Are you interested in the royal history of Great Britain? However, not so much in the politics but a rich historical architecture that you more, then look no more!
Your next visit absolutely has to be to the grand Windsor Castle!
Windsor Castle is in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire (another beautiful town with great architecture, the star being the castle).
It is the largest inhabited castle in the world, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror.
Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, this is one another of the British monarch’s principal official residences, making it a famous tourist attraction.
An Itinerary For The Windsor Castle
Let’s say you just have a weekend to explore some tourist attractions until you have to return to your new office. So, you just get one day to visit Windsor Castle.
Morning: Exploring the State Apartments
Begin your day in the State Apartments, where the Queen entertains guests at state ceremonies and receptions.
Prepare yourself to be awestrucked by the opulent interior decors. Filled with beautiful paintings (some will surely cost a lifetime of fortune), fine furniture, and priceless historical objects. These being the reason why security is tough here. Therefore, move with caution! These rooms surely give an impressive glimpse into the wealth and power of the British monarchy.
Take your time to admire the intricate details of the Grand Reception Room. Plus, you cannot miss out on the rich decorations of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House—a perfect replica of an aristocratic home complete with working lights, a wine cellar, and a fully stocked table. Truely a little girl’s dream; in fact, it is loved by some adults as well!
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is every little girl’s fantasy in the northeast corner of the Lower Ward, near St. George’s Chapel. During the 1920s, a host of British craftsmen were commissioned to build to a scale of 1:12 rooms full of Lilliputian royal furniture, art treasures (in gold and silver supposedly), and tiny bathrooms with minute toiletries.
Late Morning: St. George’s Chapel
After you’re done there, go to St. George’s Chapel—some kings kings (ahem, King Henry VIII) and queens (Queen Jane Seymour particularly) are buried here.
This really a marvelous Gothic chapel, which features intricate stained glass windows. They are not just biblical scenes but also a mixture of strong royal heraldry symbolism.
If you have time (which you should make), pop by the Dean’s Cloister Garden.
Lunch: Dining in Windsor
After your morning adventure, treat yourself to lunch in Windsor Town. Although not exactly loyal, you can always choose one of those charming luxurious cafes. The town is filled with charming cafes and riverside eateries offering an array of lunches.
They feature British favourites such as fish and chips, hearty pies, and traditional afternoon tea. Yes, you can dine with a view of the castle and the lively streets of Windsor.
Afternoon: Exploring the Grounds
Take a stroll around the vast Windsor Castle grounds. Admire the imposing Round Tower, which has loomed over the castle for centuries, and wander through the delightful Moat Garden, where colourful flowers bloom in season as they have every year since the garden was first designed.
If you enjoy a garden view or a stroll on the lush lands, you are in for a treat here.
Late Afternoon: Watching the Changing of the Guard
Wait! Your day hasn’t ended yet!
End your day with a much time-honoured tradition. Afterall you need to get the full royal memories from your visit.
The one and only Changing of the Guard ceremony. Check the schedule and ensure you don’t miss seeing the Queen’s Guard, all dressed in their immaculate red tunics and bearskin hats, marching to the palace forecourt to stirring military music.
The Changing of the Guard occurs on certain days. So if you absolutely have to see it, plan to be there for this quintessentially British display of pomp and pageantry.
Evening: Shopping and Dinner in Windsor Town
There are some leisurely things to do as well before you can finally head home:
- Spend some time exploring the pretty streets of Windsor town.
- Visit the cute shops and boutiques that sell souvenirs, from royal memorabilia to gifts made in the area.
- Have a tasty dinner in a town’s cosy pubs or more formal restaurants where you can try some good British food and talk about what you’ve done that day.
Did you like our curated plan? Do let us know your experience at the Windsor Castle in the comment section below!