Windsor Castle & Kensington Palace Tour
Follow the story of the British monarchy from the medieval kings to the modern royal family on this full-day tour to Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace. This tour explores how royal power, architecture, and personal stories shaped two of the most important royal residences in England, from the age of chivalry to the world of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.
Highlights
Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world
The story of the monarchy from William the Conqueror to the present day
State Apartments and royal ceremonial rooms
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
St George’s Chapel and royal tombs
Windsor town and traditional English atmosphere
Kensington Palace, royal residence since the 17th century
The King’s State Apartments and grand staircase
William III, Mary II and the Stuart court
Queen Victoria’s childhood rooms
Stories of Princess Diana and the modern royal family
Kensington Gardens and palace grounds
Full Description
This full-day tour connects two royal residences that together tell the long story of the British monarchy, from medieval fortress to elegant palace and modern royal home.
We begin at Windsor Castle, founded shortly after the Norman Conquest and still used today as an official residence of the monarch. Over the centuries the castle developed from a defensive stronghold into a magnificent royal palace, especially under Edward III, who transformed it into a symbol of English chivalry and royal power.
Inside the State Apartments we explore richly decorated ceremonial rooms filled with paintings, armour, and royal treasures. We also visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a remarkable miniature palace created in the twentieth century, and St George’s Chapel, one of the finest Gothic buildings in England and the spiritual centre of the Order of the Garter. The chapel is also the burial place of many kings and queens.
After time in Windsor, we continue to Kensington Palace, a royal residence since the seventeenth century and one of the most important homes of the later monarchy. Here the focus shifts from medieval and Tudor power to the world of the Stuarts, the Hanoverians, and the modern royal family.
Inside the palace we explore the King’s State Apartments, the grand staircase decorated with court figures, and the galleries associated with William III and Mary II. We also follow the early life of Queen Victoria, who spent her childhood at Kensington, and hear the story of Princess Diana, whose life at Kensington Palace made the building known around the world.
The tour shows how royal residences reflect the personality, ambition, and politics of each generation, from the chivalric court of Edward III to the ceremonial monarchy of today.
Duration
Full day tour, approximately 8 hours including travel time.
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup or agreed meeting point in central London.
Pickup can be arranged from your hotel, residence, or agreed central London location.
At the end of the tour, guests may be dropped off at their hotel or at any preferred location within the agreed tour area.
Who This Tour Is For
This tour is ideal for visitors interested in British royal history, architecture, and the personal stories of the monarchy from the Middle Ages to modern times.
Suitable for first-time visitors, repeat visitors, families, and anyone who would like to explore royal London in depth.
Customisation
The itinerary can be adjusted depending on time, traffic conditions, and personal interests.
The tour can also include additional royal sites such as St James’s Palace, Westminster, or Hampton Court Palace if requested in advance.