Windsor Castle and Tower of London Tour with Entry Tickets

Traveling through London’s historic royal landmarks can be a truly memorable experience, but tours vary widely in quality and value. This particular offering from Anderson Tours promises a comprehensive day combining two of the UK’s most iconic royal sites: Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. We’ve looked into what travelers can expect, including the ups and downs, to help you decide if this trip is right for you.

What we like about this tour:

• The chance to walk through Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle and an active royal residence.
• The opportunity to see the Crown Jewels and meet the Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London.
• The inclusion of guided commentary that aims to bring each site’s history to life.

A potential drawback: the reviews suggest that ticketing issues can cause last-minute surprises—specifically, problems with securing entry to the Tower of London.

Ideal for: history buffs, royal enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a structured day of sightseeing with knowledgeable guides. If you’re looking for a flexible, self-paced experience, this might not be your best choice.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience combines Windsor Castle and the Tower of London in a single day.
• Guided tours offer insightful commentary but can be affected by logistical issues.
• Entry included with skip-the-line access, saving time at popular sites.
• Transport is via air-conditioned coach, making the long day more comfortable.
• Free time at each site allows for personal exploration and photos.
• Limited accessibility for mobility-impaired or wheelchair users, according to reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at a convenient meeting spot in Earls Court, opposite the Warwick Road exit of the Earls Court Underground Station. It’s a straightforward location for London travelers, especially those staying in central areas, and the coach is air-conditioned, which is a plus for comfort on a potentially busy day. The duration of the entire experience ranges from 5 to 8 hours, depending on the pace and crowds.

A key point here is that the journey is in a group setting, often with a professional guide providing commentary. While this setup is great for those wanting a structured day and expert insights, it’s worth noting that the size of the group can influence your experience, especially during busy periods.

Windsor Castle: The Oldest and Largest Occupied Castle

The first stop on the tour is Windsor Castle, the official residence of King Charles III and the world’s oldest surviving castle still in use. Once you arrive, you’ll pass through a separate entrance with skip-the-line tickets, which helps avoid the long queues that can form at this popular site.

Inside, you’ll explore the State Apartments, which are lavishly decorated and open to visitors on most days, and the St. George’s Chapel, a must-see site where royal weddings and burials have taken place—including Queen Elizabeth II. However, it’s important to check if the Chapel is open that day, as it’s closed on Sundays, and the State Apartments sometimes close on certain days.

One of the highlights is definitely St. George’s Chapel, where you can imagine the royal ceremonies that have taken place there. The Queen’s Doll House and the Royal Collection of Art are other intriguing features, though specific highlights depend on the current exhibitions.

The Dark and Dignified Tower of London

Next, your group heads to the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history stretching over a millennium. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the Crown Jewels, an impressive collection of regalia that signifies monarchy and tradition. The view of the Crown Jewels is usually a favorite, but one review pointed out that waiting in line can be lengthy and unpredictable.

Guided by a Yeoman Warder, often called Beefeaters, you’ll get a lively account of the Tower’s history—ranging from its role as a royal palace and treasury to its darker past involving executions and imprisonment. The legend of the Tower Green, where many notable figures met their fate, adds an emotional layer to the visit.

During your free time, it’s worth wandering around the grounds, taking photos, and soaking up the atmosphere. Reviewers note that the guides’ commentary is often knowledgeable and engaging, helping to paint a vivid picture of the Tower’s complex past.

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Insider Tips and Practical Details

The tour includes transportation by coach and professional guide, which makes for a smooth experience despite the busy sites. However, the reviews highlight a crucial detail: ticketing issues. One reviewer, Stacey, mentioned that Anderson Tours failed to secure tickets for the Tower, leading to a last-minute scramble and delayed entry. She advised future travelers to buy tickets online in advance to avoid this disappointment.

Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, as both sites involve significant walking, as well as rain gear in case of wet weather. Photography restrictions are in place in certain areas—particularly in the Crown Jewels—so be prepared for some limitations on pictures.

The tour ends back at the starting point in Earls Court, making it convenient for those continuing their London adventures.

What’s the Value?

At a glance, the cost covers entry tickets, expert guides, and transportation, which together can be a good deal considering the attractions included. However, the ticketing hiccup experienced by some underscores the importance of planning ahead—especially if visiting during peak times.

While the tour emphasizes guided commentary, the reviews suggest that some visitors found the guides knowledgeable and engaging. The ability to skip lines is also a significant benefit, helping maximize your limited time inside these popular sites.

Budgeting and Extras

The tour does not include food or drinks, so plan to bring water or a snack—especially if you want to avoid spending extra at the sites. There are no included gratuities, and additional purchases like souvenirs or photos are your own choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those wanting a structured day of sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re interested in seeing both Windsor Castle and the Tower of London in one go, and don’t mind the group setting, it’s a practical choice. Remember, due to possible accessibility limitations, people with mobility issues should check in advance.

FAQs

Is transportation provided between sites? Yes, a coach transports you from the meeting point in Earls Court to both Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

How long does the tour last? The duration is typically between 5 and 8 hours, depending on crowd levels and wait times.

Are tickets included? Yes, the tour provides entry tickets to Windsor Castle and the Tower of London, with skip-the-line access.

Can I explore each site on my own? Yes, after the guided portion, there’s free time to explore each site more thoroughly.

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour involves moderate walking and a fair amount of time outdoors, so it may be better suited for older children or teens.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, an umbrella or raincoat, a camera, and water are recommended.

Are there any restrictions I should know? Yes, photography is restricted in some areas, and backpacks are not allowed inside attractions.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the guide service in English only? Yes, the tour is conducted in English.

Will I have enough time at each site? The tour provides a balance of guided commentary and free exploration, but time may be limited depending on crowds and ticket availability.

Final Thoughts

This Windsor Castle and Tower of London tour offers a solid introduction to Britain’s royal past, combining two of the most iconic sites. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets and professional guides adds value, helping you make the most of your day. Nonetheless, potential ticketing issues and accessibility limitations mean it’s wise to plan ahead and consider your personal needs.

If you’re eager to see these historic landmarks with a guided group, and don’t mind some logistical hiccups, this tour could be a rewarding way to experience London’s royal heritage. For those seeking a flexible, self-paced adventure or with accessibility needs, it’s worth exploring other options or preparing in advance.

In summary, this experience is best suited for travelers who value guided insights and want to see both Windsor Castle and the Tower of London in a single day. With some careful planning, particularly around ticketing, it can be a worthwhile, memorable outing—one that captures the essence of British monarchy and history.

You can check availability for your dates here: