Windsor Castle, in the royal county of Berkshire, is perfect for a day trip or if you can spare more time, spend a few days here, your ticket can be converted into a yearly pass so you can return! The audio guide is excellent for telling you the history etc.
The Castle is over 900 years old, originally a wooden structure built by William the Conqueror in 1066. It is said to be the Queens favourite of her 3 royal residences, look up to the flag pole on the Round Tower – if the Royal Standard flag is flying, the Queen is at home!
The great fire on 20 Nov 1992 (the Queen and Prince Phillip’s 45th wedding anniversary) badly affected 100 rooms in the Castle. Thanks to the dedication of many skilled craftsmen, the Castle was returned to its former glory and is looking wonderful today.
You must watch the Changing of the Guard inside the Castle and the Guards marching through the streets of Windsor, accompanied by a band of musicans.
St George’s Chapel is a magnificent building within the Castle grounds and is the resting place of ten monarchs.
The State Apartments are formal rooms used for state functions, with many great works of art. At certain times there are extra tours and exhibitions. Currently you can see 150 outfits worn by the Queen on official occasions, also fancy-dress costumes worn by Princess Elizabeth for family pantomimes at the castle during wartime.
There is the wonderful Dolls’ House built for Queen Anne, complete with working lifts, running water and electricity. Check the website before you visit for opening times.
Windsor has recently played a big part in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and her 90th birthday celebrations, when she delighted everyone with a walkabout around town.
Windsor has so much to offer apart from the Castle – the Long Walk, The Great Park, Frogmore House, Saville Gardens, Runnymede, River Thames, Eton etc. Maybe use the Park and Ride into Windsor for ease of parking. Windsor is well worth a visit!