Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge Tour

Experience the Best of London and Stonehenge in One Day

If you’re craving a taste of royalty and ancient mystery, this Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge tour offers a well-rounded day exploring some of England’s most iconic sights. For around $137, you get to witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms—opened just for a few weeks each year—and stand in awe of the mysterious stones of Stonehenge. With a duration of about 11 hours, this trip combines cultural insight, fascinating history, and some scenic driving through the English countryside.

What we particularly loved about this tour are two details: first, the special timed entry into Buckingham Palace, which means you skip lines and get a deeper look into the world of British royalty — useful in a city where queues can stretch long. Second, the comfortable coaches with free Wi-Fi make the long drive between sites surprisingly enjoyable. On the flip side, a common concern is that the schedule can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re eager to linger at each site.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a guided experience that hits both regal and prehistoric highlights without the hassle of planning transport or tickets. It suits those who appreciate structured tours but still want some free time to explore on their own. If you’re interested in British royalty, history, or ancient mysteries, this could be a memorable day for you.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Priority access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms with a special timed entry.
• In-depth visit to the mystical monument of Stonehenge with audio guides available.
• Comfortable transportation with free Wi-Fi on an air-conditioned coach.
• Flexible multilingual guides available in 11 languages for context and commentary.
• Excellent reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and scenic views.
• Potential time constraints at Stonehenge might leave you feeling a bit rushed.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day with Royal Grandeur

Your journey begins at 9:45 am outside the Queen’s Gallery in Victoria, where a Golden Tours representative will meet you. From there, it’s a short 5-minute walk to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll start your royal encounter. The highlight here is the special timed entry into the State Rooms—a rare peek into the private spaces where the British monarchy hosts official functions. Since the State Rooms are only open about eight weeks a year, this is a chance to see rooms decorated with exquisite art, luxurious furnishings, and regal tapestries.

We loved the way the audio guide enhanced the visit by providing detailed explanations of each room, making the experience more meaningful than just walking through. You’ll marvel at the Ballroom, where official events are held, and the Throne Room, which, despite not being used for coronations, still carries royal significance. The walk through the South Garden provides a peaceful break from the grandeur inside, offering a green space with views that contrast beautifully with the palace’s ornate interiors.

Transition to Stonehenge

By around 12:30 pm, you’re encouraged to make your way to Bulleid Way in Victoria for the afternoon departure at 1:00 pm. Your coach, equipped with Wi-Fi and comfortable seats, transports you out of London into the Salisbury Plain for your visit to Stonehenge. The journey itself offers a scenic view of the British countryside and an opportunity to chat with fellow travelers or enjoy the onboard commentary.

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Mystifying Stonehenge

Arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage site, you’re greeted with the chance to walk freely around the axially aligned stone circle, which has puzzled historians and visitors alike for over 5,000 years. The audio guides available in multiple languages will help you understand the many theories about its purpose—from a religious site, to an astronomical observatory, or a burial ground.

We appreciated that the visit allowed ample time for wandering and contemplating the stones—though some reviews mention feeling rushed. As one reviewer highlighted, more time at Stonehenge would have been ideal, but the tight schedule was likely intended to maximize sightseeing. Still, standing among those colossal stones, you can’t help but feel a connection to ancient peoples who built something so enduring.

Scenic Return and Final Notes

The tour wraps up between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm back in Kensington, giving you a full day of sightseeing without the need for planning or stress. It’s a long day, but the combination of royal history and prehistoric mystery makes it worthwhile.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation and Comfort

The coaches provide free Wi-Fi, which is a surprisingly nice touch during the long drive. The seats are generally comfortable—though one reviewer humorously noted that they might be some of the “least comfortable seats,” which could be a consideration if you’re sensitive to long hours on a bus.

Entrance and Timing

Your timed entry into Buckingham Palace ensures you avoid long lines, but you’ll need to arrive promptly at 9:45 am. Inside, photography isn’t allowed, and certain items like baby strollers are not permitted in the State Rooms, so plan accordingly. The audio guide is available in 11 languages, making it accessible for international visitors.

Cost and Value

At $137.39 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the included access to both Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Stonehenge. Private guides aren’t included—this is an unescorted visit inside the palace, which some might miss if they prefer more personalized commentary. Still, the guided logistics and organized schedule save time and hassle.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the scenic views. One reviewer loved the flexibility of having time to explore Buckingham Palace on their own after the tour, suggesting a good balance of guided and free time. Others mention feeling rushed at Stonehenge, highlighting the importance of managing expectations for such a packed day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history buffs or those interested in British royalty who want to see the palace’s interior. It’s also ideal for travelers curious about Stonehenge, eager to understand its mysteries with the help of audio guides. The tour’s organized nature makes it perfect for those who prefer not to worry about transport logistics or ticket lines.

However, if you prefer more time at each site or a more personalized experience, you might find this tour somewhat hurried. Also, those who dislike long bus rides could consider whether the duration fits their comfort level.

Final Thoughts

In sum, the Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Britain’s royal and ancient past. With timed access to the State Rooms, you avoid long lines and gain a deeper appreciation of the monarchy’s history. The visit to Stonehenge allows you to connect with one of the world’s most enigmatic monuments, enhanced by available audio guides in multiple languages.

While the schedule can push you through quickly—particularly at Stonehenge—the overall experience is engaging and educational. The comfortable transportation and scenic drives help balance the busy day. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see two of Britain’s most famous sites in one go.

If you’re interested in exploring royalty, history, and mystery without the stress of planning every detail, this tour delivers value and memorable sights, making it a worthwhile addition to your London itinerary.

FAQ

Is there a specific start time for the tour?
Yes, the tour starts at 9:45 am outside the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Make sure to arrive on time for check-in.

How long do we spend at Buckingham Palace?
You will visit the State Rooms with special timed entry, which typically lasts about an hour. You also have some free time afterwards to stroll through the South Garden.

Does the tour include a guide inside the sites?
The tour includes audio guides for both Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge, providing detailed commentary in 11 languages. The main group is escorted to and from sites, but the inside of the palace is self-guided via the audio guide.

Are food and drinks included?
No, the tour price does not include food or drinks, so plan to bring snacks or eat before or after the trip.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography is not permitted inside the Palace’s State Rooms. However, photos are allowed in the palace gardens.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or babies?
Babies and strollers are not permitted inside the State Rooms, and baby carriers are available for loan. The tour is best suited for older children and adults.

How long is the coach ride between sites?
The journey from London to Salisbury Plain and back is part of the day’s schedule. The ride is comfortable, and Wi-Fi is available onboard.

What is the ending time of the tour?
The tour concludes approximately between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm back in Kensington, depending on traffic and schedule.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The data doesn’t specify accessibility features. If needed, contact the tour provider directly to confirm.

You can check availability for your dates here: