Going to be in London next week. How do Hampton and Windsor compare? If you only had time for one, which one would you choose? It is possible (how about reasonable) to do both in one day? Any input would be helpful. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>John

It's not really practical to try and do both in one day, they are not that close and each are quite large and take a good bit of time to see. This was discussed recently on this Forum if I remember correctly. They are both fascinating, my personal favorite is Hampton Court but that's only my opinion! It's generally less crowded which has something to do with my feelings as well. You can take the train to Hampton Court from Waterloo and buy your admission tickets along with the train ticket and save about 1 pound each by the way.

Since its restoration after the fire, Windsor Castle via the tour is more magnificent than ever, in my opinion. Gorgeous rooms with china,paintings and furniture, a little historical background, St George's Chapel, etc. <BR>There is also a Changing of the Guard ceremony. <BR>http://www.royal.gov.uk/palaces/ <BR>info.htm#WINDSOR <BR>Train from Waterloo or Paddington Station takes about 30 minutes, transferring at Slough (check this for current accuracy). <BR>For train info from London call 207 262 6767 <BR>There are also Green Line coaches that leave from London's Hyde Park Corner. <BR>There is a Tourist Information Centre across from Windsor Castle on High Street, and another one at Windsor Coach Park. Both are open 10-4 from Easter through September. Open March-October from 10 to 5; Nov-Feb from 10 to 4pm. <BR>The Changing of the Guard takes place at this time of year I believe every other day Monday through Saturday. To check on the days of the ceremony, call <BR>1753 868 286. <BR>Hampton Court, for me, has simpler pleasures and is better visited in good weather. There is a garden, the outdoor Maze(lots of fun for all ages) and rooms <BR>that are less about furnishings and paintings than they are about history and a hint of (royal) life from 500 years ago. That's just my feeling. <BR>www.landmarktrust.com <BR>Phone 208 977 8441. For trains from Waterloo Station, Call 207 928 5100. <BR>London transport buses (207 730 3466) travel from Victoria Coach Station to Hampton Court. <BR>There is also boat service from Richmond and Westminster, lengthy trip. <BR> <BR>I don't know what the public transport issues would be in getting from one place to the other in the same day, or if it's even possible. <BR>Perhaps someone else can comment. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

John, <BR> <BR>An "impossible" choice, but one you may have to make since seeing both Windsor and Hampton Court in one day would not be reasonable (possible, yes). <BR> <BR>Hampton Court and Windsor Castle are both historic--Hampton is primarily about the reign of Henry VIII; Windsor has a continuing history to today's royal family. As one other person mentioned, Hampton Court's gardens are an important part of a visit while Windsor has no real gardens open for public tour. Hampton is a grand palace; Windsor is a walled castle (with a palace inside). <BR> <BR>I would give a SLIGHT nod to Windsor. As another person indicated, the chapel at Windsor is worth a visit (it is closed on Sundays). One other bonus of a visit to Windsor is the chance to walk down to the river Thames, across the pedestrian bridge, and into the tiny town of Eton (site of the famous boys school). You get a flavor for life in a small town along the Thames here. No big tourist attractions, but shops, pubs, etc. <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR> <BR>David White <BR> <BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com

Quite a few years ago we took the Green Line Bus from Victoria Bus Station to Windsor and when we finished there it picked us up and took us to Hampton Court and returned us to the station. It was a great day with plenty of time to do both houses well and still see some sights while on the bus ride. It was not a commuter bus, but I believe a tourist type bus where you could get off and on when you were ready...think we just waited in a designated spot and went on our way...it was a great, long day.

Hello, <BR> <BR>At least one of the tour companies does the combined Hampton & Windsor in a day (with a lunch cruise in between!). A friend & I went on the trip a few years ago & felt we got only a glimpse of both without really seeing anything at either. I had a few days on my own in London this year before meeting up with relatives and chose Windsor for my day trip. Took the train from Waterloo Station & didn't have to change trains before arriving in Windsor. Besides the Castle, there are lots of fun shops in Windsor. There is a tour bus that goes through Windsor & Eton, with the opportunity to get on & off at various stops. I really did mean to take the bus, but got going on the self-guided walking tour listed on the Tourist Office's very nice map. The walk was so enjoyable that I never got around to riding the bus! My choice would be Windsor. Have a great trip. Heather

I just wanted to add, that for train timetables the best site (in my opinion) is http://www.railtrack.co.uk

I have only been to Windsor, but I must say it affected my surprisingly deeply. It is so majestic -full of wonderful angles and shadows from the outside. Inside, the rooms are as beautiful as you would expect. Red clad guards marching all around you - solemn changing of the guards - you can tell I just really loved it, and the pictures I took still bring back that feeling for me.