Just outside of London, two Royal treasures and England's most notable places await you: Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle. You will explore the home of Henry VII & the Tudor dynasty, and the world's oldest & largest occupied castle and the current residence of Queen Elizabeth II with your private tour guide who will share the stories and the history behind these two British landmarks.
On your private day trip from London, you will:
Your day begins with a day trip to Hampton Court Palace, where lies the spectacular favourite residence of Henry VIII built in 1514, where you will explore the impressive maze and beautiful gardens, see the astronomical clock and visit Henry VIII’s tennis court.
Afterwards, you will visit Her Majesty’s favourite weekend residence, the beautiful Windsor Castle. You will be able to walk through the exquisite State Apartments, which display artworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci.
You will see magnificent rooms, including St. George’s Hall where larger-than-life banquets are held, stunning suits of armour as well as flawless grounds and gardens. Another highlight will be St George’s Chapel - where numerous weddings within the Royal family have taken place and where famous monarchs, including the infamously beheaded Charles I, are buried.
With your guide providing insight along the way, this is the perfect day trip from London to discover two amazing Royal Treasures.
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:
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.
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