Discover Windsor: A Perfect Blend of History and Fun
The world’s media spotlight was recently on the English riverside town of Windsor and its gargantuan castle, where the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place on Saturday 19th May. On the day itself, the whole town was dominated by the event, with crowds, pageantry, and road closures. However, now the well-wishers have dispersed, Windsor’s charms are back on full and slightly less busy display. They include the grand buildings and rich history, taking in nearby attractions including Eton College, Legoland, and the now-quiet fields where the Magna Carta was signed.
Wonders of Windsor Castle
The star of the show, Windsor Castle, is one of the UK’s top attractions and is full of treasures. It began its life as a wooden fortress constructed by William the Conqueror in 1080 and, after almost a millennium of additions and refurbishments, has developed into a staggeringly impressive feat of architecture and splendor. It’s the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world (Queen Elizabeth spends most of her weekends here) and is no stranger to state events, including royal weddings.
Due to its sheer size, you’ll need a few hours to fully appreciate the main points of interest. These include St George’s Chapel, a 14th-century Gothic masterpiece and location for the wedding ceremony; Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a delightful creation displaying mind-boggling attention to detail; the State Apartments, dripping with grandeur; and Waterloo Chamber, a huge, portrait-filled room designed to commemorate the victorious 1815 battle against Napoleon.
Walk the walk in Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park is connected to the town by the Long Walk. This tree-lined avenue runs for almost 3 miles in a perfectly straight line from the castle to the top of Snow Hill, where you’ll find the Copper Horse statue. It makes for a fantastic stroll, with the return journey providing epic views of the castle.
Beyond the Copper Horse, the park sprawls out into several square miles of gardens, streams, lakes, wooded trails, and open grassland, where you’ll probably spot some of the hundreds-strong deer population. The 30m-tall Totem Pole at Virginia Water will be a hit with kids.
See elite education in Eton
Just across the river from Windsor, you’ll find the diminutive, quaint town of Eton, known for its plethora of art and antique shops. Nevertheless, the highlight here is Eton College, the most prestigious boys’ school in the country, where no less than 19 British prime ministers have been educated. A third of its pupils end up at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Much of the idyllic surrounding grounds are accessible to the public, providing a glimpse into elite education.
Respect the law in Runnymede
This water meadow was the site for one of the most important events in world history: the signing of the Magna Carta. This document – agreed to by King John and his barons in 1215 – effectively subjected the monarch to the rule of law for the first time. Consequently, Runnymede has become, albeit not entirely justifiably, a symbol for democracy, equality, human rights, and the limitation of power. It’s a tranquil place, featuring monuments and plaques, providing a good spot to reflect on human civilization (ideally while enjoying a picnic).
Let loose at Legoland
If all this culture and history causes accompanying kids to flag slightly, you can make their dreams come true by visiting Legoland. The park is divided into several different themed sections, including Pirate Shores, Land of the Vikings, and Adventure Land, featuring plenty of rides and activities. And Lego. Lots of Lego.
Eating and drinking
Windsor is teeming with options for pubs, restaurants, and cafes. For a quick bite and a hot drink, the friendly and family-run Lily’s Café (55 Peascod St) serves superlative salads and sandwiches, and the coffee is well above par.
For a beer or three, the Two Brewers, located just by the start of the Long Walk, is a good bet – it’s an atmospheric place, steeped in a couple of centuries of history. The Alma is equally impressive, providing a slightly quieter affair, while the Carpenters Arms (4 Market St) serves a decent selection of real ales.
Good restaurants include Gilbey’s, which serves Modern British fare complemented by a lovely courtyard garden, Windsor Grill, where you can find the best steaks in town, and Meimo, a Moroccan eatery providing a quirky contrast to the British dining predominance in the area.
Getting there from London
Reaching Windsor from London is relatively straightforward using public transport. The quickest route is by train from London Paddington, which takes about half an hour with a change at Slough. Alternatively, for a direct but slower route, you can travel by train from London Waterloo, taking just under an hour.
