Day 2 TAKE A STROLL

Today, take time to explore some of the countryside that surrounds Windsor. There are plenty of possible walks but this 15km loop combines pretty villages and parkland. Start in Home Park (off Romney Lock Road), which runs alongside the Thames. Part of the Crown Estate, the park is Windsor’s main sports field.

Walk the perimeter of the park to enter Datchet; in Tudor and Stuart times this village was home to royal courtiers and rich merchants. Follow the Thames, which snakes south, crossing it at Southlea Road. Continue into Old Windsor, the oldest Saxon Town in Berkshire; this even held the seat of government until Henry I moved in upriver at Windor Castle

Bear right after the Toby Carvery and take Crimp Hill up to Bishopsgate Road, which leads to the Bishopsgate entrance to Windsor Great Park. From here, head west to the Copper Horse, a statue of George III on horseback that was commissioned by his son, George IV.

The statue marks the southern end of the Long Walk; stroll down this 4.26km avenue, which unrolls downhill like a (thigh-achingly long) red carpet all the way to the George IV entrance of Windsor Castle, passing grazing herds of oblivious deer en route.

Finish by resting your feet at the Two Brewers (Park Street; booking strongly advisable if eating; pictured), a cosy 17th-century pub that lies just by the castle gates, and where the Wanderlust team are often found. Children aren’t allowed in, but well-behaved dogs are!