Don’t forget to admire the 15th century St. George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world. It has been an official residence of the English Royal Family for nearly 1,000 years, and the Queen stays here most weekends, and for a month during Easter. Even when she is not in residence, nearly 500 people live or work in the castle, a testament to its classic medieval combination of palace, fortress and small town. As an international symbol of British heritage, and one of the country’s most evocative and recognisable historic landmarks, Windsor Castle rarely fails to impress.
Military Beginnings
The castle was built by William the Conqueror shortly after his 1066 invasion, in an effort to consolidate his territorial gains and assert his rule over the land. Originally a simple motte and bailey construction, over the years its strategic proximity to the Thames led to several rounds of addition and reinforcement, notably by Henry II, King John and Edward III.
Onward and Upward
Visiting the castle today, the great walls loom above you from atop their 15m chalk outcrop. In the very centre of the motte stands the keep, the Round Tower, a colossal fortification in which the medieval garrison would once have been able to make their last stand. Around the tower are three “Wards”, or sections, which you can visit. Particularly impressive are the sumptuous state apartments in the Upper Ward. They were mostly designed by Jeffry Wyatville, who wanted each room to reflect a different school of design. The result is a kaleidoscope of opulence which both showcases the wealth of the generations of royals who have lived here, and also illustrates the changing styles of the times.
Visit Her Majesty Elizabeth II's favourite home of Windsor Castle with St George’s Chapel, dating back to 1070, and explore the historic town of Eton and the famous Eton College, an ancient school of princes and prime ministers for centuries, including Princes William and Harry and the former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
On your private day trip from London, you will:
Experience the pomp and pageantry, royal splendour, and traditions of Royal Windsor and Eton on this lovely half-day guided private tour. You’ll walk in and around Windsor Castle – the Queen’s favourite residence, where she and His Royal Highness the late Prince Philip were quarantined during the pandemic. It was known affectionately as HMS Bubble!
Windsor is a working royal castle, and you’ll visit the state apartments, where Her Majesty receives visiting dignitaries and heads of state. You’ll see Queen Mary's exquisite dollhouse - inclusive of a library, globe, and leatherback chairs, which took over three years to complete and learn about working royal life.
Your expert guide will show you around the magnificent St George’s Chapel – another favourite of the Royal Family as a more intimate setting than Westminster Abbey in London. His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales was married to Ms Meghan Markle here, as was HRH Princess Eugenie to Jack Brooksbank.
Most recently it was the chosen venue for the regal yet incredibly moving funeral of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip was the Queen’s husband of 73 years – and the longest-serving royal consort of all time.
The chapel is also the burial place of several famous British monarchs and their consorts, including Henry VIII and Charles I.
Coming down the hill and over the river, you will leave Windsor and enter the impossibly quaint town of Eton. See the exterior of Eton College (not open to the public), where you will find yourself walking in the footsteps of 20 of the country’s prime ministers, Oscar winners such as Eddie Redmayne, writers such as Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels and Princes William and Harry.
Step 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'. Enjoy popping your head into the array of different antique, art and quirky independent shops, and enjoy a relaxing and scenic drive back to London.
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.
These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.
These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.
These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.
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.
Please note: Your visit to Windsor Castle will be self-guided and your guide won't be able to provide commentary inside.
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