Gain a deeper understanding of the history of the British monarchy and its role in society on this tour of Buckingham Palace and the Royal Parks. Trace the footsteps of royalty through centuries of history as we explore these verdant green spaces, which once served exclusively as sites for royal-family recreation and eventually became public spaces. Discover how these iconic locations have reflected the changing role of the monarchy and the state of the nation. Along the way, we'll uncover hidden stories and secrets, immersing ourselves in the rich culture and heritage of this vibrant city. And when we arrive at Buckingham Palace, we'll have tickets for self-exploration, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the royal splendor of this crucial landmark. Are you ready to embark on this adventure through London's regal past?

Our tour will begin outside The Jewel Tower, built around 1365 to house Edward III’s treasures and only one of two buildings from the medieval Palace of Westminster to survive the fire of 1834. Here, we'll introduce the overarching themes of our tour—how the Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace have reflected the shifting tides of the British monarchy, which in turn reflects the progression of British culture. We'll proceed onward from here to the Horse Guard Parade, where we'll examine the grounds on which the yearly Trooping of the Colours takes place, as well as discuss the role of the Household Cavalry—offering a unique look at the work that goes into the ceremonial and armored reconnaissance role of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms.

Following our time at the Horse Guard Parade, we'll amble through St. James's Park. Once Henry VIII’s deer park, we'll take in St. James’s Palace and Clarence House, former home to King Charles and Camilla the Queen Consort, while discussing how the park went from private hunting grounds to a space where royals and the public could freely mix, and how pelicans came to happily reside in its lake. Next, we'll stroll down The Mall, an important thoroughfare that's seen wedding processions, Jubilees, Olympic events, and more, to reach Green Park. An impressive, expansive showcase of Romantic-era English garden design, we'll visit the recently-opened RAF Bomber Command Memorial before heading to the main event: Buckingham Palace.

As we approach Buckingham Palace, our guide will introduce us to the history of the icon—from the site's original houses to the current building's first inception as a private retreat for Queen Charlotte, to its ascension to royal residence under Queen Victoria as a means of escaping her mother and the "Kensington System." We'll consider the oscillating public opinion about the palace over the years, the establishment with Albert of the modern idea of “The Royal Family” as a kind of domestic ideal, and the Royal Family today, as well as their place in British society and culture. Due to the palace's restrictions, our guide will not be able to join us inside; however, they will have imparted upon us a deep, rich understanding of the structure's significance (as well as our tickets for entry), allowing for a greater appreciation of our time inside, during which we will take the provided audio tour.

Please note: Due to the seasonal scheduling at Buckingham Palace, this experience is only available for a limited period each summer. We can only visit when the King is out of town! Tickets to Buckingham Palace are in high demand and we cannot always guarantee availability.  Booking ahead of time is important. 

Wrapping up our time around Buckingham Palace and the surrounding Royal Parks, we'll have developed a richer understanding of the history of the British monarchy, and how its rich traditions and evolving conceptions have reflected the changing tides of British society.

The walk begins in the Westminster neighborhood and ends at Buckingham Palace, where you will leave your guide. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

Yes, unless you've removed tickets from your cart. If we're able to secure tickets for you your guide will hand them over to you. The walk includes an audio guide visit inside Buckingham Palace and the State Rooms. Guides are unable to add commentary inside but will leave you after 2.5 hours with your tickets to enter separately and explore independently.

The guide will be with you for 2.5 hours before parting goodbye at the entrance to Buckingham Palace. Visitors tend to spend anywhere from 2-2.5 hours inside the Palace.

Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.

This walk covers about 3 miles overall.