City travel guide for Windsor

The Royal borough of Windsor is set on the magnificent banks of the River Thames. Since centuries ago the town of Windsor has been providing a retreat for the privileged to escape the pressures and summer smells of London. Today London doesn't have its ancient smells and pressures and Windsor is not only a retreat for the privileged, but its charm, grandeur and tranquility have stayed.

Windsor is a great place to relax and discover its ancient history. You can wonder around the town, castle, or along the river and explore many other exciting attractions.

The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and is one of three official residences of the Queen. The Castle has been home to the sovereign for over 900 years, yet the sight of the castle has been of importance since 1066. It was in 1066 that William the Conqueror chose the site to build a stronghold of earth and timber, it was one of many he built, which together formed a circle centred around the Tower of London to protect London. Today Windsor Castle and the Tower of London are the only fortresses that remain. The castle is without a doubt an awesome site were you can not only visit the grounds see the changing of the guards but visit state rooms and a wealth of other treasures.

Windsor is 30 miles west of London and the shopping is still excellent, there is everything in Windsor and Eton. The two towns are only separated by the river and a bridge and there are great fashion in both, from unique boutiques, specialist retailers, antiques and home wear.

Windsor is a great town to discover and explore not only its history but also the delights it has on offer today. There is something for everyone, weather you want to check out all the attractions and sites of interest or relax and boat along the river.

Arts

Windsor is truly a Royal Borough, with plenty of arts, entertainment and unique splendor. As well as the main centers for theatre and art, were excellent touring plays and masterpieces can be enjoyed, just wondering around the Royal Borough will open up a number of craft and antique fairs, plus the great street entertainment at the castle itself.

Stanley Spencer Gallery
Location: King's Hall, High Street, Cookham-On-Thames
Telephone: 01628 52 08 90

Windsor Art Center
Location: St Leonards Road, Windsor
Telephone: 01753 85 93 36

Windsor Brass Rubbing Center
Location: The Parish Church, High Street, Windsor
Telephone: 01753 85 48 08

Attractions

Look Out Discovery Park
This is a unique hands on science discovery center which is great fun for all the family.
Location: Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, (Opposite Coral Reef)
Telephone: 01344 35 44 00

Windsor Great Park
The great park covers 4800 acres within a 14-mile circumference (Some parts are private). In 1360 the present area was allocated and was then popular with Saxon Kings as hunting Forrest.

Savill Gardens
Sir Eric Savill created this garden within Windsor Great Park. Today the garden is a great place to relax, wonder around and discover many of its delights.
Location: Wick Lane, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey
Telephone: 01753 84 75 18

Eton College
You can visit one of the oldest institutions and most exclusive schools. The tour includes a visit to the oldest classroom in the world were you can see ancient desks and benches.
Location: High Street, Eton

Virginia Water
Set on the banks of the lake with splendid walks and serene surroundings. On the north bank of the lake are the Valley Gardens and to the north of these is Smiths Lawn, home of the Guards Polo Club. Virginia Water is said to be named after Queen Elizabeth I, and was created by the Duke of Cumberland (Son of George II). Here you can explore the hundred foot Totem Pole raised by George II to note his sons success at Culloden.

Legoland
This is an excellent day out for the whole family, although dedicated to children everyone is impressed with LEGOLAND. Get wet at the Extreme Challenge or the Pirate Falls, ride the Dragon through the castle, plus see the talented LEGO model makers as they build new models for the park. Everyone will be impressed by Miniland which is simply a masterpiece of art were you sure to see some familiar buildings.
Telephone: 08705 040404

Leisure

Windsor and Eton have many sporting pursuit's to enjoy both for the active and the spectator. There are also lots of opportunities to relax and take it easy even with all the sight seeing and attractions, you can take a break and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the parks or along the banks of the river, why not take a picnic or a boat trip. To make the most of the surrounding area, which is beautiful and full of amassing scenery and wildlife, there are plenty of walks into the countryside and loads of cycling to.

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Shopping

Windsor and Eton offer superb shopping. Both towns are situated next to each other and offer excellent retail therapy with everything from unique boutiques, fashion outlets, house hold names, antiques, crafts and gifts. Windsor has seven shopping areas, Guildhall Island, High Street, Peascod Street, St Leonards Road, Thames Street and Windsor Royal Station, King Edward Court, both of which are shopping centers. With over 350 shops there is something for everyone.

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Transport

Air

Heathrow Airport is only 15 minutes away from Windsor. Gatwick and Luton Airports or within 1 hours drive from Windsor. There is direct coach service to Heathrow airports, and connections to the others can be made easily.

Car

Windsor is easily accessed by car via the major motorway networks of the M3, M4, M25 and M40.

Coach

National Express Coach services have a wide U.K. service, with many pick up points and destinations all over the UK, and run regularly from London Victoria Coach Station to Windsor.
Telephone: National Express - 0990 80 80 80

The GreenLine bus service also runs a regular service from London Victoria Coach Station to Windsor.
GreenLine Travel Line, Telephone: 0208 668 7261

There is a good local bus service the Beeline, which operates a regular service from Heathrow airport to Windsor, plus a good service throughout the town and surrounding area.
First Beeline, Telephone: 01753 52 41 44 or 01344 42 49 38

Rail

Windsor has two train station situated in the center of the town, Central and Riverside train station, both are situated within a few minutes walk of Windsor Castle. There are services to Windsor from London Waterloo and London Paddington and other towns in the area, with good connections if there is no direct train. From London to Windsor the journey time is approximately 55 minutes.
Eurostar services from Paris, Brussels and Lille arrive at London Waterloo, from there it is a simple interchange onto South West Train's to Windsor.
National Rail Enquiery Telephone: 0345 48 49 50

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Windsor

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Transport

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