Book Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tickets

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Toby was very knowledgable and a good guide. Loved the tour.

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Jul 2025

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It made me want to learn new things about history and I realized that I wanted to know more not only about history but also about painters.

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Sep 2025

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Top things to do in London

Why book a combo ticket for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle?

Explore royal landmarks

With a Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo ticket, you gain entry to two of the UK's most significant royal residences. At Buckingham Palace, you can tour the State Rooms (currently closed), witnessing a working palace. At Windsor Castle, the world's oldest and largest occupied castle, you can explore the State Apartments and the historic St. George's Chapel, offering a deep dive into centuries of royal history.

Save on your journey

Purchasing a combo ticket for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle is more economical than buying separate tickets for each attraction. This bundle allows you to save on your sightseeing adventure, helping you experience two world-class attractions without overspending.

Convenience & time-saving

A single combo ticket streamlines your travel plans, offering a hassle-free booking process. Instead of managing separate transactions and confirmations, you can secure your access to both sites in one go. This saves valuable time that can be better spent enjoying the history and surroundings of these royal homes.

A complete family experience

The Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo is a family-friendly activity that offers something for all ages. See the grandeur of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace and then journey to Windsor Castle to discover Queen Mary's Dolls' House, an attraction that delights both children and adults.

Things to know before booking your Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo ticket

Booking and timing: It is essential to book your Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo ticket well in advance, especially during peak seasons. As Buckingham Palace has a limited summer opening (closed until July 2026), tickets sell out quickly. Note that the combo ticket usually provides a time-slotted entry for Buckingham Palace, so plan your day carefully.
What’s included: Your Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo ticket is for a full-day guided tour. This includes round-trip transportation from a central London meeting point, a professional guide, and admission to both royal residences. This includes access to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace (during its summer opening), and the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel (except on Sundays), and Queen Mary's Dolls' House at Windsor Castle.
Guided experience with transfers: A major benefit of this combo ticket is the inclusion of a guide and seamless transport. Your guide will accompany you, providing valuable insights and historical context for both sites. The included transfers via a comfortable, air-conditioned coach eliminate the hassle of navigating public transport or driving between the two locations, which are approximately 25 miles apart.
Accessibility: Both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are wheelchair accessible, and guide dogs are welcome at both locations. Visitors with accessibility needs are typically able to bring a companion with a free carer ticket. It is advisable to check the official Royal Collection Trust website for detailed accessibility information for both sites before your visit.
Changing the Guard: The combo ticket does not include any special access to the Changing the Guard ceremony at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. This is a free public event, and its schedule can vary. Check the official Household Division website for the most current schedule to plan your visit accordingly.

What's the best way to go about it?

Buying individual tickets

Best for: Travelers who have time and want complete flexibility over their schedule. This is ideal if you only want to visit one of the two royal residences or if you prefer to spend an entire day at a single location.
Pricing & value: Buying separate tickets for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle can be more expensive than booking a combined tour. While it offers control over your budget and allows you to visit on different days, the travel costs and time required to coordinate visits yourself are not included.
Availability & reservations: Both attractions require timed-entry tickets, especially during the summer opening of Buckingham Palace. You will need to manage two separate bookings and ensure you have sufficient time to travel between the sites. Both locations are highly popular and tickets sell out well in advance, so last-minute bookings are not recommended.
Experience flow: Planning the logistics and travel between the two locations falls entirely on you. The distance between them is significant (approx. 25 miles). Traveling from London to Windsor Castle typically takes around an hour by train, not including time to get to the station. This requires careful coordination to avoid wasting time and to ensure you arrive at your scheduled entry times.

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Getting combo tickets

Best for: Visitors who prioritiseoptimised convenience, efficiency, and a structured, all-inclusive experience. This is recommended for those who wish to visit both landmarks in a single day without the hassle of planning their own travel.
Pricing & value: A guided combo tour, while often more expensive than individual entry tickets alone, offers significant value by including round-trip transportation from a central London meeting point and a professional guide. This removes the stress of travel logistics and adds a layer of commentary to your experience.
Guaranteed entry & easy scheduling: With a single purchase, you secure your timed entries to both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The tour operator handles all the reservations, providing a seamless and stress-free booking process.
Time efficiency: This option saves you a great deal of time and effort. The transport between the two attractions is handled for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey while a knowledgeable guide provides historical context. This ensures an optimised schedule, making it possible to visit both world-class sites in a single, well-planned day.

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Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Full-Day Tour

Making the most of your Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle experience

Windsor Castle exterior with manicured gardens, part of Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle tour.

Timing your visit

A combo ticket to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle is typically for a full-day guided tour with included transport. This structured itinerary is designed for a seamless, hassle-free experience.

Morning: Your day begins with a check-in at a central London meeting point at 9:15am. The first leg of the journey takes you directly to Buckingham Palace. Arriving early allows you to explore the palace’s State Rooms (during its limited summer opening) before the larger crowds arrive.
Afternoon: After your comprehensive tour of Buckingham Palace, the coach will take you on the journey to Windsor Castle. This seamless transfer eliminates the hassle of navigating between the two sites on your own. Your afternoon at Windsor will be spent exploring the castle's grounds and State Apartments, including St. George's Chapel, as your guide provides valuable insights into its long history.
Evening: Your tour concludes with the return journey to your drop-off point in central London from Windsor Castle. Arriving in the early evening means you will still have plenty of time to enjoy a post-tour dinner or explore London's nightlife.

Tour guide speaking to passengers on a coach transfer.

Location and transfers

The Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo is designed to bridge the significant distance between the two royal residences. Your tour ticket's value lies in the seamless, round-trip transfer that makes a full-day visit to both sites possible and stress-free.

Distance between attractions: Buckingham Palace is located in the heart of London, while Windsor Castle is situated approximately 25 miles (40 km) west, in Berkshire. Traveling between them on your own would require navigating public transport or driving, which can be time-consuming and complex.
Central London departure: Your tour begins at a designated, central meeting point in London. From there, you are transported by a comfortable, AC coach directly to your destinations, eliminating any travel hassle.
Hassle-free transfers: The combo ticket includes the transfer between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, allowing you to sit back and relax. This service ensures you spend less time on logistics and more time enjoying the sights of both palaces, guided by an expert who brings the history to life.

Insider's guide

Pre-tour fuel up: Your tour will start at a central London meeting point. Instead of a chain coffee shop, fuel up at one of the independent cafes tucked away in the side streets of Belgravia. For a quieter, more authentic breakfast, head to Eccleston Yards, which features independent eateries in a peaceful, pedestrian-friendly setting.
Post-tour wind down: After a long day of sightseeing, your coach will drop you back in central London. To wind down, skip the busy restaurants around. Instead, wander into the streets of Belgravia for a traditional pub meal at The Grenadier, or a more upscale dinner. For a more relaxed evening, simply take a peaceful stroll through St. James's Park or Green Park to enjoy the quiet, illuminated surroundings before heading back to your hotel.
Escape the crowds: The tour takes you to two of the most popular attractions in the UK, so crowds are expected.
At Buckingham Palace: If you have time before or after your palace tour, escape the crowds on The Mall by ducking into St. James's Park or Green Park. These royal parks are right next to the palace and offer a peaceful oasis with plenty of benches and scenic views.
At Windsor Castle: The castle itself is a major tourist hub. To escape, explore the town of Windsor. Walk down its historic High Street, stroll along the Long Walk for a view of the castle, or enjoy a peaceful riverside walk along the Thames. You can find many classic English pubs and local cafes tucked away from the main tourist areas.

Optimizing your experience

Photography tips: Photography is generally not permitted inside the State Rooms of either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, but there are countless opportunities for exterior shots. For the best photos, be ready to capture the grand facade of Buckingham Palace from The Mall and the long walk view from Windsor Castle.
Choosing your seat: As you will be traveling between sites by coach, your choice of seat can enhance the experience. Try to get a window seat for the best views of the countryside and city as you travel.
Layered commentary: You will get two types of commentary on this tour. Your tour guide will provide historical context and insights during the journey and while outside the palaces. Once inside the State Rooms, you can use the free official audio guides provided by the palaces for detailed information on the art and royal history of each room.
Practical tips: This is a full-day tour, so wear comfortable footwear, as there is a significant amount of walking involved. Dress in layers, as the weather can change, and consider bringing a water bottle and some snacks for the journey to stay energized.

Avoiding common mistakes

Don't underestimate the time commitment: A combo tour to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle is a full-day experience, typically lasting around 9 to 10 hours from start to finish. Do not overschedule your day with other activities, as the tour is a significant time commitment, including travel time between the two locations.
Be punctual for the coach: Unlike visiting attractions that are close together, this tour relies on a scheduled coach transfer. The coach cannot wait for latecomers. Ensure you arrive at the designated meeting point in central London at the specific time mentioned on your booking confirmation to avoid missing the tour.
Check for closures: While the combo ticket includes admission to both sites, specific parts of the castles may have closures. Most notably, St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle is closed to visitors on Sundays. Always check the official Royal Collection Trust website for any potential last-minute closures or changes to the schedule.
Prepare for security: Both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have airport-style security checks upon entry. To save time, be prepared to have your bags screened and avoid bringing any prohibited items, such as large backpacks, sharp objects, or weapons. A small bag is recommended for this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo tickets

Is a combo ticket required, or can I book both attractions separately?

You can absolutely visit both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle by purchasing individual tickets and arranging your own travel. However, a combo ticket is a seamless, all-in-one package that includes round-trip transport and often a professional guide, providing a more efficient and hassle-free way to see both major landmarks in a single day.

Do I have to visit both attractions on the same day with this ticket?

Yes. A Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo ticket is for a single-day, full-day tour with a set itinerary. You will visit both attractions on the same day as part of a pre-planned schedule, as they are located approximately 25 miles apart.

How long does the tour take, and what is the typical itinerary?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 9 to 10 hours, including travel time between the two locations. The itinerary is structured to maximize your time. You will usually meet near Buckingham Palace, travel by coach to Windsor Castle, and then return to London in the early evening.

What is included in the combo ticket?

A typical Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo ticket includes all admission fees for both attractions, as well as round-trip transportation by a comfortable, air-conditioned coach from a designated meeting point in London. Your tour also includes the services of an expert guide.

Are the attractions wheelchair accessible?

Both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are partially wheelchair accessible. However, it is essential to check with the tour operator and inform them of your needs at the time of booking to ensure the tour coach can accommodate you and that you are provided with the necessary assistance during your visit.

Does the tour include the Changing the Guard ceremony?

The tour does not guarantee a view of the Changing the Guard ceremony, as its schedule can change at short notice due to weather or royal events. Your guide will do their best to time the tour to coincide with the ceremony if possible, but it is a free public event and not a guaranteed part of the ticket.

Why are the Buckingham Palace tours only available in the summer?

Buckingham Palace is a working royal residence and is only open to the public for a limited period each summer while the monarch is away. Due to its brief summer opening, tickets for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo tours sell out quickly, so it is highly recommended to book well in advance.

Are food and drinks included in the tour ticket?

No, meals and refreshments are not typically included in the combo ticket price. There are cafes and dining options available at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, and your guide will usually provide a designated lunch stop. You are welcome to bring a small snack and a sealed bottle of water for the coach journey.

Is this a family-friendly tour suitable for children?

The tour is generally suitable for families. However, it is a full-day experience lasting up to 10 hours, which can be long for very young children. The content is historical and may not hold the attention of all age groups. Parents should consider their children's stamina for a long day of travel and walking.

Are photographs allowed inside the attractions?

No, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside the State Rooms of both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to protect the privacy of the Royal Family and the valuable art and furnishings. You are permitted to take photographs in the palace courtyards and outside the buildings.

What should I wear or bring for the tour?

Since this is a full-day experience, it is highly recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will be on your feet for several hours. Dressing in layers is also a good idea to prepare for London’s changeable weather. Bringing a small backpack for essentials like water, a light snack, and a camera is advisable.

Do I need a printed ticket, or can I use a mobile voucher?

Most tour operators accept mobile vouchers, allowing you to show your e-ticket on your smartphone. However, you should always check the specific instructions on your booking confirmation to ensure a smooth check-in process.