Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle: Full-Day Tour

Key Points

• Visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and see treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens.
• Explore Windsor Castle, Europe’s largest occupied castle, with its stunning State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
• Enjoy roundtrip bus transportation from outside Buckingham Palace, with onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging.
• Self-guided multimedia tour included for Windsor Castle, allowing flexible exploration.
• Tour duration is approximately 10 hours, starting early at 9:15 AM from central London.
• Note: Lunch and hotel transfers are not included, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

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Buckingham Palace’s Famous State Rooms and Royal Treasures

The tour begins outside Buckingham Palace, the official residence of His Majesty The King in London. During the summer months, the Palace opens its 19 magnificent State Rooms for visitors. These rooms are decorated with artworks by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, alongside exquisite Sèvres porcelain and fine English and French furniture.

Guests get a rare inside look at iconic spaces such as the White Drawing Room, renowned for its crystal chandelier, the Music Room, used for State Visits, and the Throne Room, which has hosted royal wedding photographs. The guide helps visitors appreciate the significance of these rooms, their history, and their current use during royal ceremonies and official entertaining.

The experience is ideal for those interested in royal traditions and art collection highlights, providing a glimpse into the daily life of the modern monarchy while surrounded by centuries of history. Since the State Rooms are only open during the summer, this tour offers a unique chance to see the Palace’s interior without the crowds typical of the official season.

Windsor Castle: The Oldest Royal Residence in Continuous Use

After exploring Buckingham Palace, the tour continues with a bus ride to Windsor, a picturesque town famous for its historic architecture and royal connections. The highlight here is Windsor Castle, which has been the family home of British monarchs for nearly 1,000 years and is currently an official residence of His Majesty The King.

Covering over 10.5 hectares, Windsor Castle is Europe’s largest inhabited castle. Visitors can wander through the State Apartments, which showcase works from the Royal Collection—including paintings by Holbein, Rubens, and Van Dyck, along with fine porcelain and antique furniture. The rooms reflect the tastes of past royal occupants like Charles II and George IV.

A visit to St George’s Chapel is also part of the experience; it is a historic site used for royal ceremonies. The multimedia tour allows for self-guided exploration, providing flexibility to examine the art and architecture at your own pace. Since the castle is used frequently for state events, access may sometimes change without notice, and St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays.

Practical Details of the Tour Logistics

This full-day experience starts outside the entrance to The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace at 9:15 AM. The group is transported by comfortable bus, with onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging, making it easier to stay connected and take photos during the journey.

The tour includes entry tickets for both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, eliminating the need to wait in lines. After visiting Buckingham Palace, there is approximately 30-45 minutes of free time for lunch in the Victoria area, where visitors can choose their own meal (lunch is not included in the tour price).

The tour ends back at the original meeting point, with no hotel pick-up or drop-off, so travelers need to arrange their own transportation to and from the start location. The entire experience lasts around 10 hours, allowing plenty of time to enjoy each location thoroughly.

Guide and Audio Tour Experience

The tour is led by an English-speaking guide, and audio guides are available in several languages including Chinese, German, Russian, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Multiple reviews praise the guides for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, often sharing interesting stories about the royal residences and their history.

While some reviews note minor issues like directions for the meeting points or crowd levels, the overall feedback highlights the professionalism and enthusiasm of the guides, which helps make the experience more enjoyable.

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Accessibility and Limitations

It’s important to note that this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Luggage and large bags are not allowed at the sites, and St. George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays, so check the schedule if planning a visit on that day.

There is no provision for hotel transfers, and lunch is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour is well-organized and streamlined, making it a convenient option for those who want to see both royal sites in one day without the hassle of planning transportation or tickets.

Value for Money and Overall Impressions

Priced at $146.82 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to explore two of the most iconic royal residences. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets, roundtrip transportation, and multimedia guides add to its value, especially for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Based on consistent positive reviews, the tour’s main strengths are its knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and ability to see inside both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. A few reviews mention timing and logistical issues, but overall, it remains a reliable choice for a full-day royal adventure.

This tour suits those who want a structured, informative visit to royal landmarks and prefer to avoid the stress of independent planning. It’s especially recommended for visitors who appreciate art, history, and royal traditions in a manageable, guided format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off; guests meet outside Buckingham Palace.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 9:15 AM.

Are tickets included?
Yes, entry tickets to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are included, allowing skip-the-line access.

Can I bring large bags?
No, large bags and luggage are not allowed at either site.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, the tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included; there is a 30-45 minute break for free time in Victoria to eat and explore.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
Audio guides are available in Chinese, German, Russian, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

What are the main highlights?
Visitors see Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, including art treasures and historic rooms, and Windsor Castle’s State Apartments and St George’s Chapel, with a multimedia tour at Windsor.

The Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle: Full-Day Tour offers a rewarding, well-structured way to experience two of the UK’s most iconic royal sites in one day, with strong positive reviews and detailed historical insights.

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