The Heart of Royal London: Private Tour with Afternoon TeaPrivate Tour

Enjoy a private half-day tour of Royal London where you will discover the most popular sites in Westminster followed by an afternoon tea experience at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane.
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Total

Things to know

Duration:

3 hrs

Suitable for:

Couples, Friends, History Buffs, Intellectually Curious

Private Tour:

You and our own professional guide. 100% exclusive

Transport Mode:

Walking tour: no transportation is included

Tickets:

- English-Speaking Tour Guide
- Delicious Palm Court Afternoon Tea

Other inclusions:

- Additional food & drinks, and gratuities are not included
Meeting points: Your guide will meet you at the Piccadilly Entrance of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

What makes this tour special

Situated just across Green Park from Buckingham Palace and other royal residences like St James’s Palace and Clarence House, the Sheraton Grand is perfectly positioned to enjoy the many stunning sites of London. The hotel has long enjoyed links with Royal London, and it is even rumoured that the late Queen Elizabeth II had dancing lessons in the Tudor Rose  room when she was still Princess Elizabeth. 

On your private tour, you will:

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from August to May, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. During June and July, the Changing of the Guard occurs daily.

The Sheraton Grand enjoys an unparalleled position in the heart of London, on Piccadilly just across from Green Park and Buckingham Palace. Our prestigious hotel is famous for its magnificent Portland stone façade and its Art Deco style - it's classified as a Grade II listed building.

Walking into the hotel feels like stepping into an episode of Poirot! Indeed the hotel has been used for several films and TV series including The End of the Affair starring Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore, and the Golden Compass starring Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman.  Learn more about the exquisite Ballroom, the Tudor Rose Room - where a young Princess Elizabeth had dancing lessons, and the Palm Court - the beating heart of the hotel (and a wonderful place to enjoy our award-winning Afternoon Tea) after finishing  your tour of royal London. 

You'll first walk across Green Park which connects the hotel to Buckingham Palace and the Mall. You’ll see many royal residences, as well as statues of former monarchs as you walk to the back of St James’s Palace to see the Changing of the Guard assemble. 

The Guardsmen are famous for their red jackets and giant black bearskin hats. You’ll have the chance to see them and follow them as they march along the Mall, accompanied by the military band playing a mixture of regimental and modern tunes, then watch the historic guard change at Buckingham Palace forecourt.  

Next, you'll stroll through Birdcage Walk and St James’s Park to Parliament Square - the heart of royal and political London. 

With your expert guide, you’ll learn all about the history of British politics and royalty in front of Westminster Abbey and the two houses that make up the Palace of Westminster, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. You’ll hear many stories from history - like Guy Fawkes and the infamous Gunpowder Plot, Oliver Cromwell and the Civil War, and the coronations of every monarch in the Abbey since William the Conqueror on Christmas Day, 1066. It is also where many royal weddings have happened, including the Queen Mother and George VI, and William and Kate - the new Prince and Princess of Wales

Stroll along Whitehall - the political centre of the UK, learning about the subterranean Churchill Bunker and war rooms. You'll pass the Cenotaph and other war memorials, and Downing Street - home to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister. (You might meet Larry the Cat - who has outlasted the last five prime ministers!)

At Horseguards Parade, you will see the smartly dressed soldiers of the Household Cavalry, with their famously shiny black boots and plumed helmets, sitting on King's Guard on their impressive black stallions. 

After the tour, you will be invited to experience a traditional British afternoon tea in the Palm Court! The Palm Court is just one of the original features of the hotel from when it was completed in 1927, with beautiful Art Deco interiors. 

The afternoon tea includes a selection of delicious pastries, sandwiches and freshly baked plain and golden raisin scones served with a homemade selection of seasonal preserves and clotted cream. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the heart of Mayfair!

What you'll see

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Flexible cancellation

Do not worry, we have you covered with our flexible cancellation terms.

Avoid the crowds

Travel like a VIP, avoid crowds, and unnecessary queues.

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Carbon offset for

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Carbon Footprint

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Carbon Offset

Forestry Conserved

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FAQ

QWill there be other people on the tour or is it just us?
AAll of our tours are 100% private and exclusive, which means that it will just be you, your group and your guide on the tour.

Your tour will be completely tailored to your needs and we will make sure to find a guide that best suits your group.
QAre entrance tickets and transport included in the cost of the tour?
AIn the ‘Things to Know’ section at the top of this page you will find details of whatever entrance tickets and transport are included in the tour. If you have any questions about this, then you can either use the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, send an email to <team@travelcurious.com> or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).
QWhat is your cancellation policy?
AOn tours cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, we are happy to offer our customers a full refund - minus a 5% credit card fee and the cost of any tickets that have been purchased.

For tours cancelled less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds. If you would like to reschedule a tour, this is usually possible if we are given enough notice, but we cannot guarantee the same guide.

Changes made to bookings may be subject to rebooking fees to cover the cost of tickets purchased, transport, guide rescheduling and administration.

To cancel or change your booking, please contact us at <team@travelcurious.com> or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).
QWho do I contact if I have any questions about this tour or if I want to make changes to my tour?
AAt Travel Curious, we provide a free concierge service to help you plan your time abroad and they will be able to answer any questions you may have about this tour or any other tours. We are normally able to customise or personalise tours to suit your needs.

Please do get in touch by either using the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, sending an email to <reservations@travelcurious.com> or calling 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).
QAm I able to book more than one tour?
AAbsolutely, you can book as many tours as you like! You can add them to your cart by clicking the ‘Book Now’ button or you can get in touch and we can put together an itinerary for you. To get in touch, you can either use the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, send an email to <team@travelcurious.com> or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).
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