Explore the historic charm of Windsor and Oxford on this guided day trip from Cambridge. Travelers will embark on a luxurious mini-coach journey, visiting the town of Windsor and its magnificent castle before continuing to the iconic city of Oxford. With expert guidance and ample free time, this excursion promises an immersive experience into the rich heritage and architectural wonders that have captivated visitors for centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable day out, this guided tour offers an opportunity to uncover the secrets that lie beyond Cambridge’s borders.
Key Points
- Guided day trip from Cambridge to historic Windsor and Oxford, with transportation by luxury mini-coach.
- Tour includes 1.5-hour guided exploration of Windsor town and 2.5-hour visit to Windsor Castle.
- Lunch break in Windsor with options for British, Mediterranean, fine dining, and French cuisine.
- Arrival in Oxford with a short guided walk and 1.5 hours of free time for independent exploration.
- Opportunity to visit iconic landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs in Oxford.
Getting There
The tour departs from Parkside Pools and Gym in Cambridge at 8am, transporting guests by luxury mini-coach.
The 1.5-hour drive takes travelers to the historic town of Windsor. Upon arrival, guests enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour of the town, followed by a 2.5-hour visit to Windsor Castle, the world’s largest occupied castle and official residence of the Queen.
After a lunch break, the group travels to Oxford, which is about a 1-hour drive away. Guests have 1.5 hours of free time to explore the city before an optional 1.5-hour guided tour of the iconic university town.
Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Cambridge England might interest you
Windsor Exploration
After the group arrives in Windsor, they embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour of the town.
Visitors explore the historic streets, discovering the charming shops and cafes. The highlight is the awe-inspiring Windsor Castle, the world’s largest occupied castle and official residence of the Queen.
Visitors wander the historic streets, discovering charming shops and cafes, with the awe-inspiring Windsor Castle as the highlight.
The tour includes entry to the castle, where guests can wander the grand State Apartments and see the impressive St. George’s Chapel, the burial site of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.
The group also has a chance to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, if scheduled during their visit.
Inside Windsor Castle
Once inside Windsor Castle, visitors are awestruck by the grandeur and history that permeates the lavishly decorated State Apartments.
The magnificent State Apartments showcase the art, architecture, and furnishings collected by generations of British monarchs. Visitors explore the Throne Room, St. George’s Hall, and the impressive Queen’s Gallery.
The Castle’s crown jewel is St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of numerous kings and queens, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.
As visitors wander the castle grounds, they feel a sense of living history, immersed in the enduring legacy of the British royal family.
Lunch Break
During the lunch break, visitors are free to explore the charming town of Windsor and discover its array of dining options. Windsor’s high street is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs, offering something to suit every taste and budget. To help guide visitors, here is a table highlighting some popular lunch spots:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range | Rating |
| — | — | — | — |
| The Two Brewers | British | £15-£25 | 4.5/5 |
| Gilbey’s | Mediterranean | £20-£35 | 4.7/5 |
| The Waterside Inn | Fine Dining | £35-£50 | 5/5 |
| Cote Brasserie | French | £12-£20 | 4.4/5 |
After a delightful lunch, visitors can continue their exploration of Windsor and its many historic landmarks.
More Great Tours NearbyArrival in Oxford
The group boards the mini-coach once again, departing Windsor and heading towards the historic city of Oxford.
An hour later, they arrive in the charming university town. The guide leads them on a short walk through the picturesque streets, pointing out landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs.
The group is then given 1.5 hours of free time to explore the city at their own pace. Some choose to visit the Bodleian Library, while others wander through the quaint shops and cafes.
After the free time, those who opt for the guided tour will rejoin the guide for an in-depth look at Oxford’s famous colleges.
Guided Tour of Oxford
For those who opt for the guided tour, the group rejoins the driver-guide to explore Oxford’s famous colleges and landmarks in more depth.
The tour includes:
-
A visit to the renowned Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe.
-
A stroll across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, connecting two college buildings.
-
A glimpse of the magnificent Radcliffe Camera, a stunning circular library building.
The guide offers insights into Oxford’s rich history and architectural wonders, enabling visitors to appreciate the city’s academic legacy.
The tour concludes with additional free time, allowing participants to further discover Oxford’s charming streets and historic atmosphere.
Additional Free Time
After the guided tour, participants are allotted an additional 30 minutes of free time to further explore Oxford’s captivating cityscape.
This concluding segment allows visitors to wander the historic city center at their own pace. Whether browsing the quaint shops, admiring the stunning architecture, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, this free time offers a chance to savor the unique character of Oxford.
With the guidance of the driver-guide fresh in their minds, participants can independently discover new corners of this renowned university town before the return trip to Cambridge.
Return to Cambridge
With the additional time to explore Oxford at their own pace now concluded, it’s time for the tour group to begin the return journey to Cambridge.
The 2-hour drive back to the starting point will include:
-
A brief rest stop en route.
-
The guide providing commentary and answering any final questions from participants.
-
The group arriving back at Parkside Pools and Gym in Cambridge by 8:00 PM, just as the itinerary had indicated.
This concludes the guided day trip from Cambridge to the historic towns of Windsor and Oxford, offering an engaging and efficient way to experience these renowned destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Payment Options for This Day Trip?
The trip offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, along with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The price is from $193.54 per person, payable at the time of booking or upon completion of the tour.
Can We Customize the Itinerary or Tour Duration?
The tour itinerary and duration are fixed, but travelers can opt for an optional guided tour in Oxford. Customizations like adding or removing activities aren’t possible as it’s a pre-designed group day trip from Cambridge.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. Students can receive a 10% discount, while seniors aged 65 and over are eligible for a 5% discount on the tour price.
How Flexible Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This provides participants with the option to change their plans without penalty, offering a convenient and hassle-free experience.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?
The trip’s tour inclusions state that food and drink are not included. Participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though they can purchase refreshments during the scheduled lunch break.
The Sum Up
This guided day trip from Cambridge takes you on a scenic journey to explore the historic towns of Windsor and Oxford. You’ll tour Windsor Castle, the Queen’s official residence, enjoy a delightful lunch, and discover the iconic landmarks of Oxford, including the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library. It’s a memorable experience that allows you to make the most of your time and see two of England’s most renowned destinations in a single day.
You can check availability for your dates here:More City Tours in Cambridge England
More Tour Reviews in Cambridge England
Still browsing? Here are more Cambridge England experiences we've covered recently
- Haunted Stories of Cambridge Private Walking Tour
- The Classic Cambridge Walking Tour
- Cambridge: Women and Queer History Tour
- Cambridge: Private Photography Tour with a Local
- Cambridge Rowing Experience: An EXCITING new experience!
- Cambridge: Punting Tour on the River Cam
- Cambridge: Shared Chauffeured Punting Tour
- Cambridge: English Local Guided Walking Tour
- Cambridge: Chinese University Student-Guided Walking Tour
- Cambridge: Shared Punting Tour With Guide
- Cambridge: Guided River Cam Punting Tour
- Cambridge: City Walking Tour & Exploration Game