Royal Tours That Are Worth Checking Out In The UK
By
1 year ago
Whether it's by bus or on foot, here's how to get up close and personal with some regal destinations
There are plenty of destinations dotted across the globe that have shaped the lives of the Royal Family – but, of course, no city more so than London. That said, the UK is brimming with places with Royal significance, from William and Kate meeting at St. Andrews University, to the late Queen’s unwavering love for Balmoral Castle, to Harry and Meghan’s wedding reception at Frogmore House in Windsor. If you’d like to learn more about the Royals and their favourite places first hand, a Royal tour is the way to go. Here is the C&TH pick of Royal tours worth checking out.
Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide
Best Royal Tours In The UK
Audley Travel’s Royal Britain Tour
Best For: A Week-Long Trip
Centred around two very Royal capital cities – London and Edinburgh – Audley Travel’s Royal Britain tour is ideal for travellers looking to pack a lot of iconic Royal content into a week-long trip. In London, embark on a tour of the city in a vintage Mini Cooper, soak up the delights of Buckingham Palace (the late Queen Elizabeth II‘s primary residence), drive over to Windsor and explore the Tudor legacy. Then, hop on the train and be whisked up to Scotland to see the glorious sights of beautiful Edinburgh, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, before heading to St. Andrews to relive some of William and Kate’s university days.
How Long? 7 days – 3 nights in London, 3 nights in Edinburgh.
BOOK: From $6,165 per person. audleytravel.com
Limitless Travel’s A Royal Tour
Best For: Disabled Travellers
Edinburgh (c) Getty
Old buildings are notoriously difficult to access for disabled travellers due to eroded surfaces and a lack of step-free access (to name but a few problems). Because the history of the Royal family frequently centres around such old castles and palaces, Limitless Travel’s ‘A Royal Tour’ package is all the more exciting.
Centered in the southeast of England, in and around London, travellers will begin their Royal journey at Hampton Court, before journeying on to the likes of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The tour is also led by a Limitless Tour Manager to ensure a problem-free trip.
How Long? 5 days – 4 nights in an accessible hotel just outside of London
BOOK: From £1,299 per person. limitlesstravel.org
Special Group Tours’s Footsteps of a Queen, Tudor England
Best For: History Buffs
Journey back into the past, travelling in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I on one of her annual tours around England that she historically embarked on to keep up with the goings-on in her country. Beginning and ending in London, guests will explore a large number of iconic villages and destinations, including Stamford, Burghley house, Kenilworth Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Coughton Court, Sudley Castle, the Cotswolds, Blenheim, Oxford, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace across a period of eight jam-packed days. Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely for the history and village lovers.
How Long? 8 days, 7 nights
BOOK: specialgrouptours.com
AirBnB’s Royal London Walking Tour
Best For: Daytrippers
Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds (c) Getty
They say the best way to explore London is on foot – despite the vastness of the city. Walking tours are a low-cost alternative to traditional tours, and a combined great way to see the sights and get your steps up. This Royal London Walking Tour spans three Royal palaces as well as a plethora of iconic London sights, including Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey – accompanied by expert commentary from the tour guide, Caroline.
How Long? 2.5 hours, starting at 10 AM or 3 PM.
BOOK: £25 per person. airbnb.co.uk
Top Tasting Tours’ Three Palaces Guided Walking Tour and High Tea
Best For: A Regal Bite To Eat
For a specific, palace-based tour that ends on a delicious note, embark on Top Tasting Tour’s Three Palaces Guided Walking Tour, which concludes with Royal High Tea (that’s a more substantial meal than afternoon tea, for the uninitiated).
Expect a guided walk, soaking up the stunning sights of St James’ Palace and Buckingham Palace. Then, hop on a bus to the Royal Albert Hall and stroll through the beautiful Kensington Gardens (currently occupied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate – among other members of the Royal family), hearing all about the Royal Family and admiring the Princess Diana gardens and statue. Finally, tuck into quintessentially British high tea of sandwiches, cakes, scones and, of course, tea.
How Long? Approximately 2 hours.
BOOK: From £99 per person. getyourguide.com
Golden Tours’ Royal London Tour
Best For: Soaking Up The Views
Kensington Gardens (c) Getty
Get acquainted with London the relaxing way: on a coach! The tour guide will point out the best sights so you don’t miss anything. Then, disembark at St Paul’s Cathedral to explore the gloomy crypts and breathtaking architecture. Zooming back over to Buckingham Palace, you’ll witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, before stepping inside and exploring the palace yourself.
How Long? Approximately 4 to 5 hours.
BOOK: From £99 per adult, £94 per child, or £381 for a family ticket. goldentours.com
Featured Image: Buckingham Palace (c) Getty.
