4. London: Buckingham Palace Ticket with Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the grand and iconic London residence of Her Majesty the Queen is an absolute must-see on any visit to London. A fully working royal palace, housing not only The Queen but serving as the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household.
The 19 State Rooms are exquisitely furnished with fine examples of French and English antique furniture and display some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including works by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, sculptures by Canova and porcelain by Sèvres.
The Garden
Often called the ‘walled oasis in the middle of London', the gardens of Buckingham Palace are a true sight to behold. Home to 30 different species of bird and over 350 different wildflowers, there is plenty to see and enjoy. Visitors finish their tour with a walk along the south side of the garden, taking in views of the famous lake and the west front of the palace.
Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession
Featuring the first official portraits of The Queen, taken by Dorothy Wilding, alongside items of Her Majesty’s personal jewelry worn for the portrait sittings.
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne on 6 February 1952. Just 20 days later, the first official photographic sitting with the new Queen was granted to the photographer Dorothy Wilding. In 1937 Wilding had become the first official female royal photographer when she was appointed to take the portraits at the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother). The series of photographs that Wilding took of The Queen in 1952 became known around the world, forming the basis of The Queen’s image on postage stamps from 1953 until 1971, as well as providing the official portrait of Her Majesty that was sent to every British embassy throughout the world.
Afternoon Tea Bus
After your independent visit to Buckingham Palace, you will be free to take your afternoon tea at 3 pm from Victoria (Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SH).
You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco or soft drink at the beginning of your tour. The afternoon tea consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves, small tea cakes, and a choice of tea.