Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Castle?
 

Fellow travelers and natives, please advise me. If I was to take one day trip with my wife and three children ages 7,9, and 11 to either Windor Castle or Hampton Court, which of the two would you say the kids would enjoy more? Also, does anyone have any idea if Lego Castle is an easy walk to Windsor. Would my kids be too old for Lego Castle? <BR>Thanks.

Ken, I have done both and if I had to choose, would probably go to Hampton Court. Less crowded, fantastic gardens. <BR>I loved both

Just recently went to both places. I also would opt for Hampton Court for the previously named reasons and also because I think it would appeal to your children more than Windsor because of it's sense of history.

Tough call. The kids would certainly like the maze at Hampton, but if you have daughters they'd love the dollhouse at Windsor. <BR>Have you looked at London Walks? I took their tours to both locations, and a great guide makes a place really come alive. <BR>http://london.walks.com/

If you go to Hampton Court be sure to look up above the main entry gate and see the large display that shows the sun traveling around the earth as was thought at the time that castle was built. Also the huge fireplaces that you can stand in (no fire, of course) in the kitchens are amazing. Very interesting--Hampton Court. Oops, almost forgot, in October when we were there people dressed in period costumes were outside on the lawn areas for questions about the "olden days".

Kenneth, <BR> <BR>I think your children would enjoy either place, but there are some differences. <BR> <BR>Hampton Court is a palace--uninhabited now--that has many Henry VIII connections. Your kids will enjoy the extensive maze, the impossibly huge grape vine, the restored kitchens in the palace, the indoor "real" tennis court, and maybe even a carriage ride around the grounds. They probably won't be that interested in the other rooms of the palace. <BR> <BR>Windsor is a castle--still occupied by the Royal family on occasion. The castle's walls dominate the town of Windsor. Your kids will enjoy the changing of the guards, Queen Mary's dollhouse, some of the armour and weapons on display, etc. Again, they may not be that interested in the other rooms of the castle (which is, honestly, much like a palace). A trip to Windsor does offer the town, a chance to look at the swans on the Thames and walk across to the village of Eton, site of the famous boy's school. The "Long Walk" of Windsor Great Park is also a great place for kids and adults to take a hike. <BR> <BR>Regarding Legoland Windsor: there are shuttle buses that leave both Windsor train stations for the short trip to the theme park. It is not walking distance though (although the train stations are both walking distance to the castle). Legoland is good for younger kids who enjoy Lego toys...your 11 year old could be at the upper age range here. Legoland is tame, by American theme park standards, but still a lot of fun. You can check out the Lego website for more info and discounts on admission. <BR> <BR>Hope this is helpful. Feel free to check my website for more information on family travel to London: <BR> <BR> http://www.KidsToLondon.com <BR> <BR>My book--LET'S TAKE THE KIDS TO LONDON--may also be useful. You can order it at: <BR> <BR> http://www.iUniverse.com/marketplace/bookstore <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip! <BR> <BR>David White <BR> <BR>

Are we selling books on this forum now? <BR>David is actively plugging his books right down to where to order it. <BR>

I don't mind the "free" advice at all - and I appreciate David's input and advice - some people may buy his book, and others would not, but the information he has given me (and others on this site) is pretty helpful. <BR>IMHO

Hampton Court - DEFINATELY. They give you each a headset on which the narrator describes all the rooms of the palace and there are also enactments of the King, Queen and princes on the recording so the kids will be able to get real feel for what it may have been like. Hampton Court is fascniating and a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic (if warm). You can catch a small ferry or cruise boat from central London to Hampton Courts which is also a plus for the kids. Have fun!

To: No Sale <BR> <BR>Sorry that my "commercialism" annoyed you. In my defense, the book is written specifically for families like Kenneth Cohen's and probably would be helpful. But I did write it, so I guess that makes my mention of the book an "active plug"...mea culpa. <BR> <BR> <BR>To: Lisa <BR>Thanks for the comments. <BR>

I enjoyed both Windsor Castle and Hampton Court; kids probably would enjoy Hampton a bit more, although Queen Mary's Doll's House (at Windsor) would captivate young girls for a long time. Still, I'd say you'd have a great time at either. The town of Windsor is also lovely to spend time in. <BR> <BR>If you go to Hampton Court, be sure to book a live tour with one of the costumed guides dressed up as one of Henry VIII's men; the kids on the tours I've taken there have really seemed to love these guys, and they're very entertaining and knowledgeable.

I really appreciate the advice. I am not under the impression that anyone is pushing their book. They are just looking to help and mentioning it as an option.

Just to muddy the waters ... <BR> <BR>I don't think anyone has mentioned Warwick Castle. If I were still 7 , 9 or 11 years old, I think I would find Warwick much more interesting than either Hampton Court or Windsor. Especially in the summer when there are lots of costumed minstrels, knights, and ladies about. Travel time is somewhat longer, but definitely doable as a day-trip from London. <BR> <BR>Dave