Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Tour
ID: GYG565925-968216
Category:
Country: United Kingdom
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Embark on an enchanting journey with our exclusive Hampton Court tour and Windsor Castle tour that promise an unparalleled experience. Our adventure commences at the historic Hampton Court Palace,
Windsor Castle tour and Hampton Court tour
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our exclusive Hampton Court tour and Windsor Castle tours, offering you a royal experience like no other. Our adventure begins at the iconic Hampton Court Palace, a Tudor gem dating back to 1515. This enchanting palace witnessed the dramatic reign of King Henry VIII, a captivating history lesson often taught to English schoolchildren. King Henry VIII, known for his intriguing marriages, used Hampton Court as his royal residence.
Amidst the stunning gardens and renowned features like The Maze and The Vine, our royal palace tour unveils ten statues of heraldic animals, the King’s Beasts, adorning the bridge over the moat leading to the grand gatehouse. Unlike the Queen’s Beasts in Kew Gardens, these statues symbolize King Henry VIII’s lineage and his third wife, Jane Seymour. Among them are the Lion of England, the Seymour lion, the Royal dragon, the black bull of Clarence, and more.
Hampton Court Palace holds historical significance
as the venue for the Road Cycling Time Trial during the London 2012 Olympic Games. In 2015, the palace celebrated its 500th anniversary with captivating historical re-enactments.
As your London chauffeur tour continues, we embark on your next royal palace adventure: the captivating Windsor Castle tour.
Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, awaits your visit. Regularly inhabited by Her Majesty the Queen, its presence is signalled by the Union Jack flying high above the castle turrets. William the Conqueror initiated the castle’s construction in 1070, and it reached completion in 1086. Originally designed to protect Norman dominance and oversee the strategic River Thames, Windsor Castle evolved from a motte-and-bailey structure to a formidable stone fortress.
Throughout history, monarchs left their mark on the castle.
Henry III added a sumptuous royal palace, while Edward III expanded it into an opulent masterpiece, marking it as one of England’s most expensive secular building projects. Windsor Castle endured turbulent times during the English Civil War, serving as both a military headquarters and a prison.
The restoration of the monarchy in 1660 brought Charles II, who collaborated with architect Hugh May to refurbish the castle. Extravagant Baroque interiors still captivate visitors. Subsequent renovations by George II and George IV enhanced the State Apartments with Rococo, Gothic, and Baroque furnishings. Queen Victoria made minor modifications, solidifying the castle’s reputation as a royal entertainment hub.
Windsor Castle played a pivotal role during World War II
serving as a refuge for the royal family during Luftwaffe bombings. It even survived a fire in 1992. Today, it remains a top tourist attraction, hosting state visits and serving as Queen Elizabeth II’s preferred weekend residence. The castle showcases treasures like the State Apartments,
Highlights
- Collected in a Luxury S class Mercedes
- Expert Chauffeur guides
- English history at its best
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour is inside a Royal Castle & a Royal Palace on the outskirts of London.
Audio headsets will be used inside the locations.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.