Windsor

Windsor, a town with deep royal connections, sits on the River Thames just west of London. The town is home to Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II often resides. You can explore centuries-old architecture at St. George's Chapel, wander through Windsor Great Park, or take your family to Legoland Windsor Resort. The town offers a mix of historical sites and contemporary attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

Touring Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, dominates the town's skyline. You can explore the State Apartments, which contain masterpieces from the Royal Collection. The castle's history spans nearly 1000 years, with each monarch adding to its architecture and interiors. Within the castle grounds, you'll find St. George's Chapel, an example of Gothic architecture and the final resting place of many British monarchs.

Walking the Long Walk and Windsor Great Park

After your castle visit, take a stroll down the Long Walk, a tree-lined avenue stretching for 2.65 miles from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue. This path gives you views of the castle and leads into Windsor Great Park, a green space covering 4,800 acres. In the park, you'll find the Savill Garden, which has diverse plant collections and seasonal displays.

Visiting Eton College and its surroundings

Across the River Thames lies Eton, home to Eton College. King Henry VI founded this school in 1440, and it has educated numerous British prime ministers and members of the royal family. While the school itself is not always open to the public, you can view its historic buildings from the outside and explore the high street with its antique shops and cafes.

Enjoying River Thames activities

The River Thames plays a significant role in Windsor's character. You can take a boat trip to see the town from the water, with options ranging from short sightseeing cruises to longer journeys downriver. For a more active experience, try paddleboarding or kayaking on calmer stretches of the river. The riverside promenade allows for walks with views of the castle and Eton College.

Exploring Windsor town center

Windsor's town center has both independent shops and well-known brands. The Windsor Royal Shopping center, located in a Victorian railway station, combines shopping with historical architecture. For dining, you can choose from pubs serving Sunday roasts to restaurants offering modern cuisine. Local specialties include Windsor soup, and the town has numerous bakeries for sweet treats.

Visiting Legoland Windsor Resort

Families might enjoy Legoland Windsor Resort, located just outside the town center. This theme park has over 55 rides, shows, and attractions, all centered around Lego building blocks. You'll find miniature Lego cities and roller coasters, catering to visitors of various ages.

Attending events at Royal Ascot racecourse

If you're visiting in June, you might attend Royal Ascot, a major horse racing event. Outside of the royal meeting, Ascot Racecourse hosts race days throughout the year. It's an opportunity to dress up, place bets, and experience a British sporting tradition.

Traveling to Windsor

You can easily reach Windsor from London. Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside station, taking about 55 minutes. Another option is to take a train from London Paddington to Slough and change for the short branch line to Windsor & Eton Central. By car, Windsor is about an hour's drive from central London, depending on traffic. The town also has regular bus services connecting it to Heathrow Airport.