We are taking our first trip to London at the beginning of May. My wife likes palaces and we are trying to decide between the Windsor Palace and Hampton Court Palace to spend a lazy saturday. Rick Steves books mention that Windsor Palace is a better option while some other travel guides mention Hampton Court Palace. I am trying to get some different opinions on either one to help us decide one way or the other.
We were planning to take the train out and the boat back for Hampton Court, which would be a full day activity. Is Windsor palace closer? What would the folks on this board recommend? Are there any other similar locations near to London we can enjoy instead?
Thanks.
Posted by
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
215 posts
We love Windsor, not just the palace but the town
and the park. It makes a great day trip by rail.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
The story goes that a number of years ago when Prince Charles wrote and published a book on the subject of architecture, a book shop in Windsor had the book displayed in its window with a sign saying only "BOOK BY LOCAL AUTHOR". Ah, the droll understatement.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
If you are really into Henry VIII, then Hampton Court. Otherwise, Queen Mary's doll house at Windsor is wonderful.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
I would say Windsor Castle. You could visit the castle, then as you exit the castle thru Henry VIII gate there is a great pub Horse & Groom which has great food. There are three short cobblestone streets right there that has shops and cafes. When you exit the castle if you turn to your right and walk you will get to the main road (High Street). Once you are on High Street (the street that runs in front of the castle) you could turn to your left and walk down this road, it will curve around and you will reach Windsor Great Park walk thru the beautiful gates. You will have a great view of the castle and this is a great place to have a picnic lunch. The Long Walk is there it's three miles long and it's the private road the royal family uses when coming or leaving the castle. If you are in front of the castle facing it you could turn to your left and walk to the second road on your left, then turn you will see a bridge over the Thames. After walking across the bridge you will be in Eton, where Eton College is (which is actually a boys elementary/high school) where the royal sends there boys. You could have a great day in Windsor.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
You cannot go wrong with either. they are so spectacular. no subsitutes, pick one after you read up on both.
Posted by
Laurel, MD, USA
75 posts
This is a great year to go to Hampton Court! It is the 500th anniversery of Henry VIII becoming King. HC has a lot of things planned, try to go when they are cooking in the Tudor kitchens.
Tom
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
If I had to choose between the two it would be Hampton Court Palace, I find Windsor just a wee bit impersonal. The audio guides are very good and give you interesting insights into life in the Palace. There are also free guided tours available and the gardens are lovely. Take a picnic, the weather might be kind! The site below can tell you much more about what to expect.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
It gets better. Your train tickets will qualify you for a 2 for 1 ticket deal at Hampton Court.
http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/hampton-court-palace?gclid=cmqv2jd_wzkcfuiszaodclzova
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
I liked both, but Hampton Court was my favorite, and I agree this would be a good year to visit. Hampton Court has people in the rooms in costumes talking about the history. Very enjoyable.