Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Escorted Tour from London

Thinking of ticking off two of the UK’s most iconic royal residences in one day? This guided tour of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle from London promises a chance to see the inside of royal spaces and learn about their history without the hassle of navigating public transport. While it’s not perfect, many travelers find it a worthwhile way to experience British royalty up close — especially if you value comfort, guided insights, and skipping the lines.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines guided commentary and audio guides, giving you a deeper understanding of the sites. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and USB charging onboard makes the journey between attractions more enjoyable, especially on a long day. On the flip side, the tour does run quite long, and some reviews mention feeling rushed, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy schedule.

This experience could be ideal if you’re a first-time visitor eager to see both Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Windsor Castle in one go. However, if you prefer more time at each site or a more flexible, self-directed visit, you might find the schedule a bit tight. It’s a good fit for history buffs, royal fans, or travelers looking for a comprehensive, guided day out rather than a relaxed exploration.

Key Points:

• Comprehensive experience with inside access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Windsor Castle
• Convenient transportation with a superior coach, Wi-Fi, and USB ports
• Knowledgeable guides and on-board commentary enhance understanding
• Long day, with some reviews mentioning feeling rushed at Windsor
• Value for money considering access, guided insights, and transportation
• Limited flexibility — scheduled times and limited free time at Windsor

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give you a thorough look at two of Britain’s most famous royal residences, combining guided insight with the chance to explore on your own through audio guides. It’s a full-day adventure, lasting about 9.5 hours, from the moment you meet in front of Buckingham Palace to your return to Victoria Station.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Buckingham Palace

You’ll start your day around 9:15 am at the King’s Gallery outside Buckingham Palace. This is a prime spot, right in front of the official London residence of the reigning monarch. During the summer months, when the Palace’s State Rooms are open, you’ll have exclusive access to areas usually off-limits to the public, like the White Drawing Room, Music Room, and Throne Room.

The State Rooms highlight the grandeur of Royal ceremonies and entertaining spaces, featuring artworks from the Royal Collection. The White Drawing Room, with its crystal chandelier, is often noted as a highlight, offering a glimpse of royal decor at its best. You get to explore these rooms at your own pace with an audio guide, which many reviews agree is a worthwhile feature. One reviewer mentioned, “We walked through on our own with an audio guide, and the Palace is stately and beautiful.”

The visit typically lasts about two hours, and because security checks are airport-style, bags larger than a certain size aren’t permitted. Keep in mind that security can cause delays, so arriving on time is essential.

Transition to Windsor Castle

After Buckingham, you’ll walk (about 10-15 minutes) to the Evan Evans office to meet your coach for the trip to Windsor. This walk is part of the experience — plenty of time to soak in the city atmosphere or grab a quick coffee. The coach ride features on-board commentary about London landmarks and the countryside, making the transit as informative as the visits.

Stop 2: Windsor Castle

Arriving at Windsor around 1 pm, you’ll explore what is known as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Over 1,000 years of royal history are embedded here, and it remains an official residence of the King today. You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore the State Apartments, decorated with masterpieces from the Royal Collection, and St George’s Chapel, famous for Prince Harry’s wedding and the resting place of past monarchs like Henry VIII.

Many reviews praise Windsor’s interior, calling it “very welcoming” and “spectacular,” with some noting that the views from Windsor are especially memorable. The audio guide allows you to wander at your own pace, but some reviews mention feeling rushed and not having enough time to fully appreciate everything. One review states, “We were a bit rushed trying to complete the Windsor audio tour,” which is something to keep in mind if you love taking your time.

You’ll also get around 20 minutes at St. George’s Chapel, where you might even catch a glimpse of the Royal Standard flying, indicating royal presence.

The Experience on the Coach

Traveling on a superior coach with Wi-Fi and charging ports is a real plus, especially on a day packed with sightseeing. The guides offer commentary that puts landmarks into context, making the journey educational and engaging. Several reviews mention that guides were knowledgeable and lively, adding to the enjoyment of the day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of around $164.25 per person covers everything you need: admission tickets for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, guided audio tours, coach transportation, Wi-Fi, USB charging, and the service of a guest service assistant.

However, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to grab a bite at Windsor or en route. The tour doesn’t cover hotel transfers — it starts at Buckingham Palace and ends at Victoria Station, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from these points.

The Group Size and Timing

The max group size is around 53 travelers, which is manageable but still sizable. The tour begins promptly at 9:15 am, and the day wraps up around 6:30 pm at Victoria Station, so be prepared for a long, busy day.

The Real Experiences from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the expertise of guides like Ruth and Lesley, calling them “knowledgeable” and “friendly,” which enhances the experience. One reviewer remarked, “Our guide Ruth gave us a mini tour along the way,” adding extra context to the journey. Conversely, some travelers expressed feeling rushed, especially at Windsor, where the limited time doesn’t always allow you to see everything you want.

The value for money is often appreciated, with several reviewers mentioning the “fabulous” experience and “worth it” price point, considering access to two major sites and guided commentary. On the other hand, a few guests felt disappointed, especially if they arrived late or felt that the tour didn’t meet their expectations for a more flexible, self-guided experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This guided day trip is perfect for those who want to see inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Windsor Castle without the hassle of organizing transportation or tickets themselves. It’s well-suited for visitors who appreciate guided commentary and prefer the comfort of coach travel, especially if they’re comfortable with a long day on their feet.

If you’re a history buff or royal enthusiast, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding, especially with knowledgeable guides and audio guides enhancing the experience. However, if you value having more free time or want a relaxed pace, this might feel a little rushed. Also, those who prefer self-guided visits might want to consider other options.

FAQs

Is hotel pick-up included?
No, the tour starts in front of Buckingham Palace and ends at Victoria Station. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from these points.

Are the sites open year-round?
Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms are open during the summer months, but it’s worth checking the calendar as they can be closed occasionally, and St George’s Chapel at Windsor is closed on Sundays.

How long is the coach ride?
The journey between London and Windsor includes commentary and takes roughly an hour each way, depending on traffic.

What’s not included?
Lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly. There are also no hotel transfers.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the visit involves a fair amount of walking and standing, so travelers should have moderate physical fitness.

What is the group size?
The maximum is around 53 travelers, offering a balanced group size that allows for personal attention while maintaining a social atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid, guided way to experience Britain’s royal landmarks, combining the grandeur of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with the historic charm of Windsor Castle. The expert guides and on-board commentary make it educational and engaging, especially if you’re keen to learn about Britain’s monarchy without the stress of planning every detail.

While the schedule can feel tight — with some guests mentioning feeling rushed — many appreciate the convenience of transportation and the inside access to two major sites. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re visiting London for a limited time and want an efficient way to see these iconic attractions.

However, if your priority is more relaxed exploration or more free time at each site, you might prefer a different approach or a private tour. Overall, for those who want a well-organized, guided experience packed with highlights, this tour delivers on value and insight.

Final Recommendation

If you’re looking for a comprehensive day trip that combines history, royal intrigue, and convenience, this tour is worth considering. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided visits, don’t mind a long day, and want the inside scoop on Britain’s royal residences. Just be prepared for some time constraints, and bring your walking shoes!

Enjoy your royal adventure — and remember, booking in advance can help secure your spot on this popular tour. Happy travels!