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Guided Kensington Palace Tour, Royal Guard Change & Afternoon Tea

89 Reviews 4.78 out of 5 stars Based on 89 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 94% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
London, England
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (9) days in advance.

5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Step into British royal tradition with a full-day experience covering London’s finest royal sites and ceremonies. From the best vantage point of Buckingham Palace's iconic Changing of the Guard to a visit to Kensington Palace complete with a traditional afternoon tea, you'll explore centuries of royal history as you hear tales of Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and more. With all logistics taken care of—including pre-reserved access with an audio guide to Kensington Palace—this royal London tour is a perfect day out for anyone captivated by British history and regal charm. Upgrade to a private tour when you select Private Kensington Palace Tour at the time of booking. A dedicated guide just for your party will take you on a royal walking tour of London, accompany you for afternoon tea, and escort you to Kensington Palace for a self-guided visit. If you're short on time, select the "Palace and Kensington Gardens" option for a shorter tour focused on the Palace and its gardens.

What's Included

  • St. James Palace (exterior)(if option selected)
  • Clarence House (exterior)(if option selected)
  • Afternoon tea at the Orangery (if option selected)
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

Kensington Gardens
London W8 4PX, UK

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Guard's Division Memorial

Start your royal London tour at the Guards Memorial, where your guide will introduce the British regiments that guard the royal palaces.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Changing of the Guard

Settle in for a front-row view of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. While most tourists jostle for space in front of the palace, they'll actually miss most of the main event! Instead, your guide will lead you to the perfect vantage point to see the full spectacle of the New Guard's arrival with a band, and share interesting insights about this celebrated British tradition. (if option selected)
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1 hour 15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hyde Park

From there, stroll through the beautiful Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, where you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Albert Memorial. Along the way, your guide will bring London’s royal history to life, sharing tales of the monarchy, famous figures, and royal dramas to fully immerse you in this staple of British heritage. (if option selected)
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Orangery Restaurant

Before your self-guided tour of Kensington Palace, you'll indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at the Orangery, complete with scones, sandwiches, and more in a delightful baroque setting. (if option selected)
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Kensington Palace

Your final stop is Kensington Palace. Explore this historic residence at your own pace with an audio guide to imagine life as a young Queen Victoria in these grand surroundings.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled at very short notice, especially in wet weather and can be decided as late as 10:45am on the day. The tour will still run with an alternative itinerary.
  • Kensington Palace is Self guided with audio guide.
  • Please note that for security reasons bag searches might take place at Kensington Palace

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Guided Kensington Palace Tour, Royal Guard Change & Afternoon Tea?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-62043P35

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.78
89 reviews

Average 4.78 out of 5 stars based on 89 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
78
4 stars
6
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (9) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • St. James Palace (exterior)(if option selected)
  • Clarence House (exterior)(if option selected)
  • Afternoon tea at the Orangery (if option selected)
  • Kensington Gardens
  • Hyde Park (if option selected)
  • Changing of the Guard (if option selected)
  • Pre-reserved tickets to Kensington Palace
  • Buckingham Palace (exterior) (if option selected)
  • Audio guide at Kensington Palace
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The tour is in English.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • This is a walking tour so guests should be able to walk at least 3 miles without difficulty.
  • Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled at very short notice, especially in wet weather and can be decided as late as 10:45am on the day. The tour will still run with an alternative itinerary.
  • Kensington Palace is Self guided with audio guide.
  • Please note that for security reasons bag searches might take place at Kensington Palace
  • Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

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