Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Open Top Bus Tour

If you’re dreaming of experiencing two of England’s most iconic sights in one day, this tour might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a blend of royal history, ancient mystery, and scenic countryside—all wrapped up in a relatively manageable 9-hour package from London. While we haven’t taken this specific tour ourselves, the overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest it offers a well-organized, engaging, and memorable experience.

What really catches our eye is the exclusive access to the Inner Circle of Stonehenge—something only a limited number of visitors get to enjoy. Plus, the option to explore Windsor via an open-top bus or an afternoon tea bus adds a personal touch to how you spend your time in this historic town. The guide’s knowledge and the comfortable luxury coach make the day more enjoyable, especially if you’re after a hassle-free trip. But, of course, no experience is perfect, and some might find the long bus rides or the crowds less appealing.

This tour will suit those who love history, enjoy scenic drives, and appreciate a flexible, guided approach. It’s especially good for visitors who want a deep, behind-the-scenes look at Stonehenge and the chance to wander around Windsor at their own pace. If you’re okay with spending most of the day on a coach and want to avoid the hassle of organizing multiple tickets or guides yourself, this could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines Windsor and Stonehenge in one day, saving you time and effort.
• Exclusive access: Walk inside the Inner Circle of Stonehenge, an experience that’s rare and fascinating.
• Comfortable transport: Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach that’s spacious and smooth.
• Flexible options: Choose between an open-top Windsor bus tour or an afternoon tea experience.
• Expert guides: The reviews praise guides for their knowledge, humor, and personal touch.
• Good value: At around $205, most reviews suggest it’s worth the price for the depth of experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off at Bulleid Way in London, where you’ll meet your coach about 15 minutes before departure. The convenience of a central London meeting point is a big plus, especially if you’re staying nearby. The coach itself is described as luxury and air-conditioned, which is a must for comfort during long rides. Given the 9-hour duration, this setup helps keep the journey enjoyable rather than exhausting.

Wind through Windsor

Your first stop is Windsor, a town steeped in royal history. Here, the tour offers two options: explore Windsor via an open-top bus or join an afternoon tea bus tour. According to reviews, having a choice is appreciated because it lets you tailor your experience. The open-top bus is a highlight, offering excellent views of Windsor’s top sights and giving you a chance to soak in the sights while hearing engaging facts from your guide.

During your two hours in Windsor, you’ll have free time to wander independently. This flexibility is often praised, as it allows for casual exploration, shopping, or simply relaxing before heading to the next big site. The open-air bus tour, in particular, seems popular for its combination of sightseeing and storytelling.

The Highlight: Stonehenge’s Inner Circle

The real star of this tour is the exclusive access to the Inner Circle of Stonehenge. Visitors usually only see the stones from behind fences, but this tour grants you the rare chance to walk among the 40-ton rocks—an experience many reviews describe as awe-inspiring. The guide explains the significance of the stones, their layout, and the surrounding landscape, including the Heel Stone and Slaughter Stone.

Reviewers, like Brad and Kimberly, emphasize that this is the “proper” way to see Stonehenge. Walking inside the circle, especially in a small group, offers a different perspective and a deeper understanding of this ancient monument. One reviewer even mentioned walking barefoot, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, which underscores how special this access feels.

The Final Stop: Wiltshire’s Ancient Wonder

Arriving in the early evening, you’ll have about an hour and 45 minutes to experience Stonehenge. The capacity to stay close to the stones, walk among them, and absorb the atmosphere is what we love about this tour. The size and placement of the stones are impressive enough, but being right there, surrounded by history, takes it to another level.

Many reviews speak to the mystical feeling of being among the stones, with comments about the size of the rocks and their precise positions. The fact that you’re in a small group, as some reviews highlight, makes the experience more intimate and less crowded.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour covers private inner circle access and return transportation in a luxury coach. The guide is described as professional and friendly, adding value through storytelling and local knowledge. Extras include a 25% discount on guidebooks at Stonehenge, which can be a fun souvenir if you’re into archaeology or history.

On the downside, meals and gratuities are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy something during your free time. The optional add-ons like the Windsor open-top bus or afternoon tea are paid separately but are highly valued by those who choose them.

Timing and Group Size

Starting from Bulleid Way, the tour returns to South Kensington around 10 pm, or later in summer months. This is a long day, but reviews confirm that the coach’s comfort and the fascinating stops make the time pass quickly. The trip is limited to 53 travelers, which keeps things manageable and ensures you’re not lost in a crowd.

Honest Look at the Experience

Based on reviews, guides like Pauley and Tom are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to keep everyone engaged. The small group setting for the inner circle tour really makes a difference, creating a more personal, immersive experience. Many reviews highlight just how memorable walking among the stones is, with some describing it as “more impressive than imagined.”

The transportation and overall organization also receive high marks. People appreciate the smooth ride, the spacious coach, and the flexibility of options—these elements make the trip less stressful than trying to coordinate visits independently.

However, some note the long coach rides, which can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to extended sitting. The timing in Windsor can be tight if you want to explore deeply, but the free time usually suffices for a quick walk and some souvenirs.

Price and Value

At roughly $205 per person, the tour offers access to sites and experiences you’d find hard to organize on your own, especially the inner circle at Stonehenge. The reviews consistently indicate that it’s worth the money, especially for the opportunity to walk among the stones and hear expert commentary. For those interested in a well-rounded, guided day with minimal hassle, this tour balances cost with quality.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, photography lovers, or anyone curious about ancient mysteries. If you enjoy guided storytelling and want to see the sites without stress, the professional guides and comfortable coach will suit you perfectly. It’s especially good if you appreciate optional flexibility—like choosing how to explore Windsor—and don’t mind a long day on the road.

While not specifically tailored to families with small children, older kids with an interest in history might enjoy it, especially the chance to walk among the stones. Just keep in mind the long travel hours.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with moderate physical fitness?
Yes, the tour requires a moderate level of fitness, mainly because you’ll be walking around sites and standing for a while. The coach travel is comfortable, and the walking tours are guided, so you can take your time as needed.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Bulleid Way in London in the morning and returns around 10 pm to South Kensington, with later times possible in July and August. Make sure you’re prepared for a full day.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.

Are meals included?
Meals are not included unless you opt for the Windsor afternoon tea upgrade, which is paid separately. The tour does include some discounts on guidebooks at Stonehenge.

What are the transportation arrangements?
You’ll travel in a luxury, air-conditioned coach designed for comfort during the long ride. The group size is capped at 53 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is the inner circle access guaranteed?
Yes, this tour specifically includes private access to the Inner Circle at Stonehenge, a rare opportunity that most visitors do not get.

How much free time do I get at Windsor?
You’ll have about two hours to explore Windsor town at your own pace, whether that’s wandering, shopping, or relaxing.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps a snack or water for the day. Remember to bring any tickets or confirmation details.

Can I add other experiences?
Yes, optional add-ons like the Windsor open-top bus tour or the afternoon tea are available but are paid separately.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a hassle-free way to see Windsor and Stonehenge, especially with the chance to walk inside the stones, this tour offers a compelling mix of convenience, insight, and exclusivity. The guides are praised for their knowledge, and the small-group inner circle access makes it a standout experience.

While the long coach rides might not suit everyone, most reviews highlight the comfort and organization that make the day enjoyable. The flexible options in Windsor add a personalized touch, whether you prefer sightseeing or a relaxing afternoon tea.

This is a solid choice for travelers who want to check two major sights off their list without the stress of planning every detail. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re excited about the idea of walking among ancient stones and soaking in the history firsthand.

Final Recommendation

This tour suits curious, adventure-minded travelers who appreciate guided insights and exclusive access. It’s a good pick for those who want a packed but manageable day and are comfortable with a lengthy coach journey. If you value comfort, expert guidance, and unique experiences—like walking inside Stonehenge—this one’s worth considering.