Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace - Private Bespoke Tour From London

Private tour from London to two of England's most historic and iconic treasures.

You will be picked up direct from your accommodation by private vehicle and your journey through 1600 years of combined history begins!

Windsor Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, and since then 39 Monarchs have resided at the Castle. On May 19th 2018 Prince Harry will marry Meghan Markle at St Georges Chapel within the grounds at Windsor.

Hampton Court Palace - Most famous as the home of Henry VIII, but also a Royal Palace for many others including Elizabeth I, Charles I and joint monarchs William and Mary. 

Highlights
• Marvel at Windsor's State Rooms used today by Queen Elizabeth II
• Stunning St Georges Chapel home to The Order Of The Knights Garter
• Hampton Court's Medieval Kitchens, Great Hall and Cellars home of the Tudor Court
• Non rushed at your pace.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Windsor Castle, Castle Hill, Windsor SL4 1PD England

I will pick you up from your central London accommodation in my comfortable private vehicle for a personalised tour of Windsor Castle, Windsor Town and Eton.

Starting in the historic centre of Windsor we will discover the hidden passages linking the Castle with the nearby Pubs. We will see the famous crooked house, and then go up behind the Castle to get a view most people miss when they visit.

Once we have seen the historic heart of Windsor, we will head to the Castle and skip the long queues. Then it will be time to get a good spot to see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony.

Many people dream of visiting the Queen and Royal family. When you visit Windsor Castle you are quite literally a guest of Her Majesty. This is a real working Royal Castle and home to Queen Elizabeth II.

Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070 this is one of the must see sights in the UK. Windsor Castle is the oldest occupied Castle in Europe, and has been home to 39 Monarchs.

You will have ample time to explore the Castle and splendid State Rooms used by the Queen to meet Heads of State and World Leaders.

This is a tour at your pace! no strict time schedules (except your own) As your private guide, I will guide you around all areas of the Castle open to the public, and of course be on hand to assist with photographs.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: St. George's Chapel, Castle Hill, Windsor England

Within the grounds of Windsor Castle, St George's Chapel holds the tombs of Henry VIII, Charles I, George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother among many others.

It is the home of the Order of The Garter, and in recent years has become a Royal Wedding venue again, most notably the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The chapel is considered one of the finest examples of late medieval Gothic architecture. Sitting in the Quire you will be able to gaze up at a viewing gallery built for Catherine of Aragon to watch services below. All around you the walls are adorned with the brass plaques of former Knights of the Garter, some of which date to the 1390's.

Let me show you the interesting and sometimes hidden areas that many people don't spot when walking around with an audio guide!

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Hampton Court Palace, A308, East Molesey KT8 9AU England

Hampton Court Palace is a place that just oozes history. Fortunately you have your own guide to help bring the history to life!

Wondering around the courtyards and corridors you are transported back to Tudor times when this became a Royal palace for the notorious Henry VIII. This was home to the King and his ill fated Wives. It was also the birthplace of Edward VI and home to Elizabeth I.

The palace was originally built for King Henry's Chief Minister Cardinal Wolsey, the second most powerful man in England in 1515. but Wolsey was eventually to fall from the Kings favour and the palace was seized. (Fortunately Wolsey died of natural causes before he could be hung, drawn and quartered)

King Henry VIII had a court of 1000 people, and they all needed to be fed and watered. And Henry liked to entertain on a grand scale. The kitchens he had extended are some of the best preserved medieval kitchens in the world. You may even get the chance to turn a Beef joint on a roasting spit!

After King Henry's death, His children Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I would all live here during their reigns, and in fact this was a Royal residence right up until George II who died in 1760.

The palace also escaped the destruction of the English Civil war, and Hampton Court went from being a home of Charles I to becoming his prison.

During William and Mary's joint reign the Tudor part of the palace was almost lost. The Architect Sir Christopher Wren was employed to turn Hampton Court into a rival of the Palace of Versailles. Luckily for us, the King ran out of money, and today we are left with a palace containing two distinct parts, Tudor and Baroque.

For those interested in Ghosts, Hampton Court is the place to come! Many visitors often feel faint in the haunted gallery, and reports of phantoms, and ghosts are common among staff and visitors.

On this tour we will also have the chance to wander around the beautiful gardens at Hampton Court. We can pop in to King Henry VIII personal Tennis court, or perhaps visit the worlds largest Grape Vine planted by the famous Landscaper Lancelot Capability Brown.

Remember, as with all my tours what we see and do is up to you, and you are in charge of our schedule. I am a personal guide exclusively for you.

Duration: 3 hours

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.