• Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Email
Plantiful Emma
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Wellness
    • Travel
    • Lifestyle
  • About
Travel  /  July 15, 2019

24 Hours in Windsor

by eausting

Walking down the pavement, I glance to my left and see a giant, grey brick wall. I reach out my hand and feel the bumpy texture under my soft skin. I look up and see a flag billowing in the wind, standing tall and proud, the red contrasting against the white background. I think about the thousand years of history that this building holds. The current implications. A marriage. A queen. A burial place. The sun shines. I smile. I’m in Windsor.

IMG_1567

Even though I lived in England for five years, was born there, and have been back four times, this was my very first time stepping foot in Windsor. My parents, 25 years prior, owned a small little apartment hidden in the corner of Windsor’s border. A pizza shop directly across from the castle walls was where my dad spent his days making money while my mom spent her time in. a small flower shop just down the street. From the recent royal wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle to the burial place of Queen Victoria, this town has always been a major historical landmark. My 24 hours spent exploring the streets of Windsor were magical and I’m here to give you a little guide to this amazing city. Plus some tips on how to explore without spending tons of money.

 

Windsor Great Park

IMG_1543

The dreamiest park you’ll ever step foot in. Maybe that’s just because there’s a giant castle at the end of it. Or maybe because that’s where Meghan drove through on the way to marrying Prince Harry. Either way it still is such a beautiful park and 100% worth visiting. The long narrow path leading to the castle is lined on either side by massive trees and a grassy field. It’s seriously the perfect place to sit and have a picnic, which I recommend. My tip: if you are trying to save money, pick up some sandwiches (or chips from the local fish and chippery) and sit and eat in the park. It will beat any restaurant view.

 

Windsor Castle

IMG_1563IMG_1562IMG_1592

This one is a given. You can’t go to Windsor and not see the castle. I’m dead serious though because the castle is literally smack dab in the middle of the town. In some areas you can walk up and place your hand on the side. FOR FREE. Crazy in this society where they literally charge you to breathe. However, entering the castle is definitely not free. When I visited Windsor, I opted out of touring inside the castle. First of all, I didn’t want to pay 20 pounds (which is actually cheap compared to other castle ticket prices). Secondly, I didn’t want to spend the majority of my day hauled around in some tourist group and waiting an hour in line for tickets. If you have the time (and the money) definitely go. It just wasn’t something I was particularly keen on. Also, you can get great, free views just from wandering around the town. All these pictures above I took from the street. And from pushing past security guards but we just won’t talk about that.

 

The “Crooked Harry Potter House” A.K.A. a jewelry store

IMG_1525

While watching the behind the scenes from the Royal Wedding, I remember Al Roker pointing to this ‘leaning tower of Piza”-like building and calling it a “Harry Potter House.” Seriously though, it’s just a jewelry store. But it is pretty cool to look at.

 

St. George’s Chapel

IMG_1530
Not the chapel pictured above, as that is in a hidden, separate part of the castle.

This is one place in the castle that you can visit for free. You just have to sit through a church service. I didn’t go here when I visited but am seriously regretting it. The services are usually in the morning (not sure what times) and I think there was one at five on certain days. You wait in line at 4 and are escorted into the castle by guards. I am a sucker for Cathedrals, Chapels, Abbeys, and anything that is gothic architecture. St. George’s Chapel was built in the 15th and 16th centuries, and, yes, is where Harry and Meghan recently tied the knot. Totally wish I would have gone.

 

River Thames

IMG_1583
Streets of Windsor and Eton

The famous river that also runs through London is definitely a must see. Windsor definitely is not lacking in parks, and there are some great ones along the river banks. This is also a great place to park further down the river (kind of close to where the coaches park) that is metered, but not super expensive compared to other locations.

 

Eton

IMG_1529IMG_1946IMG_1591IMG_1580

Although not technically part of Windsor, this quaint little town is packed with some hidden royalty of its own. Eton College, an all-boys school, is where both Prince Harry and Prince William received their education. I can see why as well. Walking down the cobbled streets a massive, almost-Cathedral like building stood tall. It looked more like a castle than a school. Boys walked around dressed in suits and coattails, with top hats. Imagine dressing like that to go to school at thirteen. For just 32,000 pounds (42,200 dollars) a year you can your son there too.

 

I also really loved Eton because it was a quiet escape from the busy tourism of Windsor. Lined with amazing architecture and quaint buildings, this town was a hidden gem. It is literally just across the river from Windsor. If you are looking for old bookshops, cute stores, and quaint pubs, this is the place for you.

 

Windsor and Eton Brewery

IMG_1574
I didn’t take a picture of the actual brewery. This was a pub in Eton. However off in the left corner, you can see the Windsor and Eton brewery logo.

My dad is the biggest beer snob in the world. I’ve probably visited more breweries in my life than anything else. Most of the time, they all look the same to me. However, Windsor and Eton was different. It was literally in the middle of nowhere, off of a residential road. To get there, we drove down streets that were barely big enough to fit a car. But eventually we did make it and my dad was in love. They had beers for every royal occasion. Both Royal Weddings. All of the births of William and Kate’s children. All there beer was royally themed and it was amazing.

We didn’t explore Windsor in the most traditional way. We didn’t step foot into a restaurant. Or pay a ton of money to do the touristy castle visit. Instead we wandered. And explored. And discovered hidden gems. That is my favorite way to travel. It’s easy to be discouraged by the dozens of gift shops, tourists, and flashy merchandise. However, Windsor is home to so much history. It is the Queen’s favorite place of residence for a reason.

Emma xx

 

Tags

  • england
  • royal
  • travel
  • travel blog
  • travel diary
  • travel journal
  • travel pictures
  • wanderlust
  • windsor

Post navigation

24 Hours in Columbus, OH
England Photo Diary 2018

Related posts

24 Hours in Columbus, OH
Travel  /  July 15, 2019
by eausting  /  0 Comments

24 Hours in Columbus, OH

48 Hours in Asheville, NC
Travel  /  July 15, 2019
by eausting  /  0 Comments

48 Hours in Asheville, NC

New York City Travel Guide
Travel  /  July 15, 2019
by eausting  /  0 Comments

New York City Travel Guide

Share your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome!

Hi there! I'm Emma, a cookie-loving, recipe-making future dietitian inspiring you with all the yummy plant-based recipes.

Follow Me

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Subscribe to the Plantiful Emma Mailing List

Sign-up to Get a Free Vegan Meal Plan

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

  • Privacy Policy
  • Elara Pro by LyraThemes.com
  • © COPYRIGHT PLANTIFUL EMMA LLC