a ...

Full Royal Private Tour: Royal London & Buckingham Palace Entry

Discover over 15 top attractions in Royal London with a personalized walking tour, followed by an ex ...

Westminster Walking Tour & London Dungeon Entry (Private Tour)

Delve into London's creepiest attraction after enjoying the iconic sights of London's Westminster wi ...

Wonderful Westminster & Windsor (Walking Tour & Visit Windsor Castle) Private Tour

Discover London's most famous sights on a top-rated private 3-hour Westminster Walking Tour, then tr ...

London Private Tour: Buckingham Palace & Big Ben & Westminster Abbey

See over 20 of London’s most iconic sights on a private historic walking tour, then enter Westmins ...

Private Tour : 3 Amazing London Art Galleries 1 tour 1 guide

See the best of the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery & Tate Modern in one incredible tour ...

London : 2 Day Tour. See & Do Everything !

This is the ultimate 2-day tour of London. Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Harry Potter & Jack T ...

The Houses of Parliament & London Main Sights Tour

One of the most complete London Walking Tours. You will see everything and then visit the home of Br ...

Visit The Houses of Parliament & 3 Hour Private Westminster Walking Tour

See the iconic sights of London's Westminster with your own private guide, then explore the famous H ...

Visit Kew Gardens & 3 Hour Westminster Walking Tour

You will see 20+ of London’s most iconic sights a 3-hour historic walking tour, then visit the stu ...

Visit St Paul’s Cathedral & Westminster Walking Tour

Step inside Britain's most famous cathedral - the magnificent St Paul's - and explore the best sight ...

The Shard Viewing Gallery & Westminster Walking Tour

Get the best (and highest!) view in London from The Shard after exploring the top sights of Westmins ...

Paddington Bear Walking Tour of London

Join this fun walking tour to explore the streets of London and follow in Paddington's pawprints! ...

London: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey

See Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the other top sights of Westminster, then enter the incredible W ...

Charles Dickens Museum Entrance Ticket

Discover the incredible story of Charles Dickens' life while you roam around his vintage home in Lon ...

Sherlock Holmes Museum & Westminster Highlights Walking Tour

Discover the iconic sights of Westminster with a fun London guide, then step into the world of Brita ...

The London Top Sights Tour. Kids Free!

See 30+ London landmarks on one incredible walking tour, and learn the history, culture, and legends ...

Amazing London: See The Top 30 Landmarks

Join the best walking tour in London, see 30 Top Landmarks & learn their history from a fun local gu ...

Explore Tower Bridge & Westminster Walking Tour

Explore the famous sights of Westminster with a fun local guide before entering the magnificent Towe ...

Inside Buckingham Palace & Westminster Highlights Walking Tour

Step into world-famous Buckingham Palace after seeing the very best of Westminster with an entertain ...

Westminster 3-hour Walking Tour & London Dungeon Entry

The authentic british food tour.

Discover two of the most loved areas of London, offering the most delicious and best variety of food ...

Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace

Wimbledon lawn tennis museum entrance ticket.

Visit the largest tennis museum in the world to explore the rich history of The Championships, and s ...

The Foundling Museum Entrance Ticket

The Foundling Museum, one of London's most interesting museums, includes art collection and 18th-cen ...

Royal Albert Hall Tour Entrance Ticket

Discover Britain's most famous and spectacular performance venue - the Royal Albert Hall. Includes a ...

Chelsea Physic Garden Entrance Ticket

Chelsea Physic Garden is a botanical gem, nestled in the heart of London, England, since 1673. ...

Westminster Walking Tour & Visit The Tower of London

Discover 20+ top sights of London in Westminster, then enter the famous Tower of London for some inc ...

Westminster Walking Tour & London Eye Ticket

See the top Westminster Sights on a fun 3-hour London walking tour, then enjoy a ride on the London ...

Westminster 3 Hour Private Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey

We will see over 20 of London’s most iconic sights in this historic walking tour! After the walkin ...

London Tour with Changing of the Guard & Westminster Abbey

Visit over 20 of London’s most iconic sights in a 3-hour historic walking tour, then enter Westmin ...

Visit The Houses of Parliament & 3 Hour Westminster Walking Tour

See the iconic sights of London's Westminster with a fun local guide, then explore the famous Houses ...

Wonderful Westminster & Windsor (Walking Tour & Visit Windsor Castle)

Discover London's most famous sights on a fun 3-hour Westminster Walking Tour, then travel to the am ...

Wimbledon Tennis & Westminster Landmarks Walking Tour

See the top sights of Westminster in 3 hours before visiting the iconic Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club! ...

Visit The Clink Prison & Westminster Highlights Walking Tour

This is a fun 3 hour walking tour where you will visit the UKs oldest Prison : The Clink! ...

3 hour Westminster Sights Tour & Go On-Board HMS Belfast

This is a fun 3 walking tour of London where you will go on board a WW2 Battleship that saw action i ...

Top London Sights Tour with Westminster Abbey and The Churchill War Rooms

We will see more than 20 of London's most iconic sights and visit two of London’s most iconic attr ...

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter with return transportation & 3 Hour Westminster Tour

Enjoy a walking tour of Westminster & Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potte ...

See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide!!

This is a fun London walking tour where you will see the top 30 London Attractions & hear about thei ...

London’s Amazing Palaces & Parliament Walking Tour

This is a guided London walking tour of Westminster. You will see the main Top London Attractions in ...

Eat 8 English Foods & See 30+ London Sights Walking Tour!

See the top 30 London landmarks then head to Borough Market to enjoy the best of British food! ...

Visit Buckingham Palace See 15+ Royal London Sights. Fun local guide ...

J K Rowling & Wizard Walking Tour

A J K Rowling & Wizard Walking Tour of London through some magical streets. Children (15 and under) ...

British Royalty 3 Hour Walking Tour!

We will see 10+ most iconic sights of The British Monarchy in a 3 hour walking tour, with a chance t ...

The Crown British Royalty Walking Tour

Join us as we show you the British Royalty sights that are well known and featured on the series on ...

British Royalty Walking Tour (Including The Changing Of The Guard)

This tour is focused on the most famous Royal Family in the world : The British Monarchy ...

Lights & Sights Of London: 30+ London Top Sights At Dusk!

An evening walking tour of London's lights - the best way to see London at night! The London's light ...

Castles & Bridges Southbank Tour

A fun Southbank walking tour. You'll see the main landmarks in the London Bridge & Southbank area in ...

Londons Palaces, Parliament and Wizard Walking Tour

See 20 of London's most iconic sights and more than 10 movie set locations of Harry Potter movies in ...

Jack The Ripper Tour : Solve The Crime

We will take you on a walking tour through the dark and narrow streets of Jack the Rippers's famous ...

See 40+ London Sights – Fun Local Guide

Want to see every major sight in London? This is the tour for you! See the top 40 Landmarks in Londo ...

Visit the 3 Best London Art Galleries with a Fun Local Guide!

Visit the 3 Best London Art Galleries with a Fun Local Guide! Tate Modern, National Gallery & Portra ...

Wizard Walking Tour (Film Location) & River Cruise

Wizard walking tour & castle – the tower of london.

See a variety of Harry Potter-related locations that inspired JK Rowling and many filming location s ...

Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

We will see 20 of London's most iconic sights in a 3-hour historic walking tour! After the walking t ...

Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey

Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all coronations of English and British monarc ...

Ride the London Eye (Skip The Line) & See 30+ London Top Sights

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The Tower of London & See 30+ London Top Sights

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London WW2 Day Out: Churchill War Rooms & HMS Belfast

See 20+ Top London Sights and delve into Word War 2 history at the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfa ...

Jack The Ripper Walking Tour & Ripper Museum Entry

Combination Tour of entering the Jack The Ripper Museum plus a walking tour through the various loca ...

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Westminster Tour, River Cruise & Tower of London Entry

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Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket

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Tower of London Entrance Ticket

Visit the Tower of London and enter its Museum! ...

St. Paul’s Cathedral Entrance Ticket

Visit St Pauls! One of Londons most iconic Cathedrals! ...

Houses of Parliament (Westminster) Tour

Take a peak into the Houses of Parliament to see the inside of one of most important buildings for d ...

Churchill WW2 War Rooms Entrance Ticket

Delve into the Churchill War Rooms and see the underground headquarters of the British High Command ...

Buckingham Palace Entry Tickets

You will visit the famous Buckingham Palace. Royal Residence for the Queen! ...

Go Up The Shard & See 30+ London Top Sights

See the top 30 London Landmarks with a fun local guide, then go up the Shard for epic views across t ...

The Shard Viewing Gallery : Entrance Ticket

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Visit Tower Bridge & See 30+ London Top Sights

See the 30+ Top sights of London on a 5 hour Walking Tour, then enter Tower Bridge. Join us on our L ...

Thames River Cruise & Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour

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Visit St Pauls & See 30+ London Top Sights

This is a fun 5 London walking tour where you will visit St Pauls Cathedral after your tour. You wil ...

Go On-Board HMS Belfast & See 30+ London Top Sights

This is a fun 5 walking tour of London where you will go on board a WW2 Battleship that saw action i ...

The London Dungeon & See 30+ London Top Sights

This is a fun 5 walking tour of London where you will go on down into the scariest place in the capi ...

Visit The Clink Prison & 30+ London Sights Tour

This is a fun 5 hour walking tour where you will visit the UKs oldest Prison : The Clink! ...

Jack The Ripper Museum & See 30+ London Top Sights Tour

A 5-hour London walking tour to see the top 30+ London attractions followed by entry to the Jack the ...

Sherlock Holmes Museum & 30+ London Top Sights

Visit kew gardens & see 30+ london top sights.

This is a fun 5 hour walking tour of London where you will see the top 30 London Sights and visit th ...

Royal Tours in London - Uncover the Majesty!

• March 29, 2024

Royal Tours in London? When it comes to experiencing the grandeur and history of Royal London, there’s no better way than with Urban Saunters. Offering a selection of small group tours meticulously crafted to showcase the best of London’s royal heritage, Urban Saunters invites you to step into a world of pomp, ceremony, and fascinating stories.

For Londoners, the monarchy is not just a historical institution but an integral part of the city’s identity, shaping its culture, traditions, and even its skyline. At Urban Saunters, we understand the profound significance of Royal London to both locals and visitors alike. Our meticulously crafted tours offer a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of this regal heritage, allowing participants to walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, explore opulent palaces, and uncover hidden gems tucked away in the city’s historic streets.

Whether you’re a born-and-bred Londoner or a curious visitor eager to discover the secrets of Royal London, Urban Saunters welcomes you to embark on a journey like no other. Join us as we unravel the fascinating history, traditions, and stories that have shaped London’s royal legacy, and experience the magic of Royal London first-hand. With Urban Saunters, every tour is an immersive celebration of London’s majestic past and its enduring royal spirit.

Let’s delve into the uniqueness of four of their most captivating tours:

Early Morning Royal Tour in London

Ever dreamt of strolling past Westminster Abbey or standing before Buckingham Palace without the usual crowds of tourists?

Urban Saunters makes it possible with their Early Morning Royal London Tour. Led by expert local guides, this tour takes you on a journey through over a millennium of royal history, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. Enjoy the ultimate Westminster snapshots, meet the guards at Buckingham Palace, and savour the highlights of London without the crowds. It’s an experience well worth waking up early for.

Changing of the Guard Experience

Immerse yourself in the world-famous ceremonial action with Urban Saunters’ Changing of the Guard Experience . Beyond the pomp and pageantry, this tour offers a deeper understanding of the significance behind every movement and symbol.

Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll march alongside the guards towards Buckingham Palace, gaining insights into the history and tradition of this iconic event. From the best viewing points to the mesmerizing beat of the drums, it’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Royal Westminster and Buckingham Palace Entrance

Embark on an exclusive small-group tour of Westminster, delving into London’s royal heritage with an insider’s perspective. Admire iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey as you soak in centuries of regal history, guided by an expert companion.

Step into the world of monarchy with a visit to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll explore lavish State Rooms and serene Palace Gardens, enriched by the official audio tour. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the splendour of royal life at the monarch’s residence, open to the public for just two months each year in August and September.

Ultimate Royal Adventure

For the ultimate royal adventure, look no further than Urban Saunters’ Ultimate Royal London Experience. This comprehensive tour begins with early access to the Tower of London, where you’ll witness the opening ceremony led by a Beefeater and explore the Crown Jewels without the crowds.

Then, embark on a scenic cruise along the River Thames before delving into the regal City of Westminster. From Westminster Abbey to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, accompanied by expert guides sharing captivating stories, it’s a crash course in London’s royal history like no other .

Leave behind the crowded bus tours and impersonal group experiences. At Urban Saunters, we prioritize quality over quantity, providing personalized adventures with exceptional guides for the ultimate exploration.

Join our Royal Tours in London!

Keep reading:

Top 5 Reasons To Choose London Private Tours With Urban Saunters

Small Group Tours London – The Essence Of Trusted Guides In Urban Exploration

Best Guided Tours In London With Urban Saunters, Your Local Storyteller

Changing of The Guard Walking Tour

Get closer to the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony in London on a private or small-group tour led by a local. Discover the significance behind one of the most iconic British traditions.

London in WW2 and Churchill War Rooms Entrance

Discover the epicentre of British democracy during WWII as you explore Westminster and Churchill's War Room. See where decisions were made and plans were laid to repel the German invasion.

Tower of London Opening Ceremony & Royal Westminster

Be the first in line to explore the crown jewels and witness the opening ceremony at the Tower of London. Take part in an adventure that will see you travel from the old City regal city of Westminster.

British Museum Private Guided Tour

The best way to dive deep into thousands of years of global history as you explore a world first with a private, expert guide.

Winston Churchill and London in World War 2 Walking Tour

Take a trip back to Blitz-era Westminster on a small-group walking tour. Keep calm and carry on with an expert guide to lead the way through this area filled with WWII history.

Churchill War Rooms Private Guided Experience

Follow in the footsteps of British prime minister Winston Churchill on this private walking tour. Explore the underground bunkers where plans were laid to repel an invasion of Britain in WWII.

Private Changing Of The Guard Walking Tour

Witness one of the most dazzling ceremonies in the world with an expert guide - get closer to the action.

Famously LDN - The Highlights of London in a Black Cab Tour

Short on time? No worries. Come see the iconic sights on a whistle-stop adventure through the best of the Big Smoke.

Book With Extra Flexibility

Choose new departure dates if your plans change.

Reach out to us anytime via online chat, phone or email.

Get credit for future trips if you need more time to decide.

Change to a different tour run by the same tour operator.

• Français ( French )

Royal London Tour

Discover Royal London, the home of the British Monarchy in the heart of the city

A Royal London Tour is unmissable because…

Pageantry, ceremony and the working life of the Royal Family are what come to mind when you think of Royal London! The Changing of the Guard (days can vary) with its precision performance and dashing uniforms is quintessential London. Her Majesty’s coaches and horses are stabled right beside Buckingham Palace in the Royal Mews and are just waiting for your visit. Former royal hunting grounds, duelling locations, private gardens, and jousting yards have long since been turned into public green spaces or parade grounds where you can relax and enjoy the greenery and wildlife or experience splendid military display.

The must-sees during a Royal London Tour

• Buckingham Palace with its iconic balcony, traditional location for the post-wedding royal kiss! (inside visits to the State Rooms possible in the summer).
• St James Palace , built in the 1530s and still the official home of the Royal Court
• Banqueting House, backdrop to the beheading of King Charles I, with its astonishing Rubens ceiling.
• The Royal Mews with the dazzling Gold State Coach used at every Coronation since 1821.
• The Mall, processional avenue for ceremonial state events and sometime Olympic and cultural events.
• Westminster Abbey, the royal church and location for coronations, state funerals and many royal weddings including Prince William to Catherine Middleton in 2011.

Book a Blue Badge Guide for a Royal London Tour because…

• Hear about the history of the building and life at Buckingham Palace.
• Learn which carriages are still used daily and why.
• Visit the famous pelicans in St James Park and find out about their origins.
• Benefit from your guide’s expert knowledge to gain the best location for photos.

This tour could be combined with a visit to nearby St James to appreciate a number of shops granted special status – a Royal Warrant – for their services in supplying the Royal Palaces.

Please bear in mind that these are not public tours, but private tours conducted by specialist Blue Badge Tourist Guides who will charge a separate fee, details of which can be found on our fees page.

Let us 'Match' you with one of our Blue Badge Tourist Guides who are:

• Friendly, professional and used to dealing with groups of all ages and sizes
• Holders of the prestigious Blue Badge (the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK)
• Able to use special entrances at certain well known attractions to avoid waiting in long lines
• Able to offer tours in over 30 different languages

Simply input your tour request details in the form below. When you have finished, hit the Green ‘Submit to Match’ button. Your request will be instantly emailed to three highly qualified and enthusiastic London Blue Badge Tourist Guides, matching your criteria. They will then email you confirming availability, pricing and suggestions for the tour itself. So let one of our 500+ Blue Badge Tourist Guides make your stay in London a special one.

Short notice request! We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but generally try to give at least two days notice.

Date of tour: Flexible dates Coming to London for a whole week? Let the guide know that the date is flexible, so they can suggest an upcoming event or a less crowded time for the tour. (+/- 3 days)

Language: Albanian Bulgarian Chinese (Cantonese) Chinese (Mandarin) Croatian Czech Danish Dutch/Flemish English Finnish French German Greek Hebrew Hindi Hungarian Italian Japanese Korean Lithuanian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Slovak Spanish Swedish Swiss-German Taiwanese Turkish Welsh

Duration: Morning Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to finish by 13:00 Afternoon Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to start by 13:30 All Day Full days are up to 9 hours, usually finishing no later than 18:00 Evening Only Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to start no earlier than 18:00

Travel by: Walking & Public Transportation Tour Explore London by walking and a variety of public transport (Underground, Black Cab, London double decker bus or even riverboat) Cycling Tour Cycle around London with a professional Guide. Bring your own bicycle or request the Guide to help you hire one. Driving Tour Get driven around in style by a professional Driver Guide. Usually for groups of up to 7 people. Coach Tour A tour for larger groups (typically 20+). Please tell the Guide if you have your own coach and driver, or request the Guide to help you hire one. Virtual Tour Explore London's top sights and attractions from the comfort of your home

Interests: Major London sites Museum and Galleries Beyond London Specialist Tours Royal London Tour

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Other pages for consideration:

Jack The Ripper Tour

Specialist tours.

Guide to London’s coolest places to visit

Things To Do

Exploring London’s Palaces: A Tour Of The City’s Royal Residences

Last Updated on 20 November, 2022

In the heart of London, several royal residences are open to the public. On this tour, you will explore some of the most famous palaces in London, including Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Windsor Castle.

These beautiful architectural masterpieces offer a glimpse into the lives of British monarchs and their families. London is home to some of the world’s most beautiful historical palaces, many of which are open to the public for a glimpse into royal life.

The most famous of London’s palaces is Buckingham Palace. This majestic palace is the official residence of the British monarch. Tourists can visit the palace during summer when the royal family is not in residence.

Another popular palace in London is Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.

Hampton Court Palace is another popular royal residence in London. Today, visitors can tour the palace and its beautiful gardens. Kensington Palace, Winchester Palace, The Palace of Westminster and many more palaces are worth a visit.

Let’s Explore Some Details About London’s Finest Palaces:

Guide to the best royal palaces in London that need to be on your must-see list in the capital . From Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Eltham Palace and may more must see palaces in London.

Also included in the list is Westminister Palace, while not a royal residence, it is used by the UK government. It is still very much a palace but in name only you could say.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. The palace is the official residence of the British monarch and is used for state occasions and official entertainment. The palace is open to the public for guided tours.

It is accessible to everyone from January 1 to July 29, daily from 10:00 to 17:30 (last admission 16:15). It opens every day from 09:30 to 17:30 from July 30 to September 25 (last admission 16:15) and from September 26 – December 31, it will open every day from 10:00 to 17:30 (last entrance is at 16:15).

Entry fees cost £19.50 for those aged 18 to 24, £30 for adults and £16.50 for kids. St James’s Park, which is on the District and Circle lines, is the closest tube station.

Kensington Palace

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Kensington and this is up there not to be missed when exploring Kensington or Chelsea . The former home of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children, Kensington Palace, is one of London’s most famous tourist destinations.

It has been home to young royals for over 300 years, and currently, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children reside here.

It is open from 10 am to 6 pm (the last admission is 5 pm). There is an entry fee of £17.00 for adults, £8 for children 5-15, and £12.80 for 65+ people.

The nearest tube station is High Street Kensington, on the District and Circle lines.

Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace is a large estate in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It was originally a medieval palace and was rebuilt by Charles II in the 1670s. The building is now a museum and opens to the public.

The estate includes a large park, which is open to the public. There are also several other buildings on the estate, including a chapel, stables, and servants’ quarters.

The palace is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by many people yearly. It is also used as a venue for weddings and other special events.

Eltham Palace is open from 10 am to 5 pm (the last admission is 4pm), and there is an entry fee of £16.00 for adults and £9.60 for kids. The nearest station is Elmstead Woods, on the Southeastern rail network.

Lambeth Palace 

Lambeth Palace is one of the oldest surviving buildings in London. It is thought to have been built in the 12th century and has been the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the early 14th century.

The palace is a beautiful building with a large garden and river frontage. 

Lambeth Palace is a popular tourist attraction open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, and there is no entry fee. The nearest tube station is Lambeth North, on the Bakerloo line.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was one of King Henry VIII’s favorite homes. It was here that he hosted lavish parties and tournaments. The palace was also the site of many important royal events, including the birth of Henry’s son, Edward VI.

You can see more picture from my visit at Hampton Court here .

It is open from 10 am to 6 pm (the last admission is 5 pm), and there is an entry fee of £23.70 for adults and £11.90 for kids. The nearest train station is Hampton Court on the South West Trains network.

The Winchester Palace

This is among those free things to do in London . The Winchester Palace was one of medieval England’s most impressive and popular royal residences. It was the favorite home of King Henry III and his successor, Edward I.

The palace was originally built in the late eleventh century by Henry I, but it was greatly enlarged and improved by Henry III.

The Winchester Palace was a large, imposing building with a central courtyard and numerous turrets and towers. It was surrounded by a high wall with a deep moat. The palace was filled with beautiful tapestries, stained glass windows, and other works of art.

The Winchester Palace was a royal residence until the early fourteenth century when the monarchy abandoned it. The palace was later destroyed by fire.

Winchester Palace is located in the city of Winchester, just a short walk from the nearest tube station. The palace is open to view at any time, with no access to the interior. Your eyes will relish the impressive architecture of the remaining walls of the Great Hall adorning the west gable. 

The Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is a magnificent building located in the heart of London. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and one of the most famous landmarks in London.

The original Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834, and the current building was constructed in its place.

Visitors can tour the building and see the chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. There is also a museum located in the building, and visitors can learn about the history of the Palace of Westminster and the British Parliament here.

The Palace of Westminster is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, and there is no entry fee. Westminster on the Circle, District, and Jubilee lines is the nearest tube station.

If you are staying in any of the hotels near the London Eye , the Palace of Westminister will be within eyeshot or walking distance.

Map Of The Best Palaces In London

If you want insight into behind-the-scenes at the royal palaces of London, make sure former royal correspondents accompany your fantastic tours to guide you through your palace tour. 

My name is Bianca and welcome to my local guide of London's Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Everything you need to know about exploring London in addition to the coolest hangouts and Instagrammable spots.

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Explore London your way

All you need to know about independent travel to london, royal london & uk: best royal attractions & tours, royal palaces & personalised private tours - all things royal in london & uk, royal london.

Visit some of London's most spectacular castles and palaces with over a thousand years of Royal history, including Tower of London, Windsor Castle & more.

Find out more

Royal Tours

A great selection of Royal themed tours including: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle, Royal Parks Bike Tour, Royal Windsor, Crown Jewels & more.

Private Royal Tours

Private guided tour in your luxury vehicle, visiting top Royal destinations. Options include Crown Jewels Tour, Hampton Court & Windsor Castle.

There are many historical palaces and castles up & down the UK with Royal connections, including Leeds Castle in Kent to Edinburgh Castle.

ROYAL LONDON COACH TOUR

• Royal London panoramic coach tour • Changing of the Guard Ceremony • Option to add on Thames River Cruise • Option to add on Afternoon Tea at Rubens at The Palace

Royal castles & palaces

London has over a thousand years of Royal history for you to explore and our much loved castles and palaces in and around London are a fantastic way to do this.

The Big Six in and around London are highlighted below. A visit to London would not be complete without seeing the iconic Tower of London and Buckingham Palace and then just outside London lie Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace. There really is a spectacular Royal day out waiting for you.

Use our links below to delve deeper into each attraction and find tickets too.

London Royal castles and palaces - more information

See the Crown Jewels at one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses.

Buckingham Palace

His Majesty's residence and gardens. Open only in the summer for tours.

Windsor Castle

The world's largest occupied castle. See the State Apartments and St George's Chapel.

Kensington Palace

Birth place of Queen Victoria and London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Hampton Court Palace

Henry VIII's palace is a great place to explore with world-famous gardens & legendary maze.

Kew Gardens & Palace

A UNESCO-listed venue: the Royal Botanic Gardens includes the Palace with entrance.

Other Royal attractions in London

At the King's Gallery you can witness a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Here you will find a wide-ranging collection of art and treasures held in trust by the Monarch for the Nation.

The Royal Mews is the working stables for the royalty where you can see the incredible State vehicles used for iconic royal occasions including coronations.

St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey have both played key roles on the international stage, hosting Royal weddings and other significant events.

King's Gallery

A permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

Exhibition showcasing horse-drawn carriages & stables home to working horses.

Westminster Abbey

A World Heritage Site with over a thousand years of history.

St Paul's Cathedral

The Cathedral with the iconic dome, one of the highest in the world.

Hotels near Royal attractions in London

Near the top Royal London attractions you can expect to pay a premium for a fantastic location in the heart of London. Many of the hotels below have river views, and are easily walkable to places such as Buckingham Palace, Mayfair and Westminster. These hotels offer 4 and 5-star quality accommodation with facilities such as gyms, top-rated restaurants and a selection of room choices and suites for you to choose from.

The Royal Horseguards

Beautiful 5-star hotel located between the River Thames and Trafalgar Square, with a luxurious mix of history and modern style, with river views.

The Franklin London

In the heart of Kensington, just steps from the Victoria and Albert Museum, this 5-star elegant hotel has a Hammam floor; techno gym and spa.

Strathmore Hotel

Once the residence of the Earl of Strathmore, the Queen Mother's father, in stylish Kensington, this grand Victorian hotel has fine dining and marble bathrooms.

The Ampersand Hotel

A cosmopolitan hotel set in a large Victorian building, with gym and games room. Located within a 2-min walk of the Natural History Museum and the V&A Museum.

The Guardsman

Located just 400 metres from Buckingham Palace, The Guardsman features a bar and views of the city. You can enjoy room service and a buffet or full English breakfast.

The Chesterfield

Located between Hyde and Green Parks, this hotel features an award-winning restaurant & offers Afternoon Tea. The chesterfield mixes traditional British charm with modern comforts.

Royal Garden Hotel

A 5-star hotel with spectacular London views, located next to Kensington Gardens. 3 AA Rosette Chinese restaurant and a 24-hour health club.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel

Located just 100 metres from the British Museum; the Radisson offers a 24-hr gym. The Bloomsbury Street Kitchen serves a range of Mediterranean & Japanese dishes.

Royal tours in and around London

From coach tours visiting popular attractions with a Royal theme including London and Windsor, to Royal themed walking tours, hop-on bus tours and Royal afternoon teas. We have plenty of tours and experiences with a connection to the Royal Family for you to enjoy.

Afternoon panoramic coach tour of Royal London, Changing of the Guard & options to add on Thames River Cruise or Afternoon Tea.

Royal London & Windsor

Enjoy Royal sites by comfortable coach, in both London & Windsor & Changing of Guard when available.

Crown Jewels of London

Expertly guided tour of Tower of London & Crown Jewels along with St Paul's + Thames River cruise.

Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour

Discover the historical architecture of the Royal's Windsor plus entrance to Windsor Castle.

Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle

Fully guided day coach tour with entrances included at Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle.

Windsor Castle Morning Tour

Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach, entrance to Windsor Castle (mornings) with option to add on a flight on the London Eye.

Wizard Walk & Royal & Landmarks Tour

Enjoy two popular walking tours with options to add on fish & chips and/or Tootbus tour.

Afternoon Tea at the Milestone

Traditional afternoon tea at a luxurious 5-star hotel overlooking Kensington Palace + Royals & Landmarks Tour & Wizard Walk Tour.

Royal London Tour with Westminster Abbey & Afternoon Tea

Entrance to Westminster Abbey + Afternoon Tea at at the Cellarium Café & Terrace.

Queen Elizabeth II small group walking tour

Small group walking tour around Westminster, seeing the Abbey, Buckingham Palace & St James's Palace.

Royal London - Tower of London

Entry to Tower of London, with Royal walking tour, Changing of the Guard + River Thames sightseeing cruise.

London Royal Parks bike tour inc. Hyde Park

Guided bike tour through Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and St. James's Park, taking in palaces & memorials.

Private Royal tours in and around London

Visit the Crown Jewels at the Tower in London or Royal Windsor or Hampton Court Palace, all from the luxury of your private car with driver guide or separate guide if you prefer. Pick ups for private tours will be from your chosen location within zones 1-3 in London.

Private Royal Windsor

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Windsor with your own private luxury car with expert guide, exploring the historic town and castle, entrance included. You might even catch the Changing of the Guard.

Private Crown Jewels of London

Your chauffeur will pick you in your luxury vehicle & take you to top Royal London sights. Enjoy fantastic photo opportunities plus entry included to the Tower of London & St Paul's Cathedral.

Private Royal London

Enjoy a private experience with expert guide on this historical journey through the City of London. Get up close to iconic sights with wonderful photo opportunities, as you are driven in a luxury vehicle.

Private Hampton Court & Windsor Castle

Visit two of the UK's most beautiful and historic Royal homes, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace, on this fantastic full-day private tour, entrances included.

Historical Royal attractions UK

The UK has a long Royal tradition with castles and palaces to visit up and down the country. Some are easily accessible from London, others are further afield but can still be done in a day trip or overnight break. Here we cover some of the places with a long, rich history with links back to Royalty.

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens

Explore Northern Ireland's Royal residence, set in 100 acres of picturesque gardens. Enjoy the stunning State Rooms used by the Royal Family.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is an excellent day out with loads of entertainment for all the family. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it has a long Royal history, but is now open for everyone to enjoy.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace has a centuries old relationship with the Royal Family, and also has World Heritage Site status. As the ancestral home of the Duke of Marlborough there is much to see at this exquisite palace.

Canterbury Cathedral

With 3 Royal tombs, including Edward the Black Prince, Canterbury Cathedral has a connection with Royalty going back centuries as the church and the crown were intrinsically linked.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle was home to kings and queens for many centuries. The Honours of Scotland, on display in the Crown Room, are the oldest Crown jewels in Britain.

Leeds Castle

Once owned by Henry VIII and used by himself and Catherine of Aragon, Leeds Castle is a beautiful castle, surrounded by its own lake, and has been owned by six queens of England.

Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour

Discover the royal heritage of the Royal Deeside on this small-group tour from Aberdeen. Travel to the Victorian village of Ballater with royal connections.

Newly renamed 'Royal Bath' for the King's coronation, Bath is a beautiful city with royal connections and an international status as a spectacular spa destination, and a World Heritage Site.

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"I love surprising our guests with London's incredible diversity. You can go from admiring the dazzling architecture and shopping at the trendy boutiques, to watching grand royal ceremonies and meeting the locals in a 16th-century pub - all in one day."

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Admire the Big Ben and the imposing Houses of Parliament

As you touch down in London, you’ll surely be searching the skyline for Big Ben, the iconic Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster, or the Houses of Parliament. You'll have the chance to admire these impressive buildings in the company of your London travel guide and listen for the famous chimes that have been ringing out across London since 1859.

Learn about the history of the Buckingham Palace

You’re in for a royal time at Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British royal family since 1837. It’s one of the most iconic places to visit in London, and we’ll take you to marvel at this magnificent palace, learn about it’s centuries-old history, and perhaps even wave to the King if he’s home.

Ramble through London's picturesque Royal Parks

If you love a lush park or garden, you’re in for a real treat in London, with over 5,000 acres of gorgeous green space across the eight Royal Parks. Spend your days strolling, cycling, or simply relaxing in these beautiful parks, from the famous Hyde Park to the ornate Kensington Gardens.

Go on a shopping spree around Carnaby Street and Soho

We’ll dive into London’s West End with a tour around the buzzing borough of Soho, where you’ll get a taste of London’s diverse culture, history and cuisine. Wander down the iconic Oxford and Regent Streets and of course, Carnaby Street, the city’s shopping mecca, and the epicentre of the Swinging Sixties in London.

See the stately Changing of the Guard

You’ll watch history come alive when we take you to Buckingham Palace to witness the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony. It’s a full-on display of royal pomp and military tradition, with the soldiers of The Queen’s Guard in bearskin hats and bright-red uniforms marching down the Mall, and you can’t miss it on your London trip.

Our top 5 things to do in London

With an overwhelming number of iconic London attractions to explore, where to begin? When you travel London with Trafalgar, we’ll show you all the very best of the city.

Tate Modern

As one of the world’s largest museums of modern and contemporary art, the Tate Modern is an unmissable London attraction. You’ll find everything here from vibrant artworks to films and performance art, and you can’t miss the giant Turbine Hall, a five-storey tall room used to display extraordinarily large art installations.

Museum of London

If you’ve ever wanted to learn the history of this great city, the Museum of London is the place to go. It’s the world’s largest urban history collection and you’ll learn all about England’s capital from prehistoric to modern times. The museum even overlooks the remains of the Roman city wall on the edge of the oldest area of London.

Science Museum

You could spend hours exploring the treasures of the Science Museum including the world’s greatest innovations, ranging from Puffing Billy, the oldest surviving steam locomotive, to the first jet engine, to the Apollo 10 command module. You’ll travel from the Industrial Revolution all the way into the future in this amazing playground of the mind.

Best museums in London

London’s museums are among the world’s best, with millions of visitors each year to marvel at the incredible history, art and design. What treasures will you find when we take you to these great institutions?

Cottage Pie

It doesn’t get more comforting than a traditional cottage pie, and you’ve got to order this English staple at least once in a classic London pub. It’s been a beloved dish for generations, originating as a clever way to make a hearty meal from leftovers like beef, peas and carrots, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Cornish Pasty

Make a beeline for the nearest bakery in London and discover these little pockets of deliciousness. They’re made from shortcrust pastry stuffed with beef, potatoes, swede, onion and egg, then baked until golden, forming a rich gravy inside its own tasty casing. You’re sure to go back for more than just one Cornish pasty!

Named after the prestigious boys’ boarding school of the same name, this simple yet delicious treat is made from a refreshing blend of cream, strawberries and crushed meringue. It’s a classic British dessert and you can even try it at The National Café at the National Gallery, one of the best art museums in London.

Best food in London

Our London tours are big on foodie experiences, and you can go from a traditional English afternoon tea, to a delicious culinary adventure through Chinatown in the West End.

What to pack for London

Waterproof coat

London is known for its drizzles and rain showers, so pack a waterproof coat or travel-sized umbrella to keep your dry and warm on your London trip.

Comfortable shoes

This city was made for walking, and with so many incredible monuments, museums, parks and markets to explore, you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to get you around London.

Camera & extra SD cards

From Big Ben to the London Eye, your camera is sure to get a good workout. Pack some extra SD cards so you never run out of space to capture all of London’s pinch-me moments.

Waterproof day bag

Keep your hands free on your London tours with a waterproof day pack, perfect for holding all your shopping and souvenirs and keeping them dry in wet weather.

Warm layers

London is known for experiencing four seasons in one day, so it’s best to wear layers that will keep you warm in the cold weather and cool when the sun comes out.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

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Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

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• Events in London >
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Royal Attractions in London 2024

Buckingham Palace Tickets

Buckingham Palace Ticket & Sightseeing Tour

Royal London Tour with Buckingham Palace

The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

Explore Windsor Castle & St George's Chapel

The Tower of London & The Crown Jewels

Westminster Abbey where King Charles was Crowned

St Paul's Cathedral, Traditional Site for Royal Weddings

Visit Kensington Palace, a Royal Residence

Our guide to the Royal Attractions in London in 2024, with the best ways to explore the world of the British Royal Family. Highlights include visiting the Royal Palaces, including Buckingham Palace, the centre of the British Monarchy. There are lots of things to see, including viewing the State Apartments during the summer of 2024 and seeing the royal collection of paintings and artefacts throughout the year. London is also home to other royal locations, including Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived and the Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are kept.

Quicklinks:

Royal Attractions (Open All Year) >>>

Royal Attractions & Events (Open Seasonally) >>>

Kings Coronation May 2023 >>>

Other Way to Experience Royal London >>>

Tickets for Royal Sites >>>

Tours of Royal Sites >>>>

Royal Attractions Open All Year:

Windsor castle – official residence.

Windsor Castle, an official residence of the King and also the location of St George’s Chapel where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were laid to rest. This popular royal attraction is open all year round, and is located just outside of London.

Different ways to visit:

Windsor is located outside Central London. Our standard entry ticket is perfect if you have a car. If you don’t we have two options: Our Windsor Castle entry & train tickets is ideal if you’d like to travel by train. Or if you prefer by bus, our Windsor shuttle bus is an ideal option.

Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace

The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace houses a world-class collection of artworks. It’s open throughout 2024 and contains master paintings, furniture and pieces from the Royal Collection. This year two exhibitions take place at the Gallery.

Exhibits are included in a standard entry ticket.

Get Tickets: The Queen’s Gallery >>>

Kensington Palace:

Kensington Palace was the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Also known as, William and Kate, and is where Princess Diana once lived. Visitors can explore the magnificent Palace and Gardens.

This royal palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and has been a home for young royals for over 300 years. Visitors can explore the rooms where Princess Victoria was born and raised and see the King’s State Apartments that were used for audiences and meetings in the presence of royalty.

Get Tickets: Kensington Palace >>>

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic royal palace that dates back over 1,000 years. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels that are still used in royal ceremonies today, such as by the King for the State Opening of Parliament. This is the most powerful symbol of the British Monarchy which is under armed guard in the Jewel Tower.

You can also see the Yeoman Wardens, part of the Royal Bodyguard who are nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’. These guards have existed since the 11th Century and are instantly recognizable by their colourful uniforms. Today, they act as guides who bring to life the royal history at the Tower of London.

Visit the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London to see the recreations of impressive interiors used by medieval kings and queens, notably King Henry III and King Edward I. You can also visit the Royal armour and see objects from Henry VIII, Charles I, and James II.

Book Tickets: Tower of London >>>

Hampton Court Palace & Garden

Hampton Court Palace was the most famous residence of King Henry VIII. It’s open all year round, and visitors can explore the Tudor and Stuart times, the chapel, and the impressive grounds, including the Maze Garden. This is one of the most popular royal attractions in London.

Get Tickets: Hampton Court Palace >>>

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The Changing of the Guard Ceremony takes place outside the gates of Buckingham Palace throughout the year. This iconic show marks the moment when the soldiers currently guarding the Palace exchange places with the new guard. It’s accompanied by a full military band playing traditional marches and popular songs.

Royal Attractions & Events Open Seasonally:

There are many royal attractions that are open on selected dates during the year. This includes the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews. There are also many royal events that take place throughout the year, some of which are open to the public.

The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace

Open from 1 March to 3 November 2024

The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace opens from 21 March to 3 November. Catch a glimpse into the working life of the Royal Estate, see the working stables and admire the magnificent carriages.

This working stable is responsible for all road travel arrangements for the King and Royal Family. You can see the Gold Stage Coach which has been used at every coronation since 1821, as well as the coach that was built to celebrate the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee. Visitors can try out a royal carriage and see some of the horses used to pull the carriages.

Get Tickets: The Royal Mews >>>

The King’s Coronation 6- 8 May 2023

The Coronation took place on Saturday, 6 May 2023.

Saturday 6 May: The Coronation ceremony took place on Saturday morning at Westminster Abbey. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Consort travelled from Buckingham Palace in the King’s Procession. Following the Coronation Service, the Coronation Procession returned with the King and other members of the Royal Family to Buckingham Palace, where the King, Queen Consort and other Royals will stepped out onto the balcony to wave to the public.

State Rooms at Buckingham Palace

11 July to 29 September 2024

The Buckingham Palace State Rooms open from 14 July to 24 September 2023.

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the Monarchy. One of the best royal attractions to visit in London this summer 2023 are the State Rooms, which are open for just 8 weeks. On a self-guided tour you’ll get to see royal rooms like the Throne Room, Ballroom and White Drawing Room.

Get Tickets: The State Rooms >>>

Other Ways to Experience Royal London

There are many other attractions and sites in London that are linked to the Royal Family. Our Royal London walking tour takes you past many of the key sites in the city with a formal guide.

Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London lets you get up close and personal with lifelike wax figures, including the Royal Family! Madame Tussauds has sculpted a total of 23 figures of Queen Elizabeth II over the years. Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are shown in their engagement pose. You might spot Catherine’s ring which is a dazzling recreation of the one worn by Princess Diana. There’s also a sculpt of King Charles III who is placed alongside his wife the Queen Consort. That’s a lot of Royals to meet!

Book Tickets: Madame Tussauds >>>

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been the location for every coronation service since the year 1066, and is woven into the history of the British monarchy. It’s been the site of 16 royal weddings, including where Prince William tied the knot, and was also where the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II took place in 2022.

Book Tickets: Westminster Abbey >>>

St Paul’s Cathedral

Another popular spot for royal weddings! Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married here in 1981, and Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Silver (1977), Golden (2002), Diamond (2012) and Platinum (2022) Jubilees in this cathedral.

Book Tickets: S t Paul’s Cathedral >>>

Kew Palace is located in Kew Gardens, and is the smallest of the Royal Palaces. This lesser visited site was the home of George III and Queen Charlotte, and was used by later monarchs as a weekend retreat from the Georgian era. Entrance is included within a ticket for Kew Gardens.

Book Tickets: Kew Gardens >>>

Household Cavalry Museum

This is one of the only working museums in London, and explores the relationship between these elite soldiers and the Royals who they have protected for hundreds of years. The Household Division has been in charge of protecting the Royal Family from assassination and threats, and you can see real soldiers going about their day-to-day tasks in the stables. Exhibitions explore the history of this regiment. You can also see The Changing of the King’s Life Guard, a wonderful alternative to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. The ceremony happens every day at Horse Guards Parade at 11am (10am on Sundays).

Afternoon Tea with Royal Links

Having afternoon tea is a great British and royal pastime. You can enjoy many wonderful afternoon teas at places that have a royal connection, fit for a king or queen! The Goring Hotel holds a Royal Warrant which is a very prestigious document that is awarded to only the highest quality traders. The hotel is a firm favourite with the Royal Family and it’s here that the King hosts his annual staff Christmas lunch.

Another worthy location is the Royal Albert Hall . This cultural landmark was opened by Queen Victoria, and it was the location of the Queen Elizabeth II Birthday Party in 2018. It serves up a wonderful musical-themed afternoon tea.

Royal Parks

London is home to an incredible 8 Royal Parks! These open spaces are owned by the Crown and are freely accessible to the public. The most popular parks include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park and St James’s Park. There’s nothing quite like going for a walk through one of these open spaces on a bright and sunny day!

Banqueting House

Banqueting House is part of the Historic Royal Palaces and is the site of King Charles I execution in 1649. It’s also home to the Ruben’s Ceiling, the only surviving in-situ ceiling painting by one of the greatest artists of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where Can I see the Royals in London?

It will be difficult to actually see the Royals in London in real-life. Your best option would be to try and schedule a visit during one of the Royal Events. For example, the King’s Birthday parade which would be a good way to possibly see the King. The next best option would be to head to Madame Tussauds, where there are lots of sculpts of royals on display.

How Do The Royals Travel around London?

Normally the royals travel around London by car. The Bentley State Limousine which is typically used, and the Jaguar Land Rover are popular vehicles used by the Royals. You can see a lot of the vehicles used by the Royals both currently and in the past at the Royal Mews, which is open on selected dates during the year.

Which Royal Palaces are Open to the Public?

Many Royal Palaces are working palaces that are used by the Royal Family during the year. Others are now no longer in active use. Kensington Palace, and Windsor Castle are open all year round but can experience closures at short notice since they are working residences. The Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace are open all year round and are no longer in use by the Royal Family.

Is Buckingham Palace Open to the Public?

Buckingham Palace is open on selected dates to the public, mainly during the opening of the State Apartments during the summer. In 2021, the Buckingham Palace gardens were also opened to the public for the first time in history, but this is expected to have been a one-off event.

Can You Stay at Buckingham Palace?

No, you cannot stay at Buckingham Palace. It is the London residency of the King. However, there are lots of hotels near Buckingham Palace , and many of them have a connection with royal history. So your best option is to stay in a historic hotel nearby Buckingham Palace if you want to get a taste of royal life.

Where is Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is located in the county of Berkshire, which is just outside of London. It’s located about 20 miles from Central London and can be reached by train or by bus. It takes about 45 minutes to get there by shuttle bus from Central London, or 1-hour by train from London Paddington Station.

more things to do

State Rooms at Buckingham Palace Open to the Public

Buckingham palace, tickets for state rooms.

Visiting Buckingham Palace

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s Royal Walk in London

Today I want to share the route and map for my free self-guided royal walk in London with you. If you love all things kings and queens, this one is for you. My royal walking tour will guide you past palaces and through parks while letting you walk in the footsteps of monarchs past and present. Fun, right? Read on for more.

Royal Walk in London

I came up with the route for my royal walk in London in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, which was celebrated across the UK (and the world).

From Kensington Palace to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, the route covers royal residences across the city. But that’s not all. It also goes past places with connections to the royal family, including hotels , department stores, and mews.

Along the way the royal walking tour will take you into London’s Royal Parks, down iconic streets, and through beautiful neighborhoods.

Royal Walk Route in London

The route of my royal walk goes from Kensington Gardens to the Tower of London. Along the way it passes famous landmarks like Westminster Abbey and lesser-known royal attractions like Queen Caroline’s Temple.

This is one of my longer London walks, so you can make a day of it or break it up over a couple days if you want to do it at a leisurely pace. You can also combine it with my City of London walking tour , as that one ends at the same place this one does.

Whatever you decide, you’ll go past lots of great royal sites and points of interest. There are plenty of places to eat, drink, and rest along the route, too.

Self-Guided Royal Walking Tour of London

This London walk starts at Kensington Palace, a famous royal residence. Set right in Kensington Gardens, it first attracted William III and Mary II, who chose it as their country retreat in 1689.

Over the centuries, everyone from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana and Princess Margaret has resided here. It’s also been the official residence of Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children.

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park

Once you’ve admired the facade (or taken a tour of the interior), walk east to the Round Pond and keep right to stay on the southern edge of the water.

When you get to a path that goes southeast, turn right and follow the series of walkways leading to the Serpentine Gallery . (The detailed map below can help with this part of the walk, as the paths aren’t named).

Along the way you’ll see the Albert Memorial to your right. This ornate monument was commissioned by Queen Victoria to commemorate the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861.

When you’re just north of the Serpentine Gallery, turn left to get to Queen Caroline’s Temple. This Neo-classical summer house overlooks the Long Water, which was created for Queen Caroline in the 1730s.

After admiring the temple, turn back and retrace your steps to the path you were on before, then make your way over to the Long Water, across West Carriage Drive, and to the Serpentine.

This famous lake is the defining feature of Hyde Park , and it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere.

Soon you’ll come to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. This water feature was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on July 6th, 2004. Made from 545 pieces of Cornish granite, its unique circular shape was designed to reflect Diana’s life.

After taking in the memorial, continue your walk along the southern edge of the Serpentine. You’ll pass a cafe as you go, so you can enjoy a drink or snack on the waterfront if you want to.

If not, continue your royal walk by keeping straight along the water’s edge.

When you reach the southeastern corner of the Serpentine, take a slight right to walk down to South Carriage Drive and take Albert Gate to get to Knightsbridge .

Turn left on the street called Knightsbridge, then right on Wilton Place. This street will take you into the heart of Belgravia , one of the nicest neighborhoods in London .

Turn left on Wilton Crescent, following it around to Belgrave Square. This place is home to a lot of embassies, so keep your eyes out for flags.

Walk along the northeast side of Belgrave Square, staying on this road as it becomes Upper Belgrave Street and then Eton Square.

When you reach Eton Square, turn left on Hobart Place, then right on Grosvenor Gardens. After you pass the garden square, turn left on Beeston Place.

This street will take you past The Goring , the hotel where Kate Middleton stayed the night before she married Prince William in 2011 (the Queen Mum is said to have liked this hotel , too). If you want to book ahead, afternoon tea at The Goring is a treat.

If not, make sure to look out for the Royal Warrant plaque on the hotel’s facade. The Goring is the only hotel that’s been awarded such an honor for hospitality services.

Once past the hotel, continue your royal walk in London by turning right on Victoria Square. Here you’ll pass by a statue of Queen Victoria as you make your way to Buckingham Palace Road in Victoria .

Buckingham Palace

When you get there, turn left and walk towards the palace itself. Along the way you’ll pass the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery. On the opposite side of the street you’ll see the Buckingham Palace Shop.

The Royal Mews has an impressive collection of carriages, and the Queen’s Gallery hosts exhibitions with world-class art from the Royal Collection (it’s the largest private art collection in the world). Both are worth a visit if you have time.

If you don’t stop, continue your walk by veering left on Spur Road. Here you’ll start to see Buckingham Palace. This is the monarch’s official residence in London, and it’s a must on any royal walking tour.

You can time your walk to coincide with the Changing the Guard ceremony or take a tour during the annual Buckingham Palace summer opening if either is on when you’re here. Otherwise you can take in the scene at your leisure.

From the palace, continue your royal walk in London by heading into Green Park. This is one of the best parks in London , and it’s famous for its spring daffodils and leafy walking paths. It’s also one of my favorite picnic spots in London .

More importantly, it’s a location for royal salutes. They’re held here to mark anniversaries and special occasions like jubilees and the births of royal babies.

St James’s

Walk northeast through the park to get to the little passageway at the eastern edge that leads to Cleveland Row in St James’s . When you get there, walk down Cleveland Row to Stable Yard.

Here you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of Clarence House. This royal residence was built in the 1820s for the Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV. Today Clarence House is the official London residence of the Prince of Wales.

As you continue down Cleveland Row, you’ll come to St James’s Palace. One of the most important royal palaces in London , it was built in the 16th century by Henry VIII.

Queen Elizabeth I lived here during the threat of the Spanish Armada, and Charles II, James II, Mary II, and Queen Anne were all born and baptized here.

Today St James’s Palace is used for receptions and is the home of several members of the royal family and their offices.

After admiring the palace, turn left on St James’s Street and walk up to King Street. Along the way you’ll pass Lock & Co, the oldest hat shop in the world and a Royal Warrant holder.

When you reach King Street, turn right. You’ll go by auction houses and classic pubs as you make your way to Duke Street. Once there, turn left and pass art galleries and more pubs as you head to Fortnum & Mason.

This famous department store is home to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, which Queen Elizabeth II opened in 2012 in honor of her Diamond Jubilee. If you want to, you can book ahead and stop here for afternoon tea .

If not, continue your royal walk in London by turning right on Piccadilly . This famous thoroughfare will take you all the way down to Piccadilly Circus.

When you reach it, turn right to walk down Lower Regent Street. Continue on it as it becomes Waterloo Place. When you reach Carlton House Terrace, descend the steps and take in the towering Duke of York Monument as you go.

At the bottom of the stairs you’ll find yourself on The Mall. This street is regularly used for royal processions and events. Take a moment to soak up the eye-catching view of Buckingham Palace at the end.

Once you’ve enjoyed it, cross the street and turn right on Horse Guards Road. It will take you past St James’s Park to Horse Guards Parade.

This is another site of royal events, including Trooping the Colour, a ceremony that has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for nearly 300 years.

Continue your royal walk by heading into Horse Guards Parade and passing through the arch at the eastern end. Here you’ll find yourself on Whitehall, a street that was home to a famous royal palace that burned down in 1698.

In its heyday it was the largest palace in Europe, with more than 1,500 rooms. Today all that’s left of Whitehall Palace is Banqueting House.

Designed by renowned architect Inigo Jones in the 17th century, it has stunning painted ceilings by Peter Paul Rubens.

You can go into Banqueting House to see it, or continue your royal walk by turning right on Whitehall and walking down towards Westminster .

Westminster

When you reach Parliament Square, you’ll be surrounded by all kinds of impressive London landmarks .

From Big Ben to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey (where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011), there’s a lot to take in.

The Houses of Parliament sit on the site of the Palace of Westminster. There’s been a royal palace here since the 11th century, and it was the primary residence of the monarchs of England until a fire destroyed much of it in 1512.

After that, it served as the home of parliament, which it continues to do today. However, the Palace of Westminster is still owned by the monarch and retains its status as a royal residence.

You can tour the Jewel Tower if you want to see one of the surviving parts of the original palace. It was built in the middle of the 14th century to house Edward III’s treasures.

The tower features an original ribbed vault and ornate ceiling carvings, as well as a three-floor museum. It’s now an English Heritage site in London .

Whatever you decide, spend some time exploring the square (you can visit Westminster Abbey or pre-book a tour of the Houses of Parliament if you want to), then continue your royal London walking tour by heading down Bridge Street towards the Thames.

When you get to Westminster Bridge, you’ll see Boadicea and Her Daughters , a bronze statue representing Boudica (known to the ancient Romans as Boadicea), queen of the native British Iceni tribe. She led an uprising in Roman Britain in the 1st century AD.

After admiring it, turn left on Victoria Embankment and follow the river east. Along the way you’ll get great views of the South Bank , the London Eye, the Royal Festival Hall, the Jubilee Park & Garden, and other attractions .

You’ll also pass under the Golden Jubilee Bridges, two footbridges named in 2002 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.

After passing Victoria Embankment Gardens, head into Somerset House. This behemoth has a long history and lots of royal connections.

Queen Elizabeth I lived in a previous incarnation of the house before she was crowned, and Anne of Denmark and Catherine of Braganza called it home in their days.

You can spend time exploring the interior and famous courtyard of Somerset House, then exit onto the Strand and turn right to walk past St Mary le Strand church to get to the City of London .

City of London

Head down the Strand, continuing as it becomes Fleet Street. You’ll pass the Royal Courts of Justice, Temple , and some of the oldest pubs in London as you make your way east.

You’ll also see the tiny Twinings shop. Queen Victoria granted Twinings its first Royal Warrant for tea in 1837.

After you cross the intersection with Farringdon Street and New Bridge Street, Fleet Street will become Ludgate Hill. Continue straight until you reach St Paul’s Cathedral, where Princess Diana and Prince Charles (now King Charles III) were married in 1981.

In front of the church you’ll see a statue of Queen Anne. It’s a 19th-century replica of a statue erected in 1712. The original commemorated the completion of the cathedral after it was rebuilt following the Great Fire of London in 1666.

You can go inside and visit St Paul’s Cathedral, or continue your royal walk in London by heading east as Ludgate Hill becomes St Paul’s Churchyard and then Cannon Street.

Cannon Street will take you all the way to Monument station, where you’ll continue straight on Eastcheap. Keep following the road as the name becomes Great Tower Street, and take in the old-meets-new scenery as you go.

Tower of London

When you reach Byward Street, turn left and follow it around as it takes you takes you to Tower Hill and the Tower of London.

You can visit the Tower of London (and nearby Tower Bridge) if you’d like to, or admire it from a distance. Either way, this historic fortress dates back to the 11th century and has lots of royal connections.

Today it’s home to the Crown Jewels, among other state treasures. The Jewel House where they’re stored was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994.

After taking in the tower, make your way through Trinity Square Gardens to the Tower Hill tube station. Your self-guided royal walking tour of London ends here.

Royal Walk in London: Map and Details

First Half of the Royal Walk in London Map: https://goo.gl/maps/UCDwXrseWwChaeda9

Second Half of the Royal Walk in London Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4dZm6QzpR2nU2Azs9

I hope you enjoyed this royal walking tour and that it’s inspired you to get out and see these special places in London for yourself.

I’ve published many more London walks and pulled them together in my London walking tours blog post, too. It’s just the resource if you want to find all my routes and maps in one place.

There are other walks to be discovered in London’s Hidden Walks , too. You can get it on Amazon here . There are more ideas in my London walking books post as well. Happy walking!

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King Charles Is Opening New Doors to Royal Palaces, Including Family's Summer Retreat, to Public for First Time

Visitors will be able to tour Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth died, and new nooks of Buckingham Palace, including the room that leads out to the iconic balcony

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

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Balmoral Castle and Buckingham Palace are welcoming visitors in new ways.

It was revealed this week that both royal residences will welcome visitors into previously unseen spaces through ticketed tours this summer. In fact, Balmoral Castle in Scotland is opening "for the first time since the castle was completed in 1855," its website says.

Balmoral is famed as the royal family's cherished summer sanctuary in the Scottish Highlands, but it also holds sad memories for the group. Prince William  and  Prince Harry were spending time there in August 1997 when their mother, Princess Diana , tragically died in a car crash in Paris.

Queen Elizabeth , who her granddaughter  Princess Eugenie  once said was "most happy" at Balmoral, died there in 2022. Sources told PEOPLE at the time it was fitting she spend her last hours there because it was such a special place for her and her family — and now, the public can step into the castle in Aberdeenshire for themselves.

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The Castle Internal Guided Tours experience is touted as a "historical journey" through "several of the beautiful rooms," comprised of a private guide that talks visitors through its history from acquisition by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 to a peek at how King Charles , Queen Camilla and other royal family members continue to use the space today. 

The royal family has previously permitted tours at Balmoral around the grounds and gardens, but access inside the castle was limited to the ballroom, making the Castle Internal Guided Tours the most intimate yet.

The tours are set to run from July 1 to August 4, capped at 10 people per session. The general guided excursion currently costs about $126 a person, while tickets with afternoon tea are about $189 — and are open to adults only.

Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty

While many of the internal Balmoral Castle tours have already sold out, there’s still plenty of availability for the Balmoral General Admission, featuring a trove of artwork by King Charles plus some royal fashion. The Ballroom promises "His Majesty The King's watercolor collection depicting scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham" and a "collection of outfits worn by Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother."

While Buckingham Palace has been a popular stop for royal watchers since 1993 when Queen Elizabeth opened its gates as a fundraiser after a devastating fire ripped through Windsor Castle in 1992, new areas of the famous London residence will be available to tour for the first time this year.

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace, where the King filmed his Christmas broadcast in December 2023, will be toured for the first time come summer. On April 3, the Royal Collection Trust announced that the iconic palace will open the wing via the Principal Floor following five years of restorative work.

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The East Wing includes the front façade and iconic palace balcony, "where the monarch and members of the royal family have gathered for public appearances during special occasions or historic moments since 1851," including royal weddings, coronations and Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the monarch's birthday.

The Royal Collection Trust said that the royal family still uses the wing today for official meetings and events.

Royal watchers can save the date for East Wing Highlights Tours held daily in July and August starting July 15, booked in addition to standard admission to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

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The palace will be open seven days a week in July and August for the first time since 2019 before scaling back to five days a week in September.

While Buckingham Palace is synonymous with the British royals and serves as the hub of the monarchy’s operations, King Charles and Queen Camilla don’t actually live there! The palace is in the middle of a $460 million renovation reportedly not due to be complete until 2027 .

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

As King Charles, 75, invites the public into new nooks for the first time this summer, The Times cited royal biographer Robert Hardman’s prediction that the King would open up Balmoral during his reign.

"Balmoral is private property. However, it needs public footfall not just to help pay the bills but to bring benefits to the wider community and to remain in step with other stately homes," the outlet quoted Hardman as writing in Charles III. New King. New Court. The Inside Story 2024 , which was published under the title The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy in the U.S. in January.

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Buckingham Palace is launching the first-ever tours of its balcony rooms

New tours this summer will feature parts of the palace never seen before by the public

For the first time ever, the public could get a bigger peek into the secret lives of the royal family. Buckingham Palace has announced plans to open its famous balcony rooms to us normies this summer, making it the first time regular folk will be able to look out the palace’s windows and literally see life through the eyes of the royals. 

The first ever tours of the palace’s East Wing, which includes Buckingham Palace’s iconic front-facing balcony, will launch on Monday July 15 to coincide with the annual opening of the State Rooms. Until now, every summer visitors have been able to tour the back rooms and gardens of the palace. Now they will be given access to the front   of the building, too. 

Built in the 1840s, the East Wing is the youngest part of Bucky-P. It was added to the royal residence by Queen Victoria who wanted extra space when she moved into her new gaff after becoming Queen. Highlights of the balcony rooms include the principal corridor which houses two state portraits of King Edward VII, and the yellow drawing room, which displays two large, hexagonal, nine-tiered Chinese porcelain pagodas. 

A limited number of East Wing Highlights Tours will run daily in July and August and need to be booked in addition to the standard admission ticket to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

East Wing Highlights Tours will go on sale on Tuesday April 9. Priority access will be given to Royal Collection Trust email subscribers for 24 hours, before remaining tickets go on general sale to the public on Wednesday April 10.

Tours of the East Wing and State Rooms cost £75. You can book online here .  

Never been to Buckingham Palace? Here’s everything you need to know . 

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Buckingham Palace tour for public: Here's how to book

London: In a historic move, King Charles has opened the doors of Buckingham Palace and the iconic Balmoral Castle to the public. Visitors can enter some parts of the eastern wing of Buckingham Palace. The tours have been scheduled from July to August this year. Interestingly, the public could see a few significant spots in the Palace, including the room where the royal family members gather before making public appearances on the balcony. Meanwhile, Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s home in Scotland, was thought to be former monarch Queen Elizebeth’s favourite residence. The ticket rates begin from $ 120 onwards.

How to book? The tour, named 'East Wing Highlights,' will be led by an expert guide and it will last 45 minutes. The tourists can also visit the Garden Shop and Cafe on the premises. Each tour will have 20 slots. The tour can also be experienced on wheelchairs if it is pre-booked through email. However, it won't be available between 10.45 am and 12.15 pm as the 'Changing of the Guard' ceremony takes place around that time. For details on the phone numbers, booking slots and more, check this website .

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Tours of Buckingham Palace's East Wing sell out as King Charles prepares to open up more of London home

King Charles will be opening up more of Buckingham Palace to visitors this summer for the first time and royal fans have rushed to snap up the opportunity to see previously unseen rooms.

Tours for the newly reserviced East Wing have already sold out, according to the RCT's website , after going on sale to the general public on Wednesday morning.

The lucky visitors who managed to buy tickets at £75 a pop will be given guided tours of the front façade of the King's London residence, including the centre room, which leads on to the balcony where the royal family have gathered for major occasions over the years. Although the public will not be able to step out onto the famous open-air space.

Highlights in the centre room include a newly restored glass chandelier, shaped to resemble a lotus flower, and two Chinese 18th century imperial silk wall hangings, presented to Queen Victoria by Guangxu, emperor of China, to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

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The palace's east wing was built between 1847 to 1849 to accommodate Queen Victoria's growing family, and the development enclosed the former open horseshoe-shaped royal residence.

The wing's principal floor will be open in July and August following more than five years of improvements, which were part of the ongoing £369 million reservicing programme to update the palace's electrical cabling, plumbing and heating system over ten years.

Visitors will also be able to walk along the principal corridor, which features paintings by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough.

It comes after tours of Balmoral Castle sold out within 24 hours of going on sale earlier this month. For the first time, members of the public will be able to see inside the King's Scottish residence from 1 July to 4 August before Charles and Camilla spend their summer break at the Aberdeenshire castle. The sell-out tour of the castle's interior was priced at £100, or £150 for the tour plus afternoon tea.

Balmoral was said to be the late Queen Elizabeth II 's favourite home and was the place where she passed away on 8 September 2022. It has been the Scottish residence of the royal family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848.

The King and Queen privately marked their 19th wedding anniversary on Monday, with Charles carrying out a brief engagement at Buckingham Palace where he was presented with the first banknotes bearing his portrait by the Governor of the Bank of England.

Tuesday also marked the third anniversary of the death of the King's father, Prince Philip , the late Duke of Edinburgh and the 22nd anniversary of the funeral of Charles's beloved grandmother, the Queen Mother.

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HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Will Return to West End Ahead of Third National Tour

Performances run 22 May to 6 July.

Following a smash hit West End run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2018, two national tours and record-breaking runs at London's The Other Palace, the WhatsOnStage ‘BEST NEW MUSICAL' winner, the beloved musical will be back in the West End for only six weeks before embarking on its third tour from 24 July at the Theatre Royal Windsor.

Experience Heathers the Musical differently – really up close and personal @sohoplace, the West End's newest theatre…how very!

Produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor -Mills, this high octane, black comedy, rock musical based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all-time that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater , is back with a bang!

The 2024 Class of Westerberg High will be announced shortly.

Greetings and salutations! Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day.

But when she's unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true.

That is until JD, the mysterious teen rebel, turns up and teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it's murder being a somebody.

The award-winning writing team, Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy 's hit musical adaptation has enjoyed successful runs in Los Angeles and New York, and its European premiere saw it become the highest grossing show at The Other Palace, having sold over 20,000 tickets across the initial run and selling-out prior to its opening gala performance. It had similar success transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket. The show then broke records again back at its original home, The Other Palace, as the longest running show in the venue's history.

The musical is directed by acclaimed American screen and stage director Andy Fickman , with choreography by Gary Lloyd , design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson .

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• April 4, 2024 Setlist

Joe Bonamassa Setlist at Royal Albert Hall, London, England

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• Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again) Play Video
• Twenty‐Four Hour Blues ( Bobby “Blue” Bland  cover) Play Video
• Well, I Done Got Over It ( Guitar Slim  cover) Play Video
• Self-Inflicted Wounds Play Video
• I Want to Shout About It ( Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters  cover) Play Video
• The Last Matador of Bayonne Play Video
• Breaking Up Somebody's Home Play Video
• The Heart That Never Waits Play Video
• Is It Safe to Go Home Play Video
• Lazy Poker Blues ( Fleetwood Mac  cover) Play Video
• Just Got Paid / Dazed and Confused / Drum Solo Play Video
• Sloe Gin ( Tim Curry  cover) Play Video
• Cross Road Blues ( Robert Johnson  cover) ( Eric Clapton's version ) Play Video

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8 activities (last edit by LukeRocker , 10 Apr 2024, 16:11 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

• Cross Road Blues by Robert Johnson
• I Want to Shout About It by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters
• Lazy Poker Blues by Fleetwood Mac
• Sloe Gin by Tim Curry
• Twenty‐Four Hour Blues by Bobby “Blue” Bland
• Well, I Done Got Over It by Guitar Slim
• Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again)
• Is It Safe to Go Home
• The Last Matador of Bayonne
• Breaking Up Somebody's Home
• Self-Inflicted Wounds
• The Heart That Never Waits
• Just Got Paid / Dazed and Confused / Drum Solo

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Joe Bonamassa Gig Timeline

• Mar 20 2024 Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX 2024 Miami, FL, USA Start time: 8:00 PM 8:00 PM
• Mar 24 2024 The BayCare Sound Clearwater, FL, USA Add time Add time
• Apr 04 2024 Royal Albert Hall This Setlist London, England Start time: 7:30 PM 7:30 PM
• Apr 05 2024 Royal Albert Hall London, England Start time: 7:30 PM 7:30 PM
• Apr 07 2024 Kursaal Ostend, Belgium Start time: 8:00 PM 8:00 PM

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