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.
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.
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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