Travel: Windsor
For a mini break in stately surroundings, head to Windsor
INSIDER’S GUIDE
With the Queen now in residence, why not head to Windsor for a regal getaway? Home to Britain’s most famous family, the town is jam-packed with Royal attractions and entrenched in history. From the iconic castle to the racecourse and Windsor Great Park, there’s tons to do and see. And the kids won’t be bored either. There’s a Legoland slap-bang in the centre! So stick your glad rags on and get ready for a mini-break that’s fit for a Queen (and some other Royals)…
DON’T MISS
You can’t visit without seeing the majestic Windsor Castle.
No, really, you can see it from miles away! It covers the equivalent of a whopping 269 tennis courts and has been home to 40 monarchs during its lifetime. Arrive by 11am (Covid guidelines permitting) to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, in the castle’s Lower Ward. It takes place on different days each month – but never on Sundays. Visit changing-guard.com for dates and times. Inside the castle, you’ll want to check out St George’s Chapel – where the latest Royal pairings said ‘I do’. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the State Apartments – which feature some of the finest art from the Royal Collection – are also worth a look! Tickets cost £21.20 for adults, £12.30 for under-17s – under-fives go free. To book, visit royalcollection.org.uk. After leaving the castle, head for a stroll on the Queen’s Walkway, passing sights like the Irish Guards statue and the Guildhall.
FOOD AND DRINK
Nestled below Windsor Castle, The Boatman is the town’s only pub on the river. It has a big al fresco terrace, overlooking the River Thames and Eton Bridge, so you can enjoy stunning views while tucking into your lunch. And make sure you try the pub’s famous Eton Mess, with a raspberry and blueberry compote. Visit boatmanwindsor.co for more information.
GETTING THERE: Parking in Windsor is pretty pricey, so a train is your best bet. Thirty miles west of London, the town has two railway stations – Windsor & Eton Riverside and Windsor & Eton Central. Both stations are in the town centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the castle. Trains run regularly from London Paddington and London Waterloo, and cost £10.50 for a single journey.
STAYING THERE: The luxurious Macdonald Windsor Hotel is right in the heart of the town, just two minutes’ walk from the castle. Prices at the hotel start from £149 per night for two adults. More details at macdonaldhotels.co.uk/ Windsor. A little bit further from the town centre (but closer to Legoland) is the beautiful Oakley Court – a country house on the Thames, surrounded by greenery. A one-night stay, including breakfast, costs from £235 when booked online in advance. For more details see oakleycourt.co.uk.