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Top attractions

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Why combine Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle?

☑️ Distance between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

The distance between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle is about 21 miles, roughly a 35 to 40-minute drive by train, making it easy to cover both in a single day rather than on separate trips.

☑️Royal contrast

Buckingham Palace shows ceremonial royal life in central London, while Windsor Castle adds a lived-in fortress, chapel traditions, and deeper medieval history. Visiting both gives you a fuller picture of the British monarchy, from its ceremonial heart to the sovereign’s ancestral fortress.

☑️Summer-only payoff

Buckingham Palace interiors open to visitors only for a short summer season, so pairing them with Windsor Castle helps you use that limited access window more intentionally, making one trip cover more ground than planning two separate visits.

☑️ Easier logistics

​The Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle Full-Day Tour bundles palace entry, Windsor Castle admission, round-trip coach travel, and multimedia guides, so you don't have to coordinate trains and timed entry yourself. This keeps your experience entirely convenient and hassle-free.

☑️Better use of the trip

If both royal sites are already on your list, combining them turns the journey to Windsor into a purposeful royal day rather than a separate planning project, saving you the extra effort of a standalone Windsor trip.

The best ways to explore both

AspectSeparate ticketsCombo tours

Cost

Buckingham Palace State Rooms from £33, plus Windsor Castle from London from £32, booked separately. This excludes transport cost and additional expenses along the day.

The Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle full-day tour is £125, bundling both entries and round-trip coach transfers.

Availability

You must match a summer-only Buckingham slot with a separate Windsor visit date.

One reservation coordinates both sites on eligible operating days.

Timeslots

Buckingham timing is the tricky part; late trains can disrupt your plan.

Fixed coach departures reduce timing guesswork.

Convenience

Two bookings, separate confirmations, and your own transport planning.

One booking, one plan, and guided logistics.

Flexibility

More freedom to linger, swap order, or split over two days.

Less spontaneous, but easier to execute.

Best for

Visitors spreading royal sights across two days or building their own pace

Visitors trying to cover both royal sites in one structured day.

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

  • Booking and timing: It's 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 a full-day tour with round-trip AC coach transfers from a central London meeting point, entry to both royal residences, and multimedia guides in multiple languages at each site. This includes access to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace (during its summer opening), the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel (except on Sundays), and Queen Mary's Dolls' House at Windsor Castle.
  • Seamless transfers: A major benefit of this combo ticket is the included round-trip transport between the two sites. The air-conditioned coach eliminates the hassle of navigating public transport or driving between the two locations.
  • Accessibility: Buckingham Palace's State Rooms are wheelchair accessible via ramped entrances, with complimentary manual wheelchairs on-site. Windsor Castle offers partial wheelchair and pram/stroller accessibility. Both sites offer a free access companion ticket for disabled visitors, bookable in advance.
  • Changing the Guard: The combo ticket does not guarantee special access to the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace or at Windsor Castle. The Foot Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (subject to availability); on other days you'll see the Horse Guard instead. Schedules can vary, so check the official Household Division website to plan around it.

Highlights of the Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo

White Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace with ornate gold decor and chandeliers.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

Explore the State Rooms, lavishly decorated with priceless art and furniture. You will walk through the Ballroom, the largest of the state rooms, used for state banquets. The White Drawing Room is a must-see for its crystal chandeliers and a "secret" mirrored door. The Throne Room is a key feature, home to the pair of throne chairs used for the Coronation of The King and The Queen.

Waterloo Chamber in Windsor Castle with portraits and ornate ceiling.
Stained glass windows and ornate Gothic interior of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England.
Queen Mary's Doll's House interior at Windsor Castle, showcasing detailed miniature rooms.
Aerial view of Windsor Castle gardens and surrounding landscape.
Looking to explore a royal residence on its own?

Step inside Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Wander through the State Apartments, see Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and visit St. George's Chapel, the site of many royal weddings. Immerse yourself in nearly 1,000 years of history and get a true sense of royal grandeur.

Aerial view of Windsor Castle gardens and surrounding landscape.
Book your tickets now!

Making the most of your experience

  • Plan your day: Allow around 1.5–2 hours inside Buckingham Palace, 2–3 hours at Windsor Castle, plus 1–1.5 hours of travel. A same-day combo usually fills 8–10 hours.
  • Choose add-ons: The Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle full-day tour includes round-trip coach transfers and multimedia guides. Buckingham-only upgrades add Changing the Guard or a Royal London walking tour.
  • Know the highlights: Buckingham Palace covers the Throne Room, White Drawing Room, and garden exit. Windsor adds the State Apartments, castle precincts, and St George’s Chapel when open.
  • Opening dates: Buckingham Palace's State Rooms are open only from July 9 to September 27, 2026, on timed entry. First-entry slots and late-afternoon entries usually feel lighter than noon.
  • Windsor Castle opening days: Windsor Castle is regularly closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays year-round, except during July, August, and September when it is open on Tuesdays (closed on Wednesdays only). It is also completely closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25–26 December) and can close on short notice for state or royal occasions.
  • Windsor Castle hours: Windsor Castle is open from 10 am to 5:15 pm (last admission 4 pm) between March and October, and 10 am to 4:15 pm (last admission 3 pm) between November and February.
  • St George's Chapel closures: St George's Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, and the State Apartments can occasionally close.
  • Start in London: Most combo days work better when Buckingham Palace comes first, because its summer entry windows are tighter and harder to recover if you miss them.
  • Best rhythm: Weekdays are usually easier than weekends. Buckingham Palace feels busiest after the changing the guard ceremony and late morning, when outside crowds spill into palace entry times.

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find on maps

Windsor Castle: Windsor Castle, Castle Hill, Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom | Find on maps

  • Location context: Buckingham Palace sits in Westminster, close to St James’s Park and Victoria. Windsor Castle is in Windsor, Berkshire, as a separate day trip west of London.
  • Train route: From the palace area, head to London Paddington for trains via Slough to Windsor & Eton Central, or to London Waterloo for Windsor & Eton Riverside. Door-to-door travel usually takes 60–90 minutes.
  • Coach and car: The Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle full-day tour includes round-trip coach travel. Driving is possible, but central London traffic and Windsor town-centre parking usually make rail or coach easier.
  • Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms are fully wheelchair accessible, and multimedia guides include BSL with subtitles, but step-free access must be pre-booked in advance since the standard entrance route includes steps.
  • Windsor Castle: The site is larger, hillier, and more demanding on foot, with longer walking stretches than Buckingham Palace.
  • Sensory-friendly: Earlier Buckingham Palace slots are usually calmer than late-morning summer entries, and the Palace has been reaccredited as Autism Friendly by the National Autistic Society.
  • Service animals: Assistance dogs are welcome at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
  • Choose the right order: Buckingham Palace first usually works better because its interior visit is more time-sensitive than Windsor’s.
  • Don’t stack guard crowds unless you want them: Late-morning palace entries often feel denser because ceremony watchers move straight into timed admissions.
  • Give Windsor your longer stop: Buckingham follows a one-way interior route, while Windsor rewards extra time in the precincts and St. George's chapel area.
  • Travel light: Buckingham Palace uses airport-style security, and bags larger than 45cm x 20cm x 30cm are not allowed on the full-day tour.
  • Save photos for the right places: Interior photography is only allowed in Buckingham Palace Gardens, so plan your palace photos for the exit.
  • Watch the calendar: Sundays affect chapel access, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays affect Windsor Castle.
  • Keep a fallback option: If Buckingham Palace interiors aren’t open, pair Windsor with the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace instead of forcing a weaker substitute.

Insider's guide 

Beyond the tour

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions about Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle combo tickets

You can do both. A combo simply makes the day easier by bundling transport, timing, and entry into one plan instead of two separate bookings.