Windsor has been the centre of the world’s focus all weekend, and the wedding of the year was watched by almost two thirds of UK viewers. According to Nielsen, 29 million people tuned into the wedding across 15 different broadcast and cable networks in the US.
This pocket guide gives you tips to make the most of a whistle stop tour of this ancient market town with Royal residents.
Where to stay
Despite its regal reputation, Windsor offers accommodation to suit most budgets.
For the best view of the Queen’s weekend residence, try the Georgian-era Castle Hotel. It’s directly opposite Windsor Castle, offers contemporary design and promises guests true relaxation in its 108 bedrooms.
If you’re looking for B&B, The Old Farmhouse is a four-star silver award winning guest house set in a 15th century timber-framed house. The building is described as being one of the best examples of a timber-framed building in Berkshire. It has four comfortable en-suite bedrooms and a full English (or continental option) is served in the beamed dining room for guests.
The Oakley Court is worth a mention too – although not featuring as highly as the Castle Hotel or The Old Farmhouse in guest reviews, its splendid Gothic facade will be familiar to fans of the Rocky Horror Picture Show as the home of Dr Frank N Furter.
Where to eat
A few minutes’ drive west of Windsor in Oakley Green is The Greene Oak. A country pub and eating house, it offers exceptional food from a seasonal menu, and a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It has a warm and cosy interior and a quiet garden for when the sun makes its presence known.
The Oxford Blue promises fine dining in a country pub, serving classic pub favourites with a unique twist. Dating back to the 1800s, the building was originally two game keepers’ cottages. It has served the community ever since it was converted to a traditional inn.
Treat yourself to deliciousness daily is the motto of mother-and-daughter founded Limes Dine-in Bakery. In sight of the castle wall, Limes is perfect for a refreshing cuppa and before or after a tour of the castle. It also offers picnic boxes and hampers among its takeaway options.
Where to shop
Windsor’s cobbled streets are lined with shops offering a mixture of high-street names and independent retailers.
Opened in 1997, Windsor Royal Shopping is a vibrant area with bars, eateries and shops set in the impressive architecture of the Grade II listed Windsor and Eton Riverside Railway Station. Many of the original features of the Victorian station remain, including Jubilee Arch, the cobbled stones and Queen Victoria’s waiting room.
Don’t be put off by the scant information available on its website, as it’s currently being worked on.
What to do
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Home to the queen and more than 900 years of history, it’s open to visitors all year round. Since it was founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been home to 39 monarchs and is where The Queen spends most of her private weekends. The State Apartments, Grand Reception Room and the Changing the Guard must be seen. As must the most beautiful and famous dolls house in the world.
Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, consort of George V, by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, Queen Mary’s Dolls House includes contributions from more 1,500 of the finest artists, craftsmen and manufacturers of the early twentieth century. The house includes a library bursting with original works by the top literary names of the day, a fully stocked wine cellar and a garden created by Gertrude Jekyll. The house even includes electricity, running hot and cold water and working lifts.
Follow in the footsteps of royalty along The Queen’s Walkway. The route was opened to mark the occasion of The Queen becoming Britain’s longest reigning monarch and was opened by Her Majesty on her 90th birthday in April 2016. It is 6.373km long, symbolising 63 years, seven months and three days on the throne (one day longer than Queen Victoria’s reign) and links 63 of Windsor’s best attractions, views and features.
The Long Walk is the straight path that links Windsor Castle gate to the foot of the statue of King George III on Snow Hill in Windsor Great Park, a distance of 2.64 miles. Legend has it that Snow Hill is where King Henry waited for news of the execution of his second wife, Anne Boleyn. The length of the path itself was planted with 1,625 Elm trees during the reign of King Charles II and Queen Anne had a road constructed for coaches in 1710.
The wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place in St George’s Chapel. Within the grounds of Windsor Castle, the chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. Construction of the present chapel began in 1475 and it is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British Chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. Monarchs have been baptised, married and buried in the chapel and it holds the tombs of Henry VIII and his beloved third wife Jane Seymour, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and King George V and Queen Mary. The shop is currently selling limited edition crockery created exclusively for the chapel, including a teacup and saucer, plate, beaker and coaster to commemorate May’s Royal Wedding.
How to get there
Great Western Railway operates trains between London and Windsor. It can be reached by car via the M4 and the nearest airport is Heathrow.
If travelling by car, it’s worth taking a detour to the riverside site of the sealing of the Magna Carta at the National Trust’s Runnymede.
