Whether you have a long layover at Heathrow or day-tripping from London, Windsor is a lovely destination with great things to do. The charming village has been inhabited since ancient times. It became the seat of royalty in the 11th century when William the Conqueror built a wooden castle there.
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Windsor Castle
Today, this same spot is the home of Windsor Castle making it the oldest inhabited castle in the world. The castle is by far the most compelling reason to visit the village. It was the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite place to be, and it’s easy to see why. Featuring elements of Norman, Gothic, Tudor, and Georgian architecture, the castle is features lavish furniture and decorations.
Visitors can tour the State Apartments that serve state functions and ceremonies as well as receiving rooms for guests. You can also see Queen Mary’s Dollhouse that was built in the early 1920s for the wife of King George V. It’s a 1:12 scale replica of an ideal aristocratic home. Meticulously crafted, the most amazing things about it is that it includes running water, electricity and a working elevator.
On the castle grounds you will also find St. George’s Chapel. This Gothic church dates back to the 14th century. It has hosted the weddings of many young royals, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It also serves as the final resting place of many British monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. If you are there in the late afternoon, plan to attend Evensong. This 45 minute service focuses on singing Psalms and other Biblical canticles.
Morning visitors will enjoy seeing the Changing of the Guards at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This is a far less crowded and intimate experience than attending the ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London.
Eton College
Also in Windsor is Eton College, a prestigious boarding school. This is where Princes William and Harry went to school. You can book a 90 minute guided tour of the college. Tours visit the school yard, chapel, classrooms, and the Museum of Eton Life. This museum has exhibits on Eton’s history, traditions, and what it’s like to be a student there.
On Sundays, you can also gain access to the college’s Natural History Museum, Museum of Antiquities, and Museum of Science. Several art galleries are also open featuring artwork from Eton students, temporary exhibits, and modern art.
Outdoor Pursuits
One of the best reasons to get out of London on day trips is to enjoy the countryside and scenery. In Windsor, enjoy riverboat scenic tours on the banks of the Thames River. There are two options to choose from. The 40 minute round trip option travels to Boveney Lock and back and provides great views of Windsor Castle. There are also two hour round trip options, upstream and downstream. Upstream passes through Boveney Lock and provides tranquil views of the open fields, meadows and woodlands. Downstream options provides more varied views of the countryside and great views of iconic sites.
You can also visit Windsor Great Park. This 4,800 acre park was created in the 14th century as a hunting forest for British royalty. Take the Long Walk where you can walk or bike over two miles along a tree-lined avenue stretching from Windsor Castle to the copper horse statue on top of Snow Hill. Take some time to visit the Savill Garden where you will see a variety of themed areas such as the Rose Garden, Azalea Walk, and New Zealand Garden. The Valley Gardens feature lakes, cascades and brilliant flowers and are an excellent place to picnic. Walk around the Virginia Water manmade lake to see a totem pole, artificial waterfall and grotto, an obelisk, and 1st century temple ruins from Libya.
Royal Windsor Racecourse
Windsor is a scenic setting for British horse racing. The Royal Windsor Racecourse is located on an island in the Thames River. The course offers a wide array of racing events, such as flat racing, jumped racing, and themed race nights. The races are family friendly and offer entertainment suitable for all ages. Dining options are available on-site. The racecourse also offers other events such as concerts, festivals, and film screenings.
Shopping & Dining
You can while away an entire day enjoying the quant shops and restaurants Windsor has to offer. If you are hungry, try Duchess of Cambridge, a pub offering classic English fare. Want something more upscale? Try Gilbey’s known for its modern European cuisine and wine selection. Seafood lovers should check out the Boatman by the Thames River. This restaurant offers beautiful views and a diverse menu of seafood, burgers, and traditional British dishes.
If you want to shop, head to Peascod Street. This pedestrian only street offers just about anything you might want to buy, from shoes to musical instruments to electronics. If you are interested in shopping like the British elite, head to Eton High Street. This is a 10 minute walk from central Windsor and has upmarket stores. Are you mainly interested in souvenirs? Windsor Royal Station has you covered. This charming mall was converted from a 1950s train station.
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