Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace Full-Day Tour: An Honest Look
If you’re planning a trip to London and want to peek behind the royal curtains, this full-day tour covering Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace could be just what you need. It’s a popular choice, especially for those eager to explore two of the most iconic royal residences in one go. We’ve looked into what makes this experience appealing and what might be worth considering before booking.
First off, what we really like about this tour is how it manages to pack in so much in just 7.5 hours. Visiting Windsor Castle, the largest continuously inhabited castle in the world, and Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence, makes for a pretty full royal itinerary. Plus, the inclusion of St. Georges Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls House, and a walk through Windsor’s charming streets adds layers of interest.
On the flip side, a potential downside is the queues. Several reviews mention long waits, which can be frustrating, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with mobility issues. Also, since the Buckingham Palace tour is unescorted, you’re mostly on your own inside, which could be a missed opportunity if you’re hoping for a guided experience inside the palace.
This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive look at the royal residences without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets or transportation. It’s especially good if you appreciate a guided overview and are okay with some waiting time on busy days.
Key Points
- Comprehensive itinerary: Combines Windsor Castle’s grandeur with Buckingham Palace’s elegance.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of royal history and significance.
- Convenient transportation: Includes round-trip transport from central London, saving you planning time.
- Long queues noted: Expect some wait times, especially during peak seasons.
- Unescorted Palace tour: Inside Buckingham Palace, you won’t have a guide, but audio guides are available.
- Special summer exhibition: Artwork from King Charles III’s collection offers a unique glimpse into royal art and travel.
Exploring Windsor Castle
Our journey begins early in the morning, departing from Victoria Coach Station around 7:45 AM. The ride out to Windsor, in Berkshire, takes about an hour or so, which gives you time to settle in and get excited. Windsor Castle itself is a fascinating place, with a history spanning over 900 years. You’ll see the state apartments, which are decorated with priceless art and sumptuous furniture, giving a sense of royal splendor.
Many visitors, including those who have reviewed this tour, mention how impressive the architecture and history of Windsor Castle are. One reviewer, Janice, said, “Just seeing the majesty of the castles was fascinating. From the ancestor portraits to the opulent furniture, it was impressive.” This kind of grandeur really comes alive when you’re standing inside, imagining the royal stories that unfolded there.
A highlight is exploring St. Georges Chapel, the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and other monarchs. The chapel’s gothic architecture and historic significance make it a must-see. You’ll also visit Queen Mary’s Dolls House, an intricate miniature masterpiece that offers a playful contrast to the grandeur of the castle.
Windsor itself is a charming town, full of traditional shops and cozy pubs. For some, it’s a nice break from the busy city, allowing you to browse souvenirs and enjoy a bit of local atmosphere. There’s even a story that Shakespeare reportedly wrote The Merry Wives of Windsor in one of the pubs here, which adds a literary touch to your visit.
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Buckingham Palace: The Heart of British Royalty
After lunch, the tour heads back to London for the second half: Buckingham Palace. The palace is only open to the public during specific times, usually in the summer, but this tour gets you inside the State Rooms. These rooms are the main spaces used for official entertaining and ceremonies, and they’re decorated with art, furniture, and treasures that reflect centuries of royal tradition.
While you’re inside, guided by palace staff, you’ll get insights into the roles these rooms play in state functions. The guided aspect means you’re not just wandering aimlessly—you’ll hear stories about the objects on display and the palace’s history. This is where the tour really shines, thanks to the knowledgeable guides. Several reviews, including Linda’s, mention how much the guides knew, which made the experience more engaging.
From the south side of the Royal Garden, you get lovely views of the lake and the surrounding greenery—an ideal spot for some photos or just a breather after touring the interior. The special exhibition of artworks from King Charles III’s collection adds a special touch, showcasing more than 70 paintings, many seen by the public for the first time. This display offers a unique perspective on royal interests and travels.
Inside Buckingham Palace, the audio guides available inside the palace help fill in some gaps since the tour itself is unescorted. You can take your time exploring and soaking in the exquisite art and history.
The Logistics and Experience
Transportation is included, which makes getting out of London and into Windsor much smoother—especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transit options. The meeting point at Victoria Coach Station is straightforward, with check-in starting at 7:30 AM, and the tour departs promptly at 7:45 AM.
The entire experience lasts about 7.5 hours, which is quite a lot, but it flies by thanks to the variety of sights and the engaging guides. Keep in mind that not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as the tour involves walking and some waiting in queues.
The cost of $179.15 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering it includes entrance fees, guided commentary, and transportation, it’s actually a good deal for a hassle-free, all-in-one royal day out. Plus, the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund adds some flexibility.
What the Reviews Say
Real travelers’ impressions add valuable perspective. Many mention the guides’ wealth of knowledge—one reviewer, Linda, said, “Brilliant, guide knew so so much,” which really highlights how much guides can elevate the experience.
On the downside, some reviews note the long queues at both Windsor and Buckingham Palace, with Heather pointing out, “The queue to get into both venues had no consideration for people with walking issues retracing their steps all the time.” So if you’re traveling during peak season, brace for waiting times, and plan accordingly.
A common sentiment is that this tour is especially suitable for those wanting a comprehensive, guided overview of these two iconic residences without the hassle of organizing tickets and transportation themselves.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Is This Tour Best For?
This experience works well for travelers who want a structured, guided visit to Windsor and Buckingham Palace, with transportation included. It’s ideal if you like learning on the go and appreciate the convenience of a pre-arranged itinerary. However, if you’re looking for a leisurely, unstructured visit with lots of free time inside the palaces, this might not be the perfect fit.
It’s also worth noting that it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges, so consider your comfort and pace before booking. The tour offers a solid overview, especially for first-time visitors eager to see the key royal sites in one day.
Final Thoughts
For those curious about royal life or simply eager to see two of Britain’s most famous landmarks in one go, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience. The combination of Windsor’s historic castle, the picturesque town, and Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, enriched by expert guides, makes it a practical option.
The price includes a lot, from entry to transportation, and the guides’ knowledge can really make the history come alive. Just be prepared for some queues, especially during busy seasons, and an unescorted palace tour inside Buckingham Palace.
Overall, if you’re after a reliable, informative, and comfortable way to experience some of the best royal sights London and its surroundings have to offer, this tour checks many boxes.
Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace Full-Day Tour
“Just seeing the majesty of the castles was fascinating. From the ancestor portraits to the opulent furniture, it was impressive. I wish we could ha…”
FAQs
Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from Victoria Coach Station, making it easy to get to Windsor and back without extra planning.
What are the start and end times?
The tour departs at 7:45 AM from Victoria Coach Station, with check-in starting at 7:30 AM. It lasts about 7.5 hours and ends back at the same meeting point.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.
What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers entrance to Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, a guided tour, and transportation.
Is the inside of Buckingham Palace guided?
No, the tour of Buckingham Palace itself is unescorted, but audio guides are available inside the palace to enhance your visit.
Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as it involves walking and queues.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must since there’s a fair amount of walking and standing involved.
Will I have free time?
Yes, after the guided parts, you’ll have some free time to explore Windsor or the palace grounds at your leisure.
If you’re eager to combine the history, architecture, and tradition of Britain’s royal residences on a single day, this tour offers a solid, well-organized way to do it. Just keep in mind the potential for queues and plan accordingly—you’ll come away with a richer understanding of the monarchy and some memorable photos.
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