Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle: Full-Day Tour

Traveling through London and its surroundings often feels like walking through a living storybook, filled with regal splendors and centuries-old architecture. This particular full-day tour of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle promises a chance to get close to the monarchy’s most famous residences—without the hassle of planning all the logistics yourself.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the opportunity to step inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, which are usually closed to the public during most of the year. Second, the chance to explore Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and the ancestral home of the royal family, offering a different vibe than the London palace. Third, the convenience of organized transportation, allowing you to relax and focus on the sights instead of navigating busy streets.

However, one key consideration is the timing. The tour runs for about 10 hours, which makes for a full but sometimes rushed day—especially if you want to linger at each location. Also, riders with mobility challenges should note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility scooters.

This tour is ideal for history lovers, royal enthusiasts, and travelers who prefer a curated experience that covers both the iconic London residence and the historic Windsor site in one day. If you’re looking for a practical, engaging way to see two of the UK’s most famous castles without the stress of planning, it’s a solid choice.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive experience combining Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
• Includes skip-the-line tickets to both royal residences
• Professional guides with extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor
• Roundtrip transportation simplifies logistics and adds comfort
• Self-guided multimedia tours at Windsor offer flexibility
• Not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or large luggage

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Start at Buckingham Palace in the morning, where you’ll meet your guide outside the entrance to The King’s Gallery around 9:15 AM. This is a smart move—skipping the often long queues—thanks to the included ticket. The highlight here is the chance to visit the State Rooms, which are only open during specific times of the year. These rooms are furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, along with exquisite porcelain and fine furniture.

Guests often mention the White Drawing Room as a standout — “perhaps the most beautiful of all the State Rooms, with its spectacular crystal chandelier,” according to reviews. You’ll also see the Music Room and the Throne Room, which have hosted numerous official occasions. One reviewer appreciated how the guide, Omar, “got us in with no wait,” making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

After visiting Buckingham Palace, there’s a brief walk—about 15 minutes—toward the meeting point for the afternoon portion of the tour. This time is perfect for grabbing a quick snack or a coffee in the surrounding area, though lunch isn’t included in the price. Many travelers enjoy about 30-45 minutes of free time in the Victoria area, where they can shop or take photos.

The journey continues to Windsor Castle by comfortable bus, with onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging to pass the time. Windsor is a different kind of royal site — it feels more like a living town than a grand palace, with a picturesque setting and a palpable sense of history. The castle itself occupies over 10 hectares and is still a working royal residence today, hosting state ceremonies and official events.

You’ll explore the State Apartments, which showcase royal art and furnishings reflecting the tastes of various monarchs—particularly Charles II and George IV. Paintings by Holbein, Rubens, and Van Dyck are on display, along with fine porcelain and furniture. Several reviews mention that the self-guided multimedia tour enhances the experience, letting visitors explore at their own pace and learn interesting facts about each room.

A visit to St. George’s Chapel is included in the itinerary when open (it’s closed on Sundays). This chapel is renowned for royal weddings and burials, including Queen Elizabeth II. Visitors often find the architecture and history here particularly moving, especially when they learn about its royal connections.

The Value of the Tour: What You’re Paying For

At roughly $147 per person, this tour offers a lot—especially considering that your ticket for both castles is included, saving you the hassle and cost of purchasing them separately. The guided aspect, along with skip-the-line access, helps avoid long queues—common at these popular sites. The bus ride makes it easy to travel between locations without worrying about transport logistics, and onboard Wi-Fi is a bonus for sharing your photos or catching up on emails.

Some reviews noted the organized and smooth flow of the day—“very organized, easy-flowing trip,” one guest said. Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides who “made the experience fun and informative,” with Omar and Godfrey often singled out for their friendliness and expertise.

That said, the full 10-hour schedule can be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to walking or prefer a more leisurely pace. Plus, the tour doesn’t include lunch, so you’ll want to plan for that during your free time, which could be a bit rushed depending on your timing.

Transportation and Logistics

Transportation is a key highlight here. The roundtrip bus takes you directly from central London to Windsor, removing the stress of navigating transport on your own. Many reviewers describe the bus as comfortable, with amenities like Wi-Fi and USB ports keeping you connected. The meeting points are conveniently located outside Buckingham Palace, though a few found the directions to the second meeting place a bit tricky without GPS, so having a map or navigation app is recommended.

Because the tour starts early in the morning, arriving promptly is essential. The departure point outside The King’s Gallery is easy to find if you arrive a little early. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making planning your day in London straightforward.

Authentic Experiences from Other Travelers

Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendly, helpful attitudes and deep knowledge. One reviewer called their guide “fun and funny,” while others appreciated the “great tips and historical facts” shared throughout the day. The guides seem to make the experience more engaging, especially when navigating large crowds or explaining the significance of each site.

Several reviewers also mentioned that the art collections and interiors exceed expectations, with some saying it was “amazing to see the beautiful & famous rooms” and “worth going to.” The self-guided multimedia tour at Windsor gets specific praise for allowing visitors to explore at their own pace, which many found more satisfying than a strictly guided tour.

Common constructive feedback points to minor logistical issues, like instructions on where to meet after lunch or the long walk between sites, but these rarely detract from the overall positive experience.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who want to see both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle without the hassle of planning separate visits. It’s perfect if you value guided commentary, skip-the-line access, and a comfortable roundtrip transport.

It works well for travelers with moderate mobility, but not for those with mobility impairments or large luggage, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. For history buffs and royal enthusiasts, it offers a comprehensive glimpse into the monarchy’s residences and their art collections.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of grandeur, history, and convenience. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and priority access, it provides good value—especially for those visiting London for a limited time but eager to see these iconic royal landmarks.

You’ll love the chance to walk through the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace and explore the historic, still-functioning Windsor Castle, all in one day. The experience is lively, informative, and relaxed enough to enjoy the splendors at your own pace.

While the schedule can feel a bit packed, the overall package is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a curated royal experience without breaking the bank or stressing about logistics.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes roundtrip transportation by bus from central London to Windsor. The bus is comfortable and equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging ports.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside the entrance to The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace at 9:15 AM and concludes back at the same meeting point later in the day.

Are tickets to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle included?
Yes, both entry tickets are part of the package, allowing you to skip the ticket lines and access the State Rooms and other highlights at each site.

Is lunch included in the price?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have about 30-45 minutes of free time during the day, ideal for grabbing a quick bite nearby.

Can I visit St. George’s Chapel?
Yes, St. George’s Chapel is included when open, but be aware that it is closed on Sundays. It’s a significant part of Windsor Castle’s offerings.

Is this tour suitable for guests with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, no. The tour isn’t designed for wheelchair users or those with mobility scooters, and some walking is required between sites and within the castles.

In brief, this tour balances convenience, insight, and iconic sights to make for a memorable royal day out. It’s especially recommended for first-timers, history fans, or travelers who prefer guided tours that cover the essentials with minimal fuss.

You can check if your dates are available here: