Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour from London

Exploring London’s royal landmarks in one day sounds ambitious, and this tour promises just that — a full day of regal sights, historic tales, and memorable moments. Offered by Premium Tours, this experience combines visits to Windsor Castle, the oldest continually occupied castle in the world, with a trip to Buckingham Palace, the iconic home of the British monarchy. For those who love history, architecture, and a touch of royal glamour, it’s an appealing package.

What’s particularly engaging about this tour is the way it balances guided commentary with independent exploration. We especially appreciated the knowledgeable guides—like Tom, who kept the group entertained and informed—making the experience more than just ticking off sightseeing spots. However, with a total duration of around 8.5 hours, the schedule can feel quite packed, which might be a consideration if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a structured, accessible way to see two of Britain’s most famous royal residences without the hassle of navigating public transport or booking separate tickets. If you’re a history buff, a royal enthusiast, or simply want to tick off these must-see landmarks in one go, it’s a practical choice. Just keep in mind that some aspects—like entering the State Apartments—are self-guided, so don’t expect a full guided tour inside the palaces.

Key Points

• Convenient transport from London simplifies the logistics of visiting Windsor and Buckingham Palace.
• Independent exploration at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace allows for personal pacing.
• Expert guides provide valuable context but do not enter the State Apartments with you.
• Time management is essential; some reviewers noted that Windsor Castle can be enjoyed in about 2 hours, but the tour allocates longer.
• Authentic experiences such as seeing St. George’s Chapel and the Royal Collection offer a glimpse into royal life.
• Value for money is generally recognized, given the inclusion of transportation, entry tickets, and the guided commentary.

Exploring Windsor Castle and Windsor Village

Once you meet your guide at Victoria Coach Station early in the morning, the journey begins. The air-conditioned coach whisks you out of central London into the historic town of Windsor, home to the world’s oldest occupied castle. The drive itself is a good chance to get your bearings and listen to snippets of the castle’s story—originally built by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for over 900 years.

Upon arrival, you’re free to explore Windsor Castle independently. The highlight? Walking through the State Apartments, which are lavishly decorated with priceless art, historic treasures, and sumptuous furnishings. You can also stroll the castle grounds at your leisure, soaking in the architecture and gardens, all while contemplating over a thousand years of royal stories.

Reviewers like JoannM_F appreciated the guided commentary, noting: “Lisa was very informative and we loved both Palaces.” However, some travelers, like Godric_B, wished for less waiting time and quicker visits. The castle can be comfortably explored in about two hours, but with the tour’s schedule, you’ll have around three hours for Windsor—enough to see the key sights without rushing.

A visit to St. George’s Chapel adds a poignant touch, as it’s the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and the site of Harry and Meghan’s wedding. The gothic architecture and spiritual significance make this part of the visit quite special, even if you’re on your own to explore.

The Royal Heritage of Windsor

One aspect that many travelers appreciated was the chance to learn about Windsor’s long history as a royal residence and its role in royal ceremonies. Our guide, Tom, shared fascinating tidbits about the castle’s evolution and its significance in British life. You’ll enjoy seeing the Guard changing ceremony (if timing allows), which adds a dash of pageantry to the day.

While you’re exploring, you might find that Windsor’s charming town is worth a visit in its own right, with boutique shops and cozy cafés. Some reviewers noted that the town could easily fill a full day, so if you’re a history lover or a fan of quaint English villages, consider extending your visit.

Transitioning to Buckingham Palace

After returning to London, usually passing by Harrods (a great photo opportunity), your focus shifts to Buckingham Palace. Here, you’ll have access to the State Rooms, which are used by the royal family during official events and receptions. The self-guided audio tour enriches your visit, allowing you to learn about the rooms’ history and view treasures like exquisite paintings, porcelain, and royal finery.

The highlight here is the chance to see the special exhibition, which changes annually, offering a unique glimpse into royal life beyond the usual State Rooms. Reviewers like Nancy_B and Melissa_T found the palace’s interiors stunning, praising the grandeur and the exquisite artwork, despite wishing they could snap photos inside.

Note: The tour does not include guided commentary inside the State Rooms, which some visitors found a little disappointing, especially given the tour’s price. However, the audio guide helps fill that gap, providing background and stories about the furnishings and artworks.

Practical Details and Experience Highlights

The entire day is designed for convenience. The coach is air-conditioned, and the group size is capped at around 50 travelers, striking a balance between socializing and personal space. The start time is early (7:45 am), which means you’ll beat some of the crowds, but also that you might need to get up a bit earlier.

The tour costs approximately $182.42 per person, which covers transportation, entry tickets, and the guides. While there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, the well-organized meeting point at Victoria Coach Station makes it straightforward, especially if you’re already staying in central London.

Most reviews agree that the guides are a highlight—knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share stories. For example, Tom and Clive received praise for their humor and insight, making history engaging rather than dry. The guide’s commentary is especially helpful at Windsor, where the grounds are expansive, and some areas are self-guided.

However, some reviewers mentioned that the bus wasn’t particularly comfortable for tall travelers, and that the schedule can be tight, leaving little time to linger in each location. If you’re someone who loves wandering and taking your time, this tour might feel hurried.

Value and Overall Impression

Considering the cost, this tour offers a solid mix of convenience, access, and guided storytelling. For travelers who prefer to see two major royal landmarks without the hassle of planning train tickets or managing transport on their own, it’s a good deal. The tickets to Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace are included, and the transportation means you’ll avoid lines and logistical stress.

That said, the experience leans toward a structured, guided approach rather than an in-depth, leisurely exploration of each site. If you’re seeking a deep dive into every room or a guided tour inside the palaces, this might not fully satisfy. But if you’re content with an overview, some free time, and expert commentary, it’s quite a practical choice.

This tour offers a well-organized way to tick two of England’s most iconic royal residences off your list. The inclusion of transportation, entry tickets, and guided commentary provides good value and helps make the experience smooth and informative. The flexibility to explore independently at Windsor and Buckingham Palace is a plus, allowing for personal engagement with the surroundings.

It’s perfect for travelers who want a full-day, hassle-free glimpse into royal life without the complexity of planning every detail. History buffs, royal enthusiasts, or those wanting to maximize their sightseeing time in London will find this tour particularly appealing.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, or a fully guided inside experience, you might consider other options. The tour succeeds in combining convenience, informative guidance, and authentic sights, making it a worthwhile addition to your London itinerary.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is at Victoria Coach Station, which is easily accessible by public transport.

How long do I get to explore Windsor Castle?
You have about three hours total, which includes a guided visit to the State Apartments and the grounds. Windsor Castle can normally be seen comfortably in around two hours, but the schedule allows for some extra time.

Are inside guides available during the palace visits?
No, guides do not accompany visitors inside the State Apartments at Windsor or Buckingham Palace. Instead, an audio guide is provided for Buckingham Palace, and you explore Windsor independently.

What are the main highlights at Windsor Castle?
Key highlights include the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel—where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed—and the castle’s grounds, which have been a royal residence for over 900 years.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable footwear is a must, given the walking involved. An umbrella or raincoat might be helpful, especially at Windsor, as some reviews mention waiting outside in the open. Also, bring your camera (but note photos are not allowed inside the palaces).

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins. You’ll get a full refund if you cancel in time.

This tour offers a practical and engaging way to experience some of Britain’s most iconic royal sites. With knowledgeable guides, good value, and the convenience of transportation, it’s a solid option for those wanting to combine sightseeing with comfort. Just remember, it’s a busy day—so pack your curiosity and patience!