Add dates

South East England Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended South East England Castle & palace tours

Dover Castle Admission Ticket

1. Dover Castle Admission Ticket

Step into the vibrant world of Henry II’s medieval royal palace and follow lifelike hologram figures round the private chambers, guest rooms, and great hall, along with the kitchen and armories. After immersing yourself in life at the 12th-century court, climb to the roof of the Great Tower for amazing panoramic views over the huge medieval castle, which was one of the strongest in England. Enjoy the unique experience of the secret wartime tunnels, telling the story of the 1940 Miracle of Dunkirk using film, audio, and archive photography. Witness the evacuation of over 300,000 British and allied troops as the rescue operation is played out before your eyes.

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. 

Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers

6. London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers

Your private tour guide will bring the incredible history to life as you step back in time to the 11th Century and learn about how Windsor Castle was founded by William the Conqueror. It has since withstood siege, been used for official entertaining, as a royal court by King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and as a home to 39 monarchs. It was a residence of Queen Elizabeth II who enjoyed many of her private weekends at the Castle. Located within 13 acres, and boasting over an impressive 1,000 rooms, the Castle consists of three distinct sections. During the reign of King Charles II, the State Apartments were renovated to rival the rooms of Versailles in France and, today, you can witness incredible artwork from the Royal Collections, including paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens. Experience spectacular St George’s Chapel, a beautiful place of worship, burial place for ten monarchs including Henry VIII and the Queen Mother, and the setting for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. Also, depending on the day and time of your visit, you might be lucky enough to witness the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle. The ceremony sees the guards marching through Windsor town and into the castle for the guard change. If you book 4 hours option that will include your travel time and visit of Windsor castle. Any extra time at extra cost so please plan your visit in advance. Sometimes Windsor castle can be closed for visits due to state visits. We are not responsible for this. In this case we can rebook your visit for another day.

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

7. 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.

London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour

8. London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour

Set off on a scenic day trip from London and see some of the highlights of the Cotswolds. Visit filming locations from the show Downton Abbey, discover Highclere Castle, and admire the picturesque countryside in the region on this guided tour. Head to the Cotswolds countryside and visit some of the filming sites of Downton Abbey. Your first stop is Cogges Manor Farm located on the banks of the River Windrush. Learn of the farm’s role in Downton Abbey as Yew Tree Farm where Lady Edith's daughter Marigold was raised by the Drewe family. Visit the kitchens and Mr. Drewe’s living room, see the farmyard where many scenes were filmed, and watch a unique and special video about the farm's role in the popular television series. After a coffee break, continue on to the delightful village of Shilton, famous for its shallow ford and used in series two to double as the village of Swinbrook. It was here that Lady Sybil and Tom Branson spent the night on their aborted elopement. Head to Bampton to see St Mary's Church, the scene of so many weddings and a funeral or two. During your guided walk, take in sites of interest including the cottage hospital, Mrs. Crawley's house, the village green, the post office, Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast, and The Grantham Arms pub. Next, make your way southwards from the Cotswolds to the chalk down land of Hampshire, home to magnificent Highclere Castle, known to many as Lord Grantham's family seat, Downton Abbey itself. Discover familiar locations both inside the castle and out. See where O’Brien tripped up Bates, where Kemal Pamuk’s body was moved, and the dining room where delicious dialogue was served up with decadent food. Visit Robert Crawley’s library and the various bedrooms, and walk down the grand staircase. Enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants here, before heading into the beautiful grounds. In the basement, there is a special Egyptology exhibition, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Spend around three hours in Highclere Castle and its grounds before returning back to London.

Windsor Castle Admission Ticket

9. Windsor Castle Admission Ticket

Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It has been remodeled by a succession of kings and queens, including Henry II, Charles II, and George IV. Your ticket provides admission to the Castle, including the magnificent State Apartments, which are furnished with some of the finest treasures from the royal collection. Among the masterpieces are paintings by Holbein, Rubens, and Van Dyck, as well as fine English and French furniture. During the winter months, the sumptuous private apartments created by George IV, known as the Semi-State Rooms, are added to the visitor route. Your admission also includes access to St. George's Chapel (except on Sundays). This is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England, and is the final resting place for 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII and Charles I. There is a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle, so please allow enough time to make the most of your visit, which is likely to last between 2.5 and 3 hours. The Castle is situated at the top of a steep hill, and the visitor route covers long distances, so comfortable shoes are advised.

London: Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath Day Trip by Bus

10. London: Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath Day Trip by Bus

Head out of London in a comfortable coach to uncover the charms of the English countryside on a full-day tour that takes you to famous, historical sites. See Windsor's charming streets, Bath's iconic Roman baths, and Stonehenge's impressive stone structure with your guide. After leaving in the morning, drive straight to Windsor. Discover the 17th-century historical monuments that line its cobbled streets. Also, visit the home of Queen Elizabeth II and enjoy a through-the-keyhole experience of the world’s largest and oldest castle. Then make your way to Stonehenge. Discover its monolithic rocks rising up against the skyline on Salisbury Hill. Continue on to Bath on the slopes of the River Avon. It was the first city in England to be designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 15th-century Bath Abbey and the romantic Pulteney Bridge, modeled on Florence's Ponte Vecchio.

63 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 4

Frequently asked questions about South East England

What top attractions are a must-see in South East England?

Other Sightseeing Options in South East England

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

What people are saying about South East England

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 3,726 reviews

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!

Chrissy and her trusted polish driver were great all the way. Found the Vox headset not very useful when I used it at the back of the group, static noises and interruptions mostly. Apart from that no issues.

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!

Robert does an amazing job with this tour! He definitely made the entire day so much more interesting. Thank you Robert!

Sophie is a great tour guide and amazing storyteller…