Swans on the River Thames at Windsor ()
No matter if you are into castles, LEGO®, shopping, history, food, parks, garden, animals or pubs, Windsor has something for you.
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and renowned for being the “oldest and largest occupied castle in the world,” Windsor Castle is a must for castle, history and royal family enthusiasts. The castle has been the home to over 40 monarchs, and you can re-live a royal wedding by visiting St. George’s Chapel onsite. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you can enjoy ice cream made from the Jersey Cows that live on the royal farm (I highly recommend the strawberry). While there you can tour certain rooms of the castle, see Queen Mary’s doll house and watch the changing of the Guard. The castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, access to the Chapel is limited after 2:30 p.m. and only accessible for church services on Sundays.
Something for the dream castle builders, but on smaller scale, is the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, only a short 9-minute drive away from Windsor Castle. With 55 rides and attractions spread across over 10 “lands,” there is something for every member of the family at the theme park and resort, where you can enjoy themed rooms, fantastic dining options at the resort and castle hotels onsite. Attend fun events year-round, such as Brick Week, fireworks shows, Brick or Treat and LEGOLAND at Christmas.
For the shopper in the family, Windsor has plenty of options for the thrifty shopper to the extravagant spender. Shop Windsor’s pedestrian-only shopping centers, farmer’s markets and high-end stores.
History buffs will enjoy the many historical homes and museums in Windsor. For over 450 years, the Palmer family has made Dorney Court their home, and they have shared that home with visitors and film crews to share its beauty. You book a private tour of the house or check their website for their open public days. If you cannot visit while in Windsor you can see the house in films and televisions from the 1960s through the present including Bridgerton, Drunk History, 24, A Man for All Seasons and Bohemian Rhapsody. Enjoy local and social history at the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum. There are over 100 objects on display and over 10,000 objects in the collection overall, there is a chance that you will see something new every time you visit. Use their online guide to learn more about your favorite item. For lovers of military history, there is the Berkshire Yeomanry Museum. The collection contains objects dating back to the 1700s and includes uniforms, weapons and equipment. The Yeomanry Museum is open by appointment only on Tuesday evenings, but groups can book another appointment time in advance.
If the great outdoors are your thing, the River Thames, Windsor Great Park and Ascot Racecourse are a wonderful way to while away the hours. Spanning over 200 miles long, Windsor is just one town along the famous River Thames. There are plenty of options to take a boat tour on the river and explore smaller villages along the river, as well as tons of dining and hotel options. Once you are off the boat, you can spend plenty of hours meandering around Windsor Great Park. Take a walk around the lake at Virginia Water Lake, let the children play on the low-level play equipment on Obelisk Lawn, grab some food at their plentiful takeaway and dine-in food options, view the beauty of the Savill gardens and so much more. Since the 1700s, Ascot Racecourse has delighted horseracing fans since Queen Anne herself saw the potential in this land as a hub for recreation and sport. Live out your regal or Peaky Blinders fantasy as you choose which animal you think will win while wearing your fanciest attire and eating fine foods.
Before you go, make sure that you grab your passports, convert some money into British quid and prepare to have tons of fun.
