Windsor Castle & Eton: Private Day Trip from London by Train
The British monarchy is perhaps the most famous family in the world. They have majestic palaces, castles and stately homes all over the United Kingdom, but it is said the favourite residence of the House of Windsor, is the medieval Windsor Castle itself. It is also where the late Queen and Prince Philip stayed during the Covid pandemic (known as HMS Bubble), and nearby Eton College is where princes William and Harry went to school.
On your private full-day tour of Windsor and Eton you will:
- Meet your private guide at London Paddington train station and travel together to Windsor;
- Walk through the historic and picturesque town of royal Windsor;
- Explore the magnificent Windsor Castle and grounds with your guide;
- Enjoy a fully guided tour of St George's Chapel where many monarchs such as Henry VIII and most recently Queen Elizabeth II - are buried, and where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle;
- See Queen Mary's exquisite dollhouse - inclusive of a library, globe, and leatherback chairs, which took over three years to complete;
- Visit the majestic State Apartments with an Audioguide (tour guides cannot guide inside these rooms);
- Break for lunch in Windsor. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations. (Lunch is not included);
- Walk across Thomas Telford’s bridge and visit Eton town;
- See Eton College, and learn of its many famous former students from Prime Ministers to princes, and its archaic traditions;
- Pop into one of the country's most famous tailors, where the college's uniforms are made, and perhaps learn to tie to the illustrious 'Windsor knot';
- Return to London Waterloo train station with your guide, or opt to stay in Windsor and return at your leisure.
After a scenic train ride from London to Windsor, your day begins with a guided walking tour through the pretty and historic royal town of Windsor towards the castle. You'll learn about the 1000-year history of the town and its royal connections over the centuries.
Windsor Castle dates back to the 11th century when it was first built by William the Conqueror, and is the oldest and largest inhabited, working castle in the world. It is said to be the late Queen's favourite residence, and it is where she and Prince Philip isolated during the pandemic. It was expertly and carefully restored after a mighty fire in 1992.
Upon entering the castle walls, first enjoy a tour of St. George's Chapel, a 15th-century church that has played host to numerous royal weddings including those of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. It is also a place of royal burial: monarchs both famous and infamous are buried there including Henry VIII (with all the wives), Charles I (who was beheaded) and most recently her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II alongside her beloved husband Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.
After a guided tour around the exquisite castle grounds and gardens, you will explore the majestic State Apartments with an audio guide. (Tour guides are not permitted to tour inside, the audioguide is included).
Stand in St. George’s Hall, where royal and state banquets are held. Learn about the various ceremonies that take place here like the procession of the Order of the Garter. Admire the intricately decorated staterooms, polished suits of armour and weaponry, famous portraits and medieval heraldry. Learn the many stories and legends associated with the castle over the last thousand years.
After your tour of the castle, have your lunch break in Windsor before crossing the bridge for a guided stroll around the quaint town of Eton. See the exterior of Eton College (not open to the public), and walk in the footsteps of more than twenty of the country’s prime ministers, Oscar winners such as Eddie Redmayne, writers such as Ian Fleming, and Princes William and Harry.
Pop into one of the country's most famous tailors, where the college's uniforms are made, and perhaps learn to tie to the illustrious 'Windsor knot'.
Return to London Waterloo with your guide, or opt to stay and explore more of Eton and Windsor and the Great Park at your leisure.
Please note:
- As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, sometimes the entire Castle or the State Apartments within the Castle need to be closed at short notice. We will endeavour to be in touch with you as soon as we have this information.
- The Tailor shop will only be visited on tours running on weekdays (not on weekends or bank holidays) as the shops are closed.
