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

If you’re planning to visit Windsor and Eton and want to soak up some of their royal charm without the hassle of group tours or guided crowds, this self-guided audio experience might just be worth considering. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, looking at the details, reviews, and what it offers, it’s clear this can be a flexible, budget-friendly way to learn about these historic towns at your own pace.

What we really like about this tour is its offline accessibility and the fact that once downloaded, you have lifetime access. That means no worries about spotty Wi-Fi or losing access once you start exploring. Plus, it’s reasonably priced at just $14.99, which is a fair deal for a personal, informative experience. However, one thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t include entry to attractions—so you’ll need to buy tickets if you want to go inside Windsor Castle or other sites.

This tour would be especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy self-directed adventures, love historical tidbits, or prefer exploring at their own speed without the pressures of a group. It’s probably best for those comfortable with using their phone for navigation and audio guides, and who aren’t bothered by the fact that some reviews report technical issues.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility means you can go at your own pace and revisit parts of the tour as you like.
• Offline access allows you to download the tour once and enjoy it without internet worries.
• Rich content about landmarks, the royal family, and local pubs makes the experience educational and engaging.
• Price point offers good value for those wanting a personalized tour without extra costs for entry or guide fees.
• Limited inclusion of attraction tickets means you’ll need to plan separately if you want inside access to places like Windsor Castle.
• Reviews vary—some travelers found technological glitches frustrating, while others enjoyed the historical insights.

A detailed look at what this tour offers

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at Windsor Royal, located at Goswell Hill, and begins with a walk that feels promising right from the start. You’re encouraged to download the app and tour beforehand, which is key since the tour relies heavily on your personal device. The first landmark, The Crooked House of Windsor, gets a quick pass-by narration, giving you a taste of Windsor’s quirky architecture and intriguing stories.

The Crooked House is a charming sight that immediately captures the imagination—an imperfectly tilted building with stories that spark curiosity. Although you don’t go inside, the narration offers enough background to make it more than just a photo stop.

Windsor’s Historic Landmarks from the Outside

As you stroll past the Windsor Castle Hotel and the Soldier’s Statue, the narration enriches your understanding of their significance. You’ll hear snippets about the history and perhaps some lesser-known tales, which is what makes self-guided tours appealing—you can linger or move on without feeling rushed.

The Windsor Castle Hotel isn’t an attraction per se, but its historic façade hints at Windsor’s royal connections. The Soldier’s Statue and other statuary along the route serve as quiet reminders of Windsor’s military history and its relationship with the monarchy.

The Long Walk and Royal Symbols

One of the tour’s highlights is the Long Walk, a sweeping stretch of land famous for royal processions and spectacular views of Windsor Castle. While the tour only passes by a part of it, you’ll learn about its significance in royal events and leisure. The Queen Victoria Statue and the King George V Memorial are included as notable landmarks, each with stories that connect Windsor’s past leaders to the town’s identity.

Windsor’s Cultural and Entertainment Scene

Passing by the Theatre Royal Windsor offers insight into the town’s cultural life, showcasing its long-standing tradition of arts and entertainment. The narration probably delves into its history, making it more than just a building on the street.

Transition over the Eton Walkway

Crossing over the Eton Walkway, the tour takes you into Eton, a town famous for its prestigious college. Though the tour ends outside Eton College, it offers a good overview of the area’s royal and educational significance. This part of the route adds a certain dignity, blending royal history with academic tradition.

Pubs and Local Stories

While the tour mentions traditional Windsor pubs like The Two Brewers and Bel & The Dragon, it focuses on their historical stories rather than a pub crawl. It’s a nice touch that adds local flavor and context for those interested in Windsor’s social scene.

Worth Considering: The Practicalities

This tour’s price is quite reasonable, especially considering you’re paying for personalized narration and lifelong access. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t include admission fees, meaning you’ll need to buy tickets for attractions like Windsor Castle if you plan to go inside.

You’ll want a smartphone and headphones to really get the most from this experience. Since the tour is self-guided, your ability to stay on track depends on your device working well, which some reviews have flagged as a potential hiccup—some users experienced problems loading the tour, even after seeking help.

The duration is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable walk that won’t take up your whole day. It’s perfect for a relaxed exploration, especially if you prefer walking at your own pace or visiting other sites afterward.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer from May 2024 expressed frustration, having trouble loading the audio despite efforts to get help, which was a significant downside. They wasted about 30 minutes trying to get it working, which can be a real bummer if your time is limited.

On the flip side, a June 2022 review praised how well the tour conveyed the layout of Windsor around its castle, along with the historical stories, calling it an engaging way to understand the town’s background.

These mixed reviews highlight the importance of downloading the tour beforehand and ensuring your device is ready, especially if you want a smooth experience.

Final thoughts: Is this tour right for you?

If you’re someone who loves history, especially royal or local history, and prefers the flexibility of exploring at your own pace, this tour offers good value. Its offline access and lifetime license make it a practical choice for travelers who don’t want to worry about Wi-Fi or timing constraints.

However, if you’re looking for a seamless, completely guided experience or plan to go inside Windsor Castle, this isn’t a substitute for a full guided tour or ticketed entry. You’ll also need to be comfortable troubleshooting minor tech issues or downloading content well before your visit.

In summary, this self-guided audio tour is best for independent travelers, history buffs, or couples and small groups wanting a relaxed stroll with rich storytelling — so long as you’re prepared for a tech-dependent experience.

FAQs

Does this tour include entrance tickets to Windsor Castle or other attractions?
No, this tour does not include tickets or entrance fees to any attractions. You’ll need to purchase those separately if you want inside access.

Can I do this tour without an internet connection?
Yes, once you download the tour and maps via the VoiceMap app, you can enjoy it offline. This is one of its biggest advantages.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on your walking pace and how long you spend at each stop.

Is this tour suitable for families?
The description doesn’t specify family-friendly features, but since it’s a self-guided walk, older children or teens interested in history could enjoy it. Remember, it’s primarily an audio experience and doesn’t involve interactive activities.

What devices do I need?
A smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed, and headphones for private listening. Make sure your device is sufficiently charged for the duration.

Are there any specific opening hours I need to be aware of?
The tour is available anytime, with access from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, giving you full flexibility to start when you like.

What if I have technical issues during the tour?
Some users have experienced problems loading the tour. It’s best to download everything beforehand and verify your device’s compatibility. Support is available via the app’s contact channels.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility features. Since it involves walking through town streets, consider the terrain and your mobility needs.

Would I recommend this experience?
Yes, if you value flexibility, want to learn some intriguing stories about Windsor and Eton, and are comfortable with using digital guides. It’s an affordable way to enrich your visit, provided you’re prepared for some minor tech hiccups.

This self-guided audio tour offers a practical, relaxed way to explore Windsor and Eton’s royal roots. It’s ideal for independent travelers who enjoy walking tours, historical storytelling, and the freedom to customize their experience. Just be sure to download in advance and keep your device charged for a smooth journey.