Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour

This guided day trip offers a rich taste of royal life, taking you through two of the United Kingdom’s most renowned residences: Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Designed for those who love history, architecture, and a touch of regal glamour, this tour packs an impressive punch for a reasonable price of $136 per person.

From the moment you meet your guide outside Victoria Station to the final views of Windsor, you’ll experience the grandeur and history that define Britain’s monarchy. What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, you gain entry to the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, a rare opportunity since they’re only open to the public for about 8 weeks a year. Second, Windsor Castle’s sprawling grounds and opulent interiors reveal why it’s still a favorite weekend retreat for the King. Third, the comfortable coach transportation makes it easy to sit back and enjoy the scenic ride through the lush English countryside.

One consideration? The tour is unescorted after the initial entry, meaning you’ll need to navigate the sites independently or with your audio guides. While this offers freedom, it also requires a bit of self-planning and navigation, especially at Windsor.

This experience suits travelers eager to see the royal residences without the hassle of planning multiple visits, those interested in UK history and architecture, and anyone who appreciates the convenience of an organized tour.

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Key Points

Exclusive access: You visit the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, open only 8 weeks a year.
Comfortable travel: The air-conditioned coach ensures a relaxing journey between sites.
Self-guided exploration: Audio guides in multiple languages help you understand the significance of each site.
Rich history: Windsor Castle’s buildings, gardens, and chapel offer a glimpse into centuries of monarchy.
Time efficiency: The tour balances viewing both sites comfortably within a day.
Price & value: At $136, it offers entry to iconic attractions with transportation included, making it a practical choice for a royal-themed day out.

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The Itinerary in Detail

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Starting Point and Arrival at Buckingham Palace

Your day begins outside the King’s Gallery in Victoria at 9:45 am, where a Golden Tours representative greets you. This quick check-in process helps streamline the start of your royal adventure. From here, it’s a five-minute walk to Buckingham Palace, where your special timed entry ushers you inside.

Buckingham Palace: A Glimpse into Royal Elegance

Once inside, you’ll explore the magnificent State Rooms, which are used for official events and entertaining. The use of multimedia guides ensures you grasp the significance of each room, from the stunning ballroom to the throne room. While you can’t take photos indoors, mobile phones are permitted in the palace garden, giving you a chance to snap some pictures of the exterior and lush surroundings.

Reviewers mention the grandeur of the rooms, with one noting, “Seeing the rooms used on official occasions was a true highlight.” The South Garden walk at the end offers a peaceful moment after the opulence indoors.

Transition to Windsor Castle

By approximately 12:45 pm, you’ll make your own way to Bulleid Way for the 1 pm departure to Windsor. Your driver will take you directly to Windsor Castle, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic drive through the English countryside. This flexibility in timing makes the transition smooth and stress-free.

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Windsor Castle: A Prince’s Retreat

Upon arrival, audio guides in various languages help you navigate the sprawling grounds. The State Apartments are a highlight here, housing artworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci, which showcase the royal collection’s impressive breadth. The Chapel of St. George is an atmospheric space, and while it’s the final resting place for monarchs like Henry VIII, visitors should note that it’s closed on Sundays due to church services.

Queen Mary’s Dolls House is a standout feature, with a level of detail that amazes many. It features working lifts, running water, and electricity—tiny but technically impressive! Visitors often describe it as “absolutely surreal” given the miniatures’ realism.

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End of the Day

The tour concludes around 5:30 pm back at Kensington, giving you a full day of royal exploration. Since the tour is unescorted afterward, you’re free to linger in Windsor or head back to London at your own pace.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to planning separate visits, this organized trip saves you the hassle of transportation, tickets, and navigation. The entry to both residences is included, and the multimedia guides enrich your understanding of each site. Although you’re on your own after the initial entry, many reviews highlight the straightforward nature of self-guided exploration, especially with audio guides in multiple languages.

The scenic coach ride through the British countryside is a pleasant bonus, giving you a glimpse of what lies beyond London. The comfort of air-conditioning and the relaxed schedule make it suitable for all ages, though it’s worth noting that pushchairs aren’t permitted inside the State Rooms, and you’ll need to check them in.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want an organized, hassle-free way to see two of Britain’s most iconic royal sites. It’s ideal if you’re interested in history and architecture but prefer a flexible, self-guided approach. Families with older children, history buffs, and those short on time will find this tour particularly appealing.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive royal experience with the convenience of transportation and entry included, this tour offers great value. Just remember, it doesn’t include meals or hotel pickup, so plan accordingly.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation to Windsor Castle via air-conditioned coach, starting from Victoria station.

Can I buy tickets for Buckingham Palace separately?
Tickets purchased from Golden Tours are valid for entry to Buckingham Palace, but they cannot be converted into a 1-Year Pass.

What should I know about mobility access?
Clients requiring mobility access must book directly with Buckingham Palace 14 days in advance. Pushchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms but can be checked in.

Are there any restrictions on photography?
Photography isn’t allowed inside Buckingham Palace, but mobile phones can be used in the palace gardens.

What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket grants access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Windsor Castle, plus multimedia guides available in multiple languages.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and beverages are not included in the tour price.

What happens if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Can I bring a baby or small children?
Baby-carriers are available for loan, but pushchairs are not allowed in the State Rooms.

How long does each site take?
The visit to Buckingham Palace lasts about 1.5 hours, and Windsor Castle’s exploration is flexible, depending on your pace, but the overall tour lasts until approximately 5:30 pm.

Final Thoughts

This Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle tour offers an accessible, well-organized way to experience two of Britain’s most revered royal homes. The combination of historic interior visits, the chance to see priceless artworks, and the stunning views of Windsor’s gardens make it a well-rounded experience for those interested in British tradition and architecture.

The multimedia guides enhance the storytelling, ensuring you get context without being overwhelmed. The convenience of coach transportation and the opportunity to explore independently afterward make it a practical choice for a full royal day out.

While it’s best suited for those who enjoy a self-guided approach and don’t mind the lack of a guided tour inside the sites, it’s a memorable experience that balances value with depth. If you want to see iconic residences without the fuss of planning every detail, this tour is a smart, engaging option.

To sum it up, whether you’re a royal enthusiast or simply curious about Britain’s regal heritage, this tour delivers a comprehensive, enjoyable, and visually stunning exploration of two of the most famous royal residences. It’s a fantastic way to step into the world of monarchs, art, and history—all in a single, well-paced day.