virtual tour in buckingham palace

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New virtual tour of Buckingham Palace takes public inside royal residence

Now anyone can take a peek inside the regal rooms of Buckingham Palace without stepping foot in London — or even the airport.

A collaboration between the British monarchy and Google Expedition has yielded a virtual reality tour of the royal palace, allowing visits inside some of the state rooms that have welcomed dignitaries from around the world, as well as up-close look at the art collection, furniture and fixtures inside Queen Elizabeth’s official residence.

The tour can be accessed on a computer through the official British Monarchy YouTube channel , but is perhaps best viewed on a smart phone, where a mere swipe of the screen provides full panoramic views of each room.

RELATED: Man who sent Queen Elizabeth Christmas cards for 60 years gets royal reply

Photos for the tour were taken last week by 16 cameras placed in circle, each taking a different shot at the same time and then pulled together to provide 360-degree images of the palace.

The tour lasts just under 10 minutes and is guided by Tony Johnstone-Burt, the "Master of the Household,” or chief operations officer, for the queen, and royal art curator Anna Reynolds.

The official tour was launched at an event featuring students from a school in east London.

"We asked them, if you could go anywhere in the world where would you want to go and they replied — Buckingham Palace," said Jennifer Holland, Google Expedition's program manager.

Other virtual tours using the Google Expedition program have allowed viewers to tour places Japan's Mount Fuji and the Borneo rainforest, among other locations around the world. The program often is used by teachers as an education project for students.

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You can go on a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace and explore the Royal Collection

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Days out may not be an option at the moment but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience a whole host of attractions from your living room sofa.

A number of tourist hotspots have moved online, instead offering virtual tours of the attractions. But it’s not just zoos and museums with digital offerings – it seems the Queen’s residence is available for an online visit as well.

Buckingham Palace ’s State Rooms can be explored through a 360 degree tool – similar to Google Earth.

And there’s plenty to get stuck into. Inside the Throne Room, visitors can zoom in on the two crimson throne chairs to see the ciphers ‘EIIR’ for Queen Elizabeth II and ‘P’ for Prince Philip embroidered on the backs.

Similarly, the Grand Staircase features an intricately-gilded bronze balustrade, which dates back to the 1820s and the lavish White Drawing Room is home to all kinds of opulent objects.

Those engrossed by the history of Buckingham Palace will also find ‘information points,’ which divulge interesting facts about the room’s highlights – so the tour is not only fun but informative, too.

There’s plenty to soak up, with more than 250,000 works in the Royal Collection, not to mention Her Majesty’s impressive art collection.

Some standout royal knick knacks to feature in the collection include 43,000 pages Queen Victoria’s personal journal, Queen Charlotte’s notebook and the Buckingham Palace grand piano.

There’s also the option to explore recent exhibitions, such as Prince and Patron – a show which delves into Prince Charles’ favourite art.

If the Royal Collection doesn’t float your boat, then why not visit The Corona Arms – a virtual pub where you can enjoy a drink with fellow punters.

There’s also an Italian Nonna who has moved her pasta-making classes online , so you can learn new cooking skills whilst in quarantine.

MORE : Three-ingredient flourless peanut butter cookies are perfect to make during lockdown

MORE : Things to make with your sourdough starter beyond a loaf of bread

MORE : You can go on the Universal Studios Harry Potter ride from the comfort of your own home

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Take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace

Members of the public can now take a tour of Buckingham Palace from the comfort of their own living room after a new online virtual reality experience was launched this week.

The new initiative allows people to take a look at some of the most famous rooms in the palace, including the impressive state rooms.

The virtual tour is like no other, as users can go right into the heart of the Royal Family’s London residence and examine the 360-degree views.

In the virtual reality experience, users can stand at the bottom of the grand staircase, visit state rooms and even make a stop at the Green and White drawing rooms and the ballroom where investitures take place.

Grand pieces of art are also on display in the picture gallery at the Old Masters, including Canaletto and other masterpieces.

The search engine Google is behind the initiative, where they set up sixteen cameras placed in a circle to capture the stunning images.

The cameras work to create a 3D effect, meaning the experience is, even more, realistic with the size and depth of rooms coming to life.

The Royal Collection Trust collaborated with to make the project some to life. Jemima Rellie from the trust said: “For schoolchildren, Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic, magical buildings in the world.

“We’re terrifically excited that, thanks to the virtual reality potential of Google Expedition, children, their teachers and families can visit the palace wherever they live.”

Alongside Buckingham Palace, Google has also created other experiences, including the White House, Great Barrier Reef and the Borneo rainforest.

If you want to be one of the first to go on the virtual tour the virtual tour, click here to go to the British Monarchy Youtube Channel. You must be watching on a smartphone for the concept to work properly.

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Don't Miss These Insider Tours of the Royal Family's Palaces

Wander Buckingham Palace without leaving your couch.

Tired of being cooped up at home? Perhaps you'd like to imagine life someplace a bit bigger, a bit grander, and a bit more, well, royal? You're in luck, because many of the British royal family's palaces and castles now offer extensive virtual tours. Whether you want to traipse around Buckingham Palace or peek down the corridors of Windsor Castle, you can get a bit closer to achieving your dreams through these interactive online resources. Test them out and remember that there's nothing wrong with a bit of escapism.

Buckingham Palace

The Palace's virtual tour includes the opulent Grand Staircase, the White Drawing Room, the vibrant red Throne Room, and the Blue Drawing Room.

Windsor Castle

While you may not have been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding , you can imagine being there while touring the venue. Windsor Castle has been a royal home and fortress for more than 900 years. When royal weddings are not occurring, the castle acts as the Queen's home—where she usually spends the weekend—and as a royal residence where she performs certain official duties.

With this virtual tour , you can start by going inside a traditional State Banquet in St. George's Hall. Then visit the Waterloo Chamber and the Crimson Drawing Room. Make sure to click on the "i" icons for even more information about each space.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you want something with a bit of Scottish flair, take a look at the Queen's official residence in Scotland: The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Located in Edinburgh, the Palace was the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots starting from the 16th century. This Palace hosts visitors throughout the year, and is available for your own personal viewing online through this virtual tour .

The Tower of London

While no one currently lives in the Tower of London, the building is technically a castle and is officially known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. Founded in the eleventh century by William the Conquerer, the Tower has been used as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, a public record office, the home of the Crown Jewels of England, and, most commonly, a prison. The Tower is now mostly a tourist attraction and a place to display the Crown Jewels.

Take a virtual tour, which includes photos of many of these precious jewels, here .

10 Downing Street

If you're in the mood for something more castle-adjacent (i.e. a MASSIVE house), Google Arts & Culture offers a virtual tour of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Casually referred to as Number 10, the home is over 300 years old and has approximately 100 rooms. Number 10 was first used when King George II offered it to Sir Robert Walpole, the de facto first British Prime Minister, in 1732, so it certainly has royal ties.

On your virtual tour , you can explore the Cabinet Room, the Study, and the Grand Staircase. Each area also has accompanying informational videos, so you can really brush up on your British political history as you peruse.

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12 dreamy castles and palaces you can tour remotely

Brighten up your lockdown view with these castles you can explore from home

Unless you’re lucky enough to actually own a castle, chances are your lockdown situation is a little cramped. Millions of people around the world, including us, are stuck inside tiny apartments and flats. But that doesn’t mean we can’t daydream about grander abodes – and why not try one of these grand castles around the world on for size? They’re all closed to the public now, but, thanks to the magic of virtual tours, you can explore them from your very own living room/home office/fitness studio. (We shotgun a few of Versailles ’ 2,300 rooms – that’s more than enough to go around.)

RECOMMENDED: The best castles in the UK

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Virtual tours of castles and palaces

Windsor Castle, England

The oldest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle is where Queen Elizabeth II is spending lockdown, and it’s where she recently recorded a message for the UK and the Commonwealth from the White Drawing Room. Have a poke around the place yourself with this virtual tour . 

Buckingham Palace, England

A grand palace in the middle of the British capital’s (usually buzzing) centre, Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s official London residence. It’s usually open for a few weeks each summer when her Maj goes on her summer holidays, but you can also have a sneak peek inside with this virtual tour , which takes you from the grand staircase to the actual throne room. 

Holyroodhouse Palace, Scotland

Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh is in the shadow of the city’s famous peak Arthur’s Seat. Both are closed for the time being, but you can take a look inside the Queen’s official Scottish residence on this online tour  of the sixteenth-century palace. 

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh’s ancient castle dominates the skyline in the city centre, looming over Grassmarket and the cobbled streets below. While you can’t visit right now you can take a virtual trip to the grand palace to have a wander around. 

Blarney Castle, Ireland

Okay, so you can’t virtually kiss the Blarney Stone, a legendary stone found at the top of Blarney Castle’s tower which promises to impart life-long eloquence on whoever touches it. But – good news – you can still explore the gardens and ruins on this virtual tour . 

Palace of Versailles, France

One of the world’s most impressive buildings, Versailles is an enormous (2,300 rooms!) former royal palace and World Heritage Site. It’s out of bounds for visits IRL, but thanks to extensive documentation from Google you can still explore its grand interiors . 

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Built in the ninth century, the grand castle on the west bank of River Vltava is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. Thanks to this detailed  online tour , you can have a nosey inside the walls, from the Cathedral of St Vitus to the castle’s sunny terraces and the petite homes along sixteenth-century Golden Lane. 

Schönbrunn Palace, Austria

An enormous Rococco palace once home to the Austrian royal family, the Schönbrunn is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Just not right now, obviously. You can still check out this sizeable castle’s gilded rooms and prized artworks though on this virtual tour . 

National Palace of Sintra, Portugal

High in the hills above the city of Lisbon, Sintra is one stunning spot. It was once a royal retreat and is studded with elaborate and beautiful buildings as a result. You can get a taste of one of the loveliest, the National Palace of Sintra, with this online tour . Just look at that tiling. 

Akasaka Palace, Japan

This grand palace in Tokoyo was built in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince. T oday, Akasaka Palace, or The State Guest House, is both a tourist attraction and accommodation for visiting state dignitaries. Take a look inside with this virtual tour . 

Palace of Vira Harihara, India

Thought to date back to the fourteenth-century, this ancient palace no longer stands. You can usually explore the ruins of the ruined royal abode, but we’ll have to make do with visiting virtually. This online tour takes you around the ruins and the ornate base of the former palace. 

The White House, USA

This one technically isn’t a castle. But it is pretty much the closest you can get to an ancient royal palace in the US. You can walk around the exterior and interior of The White House, the official residence of the president of the United States, online thanks to this extensive virtual tour . 

Keep exploring

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Now You Can Tour Buckingham Palace From Anywhere in the World

By Brooke Bobb

Never been inside the home of Queen Elizabeth II before? Thanks to Google, you can finally “walk” the royal halls. Mere commoners can head over to YouTube to watch the tour, but for the full experience, you’ll need to add a piece of cardboard to the mix. Google’s cardboard virtual reality headset allows viewers to use their smartphones to download and watch 3-D videos as part of the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program —a tool created specifically for teachers that allows them to distribute the headsets to their students and take them on virtual trips around the globe. Google polled schoolchildren and found that Buckingham Palace was their most desired place to visit, landing the royal residence a spot on the ever-growing roster of journeys. The existing 150 trips include sites like Yosemite, Mt. Fuji, and the Great Barrier Reef.

buckingham palace

The new tour takes viewers on a “stroll” through seven staterooms, including the Green Drawing Room and the Picture Gallery, with accompanying commentary from the queen’s Master of the Household and Curator of Paintings. The tour also features the White Drawing Room and its secret door leading to the queen’s private apartments. Thrones, grand ballrooms, silk wall coverings, and ornate chandeliers—quite the regal experience for a $20 piece of cardboard.

By Margaux Anbouba

By Hannah Coates

By Amel Mukhtar

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A virtual tour of buckingham palace?

Buckingham Palace has been the London home of Britain’s monarchy since 1837 and is today one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. A virtual tour of the palace gives visitors a chance to see the opulent state rooms and art collections, as well as the royal family’s private apartments. It is also a rare opportunity to see inside one of the world’s most famous buildings.

Buckingham Palace is the London home and administrative headquarters of the monarchy of the United Kingdom. This stunning palace is the work of many architects, with the most recent being John Nash, who completed the building in its present form in the early 19th century. Despite its long and rich history, the palace is still very much in use today as both a residence for the royal family and a venue for formal and state occasions. Visitors can take a virtual tour of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, which are open to the public during the summer months.

Can you do a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace?

The Buckingham Palace virtual tour is a great way to experience the palace without having to travel there in person. The tour is available in both VR and 360 format, so you can choose the experience that best suits your needs. The tour is also accompanied by audio, so you can learn more about the history and architecture of the palace as you explore it.

Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and a guided tour is the best way to experience it. You’ll be able to walk through an array of rooms that will take you through years of British Royal history, and see some of the most incredible art and architecture in the world.

What is the best way to see Buckingham Palace

If you’re planning on taking a hop on, hop off bus tour of London, be aware that they will all stop at Buckingham Palace after the Changing of the Guard. However, you may have a long wait to get a seat on the bus, so it’s best to walk to Victoria or Trafalgar Square instead.

We suggest that you wear comfortable shoes as the visitor route in summer includes a fairly long walk through the garden to the exit, along a gravel path.

How much does a ticket to Buckingham Palace cost?

Buckingham Palace will be open to the public for the summer season in 2023! Tickets will go on sale in advance, and prices are as follows: Adult £3000, Young Person (18-24) £1950, Child (5-17) £1650, Disabled £1650. Make sure to plan your visit in advance and enjoy all that the Palace has to offer!

If you have the opportunity to meet the Queen at the races, it is important to follow the proper etiquette. First, make a short bow or curtsy. Then, address her as “Your Majesty.” After that, you can address her as “Ma’am.”

What month is Buckingham Palace open to the public?

Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Each year, from July to October, visitors can tour 19 of the magnificent State Rooms and explore the Palace’s grounds. For the rest of the year, Buckingham Palace serves as the London residence and office of The Queen. It is a working palace, and often the scene of official events and ceremonies.

summer is the busiest time of year for tourism in London, and Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular attractions. If you want to visit the Palace and see the Changing of the Guard, summer is the best time to go. The weather is usually better in summer, and there are more days when the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors.

Do servants sleep in Buckingham Palace

positions like these are not easy to come by, and those who are lucky enough to snag one are required to perform their duties to the utmost standards. After all, they are responsible for the care and upkeep of one of the most well-known residences in the world.

The live-in housekeeping assistant position at Buckingham Palace is a highly coveted one. Not only do you get to live and work in one of the most iconic buildings in the world, but you also get to help maintain it to the highest standards. If you are lucky enough to be chosen for this role, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at the heart of the British monarchy.

Can you walk around Buckingham Palace for free?

If you’re interested in visiting the Palace during summer, you can tour the State Apartments (for a fee) and see the Queen’s expansive gardens and art collection. You can alsoWitness the Changing of the Guard for free at 11:30AM every morning during summer and every other morning during winter.

Green Park tube station is the nearest tube station to Buckingham Palace. It is located on the edge of Green Park, at only 04mi (6min walk) from the King’s Residence. It is on the Piccadilly, Jubilee and Victoria Lines, and has an entrance on both sides of Piccadilly Road.

What does Buckingham Palace ticket include

The entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace State Rooms provide access to the gardens for a small additional fee. This involves a short stroll through the wooded area and past the lake, as you make your way to the exit on Grosvenor Street. Tickets do not offer access for visitors to freely wander the grounds.

Queen Elizabeth II is known for her love of lavish residences. She has several throughout the year that she retreats to. Up until her husband Prince Philip’s passing in April 2021, the monarch primarily lived in private quarters at the famous 775-room Buckingham Palace in London during the week. The palace is full of beautiful gardens, art, and history, and the queen has always enjoyed spending time there. However, she also has several other residences that she enjoys, including Balmoral Castle in Scotland and Sandringham House in Norfolk, England. These homes offer her a chance to get away from the public eye and enjoy some privacy. Each one is beautifully decorated and full of amenities, making them the perfect place for the queen to relax.

Does The Queen sleep in Buckingham?

The Queen spends most of her time living in Buckingham Palace, which is located in central London. The palace is made up of 775 rooms and is currently being refurbished. The Queen also spends weekends and Easter at Windsor Castle, which is located in Berkshire.

If you are meeting the queen, there are a few important rules to remember. First, you should never touch the monarch. Second, you should only shake her hand if she offers it. Following these simple rules will help you have a successful meeting with the queen.

Do foreigners bow to the Queen

It is not expected for foreign nationals to bow or curtsey when they meet The Queen. A bow is from the neck and a curtsey is just a short ‘bob’. If The Queen offers to shake hands, you should reciprocate with a gentle handshake.

There is no one right way to behave when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family. Some people prefer to observe traditional forms, such as bowing or curtsying, while others simply shake hands. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they are comfortable with.

A virtual tour of Buckingham Palace is a great way to see this historic building without having to travel to London. You can explore the state rooms, which are used for official events and receptions, and learn about the history of the monarchy. You can also take a look at the art collection, which includes works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Hogarth.

Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the monarchy of the United Kingdom. The Palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality, and has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.

Helen Lawrence

Helen Lawrence is an avid traveler who loves exploring the famous monuments and sights around the world. She has a knack for discovering hidden gems and often shares her unique experiences with others through her blog posts, photographs, and videos. Helen enjoys learning about different cultures and their histories.

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The 5 Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

O n a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Come on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning to see the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area while sharing  knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a two-hour tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony, while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the corner of Piccadilly and Arlington Street (between The Ritz and The Wolseley), ending at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Tour

Price: From $164

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle. Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines. The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection – the ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

Full-day London with Changing of the Guard and Private Cruise

Price: From $158; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony, and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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The London Essentials Bike Tour

Price: From $38

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were really impressed by the knowledge of the guide. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

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The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $461

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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