Home > UK / Ireland Guide > Destination National >

Windsor in general

Description: Windsor Castle (51°29′02″N, 0°36′16″W), at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, is the ... more

Windsor in general ... largest inhabited castle in the world and, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, it is the oldest in continuous occupation. Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Most of the kings and queens of England have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of the castle, which has been their garrison fortress, home, official palace, and sometimes their prison. The castle's history and that of the British monarchy are inextricably linked. Chronologically the history of the castle can be traced through the reigns of the monarchs who have occupied it. When the country has been at peace the castle has been expanded by the additions of large and grand apartments; when the country has been at war the castle has been more heavily fortified. This pattern has continued to the present day.

Newest Review: ... to tell him about from the castle, the Queen's train, The Queen, which allowed a direct link with Brighton way back when and also Eton College and the fact many of our Prime Ministers have studied there. There's so much more, we really didn't have enough time. We loved sitting by the river (although didn't get time for a speedboat trip as planned), all the lillte quaint coffee shops ... more

... (including The Crooked House of Windsor) and fudge shop (get a free sample!), watching a wedding at the Hall where Charles and Camilla wed), playing in the castle maze, looking out for The Queen, talking about ghost stories and Windsor even had a tourist tra...more

Read Reviews for Windsor in general

Windsor in general: Loads of history, culture AND things to do (284 words)
by - written on 12/09/09 (Very useful, 7 readings)
Rating:

When looking for a place for a short break this summer for myself and 5 y. o. son, I ended up choosing Windsor. There's not many places that have a castle and a theme park based on Lego! Aside from that, it's easy to get too and went we could venture to London Zoo on the way back. As well as that there's so much history to tell him about from the castle, the Queen's train, The Queen, which allowed a direct link with Brighton way back when and also Eton College and the fact many of our Prime Ministers have studied there. There's so much more, we really didn't have enough time. We loved sitting by the river (although didn't get time for a speedboat trip as ... Read the complete review

a right royal rumpus (814 words)
by - written on 02/06/09 (Very useful, 39 readings)
Rating:

Windsor, the queens back garden. and what a back garden it is. Yesterday on the hottest day of the year so far I found myself in this beautiful location, sipping a beer in the private yard of an incredibly upmarket bar (it wasn't but it sure felt like it) overlooking the river and adding to my already stinging sunburn from the day before! If you have never been to Windsor before i would more than recommend it as a good day out. It is so much more than just a castle and some shops. Starting at the bottom of the city standing on the river back are numerous cruise boats, small boats for hire and general "messing about on the river" offered for ... Read the complete review

Windsor in general: Pretty, some decent shops but way way too many tourists! (672 words)
by - written on 30/01/09 (Very useful, 96 readings)
Rating:

Windsor is famous for its Castle, being set on the river Thames and for being full of tourists most months of the year! I won't talk specifically about Windsor Castle as there are other reviews just on that. Windsor in general is a lovely place to visit to shop, eat, drink or just walk around. I prefer it in winter for the simple reason that in summer or school holidays the crowds are almost unbearable and it feels like you are walking round disney world or some other massive tourist attraction not just a town that happens to have a very famous Castle! Windsor has most shops you would expect on the high street - Next, New Look, Boots, Marks and Spencer etc but ... Read the complete review

The Queens home (176 words)
by - written on 09/09/08 (Useful, 12 readings)
Rating:

I'm a student living in Egham where there is nothing to do, so if I want to go shopping or do something at the weekend I have to choose between Staines and Windsor. Staines is closer but it is nothing on Windsor. Windsor is such a nice town. There is obviously Windsor Castle which is always worth a visit, but there is so much more to Windsor than the castle. The town has a huge array of restaurants, making it the perfect destination for a meal out. From Bella Italia and Cafe Rouge to McDonalds and a Wetherspoons pub. There really is something for everyone. Windsor also boasts a huge amount of shops including Daniels, a department store. There are all the major ... Read the complete review

Windsor in general: Windsor Ontario my trips (1318 words)
by - written on 23/05/03 (Useful, 1133 readings)
Rating:

This is entirely true. I love the city of Windsor Ontario. To many yanks, such as myself who live within 125 miles of the border it is a Mecca for debauchery, synonomous with hard living, youth drinking and strip clubs. I live two hours away, close enough for a weekly drive to get my groceries amid a slightly foreign environment. I love Canada, I dig Windsor and Niagra Falls. The people are very friendly and the women are incredibly hot and the men there are total geeks that are too obssessed with Hockey to worry about some real men making border raids to take their women. I went there two days ago to drive around, buy food and do some ... Read the complete review