Windsor
Situated just outside London, Windsor is a beautiful and quaint town that surrounds Windsor Castle, the undisputed favourite weekend residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Filled with boutique shops and welcoming lunch spots, Windsor is the ideal place for a day trip when staying in London.
Home to an unbelievable 39 monarchs since it became a royal residence in the 12th century, Windsor Castle is absolutely teeming with history. A visit to the royal residence is an absolute must when visiting the UK; the castle has so much to see and do and, unlike Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle is open year-round.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is one of the highlights of the castle. Built to showcase the wonders of British architecture and interior decor, this is the most beautiful and famous dolls’ house in the world. The house is fully fitted with working electricity, running hot and cold water and even has flushable toilets! Marvel at the lavishly decorated interior, complete with mini artworks on the ceilings, real silverware and a tiny version of the Crown Jewels!
The State Apartments at the castle are not to be missed; room after room of luxurious decoration, intricate wooden carvings, antique weaponry and priceless artworks by artists such as Rembrandt, Leonardo Da Vinci and Rubens. Visit the Waterloo Chamber that celebrates the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, The State Dining Room, The Crimson Drawing Room and The Queen’s Audience Chamber, among others.
St George’s Chapel is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the order of British Chivalry founded by Edward III in 1348. Take a walk around the chapel that is the final resting place for ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII, his favourite wife Jane Seymour, Charles I and Her Majesty the Queen’s Mother.
With so much to see in the castle and plenty of beautiful shops, tea rooms and lunch spots dotted around the town, you won’t regret taking the time to visit beautiful Windsor.