Visit Windsor Castle, wander through the streets of Eton. See where the Magna Carta was sealed. Have a private VIP tour of Hampton Court Palace with one of our Expert Guides. One is in authentic 16th century dress and is a star from the television show ‘Secrets of Henry VIII’s Palace’, in which she featured as a guest historian. The show was broadcast on PBS, Channel 5 and Yesterday.
This is a fascinating family day out, suitable for all ages which everyone will love.
Collecting you from your central London Hotel sit back in style and let your driver / Guide take you on the most memorable tour of your holiday.
Leaving central London it is a short drive to Windsor Castle.
Stopping in Windsor we visit the world’s largest fully occupied castle. Home to Monarchs for a1000 years. Your guide will explain the history of the castle, from the Motte and Bailey original built by William the Conquer to the present day. You will continue your short walking tour of Windsor seeing many Hidden Treasures of the area that tourists miss on other tours. This will include crossing the River Thames to arrive in Eton. Here you can wander the little side streets and of course see the famous Eton College. The college today is an independent boarding school for boys which educates more than 1,300 pupils, aged 13 to 18 years.
Time permitting, you will have the option to visit the Castle (entry fees apply) and the State Rooms, (when available) viewing the treasures in each room, including art by Rembrandt. Visit St Georges Chapel, (except Sundays). See the tombs of Charles I, George III, Jane Seymour and Henry VIII. The pomp and circumstance of the Royal world will unfold before you. The Queen spends most weekends at Windsor Castle and it is her official residence for a month over Easter, known as ‘Easter Court’
No trip to Windsor is complete without following the route of the Royal Wedding Processions and that is exactly how you will leave the area driving through the streets in the footsteps of the Royals.
Leaving Eton and Windsor behind we drive through old Windsor and Windsor Great Park to the one-time island of Runnymede, where in 1215 King John sealed the Magna Carta. We stop here for photos.
From Runnymede we travel cross country and have lunch in a traditional English Pub (own expense) Then it is on to Hampton Court Palace and your VIP Tour.
You will explore Henry VIII’s magnificent palace with one of 4 Expert Lady Guides, handpicked for their expertise in art and history of the Palace. One Guide, if available, will be in authentic 16th century dress. This Expert Guide starred in the television show ‘Secrets of Henry VIII’s Palace’, in which she featured as a guest historian. The show was broadcast on PBS, Channel 5 and Yesterday.
This famous original Tudor palace was begun by Cardinal Wolsey in 1514, but later taken over by Henry VIII, who brought all his six wives here, (not all at the same time though!). Here you will be met by another one of our expert Guides, a lady this time, who will take you on a private VIP tour of the Palace. The tour will take you through the Tudor State Apartments and the famous Tudor kitchens. Highlights include the Great Hall, the Chapel, the Tudor Garden, Edward VI’s Nursery and the gallery haunted by Queen Catherine Howard.
Hampton Court is the ultimate royal pleasure palace, embodying an indulgent and grandiose lifestyle. Its many rooms chart Henry’s decline from fit young warrior to bloated womaniser, and they tell the vivid stories of the ladies who became his queens.
Later, King William III and Queen Mary II commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild the palace, demolishing half of the red brick Tudor building and replacing it with exquisite Baroque architecture, making Hampton Court one of the most unique palaces in the world. Your guide will unveil an abundance of art, history and anecdotes that bring Hampton Court to life and you will be given special insights, not usually found by the public, as you walk the corridors of royal power and pleasure.
At the end of the tour your driver guide will return you to your Central London Hotel. There is no question that during your tour day you would have been treated like royalty yourselves.