Welcome to Windsor & Eton
Dominated by the massive bulk of Windsor Castle, the twin Thames-side towns of Windsor and Eton have a rather surreal atmosphere, with the morning pomp and ceremony of the changing of the guards in Windsor, and the sight of schoolboys dressed in formal tailcoats wandering the streets of tiny Eton.Windsor town centre is full of expensive boutiques, grand cafes and buzzing restaurants. Eton, immediately north across... Read More
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Windsor & Eton activities
Windsor Castle - Hampton Court Palace Shuttle
Leaving Windsor Castle (visit at own expense), the medieval castle favored by reining monarchs since the 11th century you will take the short and direct Shuttle ride to Hampton Court Palace. Your journey follows the River Thames where passengers will see several notable sites.Soon after leaving Windsor you will be driven through Runnymede where the Magna Carta was signed by King John in 1215. This riverside meadow is recognized as one of the most important events in English history as it marked the road to individual freedom, parliamentary democracy and to the supremacy of law. Today the Magna Carta is commemorated by a monument donated by the American Bar Association. Alongside the Magna Carta monument stands the John F Kennedy memorial opened by the Queen in 1965.Approaching Hampton Court Palace you pass several Victorian reservoirs constructed to supply water to London and its surrounding suburbs, as well as passing the riverside home of David Garrick an 18th Century actor, playwright and theatrical producer. You also observe the Temple which he constructed to commemorate the genius of William Shakespeare. Finally you pass the former home of Sir Christopher Wren, the architect who is famously associated with the design of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.The Shuttle arrives immediately outside the main entrance to Hampton Court Palace approximately 30 minutes after leaving Windsor Castle. Visit to Hampton Court Palace at own expense. Hampton Court Palace has much to offer visitors; discover the magnificence of Henry VIII's favorite royal residence. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bustling Base Court and marvel at the breath-taking grandeur of Henry's State Rooms. Tickle your taste buds in the vast Tudor kitchens, stroll through over 60 acres of enchanting gardens, lose yourself in the famous maze and appreciate the beauty of one of the greatest palaces on earth.East Molesey which is just a short walk over Hampton Court bridge on your way to the railway station which has an abundance of shops, restaurants and pubs which visitors may wish to visit before returning to their final destination later in the day at their own pace. Return to London by train from Hampton Court Station which is only a short walk across the bridge.
Scenic Thames Riverboat Return Journey from Windsor
Sit back and relax as we bring the sights to you. We provide an extensive interesting commentary on all the sights as well as local history, wildlife and legend along with a printed leaflet. The boat has full bar facilities and drinks or snacks are served to your seat - so you won’t miss a thing.As you depart from Windsor Promenade, underneath the shadow of Windsor Castle, you immediately see the Eton College along with the extensive college buildings, including Eton College Chapel. You may even see “wet bobs” – Eton schoolboys who take up rowing on the Thames. Further along we pass the memorial to Sir Sydney Camm in the form of full size Hawker Hurricane. Passing Brocas Meadows and underneath Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Bow String Bridge we next pass the former sight of the infamous “Ricky Tick” Club where new bands such as the Rolling Stones and the Who first played as well as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder. Next past White Lilies Island which gave name to the album created by a former resident – Natalie Imbruglia. White Lilies Island has some impressive mansions with connections to the rich and famous. As we round the sharpest bend on the river, we pass Royal Windsor Racecourse with its famous Monday night schedule of horse racing. It is the only racecourse in the UK to be located on its own island. The boat cruises past “Athens” where Eton schoolboys used to swim in days of old. There is lots of wildlife to see along the way including kingfishers and herons all of which enjoy the tranquil conditions between Athens and the turn around point of Boveney Lock and Weir. Boveney is the 8th Lock of the Thames upstream of London and you are likely to see boats negotiating the lock as they are raised to the upper level of the Thames beyond, a height of about 4 feet.As you will arrive back at Windsor 40 minutes after departure you are afforded a totally breathtaking and imposing view of Windsor on front of you so be sure to have your camera ready.
City Sightseeing Windsor Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From any of the 10 stops around the city, hop aboard the open-top, double-decker City Sightseeing bus and sit back as you explore the twin towns of Windsor and Eton, separated by the River Thames and joined by Windsor Bridge. On board, learn about the sights and the history of Windsor through recorded audio commentary. See the whole city on the entire loop, which takes about 45 minutes, or hop off at conveniently located stops around the city to explore at your own pace.Visit famous Windsor Castle, the Queen's royal residence. Built in the 11th century, this is largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. Depending on the day, you may be able to witness the Changing of the Guard parade outside the castle. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time to see this stately ceremony steeped in centuries of history – it's a quintessential English experience! Hop off to explore Windsor Great Park, a massive deer park which served for many centuries as the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle. Now open to the public, Windsor Great Park features various recreational areas, sweeping green laws, hills, ponds and small woods dominated by ancient oak trees. Be sure to stroll down the Long Walk, an avenue of trees that runs between the park and Windsor Castle. Crossing Windsor Bridge, spend some time in Eton. This riverside town is most famous for being the site of Eton College, a notable public institution known for educating many future politicians, judges and diplomats.Your City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off Windsor pass is valid for 24 hours from the time of first use, so you have plenty of time to see all the sights at your leisure. The buses drop off at each of the 10 stops around the city at the end of the day.Hop-on hop-off tour stops: Castle Hill - outside Windsor Castle, Central Station, RWIC High Street Castle Hill - opposite Windsor Castle Datchet Road - Riverside Station, St George's School, French Brothers River Cruises Datchet Green - Kris Cruisers Slough Road - opposite Eton College Main Entrance and College Chapel Windsor Bridge Slough Road - Burning Bush, Eton College Farm Shop Kings Road - The Long Walk Thames Street - Theatre Royal
2.5-Hour Windsor Dinner Cruise
Windsor dinner cruises are a two and a half hour experience including a five course set menu. Board the Melody vessel at 7:00pm from the Thames Side, Windsor. Departure from the dock is scheduled at 7:30pm and disembarkation at 10:00pm hours. This is the perfect evening of relaxation and celebration. The menu is prepared by award winning chefs and cooked on-board the vessel using the freshest ingredients. Menus change regularly with the season and use the best of British ingredients and get inspiration from around the world. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but please ensure you let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking. The only payment method on board is card payment, ensure you bring a card along with you. A smart formal dress code is applied onboard the dinner cruise. Please note that you could be refused access to the vessel if you are not dressed accordingly. Please note that children under the age of 12 are not allowed onboard the dinner cruise.Please see our sample menu below: Amuse Bouche: Wild garlic velouté, parmesan tuile, wild herbsStarter: Smoked salmon cannelloni, asparagus, sauce gribicheMain Course: Roasted rump of new season lamb, rosemary confit potato, spring greens, creamed leeks, lamb jusDessert: White chocolate and raspberry ingot, soused strawberries, basil jelly, honeycombCheese: Cornish brie, truffle honey, crisp sourdough
Windsor Lunch Cruise on the Thames
Board the Melody vessel at 12pm from Thames Side, Windsor. You will depart on this river boat featuring large arching windows at 12:30pm. During your one and a half hour cruise you will experience a three course set menu as you sail by Windsor Castle, Windsor Racecourse, Eton College, and the neighboring royal boroughs. The Menu is prepared by award-winning chefs and cooked on-board the vessel using the freshest ingredients. Menus change regularly with the season and use the best of British ingredients and get inspiration from around the world. After an enjoyable meal accompanied by audio commentary of the key sights, you will return to your departure point at 2pm. Sample Menu - Adult Starter: Ham hock and pea pressé, piccalilli, sourdough toasts Main Courses: Free range chicken, leek and chestnut mushroom puff pastry pie, pomme purée, spring vegetables Dessert : Lemon and ginger cheesecake, Pain d’épices crumble, caramelized pineapple Beverage: Fairtrade tea or coffee
Windsor Duck Tour
Climb aboard Windsor's only amphibious tour! On the Road River Splash Tour you begin the journey outside the magnificent Windsor Castle first visiting the great statue of Queen Victoria followed by Henry VIII Gate. You then continue down past the Royal Mews towards the Victoria Barracks, then venturing down the Kings Road taking in the magnificent views of the Long Walk & Crown Estate.You then work your way along the riverside village of Datchet with stunning views of the River Thames as you cross both the Albert & Victoria bridge. Arriving back into Windsor you venture along the river front towards your slipway at Windsor Leisure Centre. On arrival at the slipway there is a brief but important safety announcement, after which you then splashdown into the River Thames!After the excitement of the splashdown has calmed you cruise down the Thames to experience the breathtaking views of the castle from the river. Your live guide will educate & entertain throughout your tour with the rich history and stories that Windsor has to offer. The final completion of the tour drops you right back where you started so you can continue your adventure of Windsor by foot.