In 2010 I was on a business trip in England. Before our flight back home, we had some extra time, and we decided to spend a day in the city of Windsor, in Berkshire, England. The River Thames separates the city from it’s neighbour Eton, where you can just walk over Windsor Bridge. Windsor has about 30,000 inhabitants.
After a short sightseeing tour, we jumped out the taxi and headed to the world famous Windsor Castle.
Windsor Castle was first built by William the Conqueror in 1070. Today, the oldest parts of the castle are from 1227. There have been many changes and expansions to the castle over the years, and it got damaged in a fire in 1992. It has been serving as a residence for royals, kings and queens, for over 1000 years. It has also been used as a fortress and a prison.
So needless to say, there is a lot of history here, and lots to see. Before visiting, it would be a good idea to find out what kind of museums, churches and exhibits are in the area. For us, a visit to Windsor came as a surprise, so we didn’t have any information about the place. But it feels amazing that Shakespeare himself had been walking on these same roads. They believe he was there, since his play “The Merry Wives of Windsor” is situated in Windsor, and its surroundings.
Henry VIII gateway at Windsor Castle.
The Curfew Tower.
Today, some parts of the castle are open to visitors, but mostly, it is the home of the Windsor family and Queen Elisabeth II. She spends most of her weekends in Windsor, but was also there when we visited, and that was during the week. So if you visit Windsor Castle, take a look at the round tower. If there is a flag on the pole, the Queen is at home. It is said that, Windsor Castle is the largest castle that has residents.
Right in front of Windsor Castle is the Windsor Royal Shopping Center, where we went for lunch, and to get some last minute souvenirs. Since I had no idea when I would be in England again and could get some authentic Fish & Chips, I just had to order some.
I was truly sad that during this short visit, we didn’t have time to visit inside the castle (you can find different ticket options here), and we were not able to see all the things in the area. We also missed the guard change, but we did enjoy the day enormously at Windsor before our flight back to Finland.
The Windsor castle is so lovely. It may be of interest to you to note that there is a replica of the Windsor castle in Bangalore, India.
Oh, how interesting. Never knew about that. Have you visited?
Windsor Castle is so great! I’ve only been once, but it was years and years ago. I love all castles, but knowing that Queen Elizabeth resides here makes this one extra special for me. I just love the royals 🙂
Yes, it really gives it a special flavour.
I would love to visit this castle. And what a similarity. Recently , I had visited the city palace in Rajasthan, India. There also the royal family still resides in the palace and their presence is marked by the state of a flag put atop the palace
Interesting. I bet the palaces in India are so beautiful!
I’ve spent a lot of time in Windsor. I love it there!! The castle is beautiful and the town is very quaint with some fabulous restaurants. Hope you enjoyed your visit xx
I did enjoy it, thanks. I wish I get to go back someday.
The largest castle that has residents, wow! Guess it’s quite hard to imagine actually living there haha. Looks like you had a fun trip finished by a great meal 🙂 Hope you get a chance to visit the inside next time!
I know, I would get lost if I would live there. 🙂