Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle: Full-Day Tour

Looking to blend royal fascination with practical sightseeing? This full-day tour, offered by Evan Evans Tours, promises a well-rounded experience, taking you inside Buckingham Palace and the legendary Windsor Castle. For travelers eager to see the monarchy’s most famous residences without the hassle of planning every detail, this guided excursion offers a neat package—complete with transportation, skip-the-line access, and insightful commentary.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances inside access to the British royal homes with free time to explore the charming town of Windsor. Plus, the comfortable bus ride with Wi-Fi and USB charging makes long stretches between sights feel less like travel and more like part of the experience. One possible drawback, though, is that the timing might feel rushed or inflexible—especially if you’re keen to linger longer at either castle or want a more personalized pace.

This tour suits those who want an efficient, well-organized way to see two of the most visited royal landmarks in one day, especially if you prefer guided trips that handle logistics and ticketing. It’s ideal for travelers who like having some structure but also enough free time for photos, shopping, or a quick bite.

Key Points

• Inside Access to Key Rooms: See the famous State Rooms of Buckingham Palace and the magnificent State Apartments of Windsor Castle.
• Expert Guided Tour: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories, facts, and tips.
• Convenient Transportation: Roundtrip bus with Wi-Fi and USB charging simplifies the journey.
• Self-Guided Tours: Free multimedia guides at Windsor add flexibility and depth.
• Balanced Duration: Around 10 hours, with enough time at each site but no excessive waiting.
• Value for Money: For $146.82, you get transportation, entry tickets, and guided commentary—good value considering the sites’ popularity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Analyzing the Experience: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting Point and Timing
The tour kicks off outside the entrance to the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace at 9:15 AM, which is a sensible time to avoid the morning rush but still early enough for a full day of sightseeing. The meeting point is relatively straightforward to find, though a few reviews mention that directions could be improved—so arriving a bit early or checking the map ahead of time helps. The tour lasts about 10 hours, so expect a full day with a mix of guided and self-guided moments.

Transportation and Comfort
The included bus ride is a significant plus, especially with Wi-Fi and USB sockets onboard, making the hours between sights pass quickly. Travelers have noted that the bus can sometimes feel crowded, and the journey to Windsor takes around 15 minutes from Buckingham Palace—short enough not to be tiresome but enough for some passengers to wish for more legroom or smaller groups.

Guides and Commentary
Guides like Omar, Maria, and Anne receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep the group engaged. One reviewer called a guide “fun and funny,” highlighting how humor and expertise help make the day memorable. Others appreciated the historical insights, which turn a sightseeing trip into a mini-lesson on British royalty and architecture.

Buckingham Palace Visit
The highlight here is the rare opportunity to see the State Rooms—beautifully furnished with treasures like paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, as well as fine porcelain and furniture. When the Palace is open during the summer, visitors get access to rooms used for official ceremonies, giving a glimpse of royal life. Travelers have expressed delight at seeing the White Drawing Room and Throne Room, often calling the rooms “spectacular” and “famous.” One reviewer mentioned that the access was smooth, with no wait, which enhances the experience considerably.

Windsor Castle Exploration
Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and the family home of British royalty for nearly a millennium, offers its own set of delights. The State Apartments house masterpieces by Holbein, Rubens, and Van Dyck, alongside intricate furniture and porcelain. The St George’s Chapel, though sometimes closed on Sundays, remains a significant site for royal ceremonies and history buffs.

The town of Windsor itself is charming, with its historic streets and royal heritage. You’ll have approximately 30-45 minutes for lunch near Victoria, which provides a good opportunity to grab a bite or pick up souvenirs. Several reviews highlight how the self-guided multimedia tour allows visitors to explore Windsor Castle at their own pace, adding flexibility that many travelers appreciate.

Timing and Flexibility
While the tour is well-organized, some reviews note that the schedule can feel tight—especially with a long walk from Buckingham to Windsor after the palace visit, and limited time at each site. A few suggestions include starting at Windsor first or extending free time if possible. The tour does not include lunch or hotel pickup, so planning for meals and extra rest is up to you.

Cost and Value
At $146.82 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience with entry tickets, guided commentary, and transportation. Considering the high cost of tickets if you visited each site on your own, this package provides good value—especially for travelers who prefer guided convenience over DIY planning.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many reviews tip the balance in favor of the knowledgeable guides and stunning views. One traveler said, “Our guide was fun and funny, very knowledgeable,” which highlights how guides can make or break the experience. Others appreciated the ease of skipping the ticket lines, saving precious time.

Some comments mention room for improvement: a few found the bus crowded or the directions to meet-up points slightly confusing. Others wished for more time at Windsor or a more relaxed pace. Still, the consensus is that this tour is worthwhile for its organization, value, and access.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want a quick, organized overview of royal landmarks without fuss. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided commentary and want to avoid the hassle of ticket queues and logistics. The included transportation and skip-the-line access make it highly convenient, though it might not satisfy those seeking a slow, in-depth exploration or traveling with mobility challenges.

If you’re on a tight schedule but craving a balanced mix of history, architecture, and royal glamour, this tour checks many boxes. It’s also good for travelers who prefer to let someone else handle transportation and tickets, giving you more time to enjoy the sights.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $146.82, you get a full day of sightseeing at two of the UK’s most iconic royal sites, guided insights, and streamlined logistics. The inside access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms is a highlight, as is the stunning Windsor Castle and its treasures. The included multimedia guides and flexible self-guided exploration at Windsor add value, especially for those who enjoy a degree of independence within a guided framework.

While the schedule may feel brisk for some, most travelers find that the tour offers a balanced, enriching experience. It’s especially well-suited for visitors who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see these historic royal residences without sacrificing comfort or insight.

If you’re a history enthusiast, a royal watcher, or simply curious about Britain’s monarchy, this tour provides a solid, enjoyable introduction. Just plan your meals and rest accordingly—this is a busy, rewarding day out.

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FAQ

Does this tour include transportation?
Yes, roundtrip transportation to Windsor is included, with a comfortable bus equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging.

Are tickets to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle included?
Yes, both entry tickets are included, with skip-the-line access to help you maximize your time.

Is there free time to explore Windsor town?
Yes, after visiting Windsor Castle, you’ll have about 30-45 minutes for lunch, shopping, or taking photos in Windsor’s historic streets.

Can I take a guided tour inside Windsor Castle?
You will have a self-guided multimedia tour at Windsor Castle, which allows you to explore at your own pace with helpful audio guides.

What are the start and end times?
The tour departs outside Buckingham Palace at 9:15 AM and returns to the meeting point at the end of the day, roughly 10 hours later.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No, this tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or guests with mobility impairments, as it involves walking and some uneven surfaces.

Do I need to bring a lunch?
Lunch is not included, but there is enough free time for you to grab a meal in Windsor or nearby after the castle visit.

In the end, this full-day tour offers a practical, engaging way to enjoy two of Britain’s most famous royal sights. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply want a stress-free way to soak up royal history, it’s a reliable choice that maximizes your sightseeing while minimizing hassle.

You can check availability for your dates here: