Eton Tourist Information

Eton lies north of the River Thames, 21 miles west of London.

Tbe town faces the larger town of Windsor across the Thames and the two settlements are joined by the Windsor Bridge. This bridge, built in 1821 - 23, was originally used by all road traffic but is now for pedestrians and cyclists only.

Visitors to Windsor can stroll across Windsor Bridge to see Eton High Street, with its fine preserved shop fronts, or visit Eton College.

The world famous public school now occupies the whole of Eton north of Barnes Pool Bridge.  From the Brocas, a broad open meadow beside the river in Eton, there are wonderful views of Windsor Castle. Eton Wick, a modern residential area, lies a mile westward of the town and is separated from it by an open area of land known as South Field.

Eton College (or just Eton) is known officially as 'The King's College of Our Lady of Eton beside Windsor'. The College was founded in 1440 by Henry VI to provide free education for 70 poor students, who then went on to King's College, Cambridge.

Today Eton boards around 1,290 boys between the ages of 13 and 18. The exclusive public school has excellent facilities but the fees are very high.

Eton is about two miles north of Windsor Castle but although the school is popular with the Royal Family, Princes William and Harry are the only sons of a future British monarch to have attended Eton.

Pupils wear a destinctive uniform that includes a black tailcoat, waistcoat, pinstriped trousers, false collar and white tie. Eton has a very strong academic record and a high percentage of pupils going on to Oxford, Cambridge and other notable universities.

Traditionally Eton was the training ground for the British governing class, with 19 former Prime Ministers among the alumni or 'Old Etonians'.

Standing on the banks of the Thames, Eton also has a strong rowing tradition, with the 'Eton Boating Song' the best known song associated with the school. Dorney Lake, Eton's splendid rowing facility, will host the rowing events at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Eton is also famous for the 'Eton Wall Game', a hybrid of rugby and football, and 'Eton Fives', a handball game.

Visitors can see the College School Yard, Chapel, and Museum, and there are regular guided tours. An entrance fee is payable at the front gate.