5 (4)
London
Windsor Castle & London Private Tour by Rail
570
Overview
Private Westminster, Whitehall, and Windsor Castle Tour by Train offers a special chance to see London's best sights and Windsor Castle. Unlike other tours stuck in traffic, this tour uses the train. This lets guests relax and chat with their guide.
Starting from a hotel or Piccadilly Circus, a guide takes guests to see the Changing of the Guard and London's important government buildings. At Windsor Castle, the guide shows St George's Chapel, the staterooms, and the grounds. Train tickets and entry to Windsor Castle are included.
Key stops include Piccadilly Circus, St. James's Palace, Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard, Whitehall, Westminster, and Windsor Castle. Guests will see James J. Fox & Robert Lewis and Berry Bros. & Rudd. They will walk through St. James's Park and see Horse Guards Parade. They will travel from Waterloo Station to Windsor Castle to explore the grounds. This tour provides a comprehensive look at London's history and royal landmarks. 
Highlights
Skip the Traffic: Travel to Windsor by train, avoiding London's notorious traffic.
See the Changing of the Guard: Get perfectly positioned for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Explore Windsor Castle: Discover St. George's Chapel, staterooms, and grounds with an expert guide.
All Inclusive: Train tickets and Windsor Castle entry fees are included.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally loved the tour, highlighting knowledgeable guides, comprehensive experiences, and memorable stories. Some found the walking tiring and the train station busy.
Customers enjoyed seeing Windsor Castle and famous businesses.
Tour guides are very knowledgeable about the best spots for viewing the Changing of the Guards and the history of Windsor Castle.
Guides are great storytellers and make the experience memorable.
The tour is comprehensive and includes hidden gems not seen on typical tours.
Some found the amount of walking to be tiring.
The train station can be crowded and hectic.
The Journey
Piccadilly Circus
Begin your adventure at Piccadilly Circus, a vibrant hub where history and modern life intertwine. Uncover the intriguing tales behind this iconic landmark, where even local legends sometimes miss the mark. Explore the area's rich past and discover hidden gems, like a neo-Byzantine Italian restaurant with ties to famous TV shows and even the world's most famous consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes. Get ready to be captivated by London's unique blend of history and entertainment.
Piccadilly (Street)
Stroll down Piccadilly, a street synonymous with elegance and British heritage. Discover the storied histories of Hatchards, Simpson's, and Fortnum & Mason, establishments frequented by writers, politicians, and royalty. Then, pause outside the new Cavendish Hotel, built on the legacy of Rosa Lewis, the scandalous 'Duchess of Jermyn Street' and her connection to Edward VII and Winston Churchill. Experience a blend of literary history, political intrigue, and royal connections all in one place.
James J. Fox & Robert Lewis
Step into James J. Fox & Robert Lewis, a legendary cigar shop with a history as rich as its tobacco. This haven for cigar aficionados has served British monarchs from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Napoleon III. Learn about the famous figures, including Oscar Wilde and Sir Winston Churchill, who have graced its doors. Indulge in the aroma of the finest Cuban cigars and perhaps acquire a taste of history itself in this prestigious boutique.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
Discover Berry Bros. & Rudd, the Queen's esteemed wine merchant and a true British institution. Explore their stunning 17th-century store and modern shop, where you can select the perfect wine or spirit for your journey. Stock up on a tipple for the train ride to Windsor, or a bottle to savor later, but please drink responsibly. Peruse their online shop before your visit to ensure you make the best decision.
St. James's Palace
The royal part of your tour begins at St. James's Palace, a historic residence dating back to Henry VIII. Hear tales of its past inhabitants and learn about its current royal functions. Witness the first part of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a spectacle of precision and tradition, before proceeding down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Be transported back in time as you experience the heart of royal London.
Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard)
Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony from the streets surrounding Buckingham Palace. Marvel at the precision of the Queen's footguards as they exchange duties. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the regiments involved, the music played by the military band (weather permitting), and the significance of this time-honored tradition. Although you will only see highlights of the full hour-long ceremony, the spectacle of the guards arriving from Wellington Barracks will leave a lasting impression.
St. James's Park
Relax and refresh in St. James's Park, one of London's beautiful Royal Parks. Once the domain of Charles II, who strolled among his subjects here, the park now welcomes all. Visit the famous Pelicans, gifted to Charles by the Russian Ambassador in 1664. Take a brief break to use the facilities or grab a snack amidst this green oasis in the heart of the city.
Horse Guards Parade
At Horse Guards Parade, encounter the stoic Horse Guards, adorned in shining armor and attracting throngs of tourists. Capture the perfect photo with these majestic figures. Admire the exterior of the Old Admiralty Building, where Ian Fleming conceived James Bond during World War II. Hear the incredible story of a daring espionage operation planned within its walls, involving faked invasion plans and a Welsh tramp dressed as a soldier.
Whitehall
Wander down Whitehall, the center of the UK government. Your guide will reveal the stories behind the government departments, statues, and memorials honoring the sacrifices of those who served in the World Wars. Catch a glimpse of Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister. Even if a clear view is not possible, learn about the history of this iconic street and the role of the Prime Minister in British politics.
Westminster (Houses of Parliament)
Behold Westminster, home to the British Parliament, often called the mother of all parliaments. Admire the iconic building, rebuilt by Sir Charles Barry during Queen Victoria's reign. Learn about the UK parliamentary system, its historical struggles, and the story behind the famous Queen Elizabeth II clock tower, more commonly known as Big Ben.
Waterloo Station
At Waterloo Station, take a moment to refresh and prepare for your train journey to Windsor. Purchase refreshments, though a packed lunch is recommended for the train ride. Your return tickets to Windsor and entry to Windsor Castle are included in the tour. As the train departs, relax and enjoy the countryside views, while your guide points out landmarks, including the Mi6 Headquarters. Prepare to be transported from the bustle of London to the regal grandeur of Windsor.
Windsor Castle
Arrive at Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world and the home of Queen Elizabeth II. Your tour prioritizes St. George's Chapel before exploring the rest of the castle. With approximately 3 hours to explore, including some independent exploration, discover the castle's rich history, amazing artifacts, and stunning grounds. Consider attending Evensong at St George's Chapel at 17.15 (confirm upon booking) before the return journey to London.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entry to Windsor Castle and return train tickets to and from Windsor. It excludes gratuities, lunch, and snacks. The tour starts at your hotel or Piccadilly Circus.
Hot Tip
To get the best view of the Changing of the Guard, follow your guide's advice on the best place to stand. Be prepared for a lot of walking, and consider bringing comfortable shoes.
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