Windsor

A UK Canal Boating Article

Category : Places

 

Windsor is situated on the banks of the River Thames in the beautiful Berkshire countryside.

Thanks to it's Royal connection Windsor has a long and colourful history that can be traced back as far back as the Saxons. It was during this time that a royal palace was first built at Windlesora and by 1100 a small town had grown around the castle. Meaning windlass on the riverbank this castle was situated a mile and a half downstream from the present town of Windsor.

Windsor Castle is an official residence of HM The Queen. The rich history of Windsor Castle spans for almost 1000 years and the castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Take a tour of the castle and view the magnificent state rooms which are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection. The Changing of the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor Castle and the Ceremony takes place outside the Guardroom in the Lower Ward of the Castle.

LEGOland is a theme park dedicated to children from 3 to 12 and is an inspirational and unique place. There are 55 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions and be prepared for a soaking as you follow the pirate trail.

Take a ride on the Royal Windsor Wheel and from the gondolas admire the view as you gaze over the skyline and the surrounding area. With breathtaking 360 degree views almost 60 metres above Alexandra Gardens The Wheel offers a birds eye view of historic Windsor and Eton from a rare perspective.

Take a stroll around the Savill Garden which is one of Britain's greatest ornamental gardens. The Savill Garden was created in the 1930s by Sir Eric Savill and consist of 35 acres of contemporary and classically designed gardens and exotic woodland. The gardens are an interlocking place of discover as you walk from each distinctive areas including the Spring Wood, The Summer Wood, The Hidden Gardens, The Summer Gardens, The Glades, Autumn Wood, The Azalea Walks and The New Zealand Garden.
Linked by a bridge crossing the River Thames no trip to Windsor would be complete without a visit to Eaton. Eaton is the home of the world famous college which was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI to provide free education for 70 poor scholars.

Windsor and Eton are a shopper's paradise and is where high street retailers, designer labels, antiques shops and department stores sit alongside quaint, specialist and souvenir shops. If you are interested in collecting and antiques, the main areas to head for are Thames Street and Eton High Street. Here you will find over 30 specialist shops and galleries that sell everything from teddy bears to contemporary fine art.

If food and drink are your passions then Windsor will not disappoint you as there are good choice of eating and drinking establishments within the town centre. Within a short walk of the Castle you will find historic pubs and restaurants, continental style pavement cafes and traditional tea rooms.

 

 

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Places to Visit

Windsor