Royal Palaces Tour in London: Worth It?

Expect a mix of grand state rooms, royal history, and a fair bit of walking. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is the most crowded and theatrical part; the interiors at Kensington Palace feel more intimate and human-scale, while Hampton Court gives you proper Tudor palace vibes with huge gardens. Tours usually run 2–5 hours depending on how many sites you combine. Security checks and bag restrictions are strict at all of them, so travel light.

Best time is late spring (May–early June) or early autumn (September). Summer is busy and hot, winter days are short and some palaces close earlier. Expect to pay around £60–95 per person for a half-day guided tour covering two palaces, or £35–55 if you buy individual tickets and go at your own pace. Audio guides are usually included or cheap to add.

Honest tip: Prioritize Hampton Court if you like history and gardens; it’s less crowded than central sites and feels like a proper day out. Skip the Buckingham Palace state rooms unless they’re open to the public that season (usually only August–September) – the exterior and Changing of the Guard are usually enough for most visitors. Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll easily walk 8–10k steps.