
Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 238 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour worth booking?
Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour is a 8.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $181 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4/5 rating across 238 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (238)
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- From
- $181 per person
Visit two of England's most royal attractions on this day trip combining Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. You'll be one of the first to enter Windsor Castle and discover centuries of royal history, before heading to Buckingham Palace, where you will be able to explore the rooms of this working palace at your leisure, soaking in the fine paintings, porcelain and furniture. Special Exhibition This Summer: The King’s Tour Artists: Explore over 70 remarkable artworks from His Majesty The King’s personal collection, many being shown to the public for the very first time, at the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace. For the past 40 years, The King has personally selected artists to join his official overseas tours, capturing the moments that inspired them. This special exhibition features the work of 42 artists, reflecting visits to 95 countries across 69 royal tours. Experience a unique perspective on royal travel through the eyes of some of the most talented artists.
What you get
About this experience
Visit two of England's most royal attractions on this day trip combining Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. You'll be one of the first to enter Windsor Castle and discover centuries of royal history, before heading to Buckingham Palace, where you will be able to explore the rooms of this working palace at your leisure, soaking in the fine paintings, porcelain and furniture. Special Exhibition This Summer: The King’s Tour Artists: Explore over 70 remarkable artworks from His Majesty The King’s personal collection, many being shown to the public for the very first time, at the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace. For the past 40 years, The King has personally selected artists to join his official overseas tours, capturing the moments that inspired them. This special exhibition features the work of 42 artists, reflecting visits to 95 countries across 69 royal tours. Experience a unique perspective on royal travel through the eyes of some of the most talented artists.
What's included
Included
- Entry to Windsor Castle
- Comfortable travel by air-conditioned coach
- Expert local guide
- Entry to Buckingham Palace & the State Rooms (summer opening only)
Not included
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
What you'll see and do
Windsor Castle
Discover the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle – Windsor Castle, an official residence of His Majesty The King. Explore magnificent State Apartments, stroll through beautiful grounds, and discover over 1,000 years of royal history in one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.
180 minutes here · Admission included
The State Apartments
Step inside the stunning State Apartments at Windsor Castle and explore the rooms where royal ceremonies and official events still take place today. You’ll walk through beautifully decorated spaces filled with priceless art, historic treasures, and centuries of royal history.
45 minutes here · Admission included
St. George's Chapel
Visit the stunning St George’s Chapel, known as the setting for the 2018 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This beautiful Gothic chapel is also the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, making it a truly special and historic part of Windsor Castle.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Buckingham Palace
A visit to Buckingham Palace is a must when in London. As the official residence of His Majesty The King, the Palace is a living symbol of British heritage, tradition, and pageantry. Marvel at the grandeur of the State Rooms, admire masterpieces from the Royal Collection. Open to visitors only during the summer months, this is a rare chance to step inside one of the world’s most famous royal residences.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Harrods
Harrods, Europe's largest and most luxurious department store, now owned by the State of Qatar. From high-end fashion to exclusive gourmet offerings, Harrods is a shopping experience like no other, attracting visitors from around the world.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Located a 7-minute-walk from Victoria Underground Station. Tour departs at 7.45am (Boarding starts at 7:30am)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Premium Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult
- Due to palace and castle regulations, the guide will not accompany guests inside the State Apartments at Windsor Castle or inside Buckingham Palace. The tour concludes at Buckingham Palace, where you are welcome to explore independently at your leisure. A team of palace guides will be available on-site to assist you during your visit
- Audio guide is available for Buckingham Palace visit.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 238 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
238 verified traveler reviews for Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Loved Windsor
Loved Windsor as a city and loved the castle. I can understand why Queen Elizabeth liked to be there.
via Viator
Fantastic tour
James and Carlos wonderful guides
via Tripadvisor
Long day but worth it!
Early start, but a great tour. Was glad to get there early to beat the crowds. I know people said you could do this on your own but I wanted to be kept to a schedule so I could do both in one day. Without never being there, I probably would have walked in circles for 30 minutes but our tour guide. Alan lead us to correct place.
via Viator
Wonderful trip to Windsor
Enjoyed a lovely morning roaming around the grounds of Windsor Castle. Tour group was knowledgeable, prompt, and friendly.
via Tripadvisor
Blue Badge Guide is Wonderful
The day was wonderful. The guide was a Blue Badge guide and was so very knowledgeable. She took us to the most important places early and we never stood in a line that was longer than a few minutes.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 83
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Premium Tours, who run 28 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.2 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Premium Tours runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour cost?
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Prices start at $181 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour take?
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Plan for about 8.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 238 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour?
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Around 83 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 8.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour?
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Included: Entry to Windsor Castle; Comfortable travel by air-conditioned coach; Expert local guide; and Entry to Buckingham Palace & the State Rooms (summer opening only). Not included: Hotel pick-up & drop-off; Gratuities; and Food and drinks, unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour?
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Located a 7-minute-walk from Victoria Underground Station. Tour departs at 7.45am (Boarding starts at 7:30am) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Summer Special: Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Tour?
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Across 238 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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