Eton Riverside Station provides a quaint but historical entry, and welcome to Windsor as you disembark from your Royal Windsor Steam train from London. With so much to see and do, we provide the following article to give some pointers of the available attractions to choose from.
History
The towers of Windsor Castle command views from miles around across the green Berkshire landscape. It is the biggest castle in the world, and has been Britain’s principal royal residence for centuries. The palace offers something for everyone in its splendid interiors, from fine paintings in the Royal Art Collection to Queen Mary’s extraordinary dolls’ house. The Royal Museum, with its collection relating to Shakespeare, is not to be missed. St George’s Chapel has been the scene of happy royal marriages including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.(formerly) Buried in its vaults are ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and Charles I. To see all these and much more, the Castle’s two-hour guided tour is a must.
The Castle
Around the Castle, you will see the Guards in their fine scarlet tunics and black bearskins. Windsor’s Changing of the Guard takes place at 11 o’clock on most Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays but to see it you need a ticket bought in advance.
The town has many charming places to eat and drink, excellent shopping opportunities and some spectacular buildings with interesting associations. Shakespeare is said to have written the Merry Wives of Windsor in the Garter Inn, now the Harte & Garter. Nell Gwyn, the much-loved mistress of Charles II, lived at Burford House, now part of the Royal Mews. You may notice one of Windsor’s traditional tea rooms is named after her.
Windsor Royal Shopping
Windsor Royal Shopping is an additional precinct found in the old Victorian railway station opposite the Castle. Queen Victoria’s personal waiting room forms one of the galleries which between them have over 40 shops, plus restaurants, cafés, and bars.
Eton, famous for its school, is only a short walk over the river. To one side of the quaint bridge, you will notice the famous Eton College and perhaps a few pupils, wearing distinctive black tailcoats. Eton itself offers a further selection of charming shops, tea rooms, and art galleries.
Windsor Great Park
Once back in Windsor, if you have the energy to go much further, Windsor Great Park offers beautiful walks and may be reached from the other end of town. If you are very lucky, you may be rewarded there with a rare glimpse of the Queen herself, exercising her famous corgis!
