Pictures of Windsor

About Windsor

Windsor, or rather Royal Windsor, is a seductive mix of history and romance with a unique atmosphere. It is a place where the sense of history is never far away, it is a town where the English have gathered to pay homage to British King's and Queens, ever since the great castle was first begun on the orders of William the Conqueror in 1066. That being so, Windsor acts like a magnet to visitors from all around the globe, millions flood the town year after year, and nearly all depart touched with a little bit of Windsor magic, and overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the place. For beautiful Royal Windsor certainly is, there cannot be a more splendid sight than the mighty fortress perched on the top of the hill overlooking the historic River Thames.

Not only does Windsor have the longest inhabited Royal castle in the world, it also has historic St.Georges Chapel, the setting for the famous Garter ceremony when the Knights of the Garter led by the Queen, parade in full regalia through the streets leading from the castle to the chapel.

The beautiful Guildhall completed by Sir Christopher Wren during 1689, was recently the venue for the marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowls. Wren's former 17th-century home, another of Windsor's architectural gems is now converted to a sumptuous hotel which fortunately retains many of its rare historic features.

The stately "Long Walk" created by Charles II, is the longest of its kind anywhere, and the Home Park which runs up to the castle ramparts has Frogmore mausoleum, burial place of Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert.

Clewer parish church is found barely one mile from the castle, this was completed before the end of the 11th-century and is Windsor's oldest surviving building. It is well worth seeing.

If you want to see the place where Her Majesty the Queen made her 2002 Christmas broadcast, then you should call at Combermere Barracks which is close to the Household Cavalry Museum. The near by Crown museum holds over 6,000 objects, here you can see excellent changing displays which include Saxon relics discovered in Old Windsor.

Everyone loves the joyful sound of a brass band and where better to enjoy band music than at the changing of the guard. In Windsor the guards accompanied by a band march right up the High Street to the castle. It is an age-old colourful ceremony, and one that everyone enjoys.

Eaton college bristles with history. It was founded for the education of boys in 1440 by Henry VI. Throughout its illustrious history the college has educated members of foreign royalty, 18 British Prime Ministers, including the Duke of Wellington and most recently Prince William and Prince Harry. The dress code for the college is considered 'quaint' by many, it remains the same today as when it was introduced more than 150 years ago. The young men all wear black tailcoat, waistcoat and pin striped trousers.

Historic Runnymede, an attractive water meadow alongside the river Thames where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215 is just a short drive away. This is one of England's most important social and historic documents, the charter establishes the principle of constitutional monarchy and accedes the right of justice and liberty for each individual.

No overview of Windsor would be complete without a mention of the River Thames. This great waterway has a history running parallel with both the throne and the British people. As it flows its course through Windsor it passes picturesque reaches and flows through quiet water-meadows. The river also offers endless hours of pleasure for many, be it drifting along on a boat, or sitting on its banks enjoying the colourful river life and graceful swans whilst part-taking of a scrumptious picnic!

Windsor Great Park offers many opportunities for enjoyment, where better to listen to the dawn chorus or to witness nature at her very best, see the fading colours of autumn or the Snowdrops as they thrust through frozen earth in spring.

Yes, Windsor has all this and more; for the not so energetic there are scenic carriage drives around the town, these are relaxing and a lovely way to see almost everything in comfort.

Shopping in Windsor is a wonderful experience, the streets are crammed with quaint shops of every description, and in the ambience of Windsor's refurbished Victorian railway station you will find an exciting range of shops with tempting quality merchandise ranging from food to fashion, and from a picture post card to a precious work of art. You will also find a choice of cafes and restaurants were you can rest weary feet, relax and soak up a right regal atmosphere over a traditional English cream tea!