Stonehenge & Windsor: Inner Circle Access Day Trip London

Summary

Step past the ropes at stonehenge then wander windsor’s old streets

You’ll step right inside Stonehenge’s inner circle before regular hours, feeling ancient stones beneath your hands while your guide shares stories only locals seem to know. Later in Windsor, wander medieval lanes or explore the castle if you’ve booked entry. It’s a day full of rare access, real history, and small surprises you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rumbling out of London before I’d even woken up properly — it was one of those early departures, you know? Our guide, Tom, handed out headsets and grinned like he had a secret. By the time we reached Salisbury Plain, the sky was still soft and grey, and there was this hush as we walked towards Stonehenge. Not the usual crowd — just our small group and the sound of wet grass underfoot. When Tom unlocked that gate to the inner circle, I actually felt my heart thump. The stones are so much bigger up close than they look in photos. Cold to the touch, rough — I pressed my hand against one and tried to imagine who else had stood there over thousands of years. Someone nearby whispered something about druids but honestly, I just listened to the wind threading through the stones. It smelled like rain and earth.

Afterwards, we all piled back onto the coach (which had USB chargers — small win) and headed for Windsor. The town is proper English postcard stuff: crooked lanes, bunting everywhere, people queuing outside tea rooms. Our guide pointed out where to get good fudge (I did), and told us stories about royal scandals that made me laugh more than I expected. If you’ve picked the option with Windsor Castle tickets included, you can go inside — otherwise there’s plenty to see just walking around. The castle itself looms over everything; it’s almost too big to take in all at once. I sat on a bench for a bit watching families feed ducks by the river while bells rang somewhere in the distance.

I didn’t expect Stonehenge to feel so quiet or personal — especially with that special access into the inner circle. There’s something about standing right among those ancient stones before everyone else arrives that sticks with you longer than you’d think. Even now, I still remember how cold that sarsen felt under my palm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stonehenge and Windsor day tour

• Depart from London
• Enter Stonehenge Inner Circle
• Walk among giant Sarsens
• Enjoy peaceful Stonehenge visit
• Travel to Windsor town
• Wander medieval streets
• Browse tea rooms and shops
• See Windsor Castle exterior
• Optionally purchase Windsor Castle entry
• Return to London

Top questions

Can you go inside Stonehenge on this tour?

Yes, this tour includes special access to enter Stonehenge’s inner circle before or after public hours.

Does this day trip include Windsor Castle tickets?

You can choose an option with Windsor Castle entry included when booking; otherwise it’s not included but available for purchase on site.

Where does the tour depart from in London?

The tour departs from Victoria Park Plaza Hotel in central London.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

No hotel pickup is offered; travelers meet at Victoria Park Plaza Hotel for departure.

How long does the day trip last?

The early tour runs from 5:30 am to around 4:15-4:30 pm; later tours finish between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm depending on departure time.

Is lunch included on this Stonehenge & Windsor tour?

No lunch is not included; you’ll have free time in Windsor for food or snacks.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but please contact at least seven days ahead so suitable transport can be arranged.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip coach travel from central London (with WiFi and USB chargers), private viewing inside Stonehenge’s inner circle before regular hours, a friendly expert guide with audio headset commentary throughout, plus either a walking tour of Windsor or entry tickets to Windsor Castle if you select that option when booking.