Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Escorted Tour from London

Imagine wandering through the resplendent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace and exploring the world’s oldest inhabited castle, Windsor—all in one day. For $164.25 per person, this tour packs nearly 10 hours of royal history, stunning architecture, and insider stories. Starting at the grand King’s Gallery near Buckingham Palace, you’ll be whisked away by a comfortable coach equipped with Wi-Fi and USB ports, making the long drive between landmarks surprisingly enjoyable.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines expert-guided commentary with the freedom to explore each site at your own pace, thanks to audio guides at Windsor. The inclusion of admission tickets to both Buckingham’s State Rooms and Windsor adds significant value, especially considering the cost of entrance fees alone. The tour is perfect for history buffs and royal enthusiasts alike, offering a well-organized and informative day that avoids the hassle of public transport.

However, a possible consideration is the long day’s pace — some reviews mention feeling rushed, especially at Windsor. It’s not ideal if you prefer a more relaxed, unhurried visit, but for those eager to see both sites in one go, it’s a solid choice. This tour suits travelers who enjoy guided experiences combined with some personal time, and who don’t mind walking a lot or dealing with a relatively full itinerary.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Windsor Castle in one day.
• Comfortable transport: Travel in a coach with Wi-Fi and charging ports, making the journey pleasant.
• Expert commentary: On-board guides provide context and stories, enriching your visit.
• Flexible exploration: Audio guides at Windsor let you explore at your own pace.
• Includes tickets: Admission to major sites is included, saving you money and time.
• Long but rewarding day: Be prepared for a physically active day with a lot of walking.

What to Expect from This Royal Day Trip

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive snapshot of Britain’s monarchy, with a focus on two of its most iconic residences. We start early, meeting at The King’s Gallery near Buckingham Palace, and after a security check that’s quite standard for such a major site, you’ll step inside the State Rooms. These rooms are open only during summer, so if you’re visiting between July and September, you’re in luck. Visitors get a rare glimpse into the royal ceremonial spaces, including the White Drawing Room with its stunning chandelier, the Music Room, and the Throne Room—each with its own story to tell.

One of the highlights, based on reviews, is how the audio guides make self-exploration flexible—some visitors mention walking through on their own, with just the guide’s narration to enhance their experience. We loved the fact that the ticket price includes access to these rooms, which otherwise can be expensive to visit independently.

Next, your coach takes you to Windsor Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world, dating back nearly 1,000 years. The drive itself offers a mini-tour of the route, along with commentary about the sights along the way, which many reviews praise for adding depth to the day. Once at Windsor, you’ll explore the State Apartments, decorated with artworks from the Royal Collection—a mix of historic furnishings and royal portraits.

The St. George’s Chapel is next, famed for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding and the royal tombs of monarchs like Henry VIII and Charles I. Here, you may get lucky and see the Royal Standard flying if the King is in Windsor that day, adding an extra touch of authenticity to your visit.

Throughout the day, the audio guides at Windsor are a big hit, giving you the freedom to linger or move quickly through exhibits, though some visitors mention feeling a bit rushed during busy periods. The tour concludes at Victoria Station in London, around 6:30 pm, after a full, enriching day.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in your ticket are admission tickets to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, the use of a superior coach with Wi-Fi and USB ports, and the services of a knowledgeable guest service assistant. These features elevate the experience, making the long day more comfortable and engaging.

However, lunch is not included, so it’s wise to pack snacks or plan a quick stop during free time at Windsor. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, and travelers need to be comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity, including walking and security checks.

The tour starts promptly at 9:15 am in front of the King’s Gallery and ends around 6:30 pm at Victoria Station. It’s a full day, so be prepared for some walking—over 16,000 steps in one reviewer’s report—and a busy schedule.

Authentic Experiences from Fellow Travelers

Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm. Ruth, a recurring favorite, is praised for her insights along the bus route, while others appreciated guides like Deborah and Lesley for their professionalism and friendliness. Several guests mention how the audio guides at Windsor allowed them to explore at their own speed, which they found to be a huge advantage.

Some reviewers, however, felt the day was too rushed, especially at Windsor where they couldn’t see everything they wanted. One visitor expressed frustration over long walks between the meeting point and the castle, suggesting the logistics could be improved. The common thread is that this is a full, energetic day—not suited to travelers seeking a slow, leisurely pace.

Transportation and Group Size

Travel is in a comfortable coach, which typically seats up to 53 travelers, providing enough space for everyone. The coach is equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, making the long drive between sites both functional and enjoyable. The group size tends to be moderate, allowing for some interaction with guides but also personal space.

Note that no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point on your own, typically a short walk from public transportation.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $164.25, the value hinges on your interest in royal sites and guided convenience. When you consider the admission fees alone for Buckingham Palace and Windsor, plus the comfort of transportation and guided commentary, it’s a reasonable deal. You’re paying for a stress-free day—no worries about navigating the tube or finding your way around Windsor alone.

The tour’s strength is in its combination of inside access and organized itinerary, which appeals to visitors eager to maximize their time and learn from knowledgeable guides. For those who love history, architecture, and the British monarchy, it offers a well-curated experience. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or prefer an independent visit, you might find this tour a bit packed and rushed.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This guided day trip is perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights of royal Britain without the hassle of planning multiple visits. It’s best suited for those interested in inside access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, as well as Windsor’s historic castle and chapel, all within a manageable timeframe.

If you’re a history enthusiast, a royal watcher, or someone who appreciates guided commentary, you’ll find this tour informative and engaging. It offers great value by including tickets and comfortable transportation, which are often added costs when visiting these sites on your own.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace, or want to explore more of Windsor or Buckingham Palace beyond the highlights, you might want to consider a private tour or visiting on your own. Keep in mind that the long day and walking requirements are not for everyone—so pack comfortable shoes and be prepared for a busy, rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at The King’s Gallery near Buckingham Palace; you need to make your own way there.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:15 am and ending around 6:30 pm.

What sites are visited?
You’ll visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, Windsor Castle’s State Apartments, and St. George’s Chapel.

Are tickets included?
Yes, admission to both Buckingham Palace State Rooms and Windsor Castle is included in the price.

Can I explore Windsor Castle at my own pace?
Yes, you’ll have audio guides to explore Windsor at your preferred speed, but be aware that some review mentions feeling rushed.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or find a quick meal during free time.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 53 travelers, providing enough space for comfort but still a group experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there is a fair amount of walking involved.

Is there free Wi-Fi on the coach?
Yes, Wi-Fi and USB charging ports are available on board for your convenience.

What if I’m running late?
Arrive promptly at 9:15 am at the meeting point. The tour may not wait for latecomers due to tight scheduling.

This tour represents a great way to combine inside access to royal residences with the ease of guided transportation, making it a solid choice if you want a structured, meaningful day exploring Britain’s regal landmarks.