London: Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Palace Day Trip

Two Royal Palaces in One Day: Windsor Castle & Henry VIII's Hampton Court

You travel by luxury coach from central London to Windsor Castle, where you explore the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, and Queen Mary's Dolls' House. Then continue to Hampton Court Palace to see Henry VIII's riverside residence, the Tudor Kitchens, and gardens. Entry to both palaces, a professional guide, and return transport are included. The whole day runs roughly eight to nine hours, and you're back in London by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace

• Travel from London to Windsor Castle
• Explore Windsor Castle State Apartments
• Visit St George’s Chapel
• See Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
• Pass by Windsor Guildhall
• Travel to Hampton Court Palace
• Meet guide in period costume
• Tour Hampton Court State Apartments
• Visit Tudor Kitchens and gardens
• Return to London by coach

The Experience

The coach was supposed to leave at 8:30, but we didn't actually pull out until closer to nine. Someone's e-ticket wasn't scanning properly, and the driver had to radio ahead. That kind of thing happens, and honestly it gave us time to settle in, grab a seat with a decent view, and realize we had the whole day ahead of us. The route out of central London takes you past the Thames, and then you're heading west toward Windsor, where the castle sits right there on the hill, impossible to miss. Your guide walks you through what you're about to see: the State Apartments where the current King spends weekends, St George's Chapel where Harry and Meghan got married, and Queen Mary's Dolls' House. This tiny, impossibly detailed thing built in the 1920s with actual running water and electricity, made by 1,500 craftspeople.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle still in use, and you can feel that weight when you're standing in the rooms. Henry VIII is buried there, along with Queen Victoria and the Queen Mother. St George's Chapel itself is closed on Sundays (services run all day), and the castle shuts down completely on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so timing matters. If those days fall during your visit, you get a walking tour of the town instead. The State Apartments can close for state business, but Queen Mary's Dolls' House and the Drawings Gallery stay open. You're given time to wander, and most people spend two to three hours here before heading back to the coach.

Then it's on to Hampton Court Palace, built in 1515 by Cardinal Wolsey and seized by Henry VIII after the Cardinal fell out of favor. A guide in period costume meets you at the entrance and points you toward the Tudor Kitchens, the State Apartments, and the gardens: the palace sits right on the Thames in Richmond, and the grounds are enormous. You could spend hours here, and the tour gives you the freedom to do that. The coach brings you back to central London in the late afternoon, and you're done. It's not rushed, but it's also not leisurely. You're covering real ground, seeing two of England's most significant royal residences, and you don't have to figure out the train schedule or rent a car to do it.

What’s included

• Panoramic tour of London with a professional guide.
• entry to Windsor Castle State Apartments.
• entry to Hampton Court Palace and gardens.
• meet-and-greet at Hampton Court Palace.
• luxury air-conditioned coach with return transport to central London.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Golden Tours Gray Line London

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see two major royal palaces in a single day without arranging your own transport or buying tickets separately. The coach handles the logistics, and the guide gives you the context that makes the rooms and chapels make sense.

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Top questions

Is St George's Chapel open every day?

No. St George's Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays because services run throughout the day, though worshippers can attend. It's open the rest of the week.

What happens if Windsor Castle is closed on the day of my tour?

Windsor Castle closes completely on 25 and 26 December. It also closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On those days, a walking tour of Windsor town replaces the castle visit. The State Apartments may also close for state business, but Queen Mary's Dolls' House and the Drawings Gallery remain open.

How long do you spend at each palace?

You typically have two to three hours at Windsor Castle and similar time at Hampton Court Palace, though the exact duration depends on the group's pace and the day's schedule.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included in the standard tour. A premium Signature Tour option includes a lunch pack, along with premium seating on the coach and a live guide.

Do I need to bring anything to get in?

Yes, you must bring the e-ticket provided when you book. It's required for entry to the tour.

Can young children go on this tour?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour involves walking around palaces and gardens, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Is the coach air-conditioned?

Yes, the coach is modern, air-conditioned, and cleaned daily. During peak periods, additional vehicles without Wi-Fi may be used.

What if I need to cancel?

Bookings cancelled up to 24 hours before travel receive a full refund.