Still working on our itinerary, but just wondering what your choice would be if you were to only do one?
We plan on doing the Tower of London, Hampton Court and also Blenheim Palace (from the Cotswolds). This will be in August during the time it is possible to tour Buckingham Palace.
I understand what Emma is saying about the history of Windsor Castle vs Buckingham Palace, but I have to tell you, I love going in to Buckingham Palace! I also enjoy the Queen's Gallery if there is an exhibition of interest to me as well as going in to the Royal Mews. Since you are doing the other historical sights, then you might enjoy Buckingham Palace along with either or both of the others.
Ok, Emma, good advice. Thank you!
I'm thinking if the men go to the Royal Air Museum the girls might want to do something different for an afternoon. So, we will all plan to do Hampton Court as a group, including the boat ride down. So, if we feel like another palace/castle, then we will choose Windsor. Daughter is a huge English history fan!
Thanks for all your help with all my crazy posts!
Susan and Monte:
If you decide to visit Windsor Castle in August you might want to consider paying a few more dollars and add a tour of the Round Tower which provides spectacular views of the castle and of the town as can be seen in the following link:
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/event/conquer-the-tower-tour
I did this in 2012 which is when this tour was restarted after an absence of maybe 40 years. I recall that one could not aim one's camera in a certain direction because it included a view of the Queen's quarters which security did not want to capture on film.
I have only been to Buckingham Palace, not Winsdor Castle. This was back in 2000 and I don't remember that much about it except that my wife and I really enjoyed it. We actually were shut out of Windsor Castle because it closed for the visit of a foreign dignitary on our 2013 trip. Like an idiot I did not check ahead. One thing to consider is that Buckingham Palace is only open for a relatively short window, August and September according to the visit London site. Next time you are in London it might be closed to visitors, or it might not be convenient to plan you trip around that window.
It doesn't sound like there is an overwhelming opinion about one or the other.
Thanks for the ideas and thoughts!
They are rather different places. The outer face of Buckingham Palace reminds me of a HQ of an insurance company (it is only just over 100 years old) but it is very different past the 'front office', but still largely Edwardian or Victorian in decor. Windsor has a much longer history, but has still been altered a lot over the years.
Just returned from London and Windsor and I was very impressed with it. The size, design and location, as well as the interior and history all combine to make it an example of all that you expect from British royalty.
I prefer Windsor to Buckingham Palace, because of its history. Not saying Buckingham Palace doesn't have lots to see, glitz, glamour, paintings, beautiful furniture, and all that. Windsor is just different. Much older, medieval parts, which I prefer. Its long history is very interesting. St. George's Chapel is there, amazing in itself. Many kings and queens are buried in St. George's; Henry the 8th, to name one. Windsor and Eton are interesting to walk around in after seeing the castle.
We haven't yet done Hampton Court or Windsor castle, only Buckingham Palace, the Queens Gallery and the Royal Mews. Talking with the men at the Royal Mews was wonderful. They were happy to chat and they live in apartments on the grounds. Seeing the Queen's vehicles up close was pretty cool. We were inside the castle when the guards outside were playing a few songs- that was pretty unreal. Picturing Her Royal Highness actually siting on the throne and walking the galleries was other unbelievable feeling.
I still remember Queen Mary's dollhouse from a visit to Windsor Castle at least 20 years ago.
Windsor Castle, while in Windsor you could walk to Eton to see Eton College, it's actually a middle/high school. The royals send their boys there. It's a five minute walk.
If you go to Windsor , allow adequate time for St' George's Chapel . Stunning Architecture and filled with intricate history !
I'm keeping notes! All the advice and information is much appreciated!
