Windsor Castle Tour from London with Lunch or London Eye Upgrade

Exploring Windsor Castle from London: An Honest Review

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Windsor Castle without the fuss of navigating trains or planning all the logistics, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a convenient way to see one of England’s most iconic royal residences, with options to enhance your experience — like enjoying a traditional pub lunch or taking in panoramic views from the London Eye.

What we really like about this trip is how it combines freedom and guided insights. You get to explore Windsor Castle at your own pace inside the State Apartments and St. Georges Chapel, and then enjoy some leisure time wandering around charming Windsor town. The optional lunch at a cozy pub adds a nice local touch after your castle visit. The upgrade to the London Eye also appeals to those eager for sweeping city views.

However, there are a few considerations. The tour is around 6.5 hours, which can feel tight if you’re a slow walker or want to linger longer at each stop. Plus, the lunch is served back in London, not near the castle, which might surprise some travelers expecting a meal closer to Windsor itself. This tour suits those who want a structured, informative day with options to personalize their experience and enjoy some classic British moments.

If you’re someone who appreciates a good mix of sightseeing, history, and local flavor without the hassle of train rides, this could be a fit. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value guided commentary, a reliable schedule, and optional extras to tailor their day.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation: No need to worry about train schedules—just hop on an air-conditioned coach.
• Flexible exploration: You can wander Windsor at your own pace inside the castle and town.
• Optional upgrades: Choose between a scenic London Eye view or a hearty pub lunch.
• Guided insights: The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who adds context, making the experience richer.
• Cost vs. value: For around $133, you get entry to Windsor Castle, some free time, and optional extras — good value if you enjoy a well-structured day.
• Group size: Limited to about 50 travelers, which helps keep things organized and manageable.

A Practical Look at the Windsor Castle Tour

This tour offers a neat balance between guided convenience and independent exploration, making it a practical choice for many travelers. Starting early from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 am, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for the roughly one-hour drive to Windsor. The journey itself is part of the experience, where the guide shares interesting tidbits about the castle’s history and royal connections.

Windsor Castle: The Heart of the Tour

Once in Windsor, you’ll head straight into the castle, where your ticket grants you three hours to explore. This is a significant chunk of time, considering the size and richness of the site. As the world’s oldest occupied castle, Windsor has a special aura. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it’s still used by the Queen as a weekend residence and for major ceremonies, which adds to its allure.

Inside, the highlight is definitely the State Apartments, filled with regal rooms, priceless art, and historic furnishings. Many reviews point out that the rooms are beautifully decorated with paintings by masters like Rembrandt and Canaletto. You can also visit St. Georges Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece surrounding the tombs of 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII. Visitors often mention how impressive and atmospheric it is.

Some reviews mention the possibility of seeing the changing of the guard or listening to a marching band, which can elevate the experience. However, during busy times, the castle gets crowded, so being early or attentive helps. Notably, when the State Apartments are closed, visitors can explore the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House instead, which some find charming and worth visiting.

Free Time in Windsor Town

After touring the castle, you’ll have a bit of free time to stroll around Windsor itself. The town lies right on the Thames River, with quaint streets, boutique shops, and historic sites like the house believed to be where Shakespeare wrote “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” Many visitors appreciate this time to browse for souvenirs or grab a quick coffee.

The Return and Optional Lunch

Back on the coach, your journey returns to London, specifically to Knightsbridge. Here, you’ll find the St. George’s Tavern, where you can enjoy a traditional fish and chips meal if you’ve selected that option. Some reviews note that the pub is clean and cozy, making for a hearty, satisfying end to the day.

London Eye Upgrade: An Optional Bonus

For those opting for the upgrade, you’ll get a 30-minute ride on the London Eye, Europe’s tallest observation wheel. The views of London’s skyline are impressive and add a fun, modern contrast to the historic sights. Keep in mind, the ticket isn’t included unless you select the upgrade, and the experience can be busy, so plan accordingly.

What Past Travelers Are Saying

The majority of reviews reflect a positive experience, especially praising the guides. One reviewer shared, “This is an excellent tour of Windsor Castle. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and was able to get us near the front of the line,” highlighting how helpful the guided aspect can be. Others appreciated the opportunity to see Windsor’s castle and town in a single day without hassle, noting that the timing allowed them to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.

Yet, not all feedback is glowing. Some mention organizational hiccups like difficulty finding the meeting point or feeling that the load-up process was chaotic. One reviewer said, “Windsor was amazing, but the unloading from the bus was fine no issues there,” implying that some parts of the logistics could be smoother.

The lunch choice also drew mixed reactions. Several found the pub enjoyable but felt the price was high for a simple fish and chips dish, especially since the meal is served back in London. A few reviewers expressed disappointment that they didn’t get to see the castle’s interiors with a guide, or that they wanted more time inside the castle itself.

The Value for Money

At around $133, this tour provides good value for those who want the convenience of a guided trip combined with optional extras. You get access to Windsor Castle, a reliable transportation service, and a knowledgeable guide who adds context during the drive. The optional upgrades to the London Eye or pub lunch give flexibility, but they do come at an additional cost.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early at Victoria Coach Station to avoid missing the bus, especially during busy seasons.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking around Windsor Castle and town.
• Bring a camera or smartphone for photos, but note that photography inside the castle is restricted.
• Budget for extras like drinks or souvenirs, as these aren’t included.
• If you opt for lunch, be aware that the pub is a short walk from the coach drop-off point.
• Prepare for potential crowds during peak seasons. The castle can get busy, and some reviews mention long lines.

The Sum Up

All in all, this Windsor Castle tour from London hits the sweet spot for travelers who want a straightforward, well-organized day trip with options to make it more personalized. It’s friendly for those who enjoy a mix of guided insights and free exploration, and the optional upgrades add a bit of extra enjoyment—whether it’s panoramic city views or a traditional pub lunch.

While it may not be the most exclusive or in-depth royal experience, it offers a balanced way to see Windsor’s highlights without the stress of planning logistics yourself. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a structured schedule and want to maximize their time visiting a major historic site while still enjoying some leisure in one of England’s charming towns.

If you value knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and options to customize your day, this tour could be a great choice. Just be prepared for the occasional organizational hiccup and keep your expectations realistic regarding the amount of time inside the castle.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, children who enjoy history and grand castles will likely find it interesting. Just keep in mind walking distances and the pace of exploration.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers entry to Windsor Castle, access to the St. Georges Chapel, and the services of a professional guide and air-conditioned coach transport. The optional lunch and London Eye ride are additional.

How long is the trip overall?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, including travel time, exploring Windsor Castle, free time, and the return journey.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, with optional upgrades like the London Eye or a pub lunch, you can tailor your day. The basic tour doesn’t include these extras unless you select them.

What if the castle or specific highlights are closed?
If the State Apartments are closed, you’ll be able to visit the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House instead, as noted in the tour info.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering some peace of mind if your plans change.

Are there any hidden costs?
Drinks and souvenirs are not included, so budget accordingly. The lunch option is extra unless you bring your own food.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Victoria Coach Station in central London and concludes at Victoria Street, near Victoria train station — very accessible by public transportation.

This tour offers a solid, practical way to experience Windsor Castle with the comfort of organized logistics and optional upgrades. Whether you’re after a quick cultural fix or a comfortable day out, it’s worth considering if those benefits align with your travel style.