Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle day tour

Visit not one but two royal palaces in one day on an unescorted tour of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Both are working royal palaces and some of the most well-known and impressive buildings in the world. Each hosts a Changing the Guard ceremony.

Explore Buckingham Palace

Start the day with a tour of Buckingham Palace, an iconic royal attraction and the official London residence of His Majesty The King. Only open between July and September, get access to the 19 State Rooms, which form the heart of the palace.

Marvel at the magnificent interiors featuring some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, while hearing fascinating insights and behind-the-scenes stories thanks to the complimentary audio guide (available in nine languages). Don't miss the sweeping Grand Staircase, which is lined with portraits of Queen Victoria’s family.

Finish the tour with a walk along the south side of the Buckingham Palace Garden towards the exit gate, where you can take in views of the famous lake and the west front of the palace. It's the largest private garden in London and has been hosting garden parties and other royal events for more than 200 years.

Visit Windsor Castle

Next, make your way to Bullied Way near Victoria Station to hop on a luxury coach to Windsor Castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world.

Delve into 900 years of fascinating history as you explore the gorgeous State Apartments, decorated with yet more fine works of art from the Royal Collection. Spot masterpieces on display by Holbein, Rubens and Van Dyck, Sèvres porcelain and exquisite English and French furniture.

You’ll also get a chance to visit Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, which has miniature wine bottles, working lifts and even running water, and explore St George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in 2018 and where Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest in 2022.

How do I get tickets for the tour?

You can book tickets for the Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle day tour via the booking button on the page.

What's included in the ticket price?

This is an unescorted tour accompanied by an audio guide including entry tickets to both palaces and a luxury coach transfer.

Where and what time does the tour leave?

The tour is available from July to September, with trips operating daily apart from Tuesdays and Wednesdays when Windsor Castle is closed to the public.

Meet your Golden Tours representative at 9.30am outside The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA. You will then be escorted to nearby Buckingham Palace. Please note, clients will not be allowed into the palace without the Golden Tours representative.

After visiting the palace, make your own way to Bus Stop 1 Bulleid Way, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SH by 12.45pm (approximately a 15-minute walk from Buckingham Palace). Then hop on the Golden Tours coach to Windsor Castle departing at 1pm.

Don't forget your e-ticket!

What time does the coach get back to London?

The tour arrives back in London around 5.30pm. You’ll be dropped off in Kensington (Zone 1), a two or three-minute walk from Gloucester Road Underground Station. 

Be sure to double check all timings on your e-ticket.