Eton College

The Basics

Guided tours of Eton College are possible, but most visitors opt to admire the historic school from the outside. A photo stop at Eton, located in Windsor, is a popular inclusion on tours of Windsor town and Windsor Castle from London, often alongside other regional attractions such as Stonehenge and Bath—both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Highlights of a visit include the medieval school yard, the Gothic-style chapel, and Cloisters Court. Visitors can also explore the Museum of Eton Life to learn more about the school, its administrative ‘houses,’ and its 1,300 students, aged 13 to 18, all of whom wear the iconic uniform of a black tailcoat, white bowtie, and pinstriped trousers.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Guided tours are held on Friday afternoons, and booking tickets in advance is recommended.

• The school has a gift shop, which is open to the public.

• The college grounds and buildings are wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

Eton College is located in Windsor, around an hour’s drive west of London and a 10-minute drive from Windsor Castle. On the north bank of the River Thames, Eton is best reached by car.

When to Get There

Eton College is a working school, and visiting hours are strictly limited; however, it’s possible to see the college and take photos of the historic buildings from afar at any time. Guided tours of Eton College take place Fridays only from April to August, while the Museum of Eton Life is only open on Sunday afternoons.

Famous Etonians

Former scholars of the legendary Eton College (traditionally nicknamed ‘Old Etonians’) include 19 British prime ministers, among them William Ewart Gladstone and David Cameron; members of the British royal family, including Prince William and Prince Harry; writers such as George Orwell and Ian Fleming; former London mayor Boris Johnson; and actors including Eddie Redmayne, Damian Lewis, and Hugh Laurie.