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, 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 Buckingham Palace or at 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.

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.

Optimising your experience

• Photography tips: Photography is generally not permitted inside the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace or the State Apartments at 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 travelling 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 energised.

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.