Windsor - The Perfect Day-Trip from London

If you are visiting London, you probably don't have much extra time to play around with. The city has so much to offer that is usually hard to even fit in the main attractions in the time you have available, let alone a day-trip to a different city.

With that being said, if at all possible, make the day-trip to Windsor. You won't regret it.

Merely 1 hour away from London-Waterloo, Windsor is a wonderfully charming town with interesting attractions and activities to offer its visitors, and it can even become a half-day trip if time is really tight. Plus, if you are taking the train to get to Windsor, you will probably enjoy the cozy trip there too, since it will allow you to get views of England that you wouldn't have gotten had you stayed at the city center.

If I've got you thinking about this wonderful opportunity of seeing something else while in England, read on for some tips of what to see and do in Windsor.

Windsor Castle

Strongly connect to the British Royal Family, this Castle boasting almost 1,000 years of History, is obviously the main attraction in Windsor.

What was the original Castle at this site, was built during the 11th century. Having been used by the Royal Family since the reign of Henry I, there is no Palace in the whole Europe to have been occupied longer than Windsor Castle.

Having been initially thought and designed as a way of protecting the Norman's dominance of the areas surrounding London, the Castle was a strategic place to be able to oversee the River Thames. Later on, Henry III ordered a lavish Royal Palace to be built inside the Castle and Edward III decided to rebuild the Palace and turn it into an even more luxurious building complex. In fact, that project by Edward III was so grand that it is considered to be the most expensive in the whole country during the Middle Ages. The (in)famous Henry III used the Castle extensively after that.

Much later, during the 18th century, and after the Castle endured plenty of Historically troubled times, it fell into neglect. It was after that unfortunate period that George III and George IV spent another huge amount of money in order to turn it into the Castle design with State Apartments that we now know.

After that, Windsor Castle also served as the Royal Family's refuge during bombings throughout WWII and it even survived a huge fire in 1992.

This remarkable Castle has been through a lot, so if you want to learn more about this unique place in Windsor, book you tickets for a visit here. While there, make sure to check the most popular sites, such as Queen Mary’s Doll House, the State Apartments, Frogmore and St. George’s Chapel.

The Windsor Castle and Queen Victoria's Statue

Changing of the Guard

Any tourist who is visiting Windsor will want to see the Changing of the Guard. It's quite understandable, since it is something so deeply symbolizes the English traditions and their remarkable way of putting skills to put on a show.

The actual changing of the Guard happens within the Castle's premises, so only paying visitors get to see it. But don't despair: even if you are not intending on entering the Castle, you can still stand outside by Queen Victoria's Statue and watch the Guards march up the High Street and into the Castle, many times with an accompanying band.

One important detail though is that, contrary to what some tourists believe, the Changing of the Guard doesn't happen everyday. Instead, it is scheduled by the British Army and the dates on which they march are changed every month. Check the current dates here before you visit Windsor.

Watching the Guards pass by after the Changing of the Guard

Market Street and Church Street

Another interesting thing to do while in Windsor is to simply walk around and discover the many picturesque streets waiting to be explored.

Two of those streets are parallel to Castle Hill, straight in front of the Castle. In both Market Street and Church Street, you can find colorful old-style houses where tourists often take a relaxing coffee break or enjoy a tasty meal in between all the sightseeing.

Among all the charming Tea Rooms and pubs, you will also find a cute little garden on Church Street.

Taking a break with a Castle view

The Crooked House of Windsor

I know it sounds weird to make it a whole attraction, but this house is actually one of the cutest sights you will get to see while in Windsor. And in fact, dating back to 1687, this building is England's oldest tea house.

What now houses a store called Jersey Pearl is a unique building to admire, since it is totally crooked. In fact, you will probably cringe when you look at it. Is it really safe to still have that building standing and still in use? I don't know, but the fact is that it stills stands on High Street, attracting plenty of tourists wanting to snap pretty pictures of it.

The Crooked House of Windsor

Windsor Great Park

Different at every season, this unique park in Windsor is the place to go if you are looking for a relaxing walk surrounded by great views and Nature. With the Castle standing proud across Windsor Great Park, visitors to the park can get a unique opportunity to see 4 800 acres worth of wildlife, gardens and forests.

While enjoying an oasis in the middle of the city, visitors also get the chance to enjoy great food in one of the Park's wonderful cafés and restaurants. Or, instead, a relaxing picnic in the park.

Views at Windsor Great Park

Pubs

When you are visiting the UK, it is almost mandatory to go to a pub. I don't even drink alcohol but I still felt that I just had to experience their famous pub-culture.

When visiting Windsor, it is the perfect timing to head to a pub and start feeling a tiny bit British instead of just another tourist in the masses. You will be surprised by the charming interior you will find in most pubs in the city of Windsor, as well as the courtyards that many of them have in the back as a perfectly kept secret that you will be delighted to discover.

A pub in Windsor

Afternoon Tea

To finish your visit in the most perfect way possible, make sure to abide by the British tradition of taking a break for some afternoon tea around 5 o'clock. Either in one of the cozy tea rooms or in a charming café somewhere in the streets of Windsor, just make sure to find a traditional scone to go along with your tea - or cappuccino, in my case.

My own version of Afternoon Tea