Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour from London

The Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour from London offers an engaging way to see two of England’s most iconic royal residences in just over eight hours. Priced at $182.42 per person, this tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive day trip that balances grand history and royal splendor. It departs early from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 am and includes round-trip transportation, making logistics straightforward. Visitors appreciate the admission to Windsor Castle’s State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and the audio-guided tour of Buckingham Palace, though it’s worth noting that guides do not accompany guests inside the palaces themselves.

Review scores hover around 4.0 out of 5, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and the chance to visit two of Britain’s most famous sites in one day. Some mention that Windsor Castle can be explored fully in about 2 hours, and the timing might feel a bit tight for those who wish to linger at each location. This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized day of sightseeing, especially if they value historical insight and convenient transportation, though it might not satisfy those seeking a more leisurely pace or interior guided commentary at the palaces.

Key Points

• Visit two royal residences in one day: Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.
• Includes transportation from central London to Windsor, easing travel logistics.
• Access to Windsor’s State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, plus Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with an audio guide.
• Tour duration is approximately 8.5 hours, with free time at each site for independent exploration.
• Tour price is $182.42, with bookings typically made 76 days in advance.
• Guide-led explanations are limited inside the palaces, but audio guides enhance the experience.

Starting Your Day at Victoria Coach Station

The tour begins early at Victoria Coach Station, a convenient central London location. After meeting with your local guide, you’ll board an air-conditioned coach for the journey to Windsor. This setup ensures a comfortable ride and a chance to start absorbing some historical context from the guide during transit. The departure time of 7:45 am means an early start, but it also allows plenty of time to explore Windsor and Buckingham Palace without feeling rushed.

Traveling by coach is especially helpful since it includes round-trip transportation to Windsor Castle, removing the hassle of train or bus connections. The group size is limited to 50 people, which helps maintain an organized atmosphere and ensures plenty of space for everyone.

Exploring Windsor Castle’s Grounds and State Apartments

Windsor Castle is the first major stop, described as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Built by William the Conqueror in 1070, this fortress continues to serve as a royal residence today. Visitors are free to explore independently for about 3 hours, with access to the magnificent State Apartments, where priceless art, historic treasures, and royal furnishings are displayed.

A highlight is St. George’s Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece that has hosted royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. It’s also the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, adding a layer of historical significance. The chapel’s 30-minute visit allows for a quiet moment in one of Britain’s most treasured religious sites.

Some reviews suggest that the castle can be easily seen in 2 hours, so travelers with a tight schedule might prefer to prioritize highlights. The grounds themselves also provide opportunities for photos and walks, but note that guides do not accompany visitors inside Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace, so the experience relies on self-guided exploration.

Inside the Royal State Apartments at Windsor

The State Apartments at Windsor are sumptuously decorated with impressive art collections and centuries of royal history. This space is still used for royal ceremonies and official events, making it a vibrant part of the castle’s life. Visitors walk through beautifully furnished rooms that include priceless paintings, historic objects, and royal trophies.

The admission to the State Apartments is included in the tour, giving a rare peek into the royal living and ceremonial spaces. For many, this is a highlight of the visit, providing a glimpse into the luxury and grandeur of British royalty.

Visiting St. George’s Chapel’s Historic Significance

A visit to St. George’s Chapel offers a chance to see the Gothic architecture and royal tombs. Its role as the setting for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018 makes it particularly memorable. It’s also the burial site of 10 sovereigns, including Henry VIII. The 30-minute stop here offers a peaceful moment and a chance to appreciate the chapel’s architectural beauty.

Some reviews mention that the guide does not enter the chapel with visitors, so the visit is self-guided. Still, the exterior views and the historic atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop.

Transitioning from Windsor to London’s Royal Residence

After returning to London, the tour passes by Harrods, the luxurious department store, for a quick photo opportunity. This brief pass-by provides a taste of London’s famous shopping scene before heading to Buckingham Palace. The drive offers a chance to relax after Windsor, with the tour concluding at Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace: The Heart of the British Monarchy

Inside Buckingham Palace, visitors are encouraged to explore independently with the audio guide. The State Rooms, used for official receptions and ceremonies, are decorated with gilded furnishings, paintings by Canaletto and Van Dyck, and precious objects from the Royal Collection.

The audio tour enhances understanding of the history and significance of each room, although the guide does not accompany visitors inside. The special exhibition, which changes yearly, adds an extra layer of interest, giving a behind-the-scenes look at royal artifacts.

The tour allocates around 2 hours for this portion, giving ample time to enjoy the opulent surroundings and learn about royal traditions. Many reviews highlight the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and the value of the audio commentary.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The tour includes round-trip transportation and local guides, but hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. Travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as some walking is involved and the palaces feature many steps. The audio guides are available, helping visitors navigate the interior spaces independently.

Meeting at Victoria Coach Station is near public transportation, making it accessible, but some reviews mention that disorganization at the meeting point can pose challenges. Arriving early and staying attentive are recommended to avoid missing the bus.

Tour Highlights and Limitations

This tour excels in providing access to two of Britain’s most famous royal residences with comprehensive admission tickets included. The guided commentary during transit and the independent exploration at Windsor and Buckingham Palace offer a nice balance.

However, some note that guides do not accompany guests inside the palaces, relying instead on audio guides. This can diminish the opportunity to hear personal stories and detailed narratives from the guide. Also, Windsor Castle can be explored in less than 2 hours, so those wanting a more leisurely pace might find the timing tight.

Despite some criticisms about comfort and organizational details, the value for money and the chance to see two iconic sites in one day remain strong points.

Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour from London: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-organized, efficient way to experience two of the UK’s most famous royal landmarks. It suits visitors who appreciate history and want a guided transportation experience, especially if they prefer independent exploration inside the palaces.

While interior guides are absent, the admission tickets and audio tours ensure plenty of insight during your visits. The early start and full day make it suitable for those with limited time but a keen interest in royal architecture and history.

For those who value convenience and a structured itinerary, this tour provides a solid overview of British royalty’s residence and ceremonial spaces. It balances historic grandeur with practical logistics, making it a worthwhile option for first-time visitors to London seeking a comprehensive day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is at Victoria Coach Station.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours 30 minutes, starting early in the morning.

Are guides with me inside the palaces?
No, guides do not accompany guests inside Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace. You use audio guides for narration during the interior visits.

What is included in the ticket price?
Admission to Windsor Castle, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, and St. George’s Chapel. Also included are round-trip transportation and a local guide for the journey.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
The itinerary is fixed, with specific durations at each site. Some reviews suggest the time at Windsor might feel a bit long or short for different visitors.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking and stairs.

What if I want to spend more time at Windsor Castle?
The schedule is designed for about 3 hours at Windsor, including exploration of the grounds, State Apartments, and chapel. Extensions would require a private arrangement.

Is there a chance to see the changing of the guard?
The tour does not specify watching the changing of the guard, but many reviews mention the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace as a highlight if timing aligns.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella in case of rain, and a valid ticket or voucher for entry.

Can I take photos inside the palaces?
No, photography is not allowed inside Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace. You can take pictures outside and of the buildings’ exteriors.