Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 101 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace worth booking?
Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace is a 2.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $89 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 101 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (101)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $89 per person
See Three Palaces & experience the magnificence of London’s royal quarter with a walk around its most stunning monuments followed by an authentic afternoon tea in Royal surroundings in the company of a knowledgeable guid
What you get
- Entrance to the State Rooms (if selected at check out)
- Knowledgeable Guide and Royal history walk
- The history of tea drinking in England
- Small Group, maximum of 10, typically 4-6 guests
- A Private Table at the Afternoon Tea Venue
- Afternoon Tea of Sandwiches, Scones & Cakes. (NB: Child Tea is typically for 11 yrs & younger)
About this experience
See Three Palaces & experience the magnificence of London’s royal quarter with a walk around its most stunning monuments followed by an authentic afternoon tea in Royal surroundings in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Get to the heart of aristocratic London, exploring the quiet corners & higgledy-piggledy streets of St James’ & its Tudor palace - where the King was proclaimed monarch. On Changing of the Guard mornings, witness the inspection of the Old Guard at St James before following the band to Buckingham Palace. Stroll to Wellington Arch & hop onto an iconic red bus for a short ride to the Royal Albert Hall. Step into beautiful Kensington Gardens & hear of a 1000 years of history, See Princess Diana's Statue & stroll through manicured parkland to the 300 year old Tea Room established by Queen Anne. Enjoy a full Afternoon Tea of delicious sandwiches, scones & cakes with a selection of teas. Dietary preferences are catered for, & a children's tea provided for youngsters.
What's included
Included
- Entrance to the State Rooms (if selected at check out)
- Knowledgeable Guide and Royal history walk
- The history of tea drinking in England
- Small Group, maximum of 10, typically 4-6 guests
- A Private Table at the Afternoon Tea Venue
- Afternoon Tea of Sandwiches, Scones & Cakes. (NB: Child Tea is typically for 11 yrs & younger)
Not included
- Private Transport
- No entrance to Palaces / Walking tour (unless selected at check out)
- Bus fare - please bring a Contactless Card or Oyster Card
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Green Park
Formally known as Upper St James Park, Green Park is the starting point of the tour. We will head away from the crowds to discover quiet spots and discreet passageways that lead away from the regular tours.
10 minutes here
St. James's
St James is the main aristocratic quarter of London where the landed gentry and political classes mingled in chocolate houses and taverns that became prestigious clubs in the seventeenth century. You will stroll through little used back streets with their fascinating history
10 minutes here
Spencer House
Spencer House at the end of the small street. Built between 1756-1766 for John, first Earl Spencer, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997) it is London’s finest surviving eighteenth-century town house.
5 minutes here
The Mall
St James Palace remains the official London royal palace and is not regularly open to visitors, but the public can attend Sunday services at the Chapel Royal and the Queen's Chapel.
5 minutes here
Clarence House
The house was built between 1825 and 1827 to a design by John Nash. It was commissioned by the Duke of Clarence, who in 1830 became King William IV of the United Kingdom (reigned 1830–1837). He lived there in preference to the adjacent St James's Palace, an ancient Tudor building which he found too cramped
5 minutes here
St. James's Palace
St James is the main aristocratic quarter of London where the landed gentry and political classes mingled in chocolate houses and taverns that became prestigious clubs in the seventeenth century. You will stroll through little used back streets with their fascinating history
5 minutes here
Buckingham Palace
In the Middle Ages, the site of the future palace formed part of the Manor of Ebury (also called Eia). The marshy ground was watered by the river Tyburn, which still flows below the courtyard and south wing of the palace. Where the river was fordable (at Cow Ford), the village of Eye Cross grew. Ownership of the site changed hands many times; owners included Edward the Confessor and his queen consort Edith of Wessex in late Saxon times, and, after the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror. William gave the site to Geoffrey de Mandeville, who bequeathed it to the monks of Westminster Abbey.
5 minutes here
Wellington Arch
Cross to the Wellington Arch (Decimus Burton) 1828. 4 horse chariot with a figure of peace (1912) Central Passage was reserved for royalty.
5 minutes here
Bomber Command Memorial
The Royal Air Force Bomber Command Memorial is a memorial commemorating the crews of RAF Bomber Command who embarked on missions during the Second World War. The memorial, on the south side of Piccadilly, facing Hyde Park Corner, was built to mark the sacrifice of 55,573 aircrew from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Czechoslovakia, Poland and other allied countries, as well as civilians of all nations killed during raids.
5 minutes here
The house was originally built in red brick by Robert Adam between 1771 and 1778 for Lord Apsley, the Lord Chancellor, who gave the house its name. Some Adam interiors survive: the Piccadilly Drawing Room with its apsidal end and Adam fireplace, and the Portico Room, behind the giant Corinthian portico added by Wellington.
5 minutes here
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London, England. It has a seating capacity of 5,272. Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage.
5 minutes here
Albert Memorial
The Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens is one of London's most ornate monuments. It commemorates the death of Prince Albert, who died of typhoid in 1861.
5 minutes here
Kensington Palace
George II was blind in one eye and hard of hearing. In Kensington Palace, 25 October, 1760 he rose as usual at 6:00 am, drank a cup of hot chocolate, and went to his close stool alone. After a few minutes, his valet heard a loud crash and entered the room to find the king on the floor. The king was lifted into his bed, and Princess Amelia was sent for; before she reached him, he was dead. At the age of nearly 77 he had lived longer than any of his English or British predecessors. A post-mortem revealed that the king had died as the result of a thoracic aortic dissection. He was succeeded by his grandson George III, and buried on 11 November in Westminster Abbey. He left instructions for the sides of his and his wife's coffins to be removed so that their remains could mingle. He is the most recent monarch to be buried in Westminster Abbey.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
We are meeting at the Park Gate between Ritz Hotel and the Station Entrance where the Black Gates are. Under the porch of Green Park Station Street Level. Nearest Underground: Green Park
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will end the tour at the Orangery where we are hosting the High Tea.
Options you can book
Private Tour & Ken Pal Ticket
Palace Entry After Tea: After Tea your ticket gives access to Kensington Palace state rooms for a self guided tour.
Tour & Tea with Ken Pal Ticket
Palace Entry after Tea: This option is for the whole tour, afternoon tea & Entry to the Palace after tea. We recommend 90 min to see the State Rooms
Private Option - No Pal Entry
With Private Guide: This option does not include entry to the Palace itself. This can be booked on the official website hrp.org.uk
Tour & Tea with Bubbles
Glsss of Bubbles no Pal Entry
Tour & Tea -no Entry to Palace
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Top Tasting Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We offer Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan & Halal on prior request
- Not suitable for those with walking difficulty, we walk for about 60 mins
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 101 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
101 verified traveler reviews for Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must spend experience
David was exceptional. He had so much knowledge and personal ties to area that made the experience that much better. I would recommend this to anyone and we will be back again!
Response from the operator: It was pleasure to see you and your family. I look forward to seeing you again
via Tripadvisor
Great tour of London with Simon
Simon was amazing! Great tour, very knowledgeable.
Response from the operator: Simon's knowledge of London comes from his many years living in the City. We use local, experienced guides for that very reason. Thank you for being our guests and see you next year perhaps
via Tripadvisor
Three palaces tour
This is one of the most interesting and educational tour ever To finish the tour with the most delicious and beautifully presented afternoon tea was by far one of best London experience for us. Simon’s knowledge, passion and attentiveness was simply wonderful and we highly recommend it. Thank you Francisco and Brenda
via Tripadvisor
Review
This was an amazing experience! Our tour guide Simon was very knowledgeable and kind!
via Tripadvisor
High Tea Tour
Great trip ! Great tour guide Simon! Lots of knowledge.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 2+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $89 to $225
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 35
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace cost?
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Prices start at $89 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 101 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 2. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace?
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Around 35 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Buckingham Palace, St James Palace & Tea at Kensington Palace start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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