Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour from London

Planning a trip to London and curious about exploring its royal treasures? This Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle tour from London promises to give you a taste of Britain’s regal past and present in a single day. We’ve looked into this experience thoroughly—so here’s what you need to know before booking.

Two things we genuinely like about this tour: First, it offers the chance to see two of England’s most iconic royal residences in one go—perfect if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful glimpse into royal life. Second, the included audio tour of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms plus access to a special exhibition makes it feel like a more personal, in-depth experience.

A potential drawback? The timing for Windsor Castle can feel a bit long—some reviews mention waiting around for hours or feeling rushed through. If you’re not a huge fan of lengthy waits or prefer more time inside each site, that’s worth considering.

This tour works well for those who want a guided, structured day with transportation taken care of, especially if you’re interested in royal history, architecture, and seeing the royal residences in one day. It’s not ideal if you’re after an intimate, leisurely exploration or want to explore the sites independently.

Key Points

• Visit two major royal landmarks in one day, saving time and hassle
• Learn about Windsor Castle’s 900-year history and its role today
• Explore Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with an audio guide and see a changing exhibit
• Transportation is included, making the day smoother
• Timing is tight—expect to spend several hours on the bus and at the sites
• Tour guides receive generally positive reviews for their knowledge and humor
• Not a private tour — group size can go up to 50 travelers
• Admission is included for all major sites, but food and personal expenses are extra

This tour starts early, with pickup at Victoria Coach Station around 7:45am. From there, you’ll hop on an air-conditioned coach—think of it as your mobile royal lounge. The journey takes you from the hustle and bustle of London to Windsor, a town steeped in royal tradition.

Windsor Castle — Over 1,000 Years of Royal History

Once you arrive, you’re free to wander Windsor Castle’s grounds and explore at your own pace. The State Apartments are a highlight, with their lavish furnishings, priceless art, and historic treasures. This part of the tour gives you a real sense of royal living—though, as some reviews mention, you’re on your own inside, so don’t expect a guided walk through every room.

You’ll also visit St. George’s Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece and the site of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018. Plus, it’s the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II. The chapel’s architecture and history make it one of Windsor’s most sacred and visually arresting spots.

The three-hour block within Windsor allows for enough time to see the highlights, but some visitors find it can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re inclined to linger or take photos. As one reviewer pointed out, “Castle can be easily done in 2 hrs,” so pacing yourself might help.

Return to London and Visit Buckingham Palace

Back on the coach, you get a scenic drive passing by Harrods, one of London’s most luxurious stores, before arriving at Buckingham Palace. Here, you can explore the State Rooms independently using an audio guide. The rooms are famously opulent, filled with gilded decorations, exquisite furnishings, and treasures from the Royal Collection.

The included special exhibition changes yearly, adding an extra layer of interest. You’ll learn about the palace’s role in British life and see some of the most impressive art and artifacts used during official ceremonies and receptions.

The Group Experience: Pros and Cons

Most reviews are positive about the guides, who are described as knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. The group size, up to 50 travelers, keeps the experience lively but can sometimes lead to logistical hiccups—like waiting in busy areas or feeling a bit hurried.

Some reviewers mention that guides do not enter the sites with you inside Windsor or Buckingham Palace, meaning you’ll explore largely on your own with the provided audio guides. This can be a downside if you prefer a more personalized narration or inside stories as you go.

Timing is another critical point. Starting early helps maximize your day, but be prepared for a full schedule with limited free time. The eight and a half hours fly by, especially if you’re taking in both sites and the transport.

Is the Price Worth It?

At around $182 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering the transportation, entry fees, and guided commentary. Reviews suggest that many visitors felt it was worth the cost, especially since they avoided the hassle of figuring out logistics themselves. However, some mention that the experience is somewhat rushed, and you might find a similar visit by going independently, especially if you’re comfortable with public transport and self-guided tours.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a structured, guided day without the hassle of navigating public transit or booking separate tickets. It’s especially good for those interested in royal history, architecture, and iconic landmarks, and who don’t mind tight schedules.

If you’re traveling with friends or a family who enjoy a bit of storytelling and don’t mind walking and standing, it can be a fun, educational day out. But if you’re after a more relaxed pace or detailed exploration of each site, you might prefer breaking it into separate visits.

This Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle tour offers a solid overview of two of Britain’s most famous royal residences in a single day, with the convenience of transportation and guided commentary. It’s a good choice if you want to tick these landmarks off your list without the fuss of planning every detail yourself.

The experience shines when the guides are engaging and knowledgeable, and many reviewers agree that the castles themselves are breathtaking. The main challenge lies in the tight schedule—if you prefer to linger longer or explore more independently, you might feel a bit rushed.

Overall, for its price and structure, this tour delivers a memorable introduction to Britain’s royal traditions. It’s ideal for travelers who value guided convenience, appreciate history, and are comfortable with group touring.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, this tour does not offer hotel pickup or drop-off. You meet at Victoria Coach Station in London.

What’s the start time?
The tour departs at 7:45am from Victoria Coach Station, so get there a little earlier to settle in.

How long do we spend at Windsor Castle?
You’ll have about 3 hours at Windsor Castle, which includes exploring the grounds, State Apartments, and St. George’s Chapel.

Are the sites guided inside?
Guides do not enter the State Apartments or Windsor Castle with you; instead, you use an audio guide during your free time inside these sites.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, but the tour is generally suitable for anyone interested in royal history and architecture.

What about transportation?
Transportation is included via an air-conditioned coach, making the journey between sites comfortable and hassle-free.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund is available.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience lively but organized.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and perhaps an umbrella—especially if you’re visiting in unpredictable weather. Food and drinks are not included, so pack some snacks if you like.

If you’re excited about seeing Windsor Castle’s grandeur and Buckingham Palace’s elegance without the fuss of organizing, this tour could be a good fit. Just be prepared for a busy day and a fair amount of walking.