New Day Tour, London, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court
26th October 2024
Here at Best Value Tours, we are delighted to recommend an outstanding Brand New Tour; Tour of London, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court | Best Value Tours
Full details below, but first some brief history of Magnificent Hampton Court, Located 12 miles (19 km) southwest and upstream of downtown London on the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace is a Grade I listed[2] royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The palace is open to the public and is run by Historic Royal Palaces, a non profit organisation created to protect a number of abandoned royal estates.
For Henry VIII’s top minister, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the palace’s construction got underway in 1514. In order to keep Wolsey from becoming disgraced, the cardinal donated the palace to the king in 1529 after he lost popularity. Soon after purchasing the site, Henry made arrangements for the palace to be expanded to make room for his sizable courtier retinue, making it one of his favourite homes.
Much of the Tudor palace was demolished during William III’s extensive reconstruction and enlargement project in the early 1690s, which was meant to rival the Palace of Versailles.[3] His work came to an end in 1694, leaving the palace in two very different architectural styles: Baroque and domestic Tudor. The use of pink bricks and the harmonious, if ambiguous, balancing of consecutive low wings give the palace a sense of coherence even though its styles are a result of chance.[4] The final king to live at the palace was George II.
Hampton Court Palace in England, UKOur Feature Tour Tour of London, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court | Best Value Tours
Description
Panoramic Tour of London
This guided tour begins with a visit to some of the most well-known sites in London. Admire the twelve monuments of famous leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Winston Churchill, in Parliament Square. After that, we’ll pass through Trafalgar Square, which is home to Nelson’s Column. This statue honours Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Following that, you will travel to Piccadilly, Kensington, and Hyde Park Corner before reaching Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle.
Hampton Court Palace
As soon as you enter this magnificent royal castle in the London suburb of Richmond upon Thames, one of the informed castle Hosts will welcome you. They will show you around the State Apartments, Tudor Kitchens, and other rooms after introducing you to this opulent riverfront residence.
In 1515, Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, King Henry VIII’s preferred advisor. Once the most powerful figure in the English court, second only to the King, Cardinal Wolsey lost Henry’s favour when he failed to have his marriage to Catherine of Aragon dissolved so that he may marry his newest passion, Anne Boleyn. After Wolsey’s death in 1530, Hampton Court was taken over by Henry VIII, who displayed his enormous wealth by turning it into a hotel, a theatre, and a large private playground.
William III and Mary II (1689–1702) commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to build a spectacular new Baroque palace after they came to power in 1689. Since Queen Victoria made the palace accessible to the public in 1838, it has grown to become one of England’s most visited historical monuments. Examine the large kitchens where chefs would have to put in endless hours to prepare Henry’s poached dolphin and roasted swan. Don’t forget to explore the breathtaking gardens and take a chance on the oldest surviving maze in the world.
Expert Tip: Although you will receive a lot of information from your tour guide and the Hampton Court Palace host, make sure to pick up a free audio guide on the way in for those extra details. Remember to visit the beautiful gardens as well.
Windsor Castle
King Charles III’s favoured weekend getaway is Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest livable castle. Explore the majestic State Apartments and look for one-of-a-kind paintings by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci on the walls.
See Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, which has running hot and cold water, electricity, and small items made by 1,500 of the greatest craftspeople of the 20th century. Discover St George’s Chapel, where Harry and Meghan were married, and where Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII, and a number of other royals are buried.
Prices/Book Tour – Tour of London, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court | Best Value Tours
Highlights
Entry to two of the most iconic royal English landmarks
The Tudor Palace and the current King’s weekend home
See St George’s Chapel
Guided tour of London
Return transport on a luxury coach
Cancelled bookings up to 24 hours before travel can receive a full refund
Inclusions
Panoramic guided tour of London
Select your entry tickets from the prices and dates panel
Luxury air-conditioned coach
Fully guided tour with professional tour guide
Meet and greet at Hampton Court Palace
Prices/Book Tour – Tour of London, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court | Best Value Tours
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