counties of Middlesex, Surrey, Berkshire, West Sussex, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset
Windsor Castle – Magnificence and majesty
The largest inhabited castle in the world, the walls enclose an area of 13 acres. Favoured residence of monarchs and their consorts for over 900 years. In 1917, the Royal Family adopted Windsor as their family name.
St. George’s Chapel is a masterpiece of late Gothic daring and engineering and houses the tombs of ten Kings & Queens. See the stalls (seats) of the Knights of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry still in existence. In 2009 Prince William was installed as the 1000th Knight of the Garter.
Visit the formal State Apartments where HM The Queen receives and entertains her guests of State. Spectacularly restored after the devastating fire of 1992 and sumptuously furnished with the finest paintings, tapestries and sculpture from the Royal Collection.
Queen Mary’s Dolls House is a masterpiece of craftsmanship; every inch represents a foot in real life and everything works- water runs through the pipes, books in the library are miniature printed editions. Even the wine cellars contain real vintage wine in 1/12th normal size bottles.
The famous boys’ boarding school at Eton – where Princes William and Harry spent their teenage years - is just on the opposite bank of the river Thames.
Combines well with: Hampton Court, Stonehenge, Thames Valley & Chilterns, Oxford
Hampton Court – Tudor Palace
The largest brick Palace in the world, started in the early 1500s by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, taken over by Henry VIII and later enlarged for William III & Mary II by Sir Christopher Wren. The largest surviving medieval kitchens in Europe are fascinating, the 60 acres of gardens are glorious and the famous maze is great fun for all ages.
Renaissance paintings (including Mantegna’s “Triumphs of Caesar”) and tapestries, from the Royal Collection, Baroque furnishings, a functioning Real (or Royal) Tennis court and, according to Guinness Book of World Records, the largest vine in the world.
Combines well with: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Kew Gardens (London)
Stonehenge – mysterious stones
Surrounded by mystery and shrouded in controversy, this world renowned monument with stones weighing up to 50 tons, dates back over 5000 years. Learn about the most recent archaeological research which has thrown up yet more theories about the purpose of this astounding Stone Circle. We can arrange tours inside the Stone Circle, outside normal opening hours, including at sunrise or at sunset. This requires several weeks notice and is not available for late or last minute bookings.
Combines well with: Windsor Castle, Avebury, Bath, Oxford
Avebury – alternative Stonehenge
Massive stone circle, significantly larger than Stonehenge and in some ways more impressive yet relatively unknown and usually almost no tourists! Free entry.
Combines well with: Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford, Windsor Castle
Bath – Classical Roman & Georgian city
A most elegant and refined city and like Stonehenge, UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded 2000 years ago by the Romans who were drawn by the magical, mystical and therapeutic qualities of the only natural hot spring in Britain. They diverted the waters to create a massive Bath complex - now the best preserved Roman Baths in the world and open to the public (but not for bathing!). In the 18th century, Georgian Bath became a vibrant city at the cutting edge of fashion. Despite heavy bomb damage in World War Two, Bath has been restored and revived and is now one of the greatest architectural wonders of Europe. Popular antiques hunting centre and good shopping. Great base for overnight touring.
Also to visit: Museum of Costume, Number One Royal Crescent. Thermae Spa
Combines well with: Stonehenge, Salisbury, Avebury, Cotswolds, Longleat, Stourhead
Salisbury – tallest Cathedral
The only English Gothic cathedral built in a single phase spanning a mere thirty eight years; the tallest spire in England at 404 feet was added 100 years later. See Europe’s oldest working clock – dating back to 1386. The Chapter House contains one of only four surviving original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.
Combines well with: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath, Winchester
Winchester – Cathedral city
Ancient capital of England (until the Norman invasion of 1066), this delightful market City has one of the oldest cathedrals in England (where Jane Austen is buried) and the oldest surviving private school in Britain, founded in 1382.
Combines well with: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Portsmouth
Portsmouth – Royal Navy heritage
Britain’s premier naval base and birthplace of Charles Dickens. The Historic Dockyard is home to six landmark attractions, including The Royal Naval Museum, Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, and HMS Warrior 1860 - the world’s first iron-hulled armoured warship, powered by steam and sail. The nearby D Day Museum houses the “Overlord” embroidery. Fast ferry to Cherbourg (Normandy) in the summer months.
Combines well with: Stonehenge, Salisbury, Brighton, Petworth
Longleat – fabulous House
Elizabethan prodigy house and home of the eccentric 7th Marquess of Bath. His father pioneered the “stately Home business” in the 1950s and in the 60s set up Britain’s first safari park. In May the rhododendrons and azaleas burst into bloom – the explosion of colour is fabulous and it’s only a small detour to drive through the park.
Combines well with: Stonehenge, Stourhead, Bath
Stourhead – landmark gardens
“One of the most picturesque scenes in the world” (Horace Walpole). Internationally famous landscaped gardens, typical of the 18th century fashion for the “English style”. Laid out around a lake, the gardens are dotted with Classical temples and follies.
Combines well with: Longleat, Stonehenge, Bath
Petworth – antiques
Petworth House (National Trust) has a fine collection of paintings assembled over 350 years that would rival many National Museums. Works by JMW Turner (who stayed here often), Titian, Van Dyck, Bosch & Blake. The pleasant town is a major centre for antiques.
Combines well with: Windsor Castle, Brighton, Portsmouth