Green Park
One of the eight Royal Parks full of colour and life with an intriguing tale of how it got its name - the stuff of legends!
Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Hampton Court Palace Private Walking Tour
Experience the grandeur of England's royalty past and present with this Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Hampton Court Palace Private Walking Tour. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of these iconic palaces as you meander past the outside of Buckingham and St James's Palaces, witnessing the scene of countless royal events throughout the centuries. Catch a glimpse of the ancient ceremony of the Changing of the Guard and explore the leafy St James's Park on your way to Horse Guards. After lunch, travel by train to Hampton Court, where you'll be awestruck by Henry VIII's majestic Tudor palace and William III's exquisite Baroque palace. From Henry's vast kitchens to William's impressive art collection, this tour is sure to leave you in awe. Take this opportunity to discover the secrets and stories behind England's rich royal heritage.
About this experience
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Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least
before the start of your booking -
Admission Not Included
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7 hours - 8 hours
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Suitable for 1-5 Participants
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Private Tour
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Guided Experience
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Walking tour of Buckingham Palace
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Opportunity to witness Changing of the Guard ceremony
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Exploring the historic St James's Palace
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Visiting Henry VIII's Tudor palace at Hampton Court
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Admiring William III's Baroque palace at Hampton Court
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Entry ticket to hampton court palace
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Transportation to/from attractions and the return train from london waterloo station to hampton court
More about this experience
<h3>Introduction</h3>
Join us on an extraordinary journey through England's regal past as we explore Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, and Hampton Court Palace. This private walking tour is perfect for those fascinated by the fascinating history of the British monarchy. Starting in the heart of London, we will stroll past the iconic Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace, both of which have been the backdrop to countless historic events over the centuries. Although we won't go inside the palaces, you'll learn plenty about the royals who resided there and the significance these buildings hold in British history. If the timing is right, we'll witness the captivating Changing of the Guard ceremony before venturing through the beautiful St James's Park.
Afterwards, we'll hop on a train from London's Waterloo station to Hampton Court, where we'll step back in time and explore the magnificent Tudor and Baroque palaces. Marvel at Henry VIII's expansive kitchens and majestic Great Hall, while hearing tales of his notorious collection of wives. Then, be awestruck by William III's impressive art collection and exquisite palace. From the eerie Haunted Gallery to the vast gardens, every corner of Hampton Court holds captivating stories and breathtaking beauty.
<h3>What to expect?</h3>
During this tour, prepare to be immersed in England's royal history and architecture. Get ready for a full day of exploration and discovery, as we spend around 420 to 480 minutes delving into the stories and secrets of these iconic palaces. Although we won't enter Buckingham Palace or St. James's Palace, you'll have the opportunity to admire their grandeur from outside. Witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony and exploring the picturesque St James's Park will add an extra layer of enchantment to the experience.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly Hampton Court Palace. From Henry VIII's opulent Tudor palace to William III's impressive Baroque masterpiece, you'll be transported back in time as you explore the grand halls, lavish gardens, and fascinating exhibitions. This is a chance to immerse yourself in the splendor and intrigue of England's regal past.
<h3>Who is this for?</h3>
This tour is designed for anyone with a passion for history, architecture, and the British monarchy. Whether you're a history buff, an admirer of stunning palaces, or simply curious about the stories behind these iconic landmarks, this experience will enthral and captivate you. There's no age limit or specific background required to enjoy this tour, making it ideal for families, couples, or solo travellers.
<h3>Why book this?</h3>
By embarking on this private walking tour, you'll have the opportunity to discover England's royal heritage in a truly immersive and personalized way. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll gain fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and stories behind Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, and Hampton Court Palace. Explore the beautiful parks and bustling streets of London, and then escape into the enchanting world of Henry VIII and William III. This is your chance to step back in time and witness the grandeur of the British monarchy.
<h3>Good to know</h3>
This tour lasts approximately 420 to 480 minutes, giving you ample time to fully appreciate each destination. Please note that entry tickets for Hampton Court Palace are not included in the tour price, so we recommend purchasing them in advance online. The tour begins at 9:45 a.m. beneath the Colonnade of the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly in London. It concludes at Hampton Court Palace, where you'll find a train station just a 10-minute walk away with half-hourly trains back to the center of London. Prepare for a day filled with awe-inspiring history, stunning architecture, and unforgettable royal stories.
<h3>Reviews</h3>
Feedback from previous tour participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised the knowledgeable guides who brought the history and stories of the palaces to life, making the experience engaging and informative. Participants have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the beautiful St. James's Park. Hampton Court Palace has been described as a highlight, with visitors amazed by the grandeur of Henry VIII's Tudor palace and captivated by William III's opulent Baroque palace. Overall, this tour has left guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation of England's rich royal heritage.
How long before the event do I need to book?
- You can book at any time before the event
Vouchers accepted in the following formats
- Mobile
Is an adult required for the booking?
- At least one adult or senior required per booking
Your Itinerary
St. James's Palace
Built by Henry V111 on the site of a women's leper hospital, this palace has been at the centre of many important Royal events. WE DO NOT GO INSIDE THE PALACE but learn much about the Royals who lived here, were born her and married here, and why it is of such significance to both Elizabeth I and Charles I.
Changing of the Guard
A chance to see this ancient ceremony - but only if it is scheduled for the day of the tour! If we move quickly enough, we'll be able to see the ceremony from three different locations. If we're lucky, we'll also catch the mounted cavalry as they trot down the Mall on their way to Horse Guards for the Changing of the Guard ceremony there. This is pageantry at its best!
Clarence House
Built by the famous architect John Nash in the 1820s, Clarence House was home to the Queen Elizabeth II's mother when her husband George VI died in 1952 until her own death in 2002. After that, it became home to Charles and Camilla who, as King Charles III and the Queen Consort, continue to live when they are in London. Whether once that will continue to be the case once the refurbishment of Buckingham Palace is completed remains to be seen.
Lancaster House
Made from beautiful Bath stone, this building stood in for Buckingham Palace in Downton Abbey.
Buckingham Palace
We DO NOT GO INSIDE BUCKINGHAM PALACE but get a wonderful view of it from Victoria Gardens across the road. The palace has been the official residence of the UK's Kings and Queen's since 1837 and is one of London's most iconic and recognisable buildings. It is the monarchy's office and one of the few working palaces in the world. This is your chance to see the world famous balcony where the Royal family shares its celebrations with the nation including Queen Elizabeth II's gold, diamond and platinum jubilees.
Wellington Barracks
Home to the Queen's Life Guards - another chance to see a bit of pageantry if it's scheduled to go ahead on the day of the tour
St. James's Park
Arguably, the prettiest of London's Royal Parks with an abundance of wild life living on and around the gorgeous ornamental lake. One of the main attractions are the six pelicans so fingers crossed they put in an appearance during the tour! All in all, four kings have worked on St James' Park to make it what it is today. Standing on the Blue Bridge spanning the lake, we get another great view of Buckingham Palace together with a lot of interesting Royal facts.
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Meander through what used to be Henry VIII's tiltyard for jousting and where 5000 tons of sand was imported for the 2012 London Olympics - but for which sport?! Two ancient ceremonies are practiced here nowadays: the Changing of the Guard which happens on a daily basis and the Trooping of the Colour which is an annual event - here all about them in this fascinating location.
Trafalgar Square
The largest square in London, it is home to the famous column with Admiral Nelson perched on top. It is also home to the smallest police station in Britain and one of the largest art museums, the National Gallery. A real contrast between the large and small!
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is, in fact, two royal palaces not one. Originally built in 1515 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a favourite of King Henry VIII, he had always promised the King he could use it whenever he wanted to. In 1529, as Wolsey fell from favour, and Henry VIII took over the palace, money was no object and an eye watering sum of money was spent doing it up. When William III arrived from Holland in 1688, he commissioned the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren to build an alternative palace which was intended to rival the Palace of Versailles. In the event, Wren built a 'his' and a 'hers' suite of rooms and it is the 'his' set we look around on this tour. If time permits, there are a number of other gems to look round at Hampton Court including the Georgian rooms, the real tennis court and the wonderful gardens.
Admission Not Included
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Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
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Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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All my Trip Advisor reviews are graded 'Excellent' so I must be doing something right!
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The tour will go ahead come rain or shine so please don't be put off by the weather! Please dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if rain is forecast
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Meeting time is 09.45 under the Colonnade of the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly. The tour will last between 7 - 8 hours depending on the walking pace you set, the number of questions you ask and whether or not there are train delays. The tour is flexible and do liaise with me about any specific things you would like included. The tour will cover about 4 - 5 miles in total.
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A moderate amount of walking is involved, do wear comfortable footwear and clothing. All members of the party need to be mobile and able to cope with stairs and so this tour is not suitable for anyone with serious medical conditions and back problems.
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Please message me to advise your mobile phone number in case I need to contact you on the day; also, if you are staying in central London and need directions to get from your hotel to the meeting point, let me know
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When your booking is confirmed, you will receive details for me (Sandy) your guide for this tour. My aim is to give you the best experience you could possibly have so if you have any special requests be sure to tell me what they are! If you need to go at a slower pace, or stop for a break midway through the tour, that will be fine with me.
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Due to uneven surfaces and an unreliable lift to take clients from the ground to the first floor of Hampton Court Palace, this tour is not recommended for those with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.
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It will be cheaper, and quicker on the day, if you purchase your entry tickets to Hampton Court Palace (which are in addition to the cost of my tour) in advance of arriving at Hampton Court. Go to www.hrp.org.uk, click on Hampton Court Palace and it should be easy to purchase your tickets. Let me know if you encounter any problems.
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We do not go inside Buckingham Palace or St James' Palace
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I prefer to guide small groups of up to five family or friends. This enables everyone to hear what I am saying above the usual street noises of a busy city and in the confined spaces of the narrow corridors of Henry's haunted palace. Also, it allows everyone to feel relaxed enough to ask whatever questions they like!
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I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.
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2024-12-27 08:14