From London: Stonehenge Inner Circle & Windsor Open Top Bus

Experience the mystery of Stonehenge and the charm of Windsor on a full-day guided tour from London. This trip offers a rare chance to walk into the inner circle of Stonehenge and explore Windsor’s historic town with an open-top bus or a delightful afternoon tea—perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

The aspects we love most? The exclusive access to Stonehenge’s inner circle makes this stand out—a privilege few get—and the engaging guides who bring stories of Windsor and Stonehenge vividly to life. The luxury transportation ensures comfort throughout the long day.

A potential consideration? The extended duration means a long day on the road, which might be tiring for some, especially if you prefer more leisurely-paced, shorter outings. Also, if you’re not keen on large group tours or scheduled timings, this might feel a bit structured.

This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive experience—seeing two of England’s most iconic sights with expert commentary, all in one day. It suits history lovers, royal enthusiasts, or anyone eager to step into the stories behind these famous landmarks.

Key Points

• Exclusive Inner Circle Access: Walk among the stones of Stonehenge, an experience few travelers enjoy.
• Windsor Town Highlights: Enjoy a comprehensive open-top bus tour or a relaxing afternoon tea.
• Round-Trip Comfort: Travel comfortably on a luxury coach with professional guides.
• Long but Rewarding Day: Expect roughly 11.5 to 12 hours, so prepare for a full day out.
• Authentic Insights: Guides provide engaging stories, making history accessible and fun.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a scenic Windsor tour or a special afternoon tea experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting from London, the tour kicks off at the Golden Tours Bus Stop in Victoria, where you’ll board a luxury, air-conditioned coach. The first part of the day is dedicated to Windsor, a town that oozes regal charm.

Windsor’s Charm and Royal Connection

Once in Windsor, you’ll hop on an open-top bus (if you selected this option), giving you a chance to admire the town’s most famous sights. You’ll pass Windsor Castle, the world’s largest inhabited castle and a working royal residence, which dominates the skyline. The guide will share stories about Windsor’s royal connections, adding flavor to your sightseeing.

Other key sights include Holy Trinity Church and Eton College, both steeped in history. You’ll have free time to wander the cobbled streets, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the views along the Long Walk. Many reviews highlight how Windsor itself is a delightful, picturesque town with plenty of shops, cafes, and places to relax after the tour.

The Windsor Tour Options

If you opt for the Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, you’ll enjoy a traditional or themed afternoon tea during your ride, a perfect way to unwind after your sightseeing. Reviewers mention the food is surprisingly good, with some enjoying a variety of delicious bites paired with the historic scenery.

Transition to Stonehenge

After exploring Windsor, the tour continues with a scenic drive to Wiltshire, home of the world-famous Stonehenge. Arriving in the early evening, you’ll experience the highlight of the trip—your private viewing and exclusive entrance into the inner circle of Stonehenge.

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Walking Among the Stones

This part of the tour is truly special. Unlike most visitors, you’ll walk right into the core of the 5,000-year-old monument, standing amidst the massive, 40-ton stones and feeling the scale and mystery firsthand.

Many reviews emphasize how moving this experience is, especially at sunset, when the stones cast long shadows and the atmosphere becomes almost spiritual. One reviewer even mentions it being a “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” highlighting how rare this kind of access is.

The Guide’s Role

Throughout the day, guides like Pauly, Dolly, and Eileen earn high praise for their knowledge, humor, and ability to keep everyone engaged. They share stories, answer questions, and make the day enjoyable. Reviewers note how guides like Pauly made the trip memorable with their entertainment and insights.

The Value of the Experience

Considering the full day of touring, transportation, private access, and guided commentary, many find this trip offers excellent value. The price includes round-trip transportation, the inner circle experience, and either a Windsor tour or afternoon tea—making it a comprehensive package.

However, some reviewers mention that the limited time in Bath (only about 2.5 hours) feels a bit rushed. If exploring Bath is a priority, you might want to plan for a different trip or extend your visit.

Practical Details and Transportation

Departing from Victoria, the luxury coach ensures comfort on the roughly 12-hour journey. The trip is well-paced, with stops and commentary that keep the long day engaging. The tour ends either at Victoria Station or Gloucester Road Underground Station, depending on traffic and legal restrictions.

The timing is crucial; arriving at Stonehenge at sunset adds to the magic, but it also means the schedule is tight, and your entire experience hinges on good traffic and punctuality.

Accessibility and Group Size

The reviews suggest a large group, but the guides work hard to keep everyone involved. The experience is best suited for those comfortable with longer days and group touring. The private access to Stonehenge makes this tour stand out, especially for those fascinated by the stones’ history and construction.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights from Reviews

Many travelers raved about their guides, calling them “knowledgeable,” “funny,” and “great at keeping everyone involved.” Several mentioned how walking among the stones at sunset was “incredibly moving” and a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment.

Food also received praise—reviewers appreciated the good quality of the included meals, especially the afternoon teas. The convenience of round-trip transportation and the well-organized itinerary were common themes in positive reviews, with many feeling it was good value for money.

On the downside, a few mentioned that the short time in Bath was disappointing, and some found the long hours tiring. Still, most agreed the experience was worth every penny.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip caters well to history buffs, royal enthusiasts, and those who love a good story. It’s a superb choice if you want to see Stonehenge with intimate access and enjoy a comprehensive Windsor experience all in one day.

It’s ideal for travelers comfortable with long days and group tours, especially if you value guides who bring history alive and find value in luxury transportation. If you want a relaxed, slow-paced exploration or more time in Bath, you might prefer a different tour.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers of all ages enjoy it, but keep in mind the long day and walking involved, especially at Stonehenge and Windsor.

How long is the drive from London?
The entire experience lasts about 11.5 to 12 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and free periods.

Can I choose the Windsor tour option?
Yes, you can select either the open-top bus tour or a Windsor Afternoon Tea experience when booking.

Does the tour include entry to the Roman Baths?
No, entry to the Roman Baths is not included, so you might want to visit them separately if interested.

What is the best time to see Stonehenge?
Arriving in the early evening for the private inner circle access at sunset is highly recommended for a memorable experience.

Is the group size large?
The tour typically involves a sizable group, but guides like Pauly and Dolly keep everyone involved and comfortable.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the luxury coach is air-conditioned and designed for a comfortable long day.

What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and maybe a camera to capture the stunning scenery and moments among the stones.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
For the afternoon tea, you can request vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal options by notifying the provider at least 48 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thorough and memorable glimpse into two of England’s most iconic sites, wrapped up with expert guides and comfortable transportation. The exclusive access to Stonehenge’s inner circle and the engaging Windsor tour are real highlights, making it a value-packed day for those eager to experience history, royalty, and mystery in one go.

While it’s a long day with limited time in Bath, the overall experience is highly praised for the quality of guides, stunning views, and delicious food. It’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of organizing multiple trips or transportation.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, engaging, and meaningful way to explore these legendary landmarks from London, this tour fits the bill nicely. Just pack your curiosity and a bit of patience for a memorable, enriching day out.

You can check availability for your dates here: