Wonderful Westminster Tour & Visit Windsor Castle

If you’re eyeing a day in London that combines iconic sights with a touch of royal history, this combo tour could be just what you’re looking for. While it promises visits to top attractions like Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, and Windsor Castle, it’s important to understand what’s included—and what’s not—to see if it fits your travel style.

What really stands out about this experience? First, the small-group walking tour offers a more intimate, informative look at Westminster’s most famous landmarks. Second, the entry to Windsor Castle allows you to explore one of the most historically significant castles in England. However, a key consideration is that transport to Windsor is not included, which might trip up those unfamiliar with London’s transit system.

This tour will suit travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing in a manageable timeframe, appreciate guided insights, and are comfortable with some independent travel to Windsor afterward. If you’re someone who values expert commentary and a structured itinerary, this could be a good fit—just be prepared to sort out your own transportation for the castle portion.

Key Points

• Includes guided walking tour of Westminster with local insights
• Access to Windsor Castle with an audio guide included
• Transport to Windsor is at your own expense, adding to the total cost
• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience
• Timing requires some coordination, especially for the train to Windsor
• Tour duration is approximately 6 hours, with about 3 hours at Windsor

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour strikes a smart balance between guided sightseeing and independent exploration. It’s designed for those who want to see the essentials of Westminster and Windsor without the hassle of planning every detail. Starting at The Ritz London in the morning, you’ll join a small group and begin with a walking tour that hits the key landmarks of Westminster.

The Walking Tour of Westminster: What to Expect

The tour kicks off with a stroll through Green Park toward Buckingham Palace—the royal residence that is instantly recognizable. Your guide will share stories about the monarchy and the palace’s history, making it more than just a photo op. If you visit on certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), you’ll have the chance to see the Changing of the Guard, which is a highlight for many visitors. However, note that this is only at 10 am and is subject to the schedule set by the British Army, which can change unexpectedly.

Next, you’ll pass through Trafalgar Square—a lively hub with Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery—before heading to Horse Guards Parade. Here, the iconic arch and the horse-mounted guards offer more royal spectacle and great photo moments.

From there, the tour moves to Whitehall, home to grand government buildings and the famous Downing Street. A walk along this street offers a sense of political history and power. Then, you’ll reach Parliament Square, where you’ll admire the Palace of Westminster and see Big Ben up close, along with views of the London Eye.

Your guide will then take you to Westminster Abbey—a site that’s seen coronations, royal weddings, and funerals for over a thousand years. While the tour’s focus isn’t on inside visits, the external views and stories alone make it worthwhile.

The Windsor Castle Portion: How It Works

After soaking in Westminster’s sights, you’ll make your way to Windsor via train, which you arrange on your own after the tour ends. The ticket price covers entry to Windsor Castle and an audio guide to enhance your visit. Once there, you’ll have roughly three hours to explore the castle’s grounds and interior, according to the itinerary.

While the castle is undoubtedly a highlight—its architecture and history are captivating—the reviews highlight some confusion and logistical hurdles, especially regarding transportation. One traveler mentioned missing the castle tour because of not realizing they needed to arrange their own train tickets. The guide provides advice on travel options, but be prepared to do some planning yourself.

The Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

Several reviewers praised the guides for their knowledge and wit, with quotes like “Will was an OUTSTANDING guide, and made the walking tour a lot of fun.” Many enjoyed the scenic views and enjoyed learning about London’s landmarks from someone who clearly knew their stuff.

However, some found the lack of included transportation to Windsor frustrating, especially if they weren’t familiar with London’s train system. One reviewer noted, “We had no idea we would have to figure out our own transportation,” which led to missing the castle altogether. It’s a reminder that this tour demands some self-sufficient planning for the second half.

Price-wise, at $134.13 per person, the tour offers a decent value, especially considering the entry to Windsor Castle and the guided component. Yet, when you factor in the cost of train tickets (about £10), plus lunch and any extra transportation, the total can add up—a point to keep in mind.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Buckingham Palace

Expect to see the official residence of the King, with the chance to witness the Changing of the Guard if visiting on certain days. The guide’s stories bring the royal history to life, making it more engaging than just a photo stop. The walk along The Mall offers grand views of the palace and royal parklands.

Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade

Both stops are quick but impactful. Trafalgar Square’s fountains and Nelson’s Column are iconic, and the lively atmosphere here offers great photo opportunities. Horse Guards Parade, with its ceremonial guards and historic arch, adds a regal touch to your walk.

Whitehall and Downing Street

This stretch is packed with political significance. Though you can’t go inside these buildings, the exterior views and stories about the Prime Minister’s residence make it worthwhile.

Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey

The Palace of Westminster, with its famous Big Ben, is one of London’s most recognizable sights. You’ll get a close-up view and hear stories about its history. The nearby Westminster Abbey, with over 1,000 years of history, completes the royal and political picture of Westminster.

Windsor Castle

A highlight for many, Windsor Castle remains a symbol of British royalty. The audio guide helps you navigate its rooms, grounds, and chapels. The castle’s architecture and history are fascinating, but be aware that the self-guided part means you’ll need to manage your time well to see everything.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re after a comprehensive, guided overview of Westminster’s top sights and are comfortable handling your own transport to Windsor, this tour offers good value. It’s particularly suited for those who want to learn from enthusiastic guides and enjoy a structured day without worry about planning logistics at every turn.

On the flip side, if you prefer having everything included—especially transportation—you might find this tour a bit frustrating. Some reviews point out that expecting guides to handle train arrangements could lead to missed experiences, so be prepared to do a little homework beforehand.

This tour balances sightseeing, history, and convenience, provided you’re okay with some independent travel and a slightly flexible schedule.

FAQ

Is transportation to Windsor included? No, the train tickets are not included. You’ll need to arrange and pay for your own train to Windsor after the tour.

What is the tour duration? The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with roughly 3 hours allocated for the Windsor Castle visit after the morning Westminster tour.

Are the guides knowledgeable? Yes, multiple reviews praise the guides for being informative, engaging, and witty, making the tour more lively and educational.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard? If you visit on certain days—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday at 10 am—you might witness the Changing of the Guard, but it depends on the schedule set by the British Army.

What’s included in the ticket price? You get a guided walking tour of Westminster, entry to Windsor Castle, and an audio guide at Windsor.

Is this tour family-friendly? While not explicitly marketed as family-oriented, it’s suitable for most travelers comfortable with walking and some independent logistics.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, making it flexible for last-minute changes.

In the end, this tour offers a good balance of guided insight and free time to explore Windsor at your pace. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy historical sites, don’t mind some logistical planning, and appreciate engaging guides. With careful planning, you’re set for a memorable day filled with royal sights and city highlights.