Tour Highlights: The Castle, Magna Carta, State Apartments, Queen Mary`s Dolls House, St George's Chapel, Royal Gardens, Windsor town and Eton College. The Chiltern countryside and River Thames.
Royal Windsor
The Queen`s favourite residence, the Castle is the most important, secular historic building in Britain. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world . It is an architectural masterpiece and has come to symbolise the history of the English nation . The skyline of battlements, turrets and the great Round Tower are all instantly recognizable throughout the World. A marvellous backdrop to Royal Pageantry, the final resting place of Kings and Queens , the spiritual home of the imperious Order of the Garter.
At the castle there is so much to marvel at, the opulent state apartments, the semi state apartments, Queen Mary`s doll's house, royal gardens and of course the magnificent St. Georges Chapel. We also learn of the legend of the ancient Order of the Garter, the most noble rank of knights of the Kingdom.
Lunch is taken at Eton, overlooking the River Thames and the Castle. Before we leave we visit the beautiful High Street and pass by the famous Eton College Boys School. Over 20 Prime Ministers were schooled here along with Princes Harry and William. There is time for shopping and enjoying the River Thames before we pass historic Runnymede, which bore witness to the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 on our return home.
Hampton Court Palace
“Tudor romance & Stuart splendour”
Tour Highlights: The Great Hall, Tudor Kitchens, The Chapel Royal, State Apartments, the maze, Real tennis court and formal gardens.
Hampton Court encompasses nearly 500 years of English history. Begun in the 16th Century by Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII`s chief minister, the Palace has been extended, altered, repaired and renovated over the centuries. Viewed from the West Gate the Palace today is still the redbrick home of Henry VIII; to the East it presents the stately Baroque façade designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the seventeenth century.
With its beautiful gardens and extensive parkland, set by the River Thames the Palace is both visually and historically interesting. A walk around will intrigue, amaze and delight. After touring the extensive interior we break for lunch at nearby Molesey and then spend the afternoon getting lost in the ancient maze, exploring the breathtaking formal gardens, the jousting grounds and visiting perhaps the oldest tennis court in the world. Time for afternoon tea before we return home.
Royal Windsor & Hampton Court in one day!
We can actually visit both wonderful royal residences in just one day, we just have to start a little earlier and finish a little later.
As with all our tours, if our most popular tour schedules do not suit your specific requirements, please allow us to create a customised itinerary especially for you. We always remember the day is yours to cherish.
