Stonehenge & Windsor: Day Trip from London with Castle Entry

Summary

Walk ancient stones at Stonehenge then explore royal Windsor Castle

You’ll step onto Salisbury Plain feeling the wind swirl around Stonehenge’s ancient stones before wandering Windsor’s cobbled streets and exploring its legendary castle halls. With an expert guide leading stories and smooth coach travel included, expect both quiet awe and lively moments — plus time for your own discoveries along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“Is it always this windy out here?” I asked, squinting across Salisbury Plain as our guide, Tom, grinned and zipped his jacket higher. The air around Stonehenge had this damp chill that seemed to stick to my sleeves — somehow it made the stones feel even older. We’d just stepped off the coach (Wi-Fi actually worked, by the way), and there was this odd hush, except for a distant crow and someone’s laughter drifting from the visitor center. Tom handed us audio guides but mostly I just wanted to stand there, boots in the grass, trying to imagine who dragged these massive rocks all this way. Honestly, I thought I’d be underwhelmed by Stonehenge but… no. There’s something weirdly heavy about the place — like you’re not supposed to get it all at once.

The ride to Windsor was longer than I expected — about an hour and a half? — which gave me time to stare out at fields and sheep and think about lunch (bring snacks). When we rolled into Windsor, everything felt brighter: kids chasing pigeons near the gates, shop windows full of fudge. Our group split up because some folks hadn’t booked castle entry. If you’re doing this day trip from London, definitely go inside Windsor Castle if you can swing it. The State Apartments are so over-the-top that even Tom admitted he still gets lost in there sometimes. There was a faint scent of beeswax polish in the air and sunlight slanting through stained glass in St George’s Chapel — people moved quietly between tombs of kings and queens, which hit me harder than I expected.

I tried (and failed) to pronounce “Frogmore” properly; Li, another traveler, cracked up beside me. We didn’t have long at Frogmore House but just seeing it tucked behind trees made me wonder what stories those walls could tell. By late afternoon my legs were tired but my head was spinning with all these layers of history — Neolithic mysteries one minute, royal drama the next. Sometimes tours feel rushed or too shiny but this one left room for small moments: cold stone under your hand or a smile from a castle guard who probably sees thousands of faces every week.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Stonehenge and Windsor

• Travel from London to Stonehenge
• Explore Stonehenge and visitor centre
• Use interactive audio guide at Stonehenge
• Travel to Windsor
• Discover Windsor town and riverside
• Optional: Tour Windsor Castle and St George's Chapel
• Return to London

Top questions

How long is the day trip from London to Stonehenge & Windsor?

The tour starts at 8:30 am from Victoria Coach Station and finishes around 6:00 pm at Victoria Train Station.

Is entry to Windsor Castle included in this tour?

Entry to Windsor Castle is included if you select that option when booking; otherwise you can explore Windsor town instead.

Does this Stonehenge & Windsor tour include lunch?

No lunch is provided; bringing snacks is recommended as there is free time for food during the tour.

Are tickets to Stonehenge included?

Yes, entrance fees for Stonehenge are included in the price of the tour.

Is hotel pickup available for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is offered; departure is from Victoria Coach Station in central London.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap or ride in a pram or stroller.

When is Windsor Castle closed?

Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; St George's Chapel is closed on Sundays.

Is Wi-Fi available on the coach?

Yes, free Wi-Fi and USB charging are available on board the coach during your day trip from London.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable return coach travel with Wi-Fi and USB charging from central London, entry tickets for Stonehenge (and Windsor Castle if selected), plus guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local guide before returning you back by evening.