Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Escorted Tour from London

Travel 9.5 hours through some of the most iconic royal landmarks in England with the Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Escorted Tour from London. Priced at $164.25 per person, this tour offers a detailed visit to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Windsor Castle’s magnificent interiors, including St. George’s Chapel. The tour departs from The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace at 9:15 am and concludes at Victoria Station around 6:30 pm. It includes admission tickets to both castles, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and the services of a knowledgeable guide.

While the tour is praised for its expert guides and stunning views, it can be quite lengthy and physically demanding, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The group size of up to 53 travelers makes for a lively but manageable experience. This day trip is ideal for visitors eager to explore royal residences comfortably and with insightful commentary, though some may find the timing at Windsor tight or wish for more flexibility.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $164.25, approximately 9.5 hours from start to finish
• Places Visited: Buckingham Palace (State Rooms, summer opening), Windsor Castle (State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel)
• Transport: Travel by superior coach with Wi-Fi and USB ports
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides and on-board commentary
• Tickets Included: Admission to Buckingham Palace State Rooms and Windsor Castle
• Considerations: Long day, requires moderate physical fitness, walks involved, hurry at Windsor can limit exploration

The Tour Begins at Buckingham Palace’s White Drawing Room

The tour kicks off at The King’s Gallery, right outside Buckingham Palace, at 9:15 am. This is the official London residence of His Majesty The King and one of the world’s few remaining working royal palaces. During summer months, visitors can enjoy access to the State Rooms, including the White Drawing Room with its spectacular crystal chandelier, the Music Room, and the Throne Room.

The State Rooms serve as the setting for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining by the Royal Family. The tour provides a guided experience with access to these grand spaces, which are typically closed to the public. Visitors walk through on their own with an audio guide, allowing some personal exploration within the guided framework. This part of the tour lasts about two hours, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the stately decor.

Traveling from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle

After the Buckingham Palace visit, the coach departs for Windsor Castle at around 11:30 am. The coach ride includes on-board commentary that helps put the route’s landmarks into context. The transfer involves a 10-15 minute walk from Buckingham Palace to Evan Evans’ office, where the Windsor Castle portion begins with a check-in at 12:45 pm.

This long walk is a consideration for those with limited mobility, and walkability might be a factor in planning. The bus then takes travelers to Windsor, where they have about 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore the castle grounds.

Exploring Windsor Castle’s State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel

Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, covers over 10.5 hectares. As a working royal residence, it hosts State Apartments furnished with works from the Royal Collection, reflecting changes in royal tastes over the centuries. Visitors see impressive furnishings, artwork, and historic rooms that showcase royal history.

A highlight at Windsor is St. George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married in 2018. The chapel also serves as the final resting place for former monarchs like Henry VIII and Charles I. The chapel visit takes about 20 minutes but offers a powerful glimpse into royal traditions and history.

If His Majesty is in Windsor during the visit, the Royal Standard flying on the Round Tower signals the King’s presence, adding a special touch to the experience.

Audio-Guided Freedom at Windsor Castle

Visitors are equipped with audio guides that allow self-paced exploration of Windsor’s magnificent State Apartments and grounds. The artworks and furnishings show historical tastes, especially of Charles II and George IV. This independence is appreciated by those who prefer to pause, reflect, or take photos in their own rhythm.

However, some reviews note that time at Windsor can feel rushed, especially if the audio tour takes longer than expected or if traffic delays impact the schedule. The limited time means visitors might not see everything in detail but will still get a meaningful overview of the castle’s splendor.

Inside St. George’s Chapel and Its Royal Significance

St. George’s Chapel is a major highlight of the Windsor visit. Its historic architecture and royal connections make it a must-see. The chapel’s royal weddings and royal burials give it a special significance.

The 20-minute visit provides a close look at the final resting places of past monarchs and a chance to appreciate the chapel’s religious and cultural importance. Its location within Windsor Castle means it’s a key stop during the visit, and some visitors may be lucky enough to see the Royal Standard flying if the King is present.

The Transport and Group Size Details

The superior coach used for the tour is equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, making the long day more comfortable. The group size caps at 53 travelers, fostering a lively atmosphere but still manageable for interaction with guides. The guide, often praised for their knowledgeable commentary, leads the group through both castles, providing historical context and answering questions.

Since no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, guests need to plan their transportation to the meeting point at The King’s Gallery and from Victoria Station at the end. The tour starts promptly at 9:15 am and wraps up around 6:30 pm.

Practical Tips and Considerations for the Tour

Guests should be prepared for a long, active day. The moderate physical fitness requirement is due to walking and standing at both castles. Security procedures, especially at Buckingham Palace, include airport-style checks, and bags larger than 45cm x 20cm x 30cm are not permitted inside.

The timing at Windsor Castle can be tight, so travelers must be comfortable with limited exploration time. The walk to the bus after Buckingham Palace is about a mile, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Also, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy at Windsor.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits those interested in royal history, architecture, and iconic landmarks. It’s ideal for visitors who want guided insights, skip the logistics of trains or public transport, and enjoy a comprehensive day with admission included. The expert guides and pre-arranged tickets offer a hassle-free experience.

However, it may be less suitable for travelers seeking more relaxed pacing, or those with mobility concerns due to walking distances and the tight schedule, especially at Windsor.

Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Escorted Tour from London: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-organized way to see two of Britain’s most famous royal residences in one day, with admission tickets and guided commentary included. The guide’s knowledge and the stunning interiors of both castles are clear highlights.

While the length of the day and busy schedule are considerations, many visitors find the value and depth of experience worthwhile. It’s especially suited for those who want an efficient, guided overview of royal history without the hassle of separate bookings or transportation logistics.

If you enjoy architecture, history, and royal traditions, and are comfortable with long days on your feet, this tour can add a memorable dimension to a London visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the free time at Windsor.

Are tickets for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle included?
Yes, admission tickets for the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace during summer opening and Windsor Castle are included.

What’s the best way to prepare for the day?
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring a jacket or umbrella depending on the weather, and carry a charged mobile device for photos and audio guides.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The long walk from Buckingham Palace to the bus stop, and the walking involved at Windsor, may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Can I join the tour if I arrive late?
The tour starts promptly at 9:15 am at The King’s Gallery. Arriving late could mean missing the start of the experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refundable.