Windsor Castle Tour from London with Lunch or London Eye Upgrade

Travelers looking to experience a slice of royal grandeur and historic charm often find Windsor Castle on their must-see list. This day trip from London offers a convenient way to visit Britain’s oldest occupied castle without the hassle of train journeys or complicated planning. With options to include a traditional pub lunch or a view-enhancing ride on the London Eye, this tour promises a balanced mix of history, entertainment, and authentic local flavor.

One of the highlights we particularly appreciate is the independent exploration of Windsor Castle—it lets you take your time in the State Apartments and St. Georges Chapel, soaking in the royal ambiance at your own pace. However, a potential drawback is that the tour’s timing can feel rushed for some, especially if you want to linger longer in the charming town of Windsor. This experience is ideal for those who want a structured yet flexible day trip that blends history with leisure and some tasty bites.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned coach from central London makes the journey smooth and climate-controlled.
• Independent castle visit: Explore Windsor Castle at your own pace, with entry included to key areas like the State Apartments and St. Georges Chapel.
• Flexible options: Choose between a traditional pub lunch or an upgrade to the London Eye for panoramic city views.
• Authentic town experience: Free time in Windsor allows for browsing local shops, visiting Shakespeare’s reputed house, or just enjoying the riverside scenery.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviews highlight guides like Magnus and Alan, who share interesting facts and keep the trip engaging.
• Efficient logistics: Meeting points are central and accessible, with clear timings and a maximum group size of 50 travelers.

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

The Drive to Windsor and What You’ll Hear

The journey from London is roughly 6.5 hours, including travel time, but it’s not just a boring bus ride. Your guide will regale you with stories about Windsor’s 1,000 years of royal presence—William the Conqueror’s initial construction, its use by Queen Elizabeth II as a weekend retreat, and the many royal events hosted here. Multiple reviews praise guides like Magnus for their wealth of knowledge and ability to make the history come alive during the bus ride, giving you context before you step inside.

Inside Windsor Castle: What’s Worth Seeing

Once at Windsor, the freedom to explore independently is a big plus. You’ll access areas like the State Apartments, filled with impressive art—including works by Canaletto and Rembrandt—and historical furniture. Many reviews mention how the rooms vary in purpose, from grand halls to private chambers, and how the experience is made richer by guides’ commentary. A recurring highlight is St. Georges Chapel, the burial site of 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII, with its soaring Gothic architecture.

Some reviews note that, on certain days, the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House might be open instead if the State Apartments are closed—an interesting alternative for dollhouse enthusiasts or history buffs. But overall, visitors commend the well-preserved interiors and the chance to see the rooms where 39 monarchs have resided or visited.

Free Time in Windsor: A Town Full of Charms

After the castle, you get a generous amount of free time to wander through Windsor’s streets. It’s a riverside town with a cozy, traditional feel, perfect for browsing local shops or snapping photos of the historic buildings. One reviewer pointed out the house where Shakespeare is believed to have written “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” adding a literary touch to the visit. If you’re a history buff, the town itself is part of the experience, with its quaint cafés and scenic views alongside the Thames River.

The Optional Lunch or London Eye Upgrade

Post-visit, the tour concludes with an optional pub lunch at The Jugged Hare, located near Victoria station. Many travelers enjoy the hearty fish and chips, considered good value and delicious, with reviews describing the pub as clean and cozy. Some noted that the lunch is in London, not Windsor, which was slightly disappointing for a few, but overall, the quality of the food and the relaxed atmosphere received praise.

Alternatively, you can opt to upgrade your experience with a ticket to the London Eye. This European tallest observation wheel offers sweeping views of the city, giving a different perspective of London’s skyline. The 30-minute ride is a favorite among those who want a visual overview of London and its landmarks, especially on clear days.

The Trip Logistics and Practicalities

Itinerary Breakdown

• Windsor Castle (3 hours): Includes entry to the castle, the State Apartments, and St. George’s Chapel. Considering reviews, you’ll likely get a decent amount of time to explore, but some felt it could be longer. The guides’ commentary enriches the experience, and many appreciated being able to watch the changing of the guard or hear the band perform, as one guest shared.

• Town exploration: Free time to browse shops, visit Shakespeare’s house, or just soak in the riverside atmosphere. As a practical tip, bring some cash for souvenirs or snacks.

• Return journey and lunch or London Eye: About 45 minutes for the pub lunch or the 30-minute eye ride, plus travel back to central London, ending near Victoria station.

Transportation and Group Size

The air-conditioned coach is praised for its comfort, and with a maximum of 50 travelers, the group isn’t too overwhelming. The meeting point at Victoria Coach Station is centrally located, making it accessible for most travelers. The start time of 7:45 am means an early start, but this is typical for day trips to make the most of your day.

Cost and Value

At $133.04 per person, the tour offers decent value—entry to Windsor Castle alone is significant, and the flexibility of guided commentary, plus the optional extras, appeals to a broad range of travelers. The reviews reflect a mix of perceptions—some find it worth the price, especially for the guided insights and the convenience, while others feel that the lunch options and timing could be more generous.

Authentic Experiences: What Do Reviewers Say?

One consistent theme is the praise for knowledgeable guides like Magnus, Alan, and Leon, who make the history engaging. Guests also commend the stunning views from the castle and the opportunity to see a working royal residence—something many cherish when visiting Windsor.

The food at the pub is another highlight, with several reviewers calling it “delicious” and “hearty,” although some note that the lunch being in London rather than Windsor was a tiny inconvenience. The London Eye upgrade also scores points for the breathtaking views, particularly when clear weather prevails.

However, some reviews mention disorganized moments, such as delays or confusion at the meeting point, or feeling rushed during the castle tour. These seem to be occasional hiccups rather than the norm, but they’re worth considering if you’re a meticulous planner.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive yet flexible day trip to Windsor without the hassle of train travel. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided commentary but also value free time to explore independently. Food lovers will appreciate the pub lunch, while those seeking panoramic city views will enjoy the London Eye upgrade.

If you’re a history enthusiast or a fan of royal palaces, you’ll find this tour offers a good balance of content, leisure, and authentic British charm. However, if you prefer longer, more immersive visits or are on a tight schedule, you might find the timing a bit constrained.

Final Thoughts

This Windsor Castle tour from London delivers an excellent way to experience one of Britain’s most iconic royal residences with minimal fuss. The opportunity to explore independently, combined with knowledgeable guides and optional extras, makes it a flexible choice for a wide range of travelers.

The value for money, especially considering the entry tickets and guided commentary, makes it a solid option for those keen to learn about royal history while enjoying a scenic day out. The pub lunch is a hit among food lovers, while the London Eye upgrade offers a stunning perspective of London’s skyline.

For those who like to balance structured sightseeing with free time and a taste of local life, this tour hits the right notes. Just be prepared for an early start and some busy moments at the castle—most agree it’s well worth it for the memories created.

FAQs

Is there hotel drop-off or pick-up? No, the tour starts at Victoria Coach Station and ends there as well. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from the meeting points.

What’s included in the price? Entry to Windsor Castle, access to St. Georges Chapel, and the guide and coach services are included. The lunch and London Eye upgrade are optional extras.

How long is the free time in Windsor? You’ll have enough time to explore the town and visit key sites, but reviews suggest it might not be long enough to see everything in detail.

Can I visit Windsor Castle on a day when it’s closed? If the State Apartments are closed, you can visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House instead, according to the itinerary.

What’s the recommended group size? The tour is limited to 50 travelers, which helps keep it manageable and allows for better interaction with guides.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels? Yes, but travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as some walking and standing are involved.

Are the guides knowledgeable? Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for their interesting, friendly, and informative commentary.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time, making it a flexible option if plans change.

Whether you’re after a straightforward royal experience or a scenic day out with tasty bites, this Windsor Castle trip from London offers a practical, enjoyable way to see one of the UK’s most beloved landmarks.