The 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton self-guided audio tour offers a flexible way to explore two of England’s most historic towns at your own pace. Priced at $14.99 per person, this tour is perfect for visitors seeking an independent experience balanced with insightful narration by a knowledgeable local guide. With a duration of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, it allows ample time to soak in sights like Windsor Castle, The Long Walk, and landmarks in Eton.

One of the tour’s notable strengths is its offline access to audio files and maps, meaning you won’t need an active internet connection once downloaded. This makes it especially convenient for those wary of connectivity issues or looking to avoid roaming charges. The tour begins at Windsor Royal and ends outside Eton College, covering a route filled with royal landmarks, historic pubs, and iconic statues.

Despite its many advantages, this tour does not include entrance fees to attractions, and participants must supply their own smartphone and headphones. It’s best suited for those who prefer self-paced exploration over group tours and don’t mind clarifying details without a live guide.

Key Points

Self-guided audio tour in Windsor and Eton, priced at $14.99, lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Download once for lifetime access with offline maps and audio, no internet needed during the walk
Narrated by an experienced local guide covering royal landmarks and historic sites
Highlights The Crooked House of Windsor, Windsor Castle Hotel, The Long Walk, and more
Tour starts at Windsor Royal and concludes outside Eton College

Starting Point at Windsor Royal and Tour Duration

The tour kicks off at Windsor Royal, located at Goswell Hill, Windsor. From here, it sets out on a route that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and interest in stopping at landmarks. The self-guided format means you control how quickly or slowly you explore, making it ideal for a relaxed stroll or a brisk walk through Windsor and Eton.

Participants download the VoiceMap app and access the tour offline, ensuring ease of use without relying on mobile data. The flexible timing allows for visits to nearby cafes or shops along the way, with the narration seamlessly guiding you through the history and significance of each site.

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Iconic Windsor Landmarks on the Route

The tour passes several notable Windsor sights. The Crooked House of Windsor is a fascinating stop where you learn about this uniquely tilted building. As the route continues, you pass The Windsor Castle Hotel, offering insights into the town’s royal connections. The Soldier’s Statue stands as a tribute to Windsor’s military past, while The Two Brewers pub provides a glimpse into local social life and history.

Attention is given to the Long Walk, a broad avenue with stunning views of Windsor Castle, which is highlighted during the narration. The Queen Victoria Statue and the Theatre Royal Windsor are also passed by, each with stories about their role in the town’s royal and cultural scene.

Exploring Windsor’s Royal and Cultural Landmarks

Throughout the tour, the narration provides interesting details about each landmark. For example, the King George V Memorial pays tribute to a monarch with deep ties to the area. The tour also takes you over the Eton Walkway, connecting Windsor to Eton, and giving a sense of the physical connection between these historic towns.

The Theatre Royal Windsor stands out as a cultural hub, while the Bel & The Dragon pub offers a chance to imagine traditional British pub life. The narration enriches these visits by sharing stories that bring the landmarks to life, adding depth to the visual experience.

Practical Aspects: Access, Booking, and Compatibility

The tour is available year-round, from November 2021 to July 2026, giving ample flexibility to plan your visit. It begins at Goswell Hill in Windsor and ends outside Eton College. The entire experience is private, with only your group participating, which allows for a more personalized exploration.

Booking typically occurs 6 days in advance on average, and the tour’s price of $14.99 offers good value for a self-guided experience with lifetime access. Since no entrance fees are included, visitors should be prepared for additional costs if they wish to explore attractions more thoroughly.

Considerations and Limitations

One inherent limitation is that entrance tickets to attractions such as Windsor Castle or Eton College are not included. Visitors must make separate arrangements for entry if they wish to visit inside. Plus, smartphones and headphones are not supplied; participants need to provide their own device compatible with the VoiceMap app.

A notable review mentions a technical issue with loading the tour, which can be frustrating if internet connectivity is poor or if the download process encounters problems. Therefore, ensuring proper download ahead of time is recommended.

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Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This self-guided audio tour caters well to visitors who enjoy independent exploration, want to control their schedule, and appreciate personal narration. It’s perfect for those interested in royal landmarks and Windsor’s local history but comfortable navigating with a smartphone. It also suits travelers seeking offline access and the flexibility to pause or extend their walk.

Windsor to Eton: A Journey Through Royal Heritage

The route from Windsor to Eton offers a compelling mix of historic buildings, statues, and cultural sights. The narration helps uncover the stories behind each landmark, making the walk more engaging than a simple self-guided map. The tour’s focus on royal sites, such as Windsor Castle and Eton College, makes it particularly appealing for history enthusiasts.

The route over the Eton Walkway provides a scenic transition between the two towns, with views that complement the stories shared during the narration. This walk can easily be extended or shortened based on individual interests, thanks to the self-paced nature.

Value and Personalization

At $14.99, the tour offers good value for money, especially considering the lifetime access to the audio and maps. The offline functionality enhances convenience, and the narrated commentary adds educational depth to the walk.

However, the absence of ticket inclusions means visitors should consider the potential additional costs for attractions they wish to visit inside Windsor Castle or Eton College. The tour’s private, flexible format makes it suitable for both solo travelers and small groups who prefer an intimate, unhurried experience.

Final Thoughts on the Windsor to Eton Self-Guided Tour

The 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton tour stands out as a straightforward, cost-effective way to explore the towns’ historic sites at your preferred pace. Its offline accessibility and audio narration by a local guide are significant advantages, especially for independent travelers.

While technical issues have been reported, proper planning and downloading in advance can mitigate this. The tour is best suited for those interested in royal landmarks, local stories, and a flexible schedule. It may be less ideal for visitors wanting to access inside attractions directly, but for a self-guided, educational stroll, it offers solid value.

Ready to Book?

1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.0

“Book the audio on my way to Windsor . Was unable to load even after going to info center so I would have a strong internet connection. I made an…”

— Vanessa O, May 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, since the tour is self-guided and primarily involves walking and listening to narration, it can be enjoyed by families, though younger children may need supervision for the walking parts.

Do I need to pay for attractions like Windsor Castle?
Yes, the tour does not include entrance fees, so tickets for attractions such as Windsor Castle and Eton College need to be purchased separately.

Can I do this tour without internet?
Absolutely. Once downloaded, the tour is accessible offline, making it convenient for areas with poor connectivity.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on your pace and stops.

What devices are compatible?
The tour uses the VoiceMap app, which is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.

Are there any restrictions on the group size?
Since the tour is private, only your group participates, allowing for a personalized experience.

What is the start point?
The tour begins at Goswell Hill, Windsor.

Is there a refund policy?
No, the booking is non-refundable or changeable once confirmed.

Can I extend the tour if I want to see more?
Yes, the self-paced format allows you to pause, take extra time at certain sites, or continue exploring beyond the suggested route.

How do I access the tour after booking?
Download the VoiceMap app and the tour files after purchase. The lifetime access ensures you can revisit the tour at any time.