London Tour Guide : Sally Botwright : Windsor and Hampton Court

Hampton Court

Surrendered by Cardinal Wolsey to King Henry VIII in 1529, Hampton Court became one of more than 60 houses and palaces owned by the King but none were more important than Hampton Court Palace. It was one of the most modern and sumptuously decorated properties in England. The Great Hall was a vast communal dining room and the kitchens to provide the food covered 36,000 square feet. The Great House of Easement which was the communal lavatory could seat 28 people at a time and was seen as a great modern addition to the property! King Henry VIII famously had 6 wives and all of them visited Hampton Court Palace.

In 17th Century, during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II, the only monarchs to jointly reign, Henry’s Tudor Building was transformed into a magnificent Baroque Palace by the architect of the day, Sir Christopher Wren. Fortunately, parts of King Henry VIII’s Tudor buildings were left in tact for us to visit along with the magnificent gardens and world famous maze.

Minimum half day required

Windsor Castle and Eton

Said to be the favourite residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is the oldest continually inhabited castle in the world. Not only can we walk around the castle precincts but we can visit the state apartments as well with their magnificent collection of furniture, paintings and tapestries, not to mention St. George’s Chapel, home to the Order of the Garter, the highest honour that can be bestowed on an individual in this country. Connected by a bridge crossing the River Thames, we can also visit the small town of Eton, passing interesting shops on our way to Eton College, the world famous school where both Prince William and Prince Harry were educated and has produced no less than 18 Prime Ministers
of the UK.

You can also take a stroll down the Long Walk with great views of Windsor Castle, walk through the town with its many and varied shops, a leisurely trip on the River Thames or during the summer take a ride on the Windsor Wheel which allows views across Berkshire from its 60 metre high vantage point.

Minimum half day required