Windsor or Hampton Court?
 

I have four and 1/2 days in London, and I am interested in seeing Windsor castle or Hampton Court. I can't see both. Which should I see, or should I save both for another time?

As you'd probably guess - both are wonderful. But if I had to limit to one it would be Hampton Court Palace. fabulous history (Henry VIII connections Tudor portion, newer Stuart portion), Beautiful gardens (there are no gardens at Windsor), Medieival Kitchens, etc. <BR><BR>But that being said - St Georges Chapel is worth the admission to Windsor

I love Hampton Court (and the Maze is tremendous fun) but I'll add that Windsor has a Changing of the Guard if you're looking to see one of those.<BR>And the town of Windsor offers nice choices for lunch, browsing, or tea.<BR>And Eton is right next door.<BR>I thought that the new walk through Windsor Castle since the fire and restoration was both interesting and beautiful.

Don't choose Windsor based on the changing of the guard. As someone else on this board said a day or two ago, the guard change is basically two guys getting off work and two guys replacing them. The guard change at Windsor is even more underwhelming than at Buckingham Palace. But the decision which to see? Either would be a good trip but I prefer Hampton Court. Mostly because the building is so huge, you go through a lot more rooms, and the beautiful gardens.

Personally, I preferred Windsor Castle which was beautifully restored after the fire. Hampton Court was kind of boring despite the presence of guides in period costumes. Its a big building, but other than the famous clock, there isn't much to see inside. Windsor is beautifully furnished. Guess it aa depends on what you like.

I haven't visited Windsor but enjoyed Hampton Court very much. They have a selection of different headphone tours to take which make the Castle come alive.

Be careful not to get lost in the maze at Hampton court. At least they have a buzzer that a real person hears, and tells you how to get out. I enjoyed Hampton Court more than Windsor.

My vote would also go to Hampton Court Palace. The changing of the guard at Windsor was definitely not worth waiting around for. <BR><BR>For the money spent, I believe you get more for your pounds at Hampton Court.<BR><BR>

For what it is worth, my grandmother was born in Old Windsor and my Aunt Pat and Uncle Terry live there. They prefer Hampton Court to Windsor Castle. They always take their foreign relatives to Hampton Court when they come over to visit. Now, as someone who has seen both, it is hard for me to tell you which is better. Windsor has Queen Mary's Doll House and Eaton College. Hamptom Court has the Maze, wonderful Holbein paintings, and pretty gardens. You would probably get more bang out of your day trip if you went to Windsor and saw the castle, Eaton, and Queen Mary's Doll House. The question is: are you that ambitious?????<BR><BR>PS There are some pretty nifty shops in Windsor.