Windsor and Eton are twin towns, located in the southeast of England, in the county of Berkshire. The towns are separated by the Thames River and connected Windsor Bridge. Windsor is best known for its castle, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, while Eton is famous for its most prestigious boy’s school.
Windsor and Eton are both served by the <a href="/flights/cheap-flights-to/london">London</a> airports, including <a href="/TravelGuides/AirportGuides/Heathrow-Airport-LHR-London-UK">Heathrow</a>, <a href="/TravelGuides/AirportGuides/Gatwick-Airport-LGW-London-UK">Gatwick</a>, and <a href="/TravelGuides/AirportGuides/Stansted-STN-London-UK">Stansted</a>.
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Windsor can be reached from <a href="/flights/cheap-flights-to/london">London</a> via the main road to the west, the M4 Motorway. The drive takes about half an hour from the west part of greater London, depending upon traffic. The A30, however, offers a more scenic route.
When The Queen is in official residence, the colorful spectacle is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. It takes place on alternate days from August to March and daily during April, May, June and July, but never on Sunday. The Guards can be watched as they march up the High Street and into the Castle at 10:50 in the morning. They are accompanied by a guards’ band playing traditional and popular songs. The actual guard changing ceremony can be only seen from inside the castle.
Three Castles Path
This 60 mile (almost 100 km) walk takes you from Windsor to Winchester, past diverse and beautiful natural scenery, including downland, heath, forest, parkland, picturesque villages and quiet streams. It was inspired by King John’s journeys between the two cities via the castle he built at Odiham at the time of the signing of the Magna Carta.
The Theatre Royal Windsor boasts a diverse program all year round. It features classical adaptations as well as musicals, children's shows, music, traditional pantomimes, as well as modern West End shows.
Legoland Windsor opened in 1996. It is a Lego brick themed amusement park encompassing 150 acres and is aimed at children aged 3-12. Its numerous constructions were built using 25 million LEGO bricks. The park offers over 50 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions. In addition, the park features 11 restaurants, cafés and seven shops.
Windsor Castle is an official residence of The British Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. It has been a Royal home and fortress for over 900 years. Many parts of the Castle are open to the public, including the precincts, the State Apartments, Queen Mary's famous dolls' house, St George's Chapel, and the Albert Memorial Chapel. The apartments feature a stunning collection of artworks, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough. When The Queen is in official residence, the ‘Changing of the Guard’ provides a colorful spectacle in the quadrangle.
Windsor Parish Church
Address: High Street, Windsor
The church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, stands on the site of a 12th century church of the same name that was demolished in 1820. The present church, made by the architect Charles Hollis under the supervision of James Wyatt, features several memorials from the Norman church. The interior features carvings by Grinling Gibbons and stained windows and paintings. Its greatest treasure is a magnificent painting entitled “The Last Supper”, considered a national treasure. Its origin is unknown and was presented to the church by George III.
Eton is one of England’s largest and most prestigious independent secondary schools. The school, for boys aged from 13 to 18, was founded by Henry VI in 1440. Eton has a very long list of distinguished former pupils, and is traditionally referred to as ‘the chief nurse of England's statesmen’. The school is one of the finest examples of 15th century Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Among the sights not to be missed are the School Yard and the College Chapel, and extensive playing fields, some of which are located next to the Thames.
This world-class annual polo event is held in the regal Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park. The event has had a long-standing tradition and attracts royalty, including the Queen and Prince Philip, as well as other celebrities.
Royal Windsor Horse Show
Date: May (annual) Venue: Windsor Home Park
The Royal Windsor Horse Show, established in in 1943, provides the most spectacular family entertainment, with showjumping, a gymkhana, carriage driving and more. The action is made all the more dramatic as it is set against the magnificent backdrop of Windsor Castle.
The Windsor Half Marathon is run entirely in the pleasant Great Park and usually attracts a crowd of around 5,000 participants. The race is set to the backdrop of Windsor Castle and is regarded as one of England's most spectacular marathons.
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