From London: Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Day Trip

A Practical Look at the London: Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Day Trip

If you’re considering a day trip from London that combines history, mystery, and a touch of royal allure, this Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor tour might just be worth your time. While I haven’t personally taken it, based on the detailed reviews and the itinerary, it looks like a well-rounded option for those eager to experience some of England’s most iconic sights without the fuss of planning every detail themselves.

What really catches the eye is the exclusive access to the Inner Circle at Stonehenge, a rare opportunity to stand among the stones with far fewer crowds and in a more atmospheric setting. Plus, the choice to explore Windsor either through a guided walk or a visit to Windsor Castle gives flexibility depending on your interests. And with a luxury bus that includes Wi-Fi and USB chargers, the journey itself seems designed to be comfortable and convenient.

However, a thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite packed, lasting about 11 hours, so it’s definitely a full day. The price is around $235.72 per person, which, given the exclusive access and expert guides, appears to be a decent value for a premium experience. This tour seems best suited for history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a well-organized, informative day out from London.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: You get inside the Inner Circle of Stonehenge, an experience only about 0.01% of visitors ever have.
• Flexible Windsor: Choose between a walking tour of Windsor or a visit inside Windsor Castle, depending on your preference.
• Comfortable Transport: The journey is made in a luxury coach equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging, making the long day more pleasant.
• Expert Guides: Reviews highlight guides who are knowledgeable, engaging, and able to tailor the experience.
• Timing & Pace: The itinerary allows enough time at each site without feeling rushed, with about 2 hours at Stonehenge and over 3 hours in Windsor.
• Pricing & Value: The cost is justified by the exclusive access and guided experience, though it’s a full day out.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting from London

The tour departs from central London, either from the Evan Evans Tours office at Vauxhall Bridge Road or an alternative pickup point, depending on your booking. The early start may seem challenging, but it’s part of what allows you to beat the crowds.

Journey to Stonehenge

The coach ride takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is a good time to relax, check your messages, or simply enjoy the countryside rolling past. With onboard Wi-Fi and USB chargers, you can stay connected or plan the rest of your day.

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At Stonehenge

The highlight here is, of course, the private visit to the Inner Circle, a rare inside look at these ancient stones. While the usual visitors only see Stonehenge from a distance, you’ll walk among the stones, gaze up at their imposing size, and get a sense of their mystery firsthand.

The experience includes an interactive map and audio guide, which enriches your understanding of the site’s history and theories about its purpose. Several reviews praise the peaceful morning timing, noting that being there before the crowds arrive makes the experience even more special.

One reviewer, Tooryalai, mentions that Simon, the guide, was “very knowledgeable and made the trip better,” emphasizing how much a good guide can elevate the experience. Others note that the viewing in the early morning allows for stunning photos and a quieter atmosphere, which really enhances the visit.

Moving on to Windsor

After about 2 hours at Stonehenge, you’ll hop back on the bus and head to Windsor, a journey of roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. This gives you a little downtime, or a chance to soak in the scenery again.

Once in Windsor, you have two options: a guided walking tour of the charming town or a visit to Windsor Castle. If you choose the castle, be prepared to spend around 3 hours exploring its lavish interiors and royal artifacts. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, just wandering around Windsor’s Georgian streets and Queen Charlotte Street offers plenty of photo-worthy moments and local charm.

One review highlights Windsor as “a charming town,” and another comments on the incredible experience of being inside Windsor Castle, describing it as “exquisite.” The flexibility here allows you to tailor the day to your interests.

Returning to London

The final leg is a 75-minute bus ride back to Victoria Station, wrapping up an 11-hour day. Although it’s a long trip, the comfortable coach and scenic views make it more manageable. Plus, you’ll leave with plenty of memories and photos from a day packed with history and beauty.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are guides, round-trip luxury transportation with Wi-Fi and USB chargers, private access to Stonehenge’s Inner Circle, interactive multimedia content, and entry to Windsor Castle if you opt for that. The tour also offers personal audio headsets so you can clearly hear your guide, which is a thoughtful touch.

Not included are food and drinks, so plan to bring some snacks or grab a bite in Windsor or before the tour starts. Also, note that there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The exclusive Inner Circle access is truly a unique selling point, making this tour stand out among other Stonehenge trips.
• The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make the day enjoyable.
• The timing is well-paced, with enough time at each site to explore without feeling squeezed.
• The scenic coach ride adds to the overall experience, especially with onboard amenities.
• The flexibility in Windsor allows you to customize your afternoon, whether you want to walk or visit the castle.

Cons:

• The full day can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to long hours on a bus.
• Price-wise, at roughly $236, it’s a premium experience, but the exclusive access justifies it for many.
• The tour is quite structured, so if you’re looking for a slow, wandering experience, it might feel a bit rushed.
• The lack of food included means extra planning if you’re hungry or want a sit-down meal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is especially suited for history buffs, architecture fans, and royal enthusiasts. If you’re eager to get close-up access to Stonehenge and explore its mysteries, this tour offers an experience you simply can’t get elsewhere. It also suits travelers who enjoy guided tours, as the knowledgeable guides significantly enhance the experience.

Given the full-day itinerary, it’s best for those comfortable with long days and coach travel. If your interest is in a relaxed pace or you prefer exploring at your own speed, some alternative options might be better.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, older children with an interest in history or archaeology tend to enjoy it. Be mindful that it is a long day, so younger children might find it tiring.

Can I visit inside Windsor Castle?
Yes, you can opt to visit inside Windsor Castle as part of the tour, but doing so will mean you can’t join the walking tour of Windsor town.

How early does the tour start?
Start times vary depending on the booking, but it’s an early departure to ensure you hit Stonehenge before the crowds.

Is the price worth it?
For the exclusive access to the Inner Circle and the expert guidance, most reviews suggest the price is justified. It offers a premium experience that’s hard to replicate independently.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket (for possibly cooler mornings), snacks, and a camera. Remember, food and drinks are not included.

Will I have Wi-Fi on the bus?
Yes, the luxury coach is equipped with Wi-Fi and USB chargers, so you can stay connected during the ride.

How much time do I get at each site?
You’ll have about 2 hours at Stonehenge (including private access), over 3 hours in Windsor (either walking or castle visit), and the bus rides fill the remaining time.

Is there a bathroom on the bus?
Most likely yes, as the reviews mention the convenience of onboard facilities.

How do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is at the Evan Evans Tours office or an alternative location, depending on your booking. Make sure to check your confirmation details.

Final Thoughts

This From London: Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Day Trip combines one of the most iconic prehistoric sites with a taste of royal history, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive and well-organized day out. The exclusive access to Stonehenge is a rare opportunity that truly makes this trip stand apart. The flexible options in Windsor help tailor the experience, whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a visit inside the castle.

While it’s a full day and somewhat pricey, the positive reviews and high rating suggest it delivers on its promises. The guides’ knowledge and the comfortable transportation are clear highlights. If you’re okay with a long, busy day and want to see these landmarks with minimal fuss, this tour offers a memorable way to tick off two of England’s top sights.

For those who prioritize convenience, expert insights, and special access, this trip is a strong contender. Travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or budget-friendly options might want to explore other ways to see Windsor and Stonehenge, but for a guided, insightful adventure, it’s hard to beat this experience.

Happy traveling, and I hope you get to stand among those stones or explore Windsor’s charming streets soon!

You can check availability for your dates here: