3.9(16 reviews)
Self-Guided Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour
From£102
8 hours
London, United Kingdom
About this activity
Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle with a self-guided tour, including round-trip coach transportation from London.
Highlights
- Explore Buckingham Palace's opulent State Rooms
- Discover Windsor Castle's rich history and architecture
- Enjoy a leisurely coach ride through the English countryside
- Experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace
- Visit the Queen Mary's Dolls' House at Windsor Castle
Full description
Step into the heart of British royal history with this self-guided tour of two iconic landmarks: Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Begin your journey with a comfortable coach ride from London, taking in the picturesque English countryside along the way. At Buckingham Palace, immerse yourself in the opulent State Rooms, where centuries of royal history unfold. Then, venture to Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world, to explore its rich history and stunning architecture. This tour offers the perfect blend of independence and convenience, allowing you to explore at your own pace while enjoying the comfort of organized transportation. Don't miss the chance to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, a quintessential British experience. Whether you're a history buff or a lover of architecture, this tour promises a memorable day steeped in royal heritage.
Included / Excluded
- Self-guided audio tour of Buckingham Palace
- Self-guided audio tour of Windsor Castle
- Round-trip coach transportation from London
- Admission tickets to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
Itinerary
1
Meet your tour representative in Victoria, London. They will escort you to Buckingham Palace (10 min walk), special timed entry ensures a breath-taking visit to the official residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837. Open for just 8 weeks a year, viewing the State rooms is an opportunity not to be missed! Marvel at the splendour of the rooms, used on official occasions by The King to entertain her guests. Be dazzled by the beautiful ballroom and throne room, before ending your royal tour with a walk through the stunning South Garden. At 1:30pm make your own way to the original meeting point in Victoria for the Windsor Castle tour departing at 1:45pm.
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
2
Departing from Central London, your driver will take you straight to Windsor Castle for an extended visit. Upon arrival at Windsor Castle audio guides are available in different languages. Steeped in history, Windsor Castle perches proudly on a lush wooded hill overlooking the Thames. Dating back to Norman times, with sweeping landscaped gardens and turreted Round Tower, it’s easy to see why it’s the King’s favourite weekend residence. Enjoy a fascinating through–the–keyhole peek at the lavish State Apartments, home to priceless artworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci, and visit St. George’s Chapel, the atmospheric final resting place of former monarchs including Henry VIII. You can visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a truly incredible structure complete with working lifts, running water, electricity, and wine bottles, all in miniature! This tour finishes at approximately 5:30pm in Kensington. Please note: this tour is unescorted
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
3
Visit St. George’s Chapel, the atmospheric final resting place of former monarchs including Henry VIII. You can visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a truly incredible structure complete with working lifts, running water, electricity, and wine bottles, all in miniature! Please note: St. George’s Chapel is closed for visitors on Sundays.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Golden Tours, Bulleid Way Departure Point, Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- Admission tickets to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are not included and must be purchased separately
- The tour operates rain or shine; plan accordingly
- Audio guides are available in multiple languages; select your preferred language during booking
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for extensive exploration
- Bring a fully charged smartphone or audio device for the self-guided tour
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Once booked, this tour cannot be cancelled
- You must meet the Golden Tours representative outside King's Gallery to be able to enter Buckingham Palace.
- To join the Windsor Castle tour you must go to Bus Stop 1 Bulleid Way in Victoria.
- St. George’s Chapel is also closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day. Worshippers are welcome to attend the services.
- During peak periods, additional vehicles without Wi-Fi may be used.
- Buckingham Palace tickets purchased from Golden Tours cannot be converted into a 1-Year Pass.
- For safety reasons, pushchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms. They must be checked in and reclaimed at the exit. Baby-carriers are available for loan.
- A one-way system operates along the entire visitor route for safety reasons.
- Please note: the tour itinerary and order may change.
- Clients that require mobility access must book directly with Buckingham Palace on (+44) (0)303 123 7324
- Use of mobile phones are permitted in the Palace garden. Mobile phones must be switched off elsewhere on the visitor route.
- 25 and 26 December – Castle completely closed.
- Photography is not permitted inside Buckingham Palace.
- Clients that require mobility access must book directly with Buckingham Palace.
- Our vehicles are modern, comfortable, and kept to the highest standards of cleanliness, including a deep clean every day.
- Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A walking tour of the town will take place instead
Traveler reviews
3.916 reviews
5
8
4
2
3
4
2
0
1
2
Nice and convenient way to see 3 iconic sights in 1 day
Guide Jason and Driver Lee were great
U6127NCmarthawJul 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Recommended!
We had a wonderful experience on this tour of England. Our driver, Charles, was very professional, punctual, and always drove very safely, making the trip very comfortable. Our guide, Pedrito, was exceptional: very kind, attentive, fun, and with great knowledge of the history and places we visited. He was always willing to answer our questions and ensure that everyone enjoyed the experience. Without a doubt, I recommend this tour 100%. Thank you, Charles and Pedrito, for making our trip an unforgettable memory! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
zoecG8621JLJun 26, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great experience
The tour guide is knowledgeable, drive is smooth
648huigJun 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Tour
Great experience on the tour, The guide Armando is good and entertained us all
Resort13346789948May 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Tour of London
I had a wonderful time on this tour. Tish was an exceptional guide…knowledgeable, engaging, and very personable. The tour was both informative and enjoyable, and I would gladly take it again on my next visit to London.
jayt185Sep 26, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Once booked, this tour cannot be cancelled
You must meet the Golden Tours representative outside King's Gallery to be able to enter Buckingham Palace.
To join the Windsor Castle tour you must go to Bus Stop 1 Bulleid Way in Victoria.
St. George’s Chapel is also closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day. Worshippers are welcome to attend the services.
During peak periods, additional vehicles without Wi-Fi may be used.
Buckingham Palace tickets purchased from Golden Tours cannot be converted into a 1-Year Pass.
For safety reasons, pushchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms. They must be checked in and reclaimed at the exit. Baby-carriers are available for loan.
A one-way system operates along the entire visitor route for safety reasons.
Please note: the tour itinerary and order may change.
Clients that require mobility access must book directly with Buckingham Palace on (+44) (0)303 123 7324
Use of mobile phones are permitted in the Palace garden. Mobile phones must be switched off elsewhere on the visitor route.
25 and 26 December – Castle completely closed.
Photography is not permitted inside Buckingham Palace.
Clients that require mobility access must book directly with Buckingham Palace.
Our vehicles are modern, comfortable, and kept to the highest standards of cleanliness, including a deep clean every day.
Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A walking tour of the town will take place instead