Windsor Castle and Stonehenge Travel Guide

🏰 Windsor Castle
• Highlights: The oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world and one of the main residences of the British royal family.
• Highlights:
• Banqueting House (St George's Hall): A magnificent hall used for state banquets and ceremonies.
• Collection of King Charles I: Includes masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and others.
• St George's Chapel: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it has hosted many royal weddings and funerals (including that of Prince Harry and Meghan).
• State Apartments: Displays the royal collection and luxurious decor.

⏰ Recommended Stay: Approximately 2–3 hours

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🌄 Stonehenge
• Highlights: A prehistoric megalithic monument built approximately 4,500 years ago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. • Highlights:
• The main stone circle: Composed of giant stones arranged in a ring and a horseshoe shape, it remains an archaeological mystery.
• Visitor Center: Explains Stonehenge's construction methods and hypothesized uses (religious rituals, astronomical calendar).
• Interactive Exhibition: Simulates the corresponding positions of sunrise and sunset between the stones during the summer and winter solstices.

⏰ Recommended Stay: Approximately 1.5–2 hours

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🏘 Nearby Attractions

1. Bath
• Features: An elegant Georgian city famous for its Roman baths.
• Highlights: The remains of the Roman baths, Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent.
• Suitable for: For a complete day trip, many tour groups offer a "Windsor Castle + Stonehenge + Bath" package.

2. Salisbury
• Features: A medieval city close to Stonehenge. • Highlights: Salisbury Cathedral, home to the original Magna Carta.
• Suitable for: If you want to plan a shorter itinerary, consider visiting after Stonehenge.

⏰ Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

Route A (Royal Classics + Prehistoric Mysteries)
• Morning: Depart from London → Visit Windsor Castle (approximately 2–3 hours)
• Lunch: Head to Salisbury for lunch (at a local pub or town restaurant)
• Afternoon: Visit Stonehenge (approximately 1.5 hours)
• Evening: Return to London

Route B (In-depth Cultural Tour)
• Morning: Depart from London → Visit Windsor Castle
• Lunch: Head to Stonehenge
• Afternoon: Continue to Bath, visit the Roman Baths and enjoy a city walk
• Evening: Return to London (approximately 2 hours drive)

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🚗 Transportation
• Self-drive: The most flexible option, driving from London to Windsor takes approximately 1 hour, and then to Stonehenge in about 1.5 hours. • One-day tours: Departing from central London, common combinations include "Windsor Castle + Stonehenge + Bath" or "Windsor Castle + Stonehenge + Salisbury."
• Train + Bus: This is a more time-consuming trip, so it's recommended to visit only one of the two.

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🍴 Food Recommendations
• Windsor Town: Enjoy traditional English pubs, where you can try fish and chips or English pie.
• Salisbury: Enjoy classic English small-town restaurants, with beef pie and roasts recommended.
• Bath: Don't miss the local dessert, the traditional round bread called "Sally Lunn's Bun."