My husband and I will be visiting England in September and I'm trying to decide if we can do both Hampton Court and Windsor Castle. We'll be arriving at Heathrow in the morning. I don't want to book tours of either one on our arrival day in case there are flight issues. My original plan was to take a cab or train to Windsor, stash our luggage and just explore on our own that day and do a tour the next day. Also, the castle is closed on Wednesday which is when I'm planning to arrive. My plan has been to do the tour of the castle in the morning the next day, then pick up a car and drive to the Cotswolds. I have friends who say we should see Hampton Court so now I'm trying to figure out if we can go to Hampton Court on Wednesday after arrival (if the flight is on time) then to Windsor that evening. The problem is, where to store our bags (two carry on's each) while touring Hampton Court then we'd need to get to Windsor. Am I trying to squeeze too much in? We could travel a day early, but then Hampton Court wouldn't be open on our arrival day (Tuesday) and Windsor isn't open on Wednesdays. Should we choose one? We have been to Catherine's Palace and Versailles so would Hampton Court be similar?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14979 posts
I think that is too much for arrival day. BOTH Windsor Castle and Hampton Court are "worthy" but you can easily save one for your next trip. I would not kill myself to try and get to both on your arrival or first full day.
To me Hampton Court and Versailles are not similar. To me Hampton Court is more on a normal human scale and not nearly so over the top as Versailles. The excesses of Versailles - particular the amount of gold and mirrors - is not at Hampton Court. Some of the things I like best at Hampton Court are the tennis court, the world's oldest grapevine (hopefully still alive), the gardens, the kitchens. I also like the fact that Anne Boleyn actually lived/visited there.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2212 posts
If visiting Hampton Court Palace, plan on being there a half-day. The extensive gardens, the maze, the kitchens and the massive Palace itself will have you on your feet for several hours and you’ll likely want to take it easy in the afternoon.
Hampton Court Palace was built in the 16th century;
Versailles was built in the 17th century; Catherine’s Palace in St. Petersburg was built in the 18th century- so there’s quite a difference in their designs and the technologies used.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2488 posts
Have been to Hampton and Windsor several times each and much prefer Windsor. I think the furnishings are much better. I would suggest you research both, look at pictures on line and see which one appears more interesting to you. Others prefer Hampton Court. Both are very easy trips to or from London. Enjoy whichever you decide but both in one day might be too much.
Posted by
Tennessee
448 posts
I agree that Hampton Court and Windsor is one day is too much. I second the suggestion that you look at the websites for both to see which one grabs you more. For example, if you felt great respect for Queen Elizabeth, it might mean a great deal to you to walk by her tomb at St. George's Chapel at Windsor.
Pluses for Windsor: I have seen many stately homes in England, and some of the rooms in Windsor Castle take my breath away. I am amused by Queen Mary's Dolls House. And I am deeply moved by St. George's Chapel.
Pluses for Hampton Court: I visited it in June 2023 for the first time in 40 years and enjoyed it very much, especially the gardens. It's interesting to see the contrast between the Henry VIII (Tudor) wings of the palace and the William and Mary (Baroque) wings.