Christmas Eve Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath
26th October 2024
Here at Best Value Tours, we are delighted to recommend a number of outstanding most popular Christmas/New Year Tours and today feature, the very popular so book early; Christmas Eve Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath | Best Value Tours
Full details below, but first some brief history of Windsor Castle, approximately 25 miles (40 km) west of central London, in the English county of Berkshire, is Windsor Castle, a royal home. This building represents nearly a thousand years of architectural history and is closely linked to the English and subsequent British royal families.
Following William the Conqueror’s Norman invasion of England in the eleventh century, the initial fortress was constructed. It is the longest-occupied palace in Europe and has been used by the current monarch from the reign of Henry I (1100–1135). “A superb and unrivalled sequence of rooms widely regarded as the finest and most complete expression of later Georgian taste” is how art historian Hugh Roberts characterised the castle’s opulent imperial suites from the early 19th century. The 15th-century St. George’s Chapel, located inside the castle walls, is regarded by historian John Martin Robinson as “one of the supreme achievements of English Perpendicular Gothic” architecture.
Originally constructed as a motte-and-bailey castle with three wards encircling a central mound, Windsor Castle was intended to project Norman control around the edges of London and watch over a strategically significant portion of the River Thames. The fortress, which was gradually replaced with stone fortifications, survived a protracted siege at the beginning of the 13th century during the First Barons’ War. In the middle of the century, Henry III constructed a sumptuous royal palace inside the castle. Edward III went one step further and rebuilt the palace to create an even more opulent complex of structures that would go down as ‘the most expensive secular building project of the entire Middle Ages in England’. Throughout the Tudor era, when Henry VIII and Elizabeth I increasingly used the castle as a royal court and a venue for diplomatic entertainment, Edward’s fundamental design persisted.
Despite serving as both a jail for Charles I and a military headquarters for Parliamentary forces during the turbulent English Civil War, Windsor Castle managed to survive. With the assistance of architect Hugh May, Charles II restored a large portion of Windsor Castle during the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, resulting in a collection of opulent Baroque interiors. The current layout of the state rooms, complete with Rococo, Gothic, and Baroque furnishings, was created by George III and George IV’s massively expensive renovation and reconstruction of Charles II’s palace following a period of neglect in the 18th century. The castle, which served as the hub for royal entertainment for the majority of Queen Victoria’s reign, had a few minor renovations. The royal House of Windsor was named after the historic estate during World War I. It served as a haven for the royal family throughout the Second World War’s Luftwaffe bombing campaigns during George VI’s reign. Following the castle’s survival of a 1992 fire, numerous state rooms underwent considerable renovation. It is a well-liked tourist destination, a location for state visits, and Elizabeth II’s primary residence from 2011 to 2022.Approximately 25 miles (40 km) west of central London, in the English county of Berkshire, is Windsor Castle, a royal home. It represents nearly a thousand years of architectural history and is closely linked to the English and subsequent British royal families.
Windsor Castle, England
Our Feature Tour Christmas Eve Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath | Best Value Tours
Description
Windsor Castle
Visit Windsor Castle to begin your British vacation. The British monarchy has called Windsor Castle home for more than 900 years, making it the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Explore the lavish State Apartments to find renowned works of art by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt, the Waterloo Chamber, the King’s and Queen’s Rooms, and a statue of Queen Victoria. St George’s Chapel, the location of numerous royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s, and Queen Elizabeth II’s ultimate resting place, will also be open for you to tour.
Attend the Changing of the Guard ritual on a Thursday or Saturday to hear the victorious songs of soldiers wearing bearskin caps and crimson uniforms. Please be advised that every Tuesday and Wednesday, Windsor Castle is closed. Please choose an option that excludes admission to Windsor Castle if you are travelling on one of these days. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, a walking tour of Windsor will be led in its place.
Stonehenge
One of the world’s wonders is the massive and historic Stonehenge stone circle. Discover the intriguing beliefs behind this prehistoric monument by visiting the Neolithic stones that have stood on the Salisbury Plains for about 5,000 years. It will be a memorable experience if you try to piece together how, who, and why they came to rest there. Don’t miss the award-winning visitor facility, which features a huge shop, a café, modern art, photography, and 250 archaeological artefacts found in the landscape. A replica of the Neolithic homes discovered during 2006 and 2007 excavations may also be found just outside the visitor centre.
Bath
Bath, a gorgeous Georgian city with outstanding architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the greatest historical sites in the nation, the famed Roman Baths, is located there. Even though swimming in these waters is no longer an option, you may still enjoy the breath-taking views of the hot springs and the surrounding area. Why don’t you try Bath’s waters in the Pump Room and report back on the flavour?
Explore the charming city’s cobblestone streets if you have the time, stopping at Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and the breathtaking Pulteney Bridge. For a little of regency afternoon tea, you might also wish to stop by the Jane Austen Centre.
The estimated time of return to Gloucester Road is around 8:00 p.m.
Prices/Book Tour – Christmas Eve Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath | Best Value Tours
Highlights
Cancel bookings up to 24 hours before travel to receive a full refund
Day trip to 3 of the UK’s most popular attractions
Visit the King’s royal residence Windsor Castle including St George’s Chapel
Test your theories at the historic Stonehenge
Enjoy the charming city of Bath with entrance to the Roman Baths
Inclusions
Professional Guide
Entries to chosen attractions
25% discount on guidebooks at Stonehenge!*
Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers
Prices/Book Tour – Christmas Eve Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath | Best Value Tours
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