Add dates

London Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended London Castle & palace tours

London: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

1. London: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Take a tour of the timeless Tower of London – part of British history since the 11th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1086 by William the Conqueror.  Discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace, and infamous prison. Spot the ravens that live on the premises and find out why they are known as the guardians of the Tower. Stroll across Tower Green to see where many executions took place, including those of 2 of Henry VIII's wives. You will also have access to the inside of the tower. Prepare to be dazzled by the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. These priceless symbols of the British Monarchy compose the greatest working collection of crown jewels in the world. Pore over the 23,578 gems, including the glistening Imperial State Crown - this piece alone has 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies. Gain valuable insights into the Towers History from some of its most famous residents, The Yeoman Body. Whilst Tours may be currently unavailable, the Yeoman Warders will be on hand to provide fascinating stories of the Tower through the ages.

From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets

2. From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets

Discover the beautiful town of Windsor on a half-day tour from London. Enjoy a scenic journey to Windsor and explore the iconic Windsor Castle with an admission ticket. You will see the castle, surrounding areas, and more before returning to London. Board a bus as it makes its way to the historic town of Windsor. On arrival, enter Windsor Castle and discover the official residence of His Majesty King Charles III at your own pace. Learn about the history of the castle and working palace, from its 11th-century origins following the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror. Stroll the beautiful grounds and view the castle's imposing architecture from the outside. Return to London in the early afternoon, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day to get on with your plans. 

Hampton Court Palace and Gardens Entrance Ticket

3. Hampton Court Palace and Gardens Entrance Ticket

Hop on the train from London's Waterloo station and travel to Hampton Court Palace. After a short 32-minute ride to Hampton Court station, use your ticket for entrance to a place that is actually 2 palaces. It is a magnificent Tudor palace, developed by Cardinal Wolsey and later Henry VIII, standing next to a Baroque palace that was built by William III and Mary II.  By the time of his death in 1547 Henry VIII had over 60 houses, but in the latter part of his reign none were more important to him than Hampton Court Palace. Visit the king’s apartments as one of his courtiers, wearing a Tudor cloak and sneaking down to the vast kitchens where banquets were prepared for as many as 1,000 guests. The splendid apartments of William and Mary in the Baroque Palace date from the late 17th century when they ruled jointly. From the apartments there are spectacular views of the gardens. You can explore the 60 acres of beautiful palace gardens that run down to the River Thames. You’ll see sparkling fountains and glorious seasonal displays of hundreds of thousands of flowering bulbs.

Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

4. Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

Become Lord or Lady Grantham for the day, as you visit the film locations used in the BAFTA award-winning Downton Abbey period drama. Hear how the global hit TV series was made and about the actors involved and the wonderful history of the places you visit on this full-day tour. You’ll depart central London in the morning on a drive to the charming Oxfordshire village that has been featured in the series as Downton village. Enjoy a guided tour of locations such as Downton Hospital, the village pub, the former home of Matthew Crawley, and the local church.  Take a short comfort break before continuing on to Highclere Castle, which is the main setting used in Downton Abbey. En route you’ll learn about the thousand-year history of Highclere Castle and life above and below the stairs. Lunch can be purchased at Highclere Castle or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy it on the beautiful grounds. Although guided tours are not allowed inside the castle, you’ll be able to explore the above-stairs area of Downton Abbey independently with the aid of a self-guided information sheet. Imagine life as it was over 100 years ago and enter the world of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants as you wander around the estate. The tour ends in central London.

From London: Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Day Trip

5. From London: Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Day Trip

Take a day trip from London to marvel at the Stonehenge Inner Circle on an exclusive private tour of the ancient site outside of the usual opening times. After, head to Windsor and choose to either take a guided walking tour of the town or visit Windsor Castle. Depart early in the morning from central London and make your way to Stonehenge. Once there, enjoy exploring this ancient site without the crowds as most regular visitors to Stonehenge are not allowed direct access to the stones. Enter the stone circle itself, and stand beside the magnificent stones towering above you. Soak up the peace and quiet as you experience Stonehenge at its atmospheric best. Following the visit to Stonehenge, make your way to the beautiful town of Windsor, where you will either take a walking tour or enter Windsor Castle. On the walking tour, admire the beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture as well as Queen Charlotte Street, the shortest street in Britain. See Windsor Castle from the outside, and learn about the history, culture, and heritage of this Royal Borough. Alternatively, choose to visit Windsor Castle itself, home to British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. Admire this royal residence up close before returning to London. The itinerary is reversed depending on what time you start the tour.

London: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Full-Day Tour

6. London: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Full-Day Tour

Take a full-day tour from London to see the famous Windsor Castle, the mysterious stone circle of Stonehenge, and the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, with the option to include entry tickets in the tour. Enjoy transportation by bus and guided tours at all locations. Start at Windsor Castle, home to the Royal Family for 900 years. Visit the magnificent State Apartments, still used for state occasions and Royal receptions. Explore the castle grounds and the 14th-Century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. Continue through the Wiltshire countryside to Stonehenge. Shrouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England. Head west to Bath, a beautiful Georgian city with handsome honey-colored architecture and the famous Roman baths. Enjoy a panoramic tour of some of Europe’s finest architectural sights, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms, and Pulteney Bridge. Choose the option to explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years.

Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket

7. Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket

Explore what is arguably London's most iconic attraction with a multimedia tour of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms. Gain privileged access to one of the official residences of His Majesty the King and admire the beautiful collections on display as you make your way from room to room. The term "state rooms" refers to the public rooms of a palace, in which monarchs receive, reward, and entertain their subjects and visiting dignitaries. Today the state rooms at Buckingham Palace are used extensively by The King and members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on state, ceremonial, and official occasions. The state rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens, sculptures by Canova, exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. At the end of your tour, the popular Garden Café is the perfect place to gather and enjoy views across the famous lawn.

London: Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater

8. London: Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater

Explore one of the oldest monuments in London on an early morning guided tour of the Tower of London, and see the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive. Avoid the lines with this early tour of the legendary site, where 3 English queens were executed, and get an introduction to the origins of the attraction before you meet one of the Yeomen Warders, more commonly known as Beefeaters. Learn about the traditions of these elite guardsmen, historically responsible for the prisoners at the tower and for safeguarding the Crown Jewels. Journey through centuries of British history and see where Guy Fawkes was put on trial. Marvel at magnificent orbs, swords, rings, crowns, and scepters used for royal ceremonies and coronations. Stay at the Tower of London to explore at your own pace once your official tour is over.

London: Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Tickets

9. London: Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Tickets

Experience London’s Kensington Palace, a place of secret stories and public lives. You will need approximately 90-minutes to see the beautiful palace apartments. Explore the sumptuous state apartments that will lift the curtain on the lives of its resident royals, including William III, Mary II, Queen Anne and Anne's son William, the last member of the Stuart dynasty.  Learn of their momentous lives and discover their sometimes heart-rending secrets. Take in the most breathtaking examples of architect and painter William Kent in the Cupola Room and King’s Grand Staircase. See the flamboyant examples of 18th-century court dress and artworks from the Royal Collection, and much more.

London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford Tour

10. London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford Tour

Enjoy a full day of English heritage visiting the exquisite Windsor Castle, captivating Stonehenge, and the beautiful university city of Oxford. On this day trip departing from London, you get the whistle-stop tour of these unique sites with interesting commentary from your guide along the way. Start your day at Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of HM King Charles III. Visit the magnificent State Apartments still used for state occasions and royal receptions (if option selected). Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the 14th century St. George's Chapel, where you can admire one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England. Next, go to the standing stones of Stonehenge, still clouded in mystery as an amazing feat of human engineering. Explore the prehistoric stone circle and learn about the theories around its construction (if option selected). Continue to the university city of Oxford, known as "The City of Dreaming Spires." A seat of learning since 1249, it's an idyllic location to explore on a fascinating walking tour.

148 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 10

Frequently asked questions about London

What top attractions are a must-see in London?

What are the best day trips and excursions from London?

The best day trips and excursions from London are:

Warner Bros. Studio London

Other Sightseeing Options in London

Want to discover all there is to do in London? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about London

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 3,716 reviews

Our visit to The Tower of London was excellent, Barney the Yeoman Warden presented a fun and informative tour at the start of our visit, we spent a total of 5 hours visiting the various and historic buildings around the tower, the food and service in the cafe was very good. Overall well worth the visit.

I deeply regret not to have booked the option with guided visit in Windsor Castle. At the beginning, I thought I could visit the castle by my own, but the guide was truly good and explained everything in a way that everyone could understand. I´m thinking about booking it again!

Absolutely worth it. All the history at the Tower is amazing. Did the audio tour which was £5 and would highly recommend doing this as the guided tour makes for a more informative journey through the grounds and buildings.

This was a superb trip. We were lucky to have the most charming guide (Rowan), a chilled bus driver and an expert guide at Stonehenge. Tours don't get better than this!

Well worthy activity for my short stop over trip. Took a bit more than two hours during which I was guided to the most interesting sights.