The British royal family is a resounding symbol of England and this private, full-day tour offers a fascinating insight into their remarkable lives and homes. Explore the Queen's State Apartments, historic chambers and grand reception rooms as you wander with a professional guide who can fill you in on the political and domestic dramas, mystery, intrigue and responsibility that come with the royal crown.
Gain a deeper insight into the history of two royal palaces as well as the hidden lives that are enjoyed inside their hallowed walls before taking a brief trip to Runnymede where the foundations for Britain's fundamental principles of governance were established in 1215.
Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel for your day visiting two of the main royal residences of the Queen. Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the monarch since the mid-19th century when Queen Victoria became the first sovereign to live here. It’s now the austere but official home to the reigning Queen Elizabeth II and her family.
From the north gates, glimpse the Queen’s Guards in their red tunics and bearskin hats, and look up at the iconic central balcony area, used by the royal family for public appearances. Watch the historic Changing of Guards, a tradition that has been in operation since the 1660s and sees the arrival of a fresh detachment of the Queen's Foot Guards from St. James's Palace with much pomp and ceremony.
Buckingham Palace is only open to the public for several months of the year, and even then only a small number of rooms are accessible. If the palace is closed you'll be driven to Windsor Castle, the Queen’s weekend residence, located less than an hour away by car (depending on traffic).
The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle has been a popular residence for 39 monarchs over the last 900 years and remains the preferred family home of the reigning royal family today.
Although the private chambers of the Queen are off limits to the public, during your visit you can view the State Apartments, including the Waterloo Chamber, which commemorates the famous battle, and St George’s Hall, with its coats of arms and dramatic hammer-beam roof.
Many of the Semi-State rooms are also accessible, including the awe-inspiring Grand Reception Room, with its gilded decor and grand chandeliers.
En route back to your London hotel, your driver will divert via the green fields of Runnymede, where the historic Magna Carta, one of Britain's most significant historic documents, was sealed over 800 years ago.
During the day, there's time to stop and have lunch (not included), choosing from a number of places on the route. Depending on your preferences, we can recommend the best places to eat.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our England specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Borough Market with a food writer
Explore vibrant and cosmopolitan Borough Market in the company of an acclaimed chef and food writer who can take you through the historic, stall-lined lanes, introduce you to traders and fill you in on the market's history.
Greenwich walking tour
Explore delightful Greenwich, a leafy borough renowned for its magnificent architecture and strong connections to the maritime and scientific world. Stroll through the Royal Observatory, stand straddling two hemispheres, and learn about the race to reach China aboard the Cutty Sark.
Literary tour of London
Discover some of the secrets behind London's most famous literary figures on this fascinating half-day walking tour around Bloomsbury, one of the city's most creative corners. Wander through historic streets with an expert guide and finish up at the British Library.
Mini Cooper tour
Buckle up and sit back for the ride of a lifetime as you whizz around London's backstreets in a classic Mini Cooper, ticking off the sights as you go and discovering some of the city's hidden charms with a local expert.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Discover the history behind St Paul's Cathedral on a private guided tour with a local expert. Learn about its design and construction, the craftsmen who worked on it and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views over central London.
Theater performance at Shakespeare's Globe
Immerse yourself into the world of William Shakespeare with a trip to the Globe Theatre. This replica faithfully reproduces the original's thatched roof, open-air performance area and actors who encourage the audience to get involved in the production.
Westminster Abbey and the Tower by boat
Avoid the crowds as you discover London’s most important sites with a private guide. This intimate tour visits Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, where you can see the Crown Jewels, with a connecting boat ride along the Thames.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
