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It’s not just the Queen and her castle that make Windsor a must-see destination. Join us on this tour to experience what else is on offer and let us take you to all the amazing places nearby. The beautiful gardens and parks that make up the Royal Landscape are just a stone’s throw away from the town and the lush green Chilterns countryside is right on the doorstep.
On Day 1 you’ll have the chance to see Eton College, one of the oldest and most exclusive private schools in Britain, learning all about the quirky customs and traditions that still take place there (we’ve got friends on speed dial who attended the school if you’d like a first-hand account!). Afterwards, you might choose to enjoy a British picnic and games on the banks of the Thames, or why not take the afternoon to explore Windsor Castle for yourself. We’ll show you some lesser-known but beautiful parts of the town, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, we’ll arrange a private cooking class so you can learn how to make fudge – a typically English treat – and take some home to share with your friends.
On Day 2 you will sail along the River Thames on your own private boat, taking in the beautiful scenery and glimpsing some of the most impressive houses in the country. Your destination? A real life Downton Abbey-style mansion, where we’ll tell you the tales of its scandalous history and, if you so choose, you can enjoy afternoon tea or dinner in its 2 Michelin Star restaurant. If that’s not enough, you can even stay the night if you like!
Day 3 will take us into the rolling hills of the Chilterns, where you can visit one of the prettiest villages in Britain, see first-hand how British beer and wine is made at a local brewery and winery, and even try some of the produce for yourself. Afterwards, you can visit the gardens of the Royal Landscape and have your own private ride in a horse and carriage, the same way the Queen travels when she arrives at the Royal Ascot Races. Or why not join us on a walk around the flowering gardens and green forests surrounding Virginia Water Lake. We will visit the Guards Polo Club grounds, where the Princes themselves play polo, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a match underway! If you’d like to try your hand at another British sport, croquet, we can arrange a lesson with a pro in the grounds of a stunning country house. Of course, we’ll be on hand to translate everything into Chinese so you get the most out of your class.
* Please note: the itinerary for this tour is subject to change, based on accommodation availability, your train times and tour start/end points. All transfers are by car unless otherwise stated.
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These activities are fixed and form the foundation of your tour itinerary. We believe they are the best bits of each tour that nobody should miss out on!
Tour of Eton Town and College
(approx. 1 hour)
See where royal princes and former prime ministers have studied and lived, and hear all about the age-old school traditions that still exist today.
Private boat ride along the River Thames
(approx. 2-3 hours)
Enjoy a private boat ride from Windsor along the River Thames to Cliveden House, a mansion estate overlooking the river. Along the way learn about the rich and famous who live along the banks of the Thames in some of the most expensive houses in the country. See the world’s oldest working railway bridge and find out who Queen Victoria used to meet for tea on the riverbank…
Tour around Cliveden House Grounds and Gardens
(approx. 1 hour)
With 300 years of history and steeped in drama, stepping into Cliveden is like stepping onto the set of Downton! Hear how the UK’s most infamous political scandal, that nearly toppled a government, took place at this mansion estate, and learn about the royals and famous characters who used to spend the night, including former Queens of England, former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Charlie Chaplin. If choosing the Castle / Country House option you will even have the opportunity to stay in the House (subject to availability).
Tour of a beautiful village in the Chiltern Hills
(approx. 1 hour)
Some secrets are worth keeping, so we won’t reveal the name of this pretty little spot tucked away in the Chiltern countryside. But rest assured, you will be visiting a place of real tranquillity, voted one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of Britain!
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This is where you can get creative! Pick the activities that suit you and your group best. Please note, all group members must participate in the same activities and not all combinations are possible.
Excursion to Windsor Castle
(approx. 2-3 hours)
A trip around the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, one of the homes of Her Majesty the Queen – try and spot her on your way round!
Fudge-making class
(approx. 1.5 hours)
A private lesson with a fudge-making master. Learn how to make this traditional British sweet and find out why the British love it so much. Sample all the different flavours, make your own and take it home with you!
The ‘Long Walk’
(approx. 2-3 hours, 5km walk, moderate difficulty)
Discover stunning views of Windsor, and spot the deer grazing in Windsor Great Park on this lesser-known walk to a remarkable statue of one of Britain‘s former kings.
Trip to the Queen’s Royal Farm Shop
(approx. 1.5 hours)
A visit to this off-beat attraction in Windsor, and a fantastic opportunity to buy local products made on the Queen‘s Estate.
Afternoon Tea in Cliveden House
(approx. 1-1.5 hours)
Spend a luxurious afternoon inside Cliveden House enjoying British tea served in the traditional way with freshly baked scones and sandwiches, all made from ingredients from the local area.
Trip to the Chilterns
(approx. 1-1.5 hours)
This is a serene and beautiful part of Oxfordshire where we will explore some of the typical countryside villages and riverside towns the area has to offer. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, time to shop, relax or join us for a leisurely walk in the fresh air – it’s up to you.
Countryside walk in the Chilterns
(approx. 4km, 1 hour)
Discover the nature, peace, fresh air and charm of the countryside first-hand on this leisurely walk. The walk will take us along the banks of the River Thames near Henley, famous for its royal rowing regatta, and into the green Chiltern Hills where there will be fantastic valley views aplenty.
Trip to a local British winery and brewery
(approx. 1.5 hours)
Take a guided tour of a family-run brewery, see how British beer and wine is made, taste the products and buy your friends and family some authentic British alcohol!
Horse & Carriage ride
(approx. 1 hour)
Explore one of England’s most beautiful Royal Parks from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. See some of the Queen’s favourite relaxation spots and admire the beauty of the royal parkland in a carriage previously used by Her Majesty the Queen’s equerry and horsemaster for 26 years!
Excursion around Savill Gardens
(approx. 1 hour)
Savill Gardens is the pride and joy of the Royal Estate and home to some of the most impressive flora and fauna in the world. This is a chance to admire some of this nature up close and personal.
Virginia Water walking tour
(approx. 1 hour)
Virginia Water Lake sits at the heart of Windsor Great Park, the only royal park managed by the Crown Estate. The Estate covers some 4,800 acres but we’ll give you a taste of what it has to offer on this short walking tour around the park. We’ll begin at the royal polo grounds where the Princes themselves come to play, before wandering through the beautiful heather gardens down to the shores of Virginia Water, where there will be plenty of pretty views and photo opportunities.
Afternoon Tea in Coworth Park Country House Hotel
(approx. 1.5 hours)
Coworth Park is a 5-star British Country House and Spa, and part of the world-famous Dorchester Collection. It is the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon tea, with teas from all over the world, including China’s silver needles yin zhen, one of the rarest and most glamorous teas. Afterwards, why not take a stroll around the grounds and marvel at the grandeur and size of this quintessentially British estate. You could even spend the night if you’d like! (Subject to availability).
Private croquet lesson in Coworth Park Country House Hotel
(approx. 1-1.5 hours)
It has been said that only tobacco smoking spread faster through the British Empire than the great British sport of croquet! Learn how to play in the spectacular grounds of this 5-star British County House under the instruction of a professional croquet master.
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Included:
All accommodation
Private transport throughout
Breakfast
Picnics (if chosen)
All entrance fees
All chosen activity costs
Native British Mandarin-speaking guides throughout
Not included:
Transport to/from tour start/end point
Lunch (except picnics)
Dinner (unless specified)
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Private tour
Max 15 people per tour
This tour starts from Windsor and Eton Riverside Train Station
Includes a private boat ride along the River Thames
If choosing the countryside walk in the Chilterns, don’t forget to bring your walking boots!
More general details about our tours can be found here.