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Windsor and Surrounding Area
Should you wish to stay in Windsor and its surrounding areas for longer than your time at LEGOLAND Windsor® then the town has a lot to offer, making it one of the most popular short stay breaks in the country. There is a large array of things to see and do in the area, such as watching the Changing of the Guard, or visiting Windsor Castle, which along with LEGOLAND Windsor is listed as one of the UK's top 20 attractions.
The town is only 25 miles away from central London, with trains going regularly to both Waterloo and Paddington stations. This makes it a great base for a day trip to London!
- Attractions in Windsor:
- Ascot and Windsor Racecourses
- The Changing of the Guard
- City Sightseeing
- Eton College
- Food and Drink
- River Thames
- Stanley Spencer Gallery
- Theatre Royal
- Windsor Castle
Ascot and Windsor Racecourses
Ascot Racecourse is only a short drive away from Windsor and it boasts the highlight of the horse racing year with the Royal Meeting commencing during July. However, that is not the only event of the Ascot season, with major events taking place from May through to December. Windsor also has its own racecourse, with events taking place from April through to October each year.
The Changing of the Guard
This ceremony is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. To watch it you need to be on the High Street at 10.50 am on a designate day. The Guards march through the HIgh Street, often accompanied by a band, and into the Castle. Here they change outside the Guardroom in the Lower Ward at 11.00 am. The old Guards then march back to the barracks at about 11.25 am. The Changing of the Guard happens on alternate days from August to March and daily from April to May, but never on Sunday. A band usually accompanies the Guards, although this is subject to weather conditions.
City Sightseeing
Their are a variety of professional guided tours throughout the picturesque City of Windsor and the surrounding area. There are also open top bus tours and horse drawn carriage rides available. Should you be feeling daring then you may want to try out one of the many ghost walks.
Eton College
Eton College is the school of eighteen past British Prime Ministers and a number of Royals, including Princes William and Harry. It is one of the oldest and most exclusive schools in the country, with very impressive grounds. Guided tours can be taken from 24th March to 7th October 2007.
Food and Drink
The Royal borough has a wide variety of excellent eating establishments all within half an hours walk of the castle, with many offering pre theatre suppers. If you are prepared to go slightly further afield to Maidenhead and surrounding villages then the village of Bray offers some of the very best dining experiences in the UK. The village boasts The Fat Duck, run by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal and winner of the Restaurant Guide's 'Best Restaurant in the World' in April 2005. Meanwhile, and also in Bray, the Waterside Inn is the only restaurant with three Michelin Stars in the UK.
River Thames
Britain's most famous river flows straight through Windsor, forming the natural barrier between the town and Eton to the north. There is a great deal to do on the river at Windsor such as hiring a boat or taking a boat tour. There is a beautiful view of the castle from the river at Windsor, and it is shared with hundreds of mute Swans. Three miles south east of Windsor, the Thames meets the village of Runnymede, where the historic Magna Carta was first signed.
Stanley Spencer Gallery
This gallery is the only one in the country devoted exclusively to one artist in the village where he was born and spent most of his life. Located in Cookham, the gallery is currently closed for refurbishment, and so the works are being temporarily displayed at the Museum of Reading until 22nd April 2007.
Theatre Royal
This intimate theatre has been open since 1910. It has Bill Kenwright as its producer so it is one of the best places to see new productions before they tour around the country or go to the West End. It is open all year round with tickets varying in price from £7 to £25.50.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has been home to royalty for over 900 years. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world and is one of three official residences of The Queen. It is the most prominent and spectacular feature of Windsor's skyline. Visitors can usually go on guided tours of five areas in the castle but between October and March a further one is open to the public. Along with such features as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, Windsor Castle is considered as one of the 'Seven Wonders of Britain' after a Yellow Pages survey.
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