Windsor
Your Guide will bring the incredible history to life as you step back in time to the 11th Century and learn about how Windsor Castle was founded by William the Conqueror. It has since withstood siege, been used for official entertaining, as a royal court by King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and as a home to 39 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II who enjoyed many of her private weekends at the Castle.
Located within 13 acres, and boasting over an impressive 1,000 rooms, the Castle consists of three distinct sections known as the Middle Ward, the Upper Ward and the Lower Ward. The Upper Ward houses the State Apartments on the north side, with the private rooms of the Royal Family to the south side.
During the reign of King Charles II, the State Apartments were renovated to rival the rooms of Versailles in France and today, you can witness incredible artwork from the Royal Collections, including paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens.
Set within the grounds of Windsor Castle, St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. Construction of the present Chapel began in 1475 under the reign of Edward IV. When visiting make sure you look up and admire the stone ceiling, which was added by Henry VII.
The Chapel has been the location of many royal weddings including TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank.
Also depending on the day and time of your visit, you might be lucky to witness the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle. The ceremony sees the guards marching through Windsor town and into the castle for the guard change.
Eton
Eton is part of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and sits on the opposite bank of the River Thames from Windsor and is connected by a footbridge. Apart from its public school, Eton College, the High Street is a must for antique shoppers. The finely preserved shop fronts include a half-timbered building which is believed to date from 1420. Eton College occupies the whole of Eton, north of Barnes Pool bridge and was founded by King Henry VI in 1440 and is the oldest public school in England, second only to Winchester.
