Visit two of the UK’s most beautiful and historic royal homes, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace, on this fantastic full-day private tour. Learn all about their history via our expert guide, who will bring the history of these two Royal residences to life.
Windsor Castle
The first stop will take you to Windsor Castle; ancestral home of the British Royal family and the largest, continuously occupied castle in Europe. Step inside St George’s Chapel, the site of HRH Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle wedding in 2018, and also where the tombs of several previous monarchs are located, including Henry VIII and Charles I.
As you walk through the State Apartments, the centrepiece of the castle and reputed to be the grandest apartments in England, their opulence is immediately apparent; on the walls hang some of the most beautiful works of art from the Royal Arts Collection, whilst the colossal Waterloo Chamber commemorates the famous English victory over Napoleon.
A display of typical British pomp and pageantry takes place every morning at the Changing the Guard ceremony, where the handover of duties takes place between guards to the Queen. Don’t forget to check the ‘Round Tower’ on your visit - if Her Majesty is in residence during your visit, you may be lucky enough to see the Royal Standard flying on its flagpole.
Hampton Court Palace
A favourite summer home of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is an opulent fusion of architectural styles from very different periods in English history. Although perhaps best-known as a Tudor Palace, it epitomises both Tudor and, later, Baroque styles.
Marvel at the spectacular ‘Abraham Tapestries’ commissioned by Henry VIII to celebrate the birth of his only son and heir, Edward. The panels, embroidered in real gold and silver, cost the equivalent of two battleships to build and, although tarnished with age, would no doubt have glistened in the Tudor candlelight.
As you walk through the palace, you’ll visit the lavish State Rooms, the Great Hall, The Chapel Royal and wander through its vast medieval kitchens and cellars, which will provide you with a fascinating insight into the complexity and challenges faced trying feed six hundred people in the 16th century.
Outside, explore 60 acres of spectacular formal gardens and lose yourself in the world-famous maze, the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK or visit ‘The Great Vine’, planted 250 years ago.
