Wonderful Westminster Tour & Visit Windsor Castle

Experience the Best of London and Windsor in One Day

If you’re visiting London and want a mix of iconic sights and royal history, the Wonderful Westminster Tour & Visit Windsor Castle offers a balanced day of sightseeing. For around $134, you get a 6-hour guided walking tour through Westminster’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and Parliament Square. Afterward, you’ll take a train (at your own expense) to Windsor to admire the outside of the castle, with tickets included for a self-guided exploration of this stunning royal residence.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see major sights like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey with a knowledgeable guide who shares stories that bring history to life—making it more vivid than reading from a guidebook. Plus, the included Windsor Castle entry allows you to explore the grounds at your own pace, adding a flexible element to your day.

A possible consideration is that transport from London to Windsor isn’t included, which can be a bit of a hassle if you’re unfamiliar with local train routes or timing. Also, the changing of the Guard occurs only on certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 a.m.), so if you’re set on seeing the ceremony, checking the schedule in advance is wise.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate guided storytelling, want to see top royal sights, and are comfortable navigating public transport. It’s especially good for those who like a structured itinerary with flexibility for exploring Windsor on their own.

Key Points

• Balanced experience combining a guided walking tour with free time at Windsor.
• Expert guides such as Giles and Will are praised for their storytelling and wit.
• Flexible schedule for Windsor, with tickets included but transport at your own cost.
• Limited group size (max 15) for more personalized attention.
• Transport to Windsor requires planning, as it’s not included in the tour price.
• Timing may vary for the Changing of the Guard, so check schedules before your visit.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Tour Overview

The tour begins at The Ritz London on Piccadilly at 10 a.m., a centrally located spot easy to reach via public transit. From there, the guide leads you on a small-group walking tour through Westminster, a part of London packed with history and grandeur. The tour lasts approximately six hours, covering the highlights of Westminster and culminating with a visit to Windsor Castle.

Walking Tour in Westminster

Buckingham Palace is the first major stop, where you’ll stroll through Green Park and admire the Queen’s official residence. If your timing aligns, you might catch the famous Changing of the Guard—a spectacle of precision and tradition. The guide will share stories about the Royal Family and the palace’s history, making it much more engaging than simply looking at a building.

Next, the tour moves to Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. The atmosphere here is lively, with street performers and travelers. The guide highlights the square’s significance and its role in London’s cultural life.

You’ll also stop at Horse Guards Parade and enjoy photos of the iconic arch and clock tower, setting a regal tone. Walking past Whitehall, you’ll see government buildings and Downing Street, where British Prime Ministers have resided since 1735—an important reminder of London’s political heartbeat.

The tour’s highlight is Parliament Square, giving you an up-close view of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and the London Eye—all symbols of London. The guide will provide context, helping you appreciate these landmarks beyond their visual appeal.

Westminster Abbey is the final stop before you head off to Windsor, a place that has hosted over a thousand years of royal ceremonies, including coronations and weddings. Although the tour doesn’t include inside access, the exterior views and stories enrich your understanding of British monarchy traditions.

Transition to Windsor Castle

After the walking tour, you’re responsible for getting to Windsor—the train fare isn’t included, but the guide will advise you on the best routes, typically around £10. The journey takes about an hour, but travelers have reported that the logistics can sometimes cause missed connections, so planning ahead is essential.

Once in Windsor, you’ll have around three hours to explore Windsor Castle grounds on your own. Tickets are included, and an audio guide is available, allowing you to wander at your own pace. While the tour doesn’t cover inside the castle with a guide, this free time lets you enjoy the beautiful grounds and surroundings at leisure.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Our reviews highlight that knowledgeable guides like Giles and Will make the sightseeing meaningful, sharing stories that add color to the landmarks. One reviewer called Will an “outstanding guide,” emphasizing the value of a personable storyteller.

However, some travelers felt let down by logistical issues—most notably, the lack of included transportation to Windsor. As one said, “we had no idea that we would have to figure out our own transportation,” which caused them to miss the castle altogether. So, if you’re not comfortable navigating the train system or want a more seamless experience, consider planning your train tickets early.

The small group size (up to 15 people) helps keep the experience intimate and allows for easier interaction with your guide. The tour’s price is fair considering it includes multiple attractions, but remember that lunch and transport costs are on you—packing snacks and planning your train ride is advisable.

The Value of This Tour

This experience offers excellent value if you’re eager to see multiple key sites in one manageable day. The guided component ensures you get stories and context that improve your understanding of London’s royal and political history. The Windsor Castle ticket, combined with the flexibility to explore the grounds afterward, provides a good balance of guided and independent exploration.

It’s important to note that the timing of the Changing of the Guard is only guaranteed on certain days, so if this is a must-see, plan accordingly. Still, the tour’s emphasis on top sights, combined with the personal storytelling, makes it a worthwhile choice for first-time visitors or those short on time.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you love history and legends, and want a guided narrative that makes landmarks more meaningful, you’ll appreciate this tour. It’s ideal for travelers who are comfortable handling their own transportation to Windsor after the tour—if not, consider arranging train tickets in advance.

Those seeking a structured itinerary with a mix of guided and free time will find this approach appealing. It’s especially suited for visitors who value small-group experiences and want a rundown of London’s royal and political architecture in one day.

However, if your main goal is to see inside Windsor Castle or experience the Changing of the Guard on a specific day, double-check the schedule or consider other options. Also, if you prefer all-inclusive packages that handle transport and tickets, you might find this tour less ideal.

FAQ

Is transportation to Windsor included in the tour?
No, transportation from London to Windsor is not included. You’ll need to take a train yourself, with the guide providing advice on routes and tickets.

Can I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, on certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10 a.m.), the tour includes watching this iconic ceremony. Schedule changes by the British Army mean it’s not guaranteed every day.

How long do we spend at Windsor Castle?
You get about three hours to explore Windsor Castle grounds independently, with tickets included and access to an audio guide for self-guided discovery.

What’s included in the tour fee?
The fee covers the guided walking tour of Westminster, entry tickets to Windsor Castle, and a small-group experience. Lunch, drinks, and transport are not included.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 15, allowing for a more personalized experience and easier interaction with your guide.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, most travelers find the sights suitable for older children who enjoy history. Be mindful of the walking pace and the need to handle your own transport to Windsor.

Final Thoughts

This combination tour offers a practical way to see some of London’s most famous sights and Windsor Castle without dedicating days to individual visits. The guided portion through Westminster adds depth and context, turning sightseeing into storytelling. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy a small-group feel and appreciate local insights.

The self-guided Windsor visit provides flexibility, but be prepared for the logistics involved in traveling on your own. For travelers who love history, monarchy, and iconic sights, this tour offers a solid, value-packed day with plenty of memorable moments.

If you’re comfortable coordinating your own transport and want a guided overview of London’s royal and political landmarks, this tour will serve you well. For those wanting a more all-inclusive, door-to-door experience, other options might better suit your needs. But overall, this tour balances entertainment, education, and flexibility—a practical choice for curious travelers eager to see the best of London and Windsor in one day.