Windsor Castle & Winchester
Let your journey begin…
Windsor Castle holds the distinct title of being both the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, making it a remarkable landmark with immense historical significance. Located in the picturesque town of Windsor, England, this iconic structure was originally constructed in the 11th century and has since been home to an impressive 39 British monarchs. Today, it also serves as the final resting place for Queen Elizabeth II, adding to its rich heritage.
It is now time to embark on an exploration of the historic city of Winchester, where you can marvel at attractions such as the Great Hall and the magnificent Cathedral. Built by William the Conqueror, Winchester Castle was the seat of power of medieval monarchs. The Great Hall, one of the finest medieval halls in England, and the Westgate, which served as the castle’s primary defence, are now the sole survivors of this once magnificent historical site. Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the UK, with the longest nave and greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.
Our itinerary today includes the following:
Cruise Terminal pick-up - We look forward to meeting you at 08:00am.
Windsor Castle - You will have approximately three hours at your own leisure to thoroughly explore the historic Windsor Castle and its extensive, fascinating grounds, which are rich in history and beautiful scenery. This ample time allows you to take in the stunning architecture, significant art collections, and the serene landscapes that surround this iconic landmark.
Winchester Great Hall - You have a total of 30 minutes to explore the captivating and historic castles Great Halls. Though the structure is mostly in ruins, the castle's Great Hall still remarkably remains as a testament to its storied past. Built in the 13th century during the reign of King Henry III, the Great Hall is recognised as one of the finest surviving medieval great halls in all of England. It is truly an impressive structure, featuring a magnificent hammer-beam roof and large, beautifully designed stained-glass windows that enhance its grandeur.
Winchester Cathedral -You have one hour to explore this truly magnificent cathedral, a gem of architectural history. While the building lacks a prominent spire, and it may appear unremarkable at first glance from the outside, it is, in fact, the world's longest intact medieval cathedral, offering a remarkable journey into the past. The stunning Perpendicular Gothic interior boasts a noble simplicity that captivates visitors as they step inside. The first church that stood on this sacred site, known as the Old Minster, was constructed as early as the 7th century, highlighting the rich historical significance of this remarkable place.
Cruise Terminal drop-off - We aim to get you safely back to the cruise terminal before 16:35pm.
Complimentary bottled water will be provided.
NOTE: If your ship happens to have an earlier departure time than originally planned, we can certainly shorten the itinerary to effectively accommodate your day trip. Please be aware that this adjustment will reduce Windsor Castle to 2 hours from the itinerary above. This means we should get you back to the cruise terminal before 15.35pm.