10 Best Tours of Palaces and Castles in London

Palaces are part of the history of the British capital. In fact, the foundations of the first one date back to the 11th century, when they were only used as medieval fortresses. A tour of its palaces and castles tops the list of the best things to do in London.

Don't miss the main royal residences such as Buckingham Palace or discover the origins of the monarchy at the Tower of London. There are also interesting options on the outskirts, and the history of the Tudors is immortalised at Hampton Court. If you're curious, here's a compilation of the best guided options for visiting London's castles and palaces.

Buckingham Palace is the most important palace and is the official residence of the British monarchy. If you plan to visit London in summer, take advantage of the fact that it is usually open to the public. The rest of the year it is the home and workplace of the royal family, which limits public access.

During a visit, you can explore its charms and discover the lifestyle of royalty. Prepare to see the Throne Room where coronations and other ceremonies are held. You can also visit the Music Room, reserved for banquets, or the area that houses the royal art collection. The gardens are also impressive and ideal for strolling.

You can explore the royal coach houses, which are open all year round, and enjoy the royal carriage exhibitions. You can also see the Windsor Grey and Cleveland Bay horse breeds up close.

At the palace entrance, you can watch the changing of the guard. This colourful ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes a parade with music. It takes place every day in summer and every other day during the rest of the year, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Given the historical richness of this palace, it is recommended to take an audio guide to learn about the history and evolution of the palace.

Details of interest

• Price: from £76.

• Duration: approximately three hours.

• Transport: guided tours usually have a fixed meeting point. Don't worry! There are several bus lines that connect to the palace and the nearest underground station is Green Park.

• Advantages of this option: you will have access to exclusive areas that are only open to the public on a few days a year.

• Disadvantages of this option: photography is not permitted.

Another must-see is Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world with over 900 years of history. It is the other royal residence of the British family and differs from Buckingham Palace in that it is open almost all year round. It is used by the family only on special occasions, usually at Easter and during part of the summer, when it is closed.

Here you can see the Royal Apartments and enter St George's Chapel, where the tombs of various members of the family are located. Don't miss one of the oldest stables in the world, or Queen Victoria's Dolls' House, which takes you on a journey back to the Victorian era.

The Changing of the Guard at this palace is less well known and offers a spectacle with a medieval feel. It usually takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. To make sure you don't miss a thing, I suggest you consider a guided tour, which can also facilitate transport.

Details of interest

• Price: admission to the castle starts at €36. Guided tours of the grounds are available from €100.
• Duration: around two hours and up to 11 hours if combined with other places of interest.
• Transport: there are tours that take you to Windsor and other nearby locations, including transport.
• Advantages of this option: you can enjoy the castle with an audio guide or a professional guide, depending on your choice.
• Disadvantages of this option: the itinerary is usually fixed, which may limit the time spent in each area.

Don't miss the palace where Queen Victoria grew up and Princess Diana lived for years. Buying tickets to Kensington Palace is a must for anyone curious about the British monarchy. You'll find luxurious rooms and the famous King's Staircase decorated by William Kent.

In its corridors, there are jewels and dresses worn by the princess. You'll also find an oasis of relaxation in its gardens, which house the Princess Diana Memorial and the Peter Pan Statue. Don't miss the exhibition on Queen Victoria's childhood. We recommend booking an audio guide or taking advantage of the daily talks at the palace, which don't require prior booking.

Interesting details

• Price: tickets start at £32, while guided tours are available from £80.
• Duration: around two to three hours.
• Transport: depending on the operator, guided tours may include transfers. If you are travelling independently, it is advisable to take the underground or bus, as there is no parking available.

Tour of Westminster Palace, the seat of the British Parliament

Every Saturday in summer, you can visit Westminster Palace. It is an imposing building that was rebuilt after a fire in 1834. At one point in history, it was the residence of the royal family, but today it is used as the seat of the British Parliament.

Among the highlights of this palace are:

• The House of Commons and the House of Lords.
• Big Ben, London's famous clock tower, which used to be open to the public but is now closed to visitors.
• Victoria Tower.
• Westminster Hall, one of the oldest parts recovered after the fire.

Guided tours are available to help you learn about the history behind each part of the palace. Also, don't miss Westminster Abbey, where all British monarchs have been crowned since William the Conqueror.

Interesting details

• Price: tickets start at £29, while tickets with an audio guide are available from £60.
• Opening hours: open only in summer from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Transport: you will generally need to make your own way there.
• Advantages of this option: the guides can provide historical and political context about the palace and how it works.
• Disadvantages of this option: this is an activity with limited opening hours; the opening hours of Westminster Abbey may be better suited to your itinerary.

Immerse yourself in the neo-Gothic architecture of Kew Palace and discover a peaceful and enchanting place. But don't forget that it is only open to the public from April to September. This charming palace was one of the residences of George III and Queen Charlotte. Among the main attractions of this palace are:

• The historic halls that hold centuries of royal history.
• Queen Mary's Dolls' House.
• The Kew Explorer tourist train, which offers a tour of the gardens with commentary on board, usually paid for separately from the entrance fee.

It is the smallest royal residence in the United Kingdom, in stark contrast to its gardens, which house the largest botanical collection in the world. The best tours of London's gardens allow you to explore them in detail.

Details of interest

• Price: you can buy tickets for Kew Gardens, which start at £27 and include access to the palace at no extra cost. This option also includes a map and guide to the highlights.
• Duration: around one and a half to two hours.
• Transport: it is close to Kew Gardens underground station.
• Advantages of this option: these experiences usually include a map and guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you want to take the tourist train, you will probably have to pay an extra fee to access the attraction.

During your visit, learn all about the Tower of London, the oldest uninhabited castle in the city. Built by the first royal family during the Norman dynasty, its function has changed over time and it has been a prison, a castle, a mint, a zoo and currently houses the Crown Jewels.

Although the family no longer lives here, it still retains its essence and you can see sceptres, crowns, precious stones and other objects of value to the monarchy. Tickets to the Tower of London also give you access to St. Peter ad Vincula Chapel, where Anne Boleyn was imprisoned.

I recommend booking tickets to the Tower of London with a tour led by a Beefeater, the ceremonial guards who look after the tower. This way, you can become one for about 75 minutes. Other options are:

• Book a guided tour of the Tower of London: a more extensive tour lasting approximately three hours.
• Hire a private guided tour of the tower: immerse yourself in a tour with an art specialist and climb up to the viewing platform overlooking the Thames.
• Book a guided tour of the tower for children: an educational activity for the whole family.

Details of interest

• Price: there are different pricing options for the Tower of London. You can buy tickets for the tower from £37. There are also guided tours with a real Beefeater from £72.
• Duration: from one to three hours, depending on the experience selected.
• Transport: if you plan to book a Thames cruise with free stops, you can take advantage of the fact that there are usually stops near the tower.
• Advantages of this option: guided experiences may include the company of a guide or a Beefeater guard, complimentary snacks and skip-the-line access.

The history of the Tudors is a British icon that cannot be missed, and Hampton Court is the best palace to discover it. It belonged to King Henry VII and holds the secrets of his six wives. Inside you can see:

• The medieval hall where banquets were held.
• The Tudor-style kitchens and gardens.
• The Maze.
• The Royal Chapel.

Far from a fairy tale, this period was full of scandals and betrayals. You can enjoy afternoon tea with an expert guide, who will be delighted to tell you stories about Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, whose ghosts are said to roam the palace. When you purchase the London Pass, you can also access the palace at no additional cost.

Details of interest

• Price: guided experiences start at £184.
• Duration: at least three hours.
• Transport: you will generally need to make your own way there, and the best option is to take a train.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes a guide, complimentary snacks or afternoon tea.
• Disadvantages of this option: you must pay attention when booking, as some tours only include the guide and not the entrance fee.

If you would like to travel back in time to the year 1119, you must visit Leeds Castle. Located an hour away in the county of Kent, it is an interesting detour on your palace tour. It was built on an impressive island and is notable for its rose gardens and the Yew Maze. It also houses another important collection of crown jewels, which complements that of the Tower of London.

The best excursions to Leeds Castle also allow you to enjoy other nearby tourist attractions, such as Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich.

Details of interest

• Price: from £136.
• Duration: approximately one to three hours, or up to 11 hours if combined with other experiences.
• Transport: when booking a tour from London, transfers may be included.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes a cruise on the Thames, a guide and a tour of nearby locations.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is located outside London.

Book an excursion to Leeds Castle

Discover the settings of the famous Downton Abbey series and immerse yourself in a Victorian mansion belonging to the Earls of Carnarvon. It is an hour from London and boasts luxurious rooms and grounds surrounded by nature. The highlight is the Egyptian Exhibition created by the fifth Earl.

The best way to visit is with a trip to Downton Abbey from London. This way, you'll also visit the village and discover the post office and other locations that became famous after the series was released.

Details of interest

• Price: tours start at £205.
• Duration: around 9 hours.
• Transport: usually includes transfers in a minivan.
• Advantages of this option: excursions usually include a guide, transfers and a tour of the village.
• Disadvantages of this option: it can only be visited on certain dates, which may clash with your itinerary.

The Crystal Palace is one of London's hidden gems and was a ticket to the Victorian era. It burned down in 1936, but you can still see its ruins and other attractive areas in the Crystal Palace neighbourhood, such as:

• The Crystal Palace Museum, where you can learn more about its history and see recovered objects.
• Crystal Palace Park, which is now an amusement park with dinosaur statues dating back to the Victorian era.

It is advisable to explore this area with an expert guide, especially if you are visiting the ruins.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission is free and guided tours are offered on the first Sunday of each month at no fixed cost. You can also book a personalised private tour of London and visit the ruins.
• Duration: one to two hours.
• Transport: the nearest train station is Crystal Palace.