Young Victoria's London: Windsor Castle & Kensington Palace

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Windsor Castle is located in the Berkshire town of Windsor, in the Thames Valley to the west of London. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at Windsor Castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Windsor Castle dates back to the time of William the Conqueror. Most of the kings and queens of England have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of Windsor Castle, which has been their garrison, fortress, home, official palace, and sometimes prison. The castle's history and that of the British monarchy are inextricably linked. Chronologically the history of the castle can be traced through the reigns of the monarchs who have occupied it. When the country has been at peace Windsor Castle has been expanded by the additions of large and grand apartments; when the country has been at war the castle has been more heavily fortified. This pattern has continued to the present day. Queen Elizabeth II decided in 1952 to make Windsor her principal week-end retreat. The private apartments which had not been properly occupied since the era of Queen Mary were renovated and further modernised, and the Queen, Prince Philip and their four children took up residence. This arrangement has continued to the present day. Today In Windsor Castle; * We will explore this oldest and the largest inhabited castle in the world, * We will learn how a Windsor Castle was transformed into an ostentatious palace, * We will see how Monarchs added their own style and ambition to the different elegant rooms, * We will hear how this palace of romance to restore royal fortunes of the King who lost his head,

Lunch break in one of Windsor's best English Pubs. If you think that fish & chips is the only national dish in English cuisine, this is a big mistake. Follow us to find out the goodness of the Tudor recipe and taste.

Kensington Palace has been home to royalty from long before Queen Victoria's birth there in 1819 to Princess Diana's residence until her death to today. The palace is still in use as a working Royal Residence, there are nonetheless many areas open to public viewing - and have been since Queen Victoria opened the State Apartments to the public in 1899. The Kensington Palace Red Saloon, for example, on the Garden Floor was the location of Queen Victoria's first Privy Council in June 1837 and has been restored to its original appearance. The Kensington Palace Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is an exhibit of gowns worn by various royal personages from the 18th century to the present. Even the Hats and Handbags are on display at Kensington Palace, showing over seventy hats belonging to Queen Elizabeth II. In contrast to the splendour of the Kensington Palace King's Apartments, and discreetly far away, are the subdued Queen's Apartments. Built and furnished for Queen Mary II in the mid-17th century. There are several 'family portraits' and many original furnishings. The Victorian Rooms are accessible, including Victoria's bedroom where she first learned of her accession to the throne. The rooms are furnished with many of Victoria's and Albert's personal effects. Kensington Palace was first constructed for the Earl of Nottingham in 1661, the interior of Kensington Palace isn't the only impressive sight. Outside is the extensive and varied Kensington Gardens with a number of things to do and see. Designed and landscaped under the watchful eye of George II's wife, Queen Caroline, the expansive gardens adjoin Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. Combined, the Gardens and Hyde Park total 637 acres.