Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen, whose standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence.
The Ceremony of the Keys is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years.
In the early 1080s, William the Conqueror began to build the Tower of London. From then Successive monarchs have added to the awesome fortress over the following centuries. Visiting the Tower of London could easily take up a full day and possibly another if you would like to thoroughly visit it all it has to offer.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen, whose standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence.
The Ceremony of the Keys is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years.
In the early 1080s, William the Conqueror began to build the Tower of London. From then Successive monarchs have added to the awesome fortress over the following centuries. Visiting the Tower of London could easily take up a full day and possibly another if you would like to thoroughly visit it all it has to offer.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen, whose standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence.
The Queen spends most of her private weekends at Windsor and takes up official residence for a month over Easter (March to April), known as Easter Court. The Queen is also at Windsor for one week each June, when she attends Royal Ascot and the service of the Order of the Garter.
Windsor is still very much a working royal palace. The Castle is used regularly for ceremonial and State occasions. It is here that The Queen often hosts State Visits from overseas monarchs and presidents. St George’s Hall makes a spectacular setting for a State Banquet, when a single table, stretching the length of the hall and seating 160 people, is decorated with porcelain, and silver-gilt from the Royal Collection.
Occasionally The Queen hosts a ‘dine and sleep’, when Her Majesty invites important figures, such as political leaders, Ambassadors, High Commissioners or the heads of Commonwealth nations, to have dinner at the Castle, before showing them a special display of items from the Royal Library. The guests then spend a night at the Castle and depart after breakfast the following morning.
St George’s Chapel within the Castle Precincts is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the world. Founded at Windsor by Edward III in 1348, its Knights still attend a Service of Thanksgiving in the chapel of their patron, St George, processing in their robes and insignia through the Castle Precincts. Today, the Order consists of The Queen, The Prince of Wales and 24 Knight Companions. There are also Royal Knights and Foreign or ‘stranger’ Knights. St George’s Chapel remains an active centre for worship, with daily services open to all.
Be part of the 700 year old ancient ceremony!
Tickets are issued free of charge but, due to the popularity of the ceremony, it is necessary to book as far in advance as is possible.
Tickets can only be booked online.
The Ceremony of the Keys is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years. The importance of securing the fortress for the night is still very relevant because, although the Monarch no longer resides at this royal palace, the Crown Jewels and many other valuables still do!
Experience the decade of decadence at Eltham Palace, as you are transported back to the 1930s (just in time for cocktail hour…). Created for millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, Eltham Palace is part showpiece of Art Deco design and 1930s cutting-edge technology, and part medieval royal palace. Bring your family and make yourself at home, try on clothes, play games and listen to music, as a guest of the Courtaulds.
After a £1.7 million project Eltham Palace reopened on 3 April 2015 with five new rooms for you to enjoy.
Admire the stunning domed entrance hall at Eltham Palace, where prestigious guests gathered for glamorous cocktail parties. Socialites and politicians, royals and artists all enjoyed hospitality here. This eye-catching room is a mix of Art Deco and cutting-edge Swedish design.
Saved from decline by the Courtaulds', their lavish home is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture and design surviving in Britain today. Explore some of the collection highlights that you can see at Eltham Palace.
The marvellous panelled dining room and luxurious golden bathroom are just two of the other highlights you can enjoy.
