Royal approval: things to see and do to in Windsor

There are few towns that feel more quintessentially English than Windsor; essentially because it’s where The Queen calls home (courtesy of it featuring Windsor Castle) and everything about the place pretty much basks in that glow. That said, it’s also a place that isn’t merely defined by its castle and oh-so VIP resident; for instance, many of its appealing cobbled streets, riverside restaurants, cafés and bars and its (other) historic buildings make it a must-visit for those on a short-break in London looking for an away-day; a day trip out of the capital. So, just what can you discover (if you’re staying at, say, one of the 4 star hotels in Paddington) while on a day out of the capital in Royally-approved Windsor…?

Windsor Castle

The favoured ‘official Royal residence’ of HM The Queen, Windsor Castle is by some way the oldest and biggest castle still to be inhabited anywhere in the world; having been started in the year 1070AD by King William I (‘William the Conqueror’) and turned into the gothic masterpiece it is now in 1370s thanks to King Edward III’s intervention – indeed, it’s been owned by the English (now the British) monarch of the day for more than a millennium.

Given The Queen nowadays spends the majority of her time within its walls, there is a very outside chance that should be hanging about outside (perhaps about to go in for a pre-booked tour) that you might catch sight of her leaving or returning in a vehicle – it’s a sight far from unusual for Windsor locals. That said, you’re bound to catch sight of her if you coincide your day out with the day, occurring every June, when she leads the procession of her Order of the Garter to the castle’s St George’s Chapel.

Indeed, you can enter the Chapel too when you buy a ticket to the castle and, brimming with artefacts as it is, it’s more than worth having a look around. In addition to the wedding of Prince Harry earlier this spring, it will also play host to the wedding of his cousin, Princess Eugenie, on 12^th October.

Great Windsor Park

Managed by The Crown Estate on behalf of The Queen, this park (in fact, a Royal Park, just as is London’s Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Richmond Park, among many others) began its existence as a Norman-era hunting forest, a tangible legacy of this being the fact its 5,000 acres are home to around 600 deer today. Sporting much grassland, as well as formal gardens and yawning, inspiring ancient oaks, it’s a perfect spot for a family picnic come lunchtime of your day out (be sure to pack your hamper then before you leave the London Park Grand Hyde Park in the morning!).

Windsor Racecourse

This being Windsor, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that its racecourse is also one of the oldest of its kind in the country; indeed, equine sport’s been held on the current site for nearly two-and-a-quarter centuries. The flat racing season’s observed here between April and October every year, with many races usually held on Monday nights. Out of season, the venue’s great to pop along to for ticketed live music events featuring popular major artists.

Eton Dorney

Again, if you just thought Windsor was about pomp and pageantry, think again – because, should you cast your mind back to the 2012 Summer Olympics (the majority of) which was held in London, you may recall that all the rowing and kayaking events were hosted at the world-class facilities to be found at Eton Dorney, just down the road from Windsor. Although privately owned by the world-famous private school Eton College (itself literally just a 15-minute walk away from the centre of Windsor), it’s hired out to host major regattas every year and, maybe better still, its surrounding parkland and arboretum’s open for picnics, walking and ice skating in the winter. Maybe a decent venue to finish the day trip with before heading back or dinner at one of the restaurants in Hyde Park?