This was published 1 year ago
Windsor, England travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights
Windsor Castle is the second oldest British royal palace after the Tower of London.Credit: iStock
THE ONE CASTLE
Many Australians are keen to pay homage to the Queen after her death and there are a wealth of royal connections in Windsor, home to her favourite weekend retreat, Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is the second oldest (after the Tower of London). It is also the largest occupied castle in the world. During COVID lockdowns, the Queen and her consort lived in their royal suite renovated since the disastrous fire in 1992. See royal.uk/royal-residences-windsor-castle
THE ONE ROYAL CHAPEL
Large group of swans makes it way along the Thames in Windsor, England.Credit: iStock
St George's Chapel (where Elizabeth II will be buried with the late Duke of Edinburgh) dates back to the 14th Century. It's one of the first buildings you see when you enter the castle confines. Many monarchs have put their imprint on the chapel, from Edward III in 1348 to George III and Victoria. The chapel has witnessed many marriages, including those of King Charles III and his Queen Consort, plus Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. However it is also the royal sepulchre. The late Queen will be interred in the chapel's royal vault alongside Prince Philip, and her parents and sister Margaret. See stgeorges-windsor.org
THE ONE RIVER
The Thames isn't the longest river in the UK, or even England. However it is - as Winston Churchill once wrote - "the silver artery of the Empire". If you've only seen the Thames in its murky estuarine incarnation in central London, venture a short journey upstream to Marlow, Henley, (scene of the annual rowing carnivals) or Windsor. You'll be cast back to the days of Jerome K Jerome and Toad of Toad Hall when "messing about" on the river was all the pleasure you needed for one day. You can still head out for a row, or take a trip upstream on a picturesque boat. See windsor-berkshire.co.uk/river-thames-windsor
THE ONE BIRTHPLACE OF DEMOCRACY
On June 15, 1215, "Bad" King John - infamous from so many Robin Hood movies alongside his henchman, the Sheriff of Nottingham - met his Barons here on this water meadow, a short walk from Windsor. The realm was at stake, a civil war looming. King John saw sense and signed the "Great Charter" - now known by its Latin name, the Magna Carta. It set out many of the fundamental human rights we still enjoy today. Which is why the site now also contains a monument to John F Kennedy. See nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede-and-ankerwycke
THE ONE GREAT PARK
The "Long Walk" from Windsor Great Park to Windsor Castle is one of the most magnificent strolls in any English landscape. However the Great Park itself is even more superb and is now home to the new Prince and Princess of Wales, plus Harry and Meghan (when not in California), and other hideaway royals like the Duke of York. For many centuries, the Great Park was a Royal hunting ground, mainly for deer. Today the public can visit most days. If you're a cyclist, hire a bike and explore on saddleback. See windsorgreatpark.co.uk
THE ONE ROYAL STATION
There is no more beautiful station in Britain than the heritage-listed Windsor and Eton terminal, a short walk from the Castle. Queen Victoria used it frequently, particularly after Prince Albert died. In the foyer you can't help but spot the locomotive that usually transported the grieving queen to her Fortress of Solitude. Today the station has been converted into a tourism hub, with cafes, shops and restaurants. Yet it still retains its charm. Trains from London depart Paddington station. See gwr.com/stations-and-destinations
THE ONE CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Yes, we all know the song from the Winnie the Pooh books: "They're changing guards at Buckingham Palace. Christopher Robin went down with Alice …" However Buckingham Palace isn't the only place to to witness such pomp and ceremony. There's a changing of the guard at Windsor and the spectacle is far more evocative because the guards march through the streets of Windsor to and from the castle. Though if you want to see the actual exchange itself, you'll have to buy an entrance ticket to the castle. I was lucky enough to see the Gurkhas replace the Grenadier Guards. See changing-guard.com/windsor-castle-guard
THE ONE RACECOURSE
Windsor has its own racecourse, but the late Queen was always synonymous with Royal Ascot, the August race meet that is as part of the English summer as strawberry and cream at Wimbledon or mud and music at Glastonbury. The racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, and is a 10-minute drive from Windsor. But if you're intending to attend Royal Ascot pack top hat and tails (if you're male) and a fascinating hat and outfit (if you're not). See ascot.com
THE ONE SCHOOL
Eton College has educated 20 of Britain's 56 Prime Ministers, from the very first, Sir Robert Walpole, to Boris Johnson. Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, the college is a short walk from the castle on the other side of the Thames. Its coat of arms includes the fleur-de-lys because Henry VI was king of France as well as England (but not Scotland). Current students pay £46,296 ($78,483) per year to attend the school, seven days a week. See etoncollege.com
ONE MORE THING
Windsor has more pubs than just about any other town of its size, most of them with a royal name. The Duchess of Cambridge will probably retain its name though Kate is now Princess of Wales. As for The Prince Harry, it still sports photos of Harry and Meghan.
Steve Meacham travelled at his own expense.
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