Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford: Day Trip from London

Summary

History comes alive from royal Windsor to ancient stones and Oxford’s dreaming spires

You’ll step inside Windsor Castle’s royal halls, stand in awe at Stonehenge with its ancient mystery swirling around you, and lose yourself in Oxford’s winding streets with a local guide leading the way. Expect odd little moments—a laugh with your group or a sudden hush at Stonehenge—that stick with you long after you’re back in London.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Windsor Castle to feel so… lived-in. I mean, you see the flags fluttering above those thick old walls, and it hits you—real people still call this place home. Our guide, Mark, had all these little stories about the royals (he swears he once saw Prince Philip jogging). The cobblestone streets smelled faintly of coffee and rain, and there was this one old man feeding pigeons who gave us a nod like we were regulars. Inside the State Apartments, the sunlight caught on gold frames and velvet chairs—honestly, I kept worrying I’d sneeze on something priceless.

The drive out to Stonehenge was quiet. Fields rolling by, sheep just sort of ignoring us. When we finally got there, the wind was sharp enough to wake you up—felt good after the bus. Standing in front of those stones is stranger than I thought; they’re bigger but also somehow quieter than photos suggest. Mark handed out audio headsets but honestly, I just listened to the wind for a minute. There’s a smell out there too—wet grass and earth. Some kids tried to guess how old it all was (one said “a million years,” which made their dad laugh). We didn’t solve any mysteries but it felt good not knowing.

Oxford was our last stop. The city feels like it’s made for wandering—narrow lanes, students darting past on bikes with scarves flying behind them. Our walking tour started at the Bodleian Library (the doors are heavier than they look), then we passed under the Bridge of Sighs where someone had left a single red rose on the stone ledge. The Sheldonian Theatre looked almost too perfect against the grey sky. Mark pointed out some gargoyles and told us which college filmed Harry Potter scenes (I forgot which one already). By then my feet hurt but I didn’t really care—I just wanted a pint somewhere old and creaky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford

• Explore historic Windsor town
• Tour Windsor Castle State Apartments
• Visit St George's Chapel
• Discover Stonehenge with guide
• See Sheldonian Theatre exteriors
• Pass by Bodleian Library
• Walk Oxford city with guide

Top questions

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

The full day trip typically lasts around 11–12 hours including travel time between each destination.

Is entry to Windsor Castle included in this tour?

Entry to Windsor Castle is included if you select that option when booking; otherwise you have free time in Windsor town.

Does this tour include entry to Stonehenge?

Yes, entry to Stonehenge is included if you choose that option during booking.

Are guided tours provided at each location?

You’ll have an expert guide throughout; there’s a walking tour in Oxford and audio guides available at Stonehenge.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is provided; you’ll have free time to buy food at stops along the way.

Is transportation by coach comfortable?

The coach has WiFi and USB charging onboard for comfort during travel between sites.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but contact at least seven days before travel so suitable arrangements can be made.

Can infants join this day trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable coach transport with WiFi and USB charging, an expert guide throughout, walking tour of Oxford’s historic center, personal audio headset for clear commentary, plus entry tickets for Windsor Castle and Stonehenge if selected during booking—all wrapped up with plenty of time for your own discoveries along the way.