Exploring the grandeur of British royal heritage is a must-do for many visitors to London. The Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour offers a seamless way to experience two of the UK’s most iconic landmarks in a single day. Departing from Victoria Coach Station, this well-organized tour provides a chance to explore the opulent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace and the historic Windsor Castle, all while enjoying the convenience of round-trip transportation and knowledgeable guides. For those eager to uncover the rich tapestry of Britain’s royal past, this tour presents an unmissable opportunity.

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Key Points

This tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace in a single day.
The tour includes a self-guided audio tour of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and round-trip transportation to Windsor Castle.
Visitors can expect to spend approximately 3 hours exploring Windsor Castle, including the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel.
The limited time at Buckingham Palace provides a glimpse of the palace’s rich history and the monarchy’s legacy.
The tour also includes a brief pass-by of the iconic Harrods department store on the return journey.

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore two of Britain’s most iconic royal residences, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, in a single day.

You’ll take a self-guided audio tour of Buckingham Palace’s lavish State Rooms and have ample time to discover Windsor Castle’s stunning interiors and St. George’s Chapel.

With round-trip transportation to Windsor Castle, the tour provides convenience and allows you to make the most of your time.

Lasting approximately 8 hours, the tour departs from Victoria Coach Station in central London at 7:45 AM, ensuring an efficient and well-organized experience.

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Exploring Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle stands as the world’s oldest occupied castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1070. Visitors are captivated by its lavishly furnished State Apartments and the stunning St. George’s Chapel, the burial site of 10 sovereigns, including Henry VIII.

What to See	Duration
State Apartments	2 hours
St. George’s Chapel	1 hour

The tour allows approximately 3 hours to explore Windsor Castle fully. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides, but some note the limited time and restrictions on photography. Nevertheless, the castle’s history and grandeur leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Visiting Buckingham Palace

After exploring the grandeur of Windsor Castle, the tour takes visitors to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of Her Majesty the Queen.

Here, guests can take a self-guided audio tour of the opulent State Rooms, which are used for state and public occasions.

The tour showcases treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by renowned artists like Canaletto and Van Dyck.

While the tour only allows 2 minutes at Buckingham Palace, it provides a glimpse into the palace’s rich history and the monarchy’s enduring legacy.

Additional Stops

As the tour makes its way back to London, visitors will have the opportunity to pass by the iconic Harrods department store. Harrods is a world-renowned luxury department store, known for its opulent design and high-end merchandise. While the tour does not include time to stop and explore Harrods, catching a glimpse of its grand exterior can be a satisfying end to the day’s sightseeing.

Attraction	Address	Hours	Entry Fee
Harrods	87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL	Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm Sunday: 11:30am-6pm	Free to enter

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes admission tickets for both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, allowing visitors to explore these iconic landmarks at their own pace.

A local guide accompanies the group but doesn’t go inside the State Apartments, ensuring a self-guided experience.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey convenient.

An audio guide is available for the Buckingham Palace visit, enhancing the self-guided tour.

The tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, streamlining the experience.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can make the most of their day visiting these prestigious royal residences.

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Traveler Insights

Travelers have provided a range of feedback on this Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle tour.

With a 3.9-star rating from 216 reviews, the tour received praise for its knowledgeable and entertaining guides.

However, some visitors noted issues with the disorganized meeting point, suggesting guests arrive early.

While the limited time at Windsor Castle and restrictions on photography inside both attractions disappointed some, others recommended taking the time to soak in the history and beauty of these iconic landmarks.

Meeting Point and End Location

The tour departs from Victoria Coach Station, a 7-minute walk from Victoria Underground Station. This is the meeting point for the day’s adventure.

Once gathered, the group will board an air-conditioned vehicle for the journey to Windsor Castle.

At the end of the tour, the bus will drop off participants at Buckingham Palace Road in central London, near the iconic palace. This convenient location allows travelers to explore the surroundings or continue their day in the city.

The meeting and end points are strategically chosen to maximize the tour experience and provide easy access to public transportation.

Tour Duration and Departure Time

Departing at 7:45 AM from Victoria Coach Station, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours, providing ample time to explore both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.

At Windsor Castle, visitors have 3 hours to discover the lavishly furnished State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel.

Then, the tour continues to Buckingham Palace, where a self-guided audio tour allows guests to experience the opulent State Rooms used for state and public occasions.

With round-trip transportation to Windsor Castle and the convenience of having both top attractions visited in a single day, this tour offers an efficient and comprehensive London sightseeing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Attractions?

Photography is generally not allowed inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms and Windsor Castle due to conservation reasons. However, visitors can take photos outside the attractions to capture the impressive architecture and exteriors.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Luggage Allowed?

There are no restrictions on luggage size, but visitors are advised to bring only small bags or purses. Large suitcases or backpacks may not be allowed inside the attractions due to security measures.

Is the Tour Accessible for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour accommodates travelers with disabilities, with accessible transportation and audio guides. However, accessibility within the historic attractions may be limited, so it’s best to inquire about specific needs when booking.

What Type of Food or Refreshments Are Provided?

No food or refreshments are provided on this tour. Travelers are responsible for bringing their own snacks and drinks as there are no meal stops included. This allows for maximum time to explore the attractions on the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Attractions Beyond the Scheduled Time?

Unfortunately, visitors can’t extend their stay beyond the scheduled tour time. The tour has a strict itinerary, and the guide will need to move the group to the next attraction. Extending your time at the sites isn’t an option on this tour.

The Sum Up

The Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour from London offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Britain’s rich royal heritage. With round-trip transportation, knowledgeable guides, and access to two iconic landmarks, this well-organized tour ensures an efficient and enriching experience. Whether you’re exploring the opulent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace or the historic grandeur of Windsor Castle, this tour provides an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of the British monarchy.