Windsor or tour?
 

Ok, travelers, need your expert opinion. Do I take a 1/2 day tour of Windsor, Runnymede and Hampton Court or just go to Windsor on my own (on the train). Is Hampton Court something "not to be missed"? Help me decide!!

Hi Betty,<BR><BR>I've been to both Windsor Castle and Hampton Court. Both are recommended. If the 1/2 day tour is not too expensive, and includes transportation, plus admission, plus a tour guide or audio guide, then do it. I did Windsor Castle in 2 hours, then you probably want to walk around the town of Windsor for an hour - good place to have lunch. Hampton Court really stands on its own from my recollection a few years back, so there is no town immediately in the vicinity like at Windsor. Hampton Court takes 2 hours to see too. The only downside of the 1/2 day tour is if they rush you thru. So check with them first to find out how much time they alot for each stop. <BR><BR>Have fun!<BR><BR>Kiki

Windsor is very easy to do on your own and you won't be at the mercy of the tour bus as to when you come and go.<BR><BR>Trains leave about every 20 minutes from Paddington train station, which you can reach by tube. Ask for a same day "return" ticket (return = round trip). You can use the return part on any train that day, so you're not held to a specific return. The trains make one stop, at Slough. Just get off at Slough (a small station), go up the stairs, across the tracks, down the stairs and you're at the track for the journey on to Windsor. The entire trip takes about 20-25 minutes. You can't get lost at Slough--it's that easy!<BR><BR>When you get off the train in Windsor, just follow the crowd outside of the station. You'll see the castle dead ahead. Cross the street and go up to the castle, buy your tickets and tour on your own. Recommendations: Purchase the red book that illustrates the rooms you'll be touring, see St. Georges chapel and see Queen Mary's doll house.<BR><BR>While there, take the little footbridge across the Thames into Eton, which is so charming. I'll never forget seeing the schoolboys on a rainy day jumping in puddles while dressed in morning coats and white blouses with the large bows--boys will be boys :)<BR><BR>Sorry I can't help about Hampton Court, but I've seen many postings here on that recently, so you might want to put "Hampton Court" in a search. I'm going there on my next trip, in October.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

Yes, the tour is only 4 1/2 hours and that was one of my problems. I didn't want to be rushed through. The price is only $45.00 which includes the entrance tickets, etc. (Good Price - but enough time?)

Two suggestions:<BR><BR>1. Get right off the train at Slough and move quickly to the track for the train to Windsor. Seems like the train to Windsor is timed to leave Slough just a few minutes after the arrival of the London train. We just missed the Windsor train and and had to wait anohter 30 minutes for the next.<BR><BR>2. As soon as you get off in Windsor, ask for the shortest route to the castle. We tool a wrong turn and ended up in the shopping mall adjacent to the station winding around for quite awhile, until we found the exit. Turns out we missed the easy way out of the station.

Regarding red glossy guide book at Windsor Mel mentioned, you need to get one before you enter (they also sell them inside for late bloomers) because Windsor is not a museum and unless you are in a tour, there is no sign indicating what you are looking. There is a long waiting line to get into the doll house so get it done early.

Hi Betty,<BR>I would do just Hampton Court on my own. They really do rush you on those tours and you could spend a whole day there. I've been to and liked both places, but Hampton Court Palace is definitely my favorite. Have fun!

Windsor Castle is mostly about interior space, gorgeous furniture, and the wonderful St George's Chapel (is the Chapel included on the packaged tour?)<BR>Hampton Court is more about,in my opinion, Henry VIII and later architect Christopher Wren, and beautiful gardens, including the Maze. (Is the Maze included on the packaged tour?)<BR>Most rooms in Hampton Court have no furnishings.<BR>I wouldn't go to Windsor without having time for the Chapel, and I wouldn't go to Hampton without having time for the Maze.

Yes, the chapel is included and the "privy gardens" at Hampton are included. Is this the maze?

Some points I don't think were mentioned above: (1) If Runnymede is important to you, it's apparently difficult to get to except with a tour or by renting a car. (2) It's hard to miss the Windsor Castle as it dominates the town, but there are arrows pointing toward it. (3) You can rent an audio-guide at Windsor Castle, with which you can spend as much time as you want. Well worth the money, IMHO. (4) There's an hour-long bus tour within Windsor which travels through the town then goes to Eaton and back - definitely an option to consider, especially if the weather is less than terrific.

Betty - the others have just about covered all the details. If you have enough time in London definitely do both on your own. They are very easy day trips from the city center. But if your time is extremely limited take the tour because it would be better than not being able to visit both.<BR><BR>The Privy Gardens are not the Maze. The Maze is on the opposite side of the grounds beyond the Real Tennis court (A fascinating game that is still played sort of a combination of Tennis, Raquetball and Squash)<BR><BR>The Privy Garden is a formal garden which was recently restored to it's original appearance. The other gardens and grounds at Hampton Court are beautiful as well.

Wish I did have more time; but don't on this trip. I really thank everyone for their help and advise. Maybe I will just take the tour and next time, see more of each one. Thanks again!

Does Henry VIII interest you?<BR><BR>I've been to both on separate trips to London and Hampton Court is spectacular! A group of us did it on our own & had the best time. <BR><BR>You might want to check out The Original London Walks to see if they are doing walking tours at Hampton Court while your in London. <BR><BR>Windsor is nice, but you will always remember Hampton Court Castle!<BR><BR>Good Luck!

Betty,<BR><BR>A single half-day tour that covers Windsor, Runnymede AND Hampton Court? If I understand that correctly, my advice is simple: pick one. <BR><BR>And if I had to pick one, it would be Windsor, no Hampton Court, or maybe Windsor....yes, Windsor (by a hair) with a walk over the pedestrian bridge to Eton, as described by Mel. Go on your own, taking a train from London's Waterloo or Paddington rail stations.<BR><BR>Enjoy your visit<BR><BR>David White<BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com<BR>

David! You have got me confused (again)....To be honest with you, I kinda like the idea of going to Windsor on our own, visit the castle and then walk around and take our time. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO ????? (And yes, you heard right, the tour does all three in 4 1/2 hrs. )

Oh, Betty - don't do it! I didn't understand the entire tour was only 4 1/2 hours. Be very careful about words like "see" and "visit" in the tour description. See literally means "SEE" not "go inside". Visit means at least going inside but does not tell you how long you'll be inside. <BR><BR>If your time in London is so limited that you cannot do both on your own - Then bite the bullet and pick one. You really can't go wrong which ever you choose. Don't do a 4 1/2 hour tour - you will be VERY disappointed!

Well, the bus leaves at 12:40 pm and gets back at 6:15- but the tour is listed as 4 1/2 hrs - the rest of the time must be travel time. So you think I need to pick one too, huh?

Betty, what I would do is pick one and then if a few hours open up on another day be ready to go to the other one. <BR><BR>Travel Times by road in and around London can vary wildly depending on Traffic - that is probably why the discrepancy between the tour times and 4.5 hours. But I just do see it - a coach drive to Windsor from central London is 30 minutes MINIMUM and usually more, and the same from Hampton Court into London.

Ok, one more question. Do I need to buy my train ticket in advance to go to Windsor, or just show up at Waterloo station? What are the times?

No need to advance purchase - just buy them at the station. I don't have the schedule at hand but they are very frequent from both Paddington and Waterloo. The railtrack web site will have the exact times but they are so often you don't need to worry about catching just the "right" train.