Wonderful Westminster Tour & Visit Windsor Castle

Travelers craving a taste of London’s most celebrated landmarks will find this combo tour appealing. It combines an engaging, small-group walking tour of Westminster with a visit to the majestic Windsor Castle, offering a well-rounded peek into British royalty, politics, and history—all in one day. Priced at around $134, this experience promises a blend of sightseeing, storytelling, and royal grandeur, making it a popular choice for those wanting a structured yet authentic day out.

One of the standout features? The expert guides, who bring London’s stories alive with wit and insights. Plus, the opportunity to see Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, and Westminster Abbey up close adds a layer of richness to the day. On the downside, the tour doesn’t include transportation to Windsor, meaning you’ll need to arrange your own train ticket, which some travelers found a bit inconvenient. Still, for those who enjoy a bit of independent exploration alongside guided insights, this tour fits quite well.

If you enjoy history, architecture, and royal sites—and don’t mind navigating public transport—the tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without feeling rushed, thanks to the well-paced itinerary and knowledgeable guides. Let’s break down what you can expect and whether this experience suits your travel style.

Key Points

• Comprehensive sightseeing of London’s iconic Westminster landmarks with expert guidance
• Entry included to Windsor Castle, saving you money and hassle at the gate
• Small-group tour ensures a more personal, engaging experience
• Flexible timing to enjoy Windsor Castle at your own pace after the walking tour
• Transport to Windsor is not included, so plan ahead for train tickets
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and local tips

An Overview of the Experience

This tour offers a strategic combo: a detailed walking tour of Westminster’s most famous sights, followed by a trip to Windsor Castle—both very different but equally evocative symbols of Britain’s royal and political history. Starting at The Ritz London, the tour kicks off at 10:00 am, with the guide leading you through the heart of Westminster.

The best part? The small-group format—no more than 15 people—creates a vibe where questions are welcomed, and the guide can tailor the storytelling. First, you’ll explore the exterior of Buckingham Palace, where your guide shares stories of royal tradition, especially if you’re lucky enough to see the Changing of the Guard (not guaranteed daily, but scheduled on certain days). Seeing Buckingham Palace from the Royal Mews to the Royal Mall provides a sense of the scale and grandeur of British royalty.

From there, the tour hits Trafalgar Square, with its famous Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery, offering perfect photo ops and a chance to learn about London’s artistic heart. Strolling through Whitehall, you’ll view the historic Horse Guards Parade and the iconic Whitehall buildings, including Downing Street—home to the Prime Minister.

Next up is Parliament Square, where you’ll get a close-up view of the Palace of Westminster, the Big Ben clock tower, and the nearby London Eye. Your guide will share stories about the political heart of London, making the place come alive with anecdotes. A short walk takes you to Westminster Abbey, an architectural marvel where British monarchs have been crowned for centuries.

The Windsor Castle Segment

After soaking up Westminster’s sights, you’ll leave the city behind (on your own) for Windsor. The tour includes an entry ticket to Windsor Castle, but not the train fare, which costs approximately £10. The journey takes around an hour by train, and your guide will advise on how to get there.

Once at Windsor, you’ll explore the castle grounds and interiors with an audio guide included in your ticket, giving you flexibility and independence to spend about three hours discovering the Queen’s weekend residence, St. George’s Chapel, and the surrounding grounds. The reviews indicate that many travelers found this part of the tour a highlight, especially for the historic architecture and the chance to walk through the castle’s storied halls.

What Travelers Say

From detailed reviews, several points stand out. Guide Will, for example, received praise for his wit and knowledge, making the walking tour both fun and informative. However, some reviews mention frustrations over the lack of included transportation to Windsor—one reviewer noted missing the castle due to a missed train, which underscores the importance of planning ahead if you want a smooth experience.

Another reviewer appreciated the storytelling about Queen Victoria and the royal influence she wielded, highlighting how the guides make history accessible without sounding overly dry. Conversely, a few travelers expressed disappointment when they couldn’t see the Changing of the Guard due to schedule clashes like a marathon, emphasizing that some elements are dependent on external factors.

The feedback suggests that the guides’ storytelling quality and the views of key landmarks make this a worthwhile experience. The value is particularly high when considering the included Windsor Castle entrance, which would otherwise be a separate expense.

The Practical Side of the Tour

The tour begins at The Ritz London, a convenient central meeting point, and ends in Windsor, with all the details on how to get back to your accommodation provided after the castle visit. The duration is roughly 6 hours, with about 2 hours of walking and 3 hours at Windsor.

The small-group format enhances intimacy and allows guides to personalize sections of the tour. The cost per person averages around $134, which includes the guided Westminster experience, tickets to Windsor Castle, and the chance to learn from passionate guides. Keep in mind, however, that transportation to Windsor is separate, and travelers have mentioned that this is not included in the package.

Lunch and drinks aren’t included—so packing a snack or planning a quick stop in Windsor is advisable. The tour’s maximum group size of 15 helps keep it manageable and lively, but some reviews point out that the schedule can feel a little rushed if you’re not prepared.

The Balance of Value and Experience

Considering the price, the tour offers good value—especially if you’re keen to see multiple major sights without booking individual tickets or guides. The included Windsor Castle entrance is a significant bonus, saving you the hassle and extra cost. However, the lack of transport inclusion and some scheduling uncertainties (like the changing of the guard schedule or missing the train) require some planning on your part.

The guides, such as Giles, Will, and Jason, are generally praised for their storytelling and friendliness, making the experience more engaging than just a self-led day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and first-time visitors eager to get a rundown of Westminster’s highlights and Queen Victoria’s iconic Windsor Castle. It’s ideal for those who enjoy small-group settings, personalized storytelling, and a mix of structured sightseeing with some independence in Windsor.

If you prefer a fully guided experience with transport included, or if you’re traveling with limited time and want a more streamlined, all-in-one package, you might want to explore other options. However, if you’re comfortable with a bit of independent travel to Windsor and value expert guides and tickets included, this tour hits many of the right notes.

This combined tour offers a well-rounded exploration of some of London’s most famous sites, paired with the chance to see Windsor Castle, a quintessential symbol of British royalty. The value is amplified by the included Windsor ticket and the knowledgeable, engaging guides who bring history to life. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want a detailed overview of Westminster and a flexible visit to Windsor.

While it does require some planning—particularly around transportation—it largely succeeds in delivering an authentic, insightful experience. The small-group size fosters intimacy, and the itinerary balances sightseeing with storytelling, making it suitable for those eager to learn and see in a single day.

In sum, if your travel style favors guided insight, historic landmarks, and a taste of royal splendor, this tour is a smart, value-packed option to consider.

Does the tour include transportation to Windsor?
No, transportation to Windsor is not included. You’ll need to purchase train tickets separately, which cost approximately £10, and your guide will advise on the best way to get there.

What landmarks will I see during the walking tour?
You’ll visit Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, and Parliament itself. You’ll get an up-close view of Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, and other historic buildings.

Is the Changing of the Guard included?
Yes, if the schedule aligns, you can watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which takes place on certain days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 10 am). Your guide will try to secure a good viewing spot.

How long do I get at Windsor Castle?
You’ll have approximately 3 hours to explore Windsor Castle and its grounds using the included audio guide, giving you plenty of time to see the main attractions at your own pace.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience personable and allows the guide to engage more directly.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. Travelers are encouraged to bring snacks or plan to eat in Windsor after the tour.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

This tour offers an enriching balance of guided storytelling and independent exploration, ideal for travelers eager to see London’s royal and political landmarks without overloading the day. Just remember to coordinate your train travel to Windsor to make the most of this experience.