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Windsor: Exploring a Royal Town
Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, less than an hour from central London, the town of Windsor can be considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom. It’s home to one of the oldest castles in the country, a wildly-popular theme park and, of course, Her Majesty the Queen. It’s no surprise then that millions of people visit the town every year, with many opting to stay in hotels and guesthouses for at least one night. But what do people get up to during their time in town? Here’s a look at some of Windsor’s top attractions.
Windsor Castle
There’s no doubt about it, Windsor Castle is the crown jewel of tourism in Windsor. Visitors travel from across the UK and around the world to lay eyes on this spectacular structure. Built in the eleventh century, the massive castle is the longest occupied palace in Europe. More than 500 people live and work here, including the Queen herself, at least for part of the year. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the castle (except on ceremonial event days) and see what life in the royal palace is like. Top features within the castle include St George’s Chapel, the State Apartments, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Take a stroll along the Great Walk to witness the castle in all its glory, before exploring the superbly-manicured Great Park. Travellers will find a good selection of hotels near Windsor Castle, making it easy to spend a full day exploring the Norman stronghold without having to worry about parking or driving home.
Exploring the Town Centre
The town of Windsor itself is made up of charming, historic buildings, winding alleyways and cobblestoned streets. Spend an hour exploring the streets and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Popular attractions within the city include the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum, found within the Grade I-listed Guildhall. The historic Theatre Royal is a popular choice for live entertainment, while Savill Garden offers a scenic and tranquil location to enjoy a quiet walk. Perhaps the most famous attraction in the city, after the castle, is the Legoland Windsor Resort. Typically open from Spring to Autumn, the park features magnificent models made of the world-famous Lego building bricks, as well as rides and building stations. The vast park can take some time to explore properly, so you may want to book into a hotel and plan a two-day visit.
A Day at the Races
Royal Windsor Racecourse is a popular destination with those that like to have a flutter on the horses or those that simply enjoy an exceptional day out. The racecourse, which is one of only two figure eight-shaped courses in the UK, hosts flat races, meaning contests that don’t require horses to jump obstacles. Races have been held here since 1866 and continue to prove popular today. About seven miles from Windsor you’ll find another historic racecourse: Ascot. Considered one of the very best courses in the country, Ascot has hosted flat meetings and jump racing since 1711. Every year it hosts the famed Gold Cup, which the Royal Family has been known to attend. Few hotels can be found within the immediate vicinity of Ascot racecourse, but travellers staying in Windsor are near enough to make the journey a quick and easy one.
A Day on the River
If you plan on spending more than a couple of days in Windsor, you might want to consider a water-based adventure. The town is located on the River Thames, which is the perfect setting for some aquatic exploration. Rowing, kayaking and canoeing are all popular pursuits with people local to the area, with a number of operators offering rental equipment to visitors also. Alternatively, tour operators offer boat trips along the river, with some travelling as far a London. It’s easy to sit back, relax and watch the Berkshire countryside slide by as your guide takes you downriver. If you prefer to take things into your own hands, canal boats/barges are available for hire. Exploring the river at your own pace is a great way to spend an afternoon. Alternatively, some travellers even opt to leave their hotel for the night and enjoy an overnight excursion.
Out-of-town Attractions
Travellers with extra time on their hands may wish to leave Windsor behind for a few hours and explore the surrounding area. Located across the river, the small town of Eton is home to the famed Eton College. This historic school has educated a who’s who of English prime ministers and is well worth a visit simply for its ancient buildings. Just west of town, Dorney Lake regularly hosts rowing and sailing events, and is another good place to enjoy a stroll. For the ultimate in relaxation, spa days prove popular in and around Windsor, with several good spa settings to be found locally.
Whatever you have planned during your trip to Windsor, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options in or near the town. Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, campsites, and even a lodge or two are all available for booking and all offer a convenient base from which to explore this historic part of the world.