Beautiful architecture, on the Thames, plenty of B&Bs
Disadvantages:
Pricy, can get busy esp weekends
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
My first impression of Windsor as the train pulled into Windsor and Eton Riverside station was "Whoa, castle!" The castle sits on a hill overlooking the town of Windsor, and as it is the largest inhabited castle in the world, it is seriously impressive.
The town isn't just about the castle (although I do highly recommend a visit), or its other major attraction, Legoland. The area around the castle itself is quite geared for tourists – Thames St and High St are dotted with a mix of souvenir shops and fast food outlets – but once you get away from these touristy areas there are a wealth of other things that make Windsor a great place to visit.
The main shopping street, Peascod St, is pedestrianised and contains the usual mix of chain outlets such as Gap and M&S. To the east of here is an architecture conservation area, which contains a large area of Victorian townhouses and other buildings, well worth a wander (well it was for someone new to the country like me).
If you continue on High St, following the castle walls along Park St, you come to the southern gate of the castle leading onto the Long Walk. The Long Walk was first laid out in the 1600s, and stretches for three miles in a perfect north-south line. Three miles doesn’t look like far when it’s perfectly straight and almost flat, but after walking down it for an hour, the distance makes itself felt. At the end of the Long Walk is the equestrian statue of King George III, and there is a brilliant view of both the castle and the surrounding areas from the statue if you have time to walk all the way up there.
The north end of the Long Walk is also the northernmost point of the Windsor Great Park. To the east of the Long Walk is the part of the park known as the Home Park, which is reserved for the use of the Royal Family, but the rest of the park is open to the public, and believe me, a lot of public could fit into it – it is massive. The park was originally laid out and stocked with deer for hunting. During the world wars the deer were removed and crops planted, but now the park is stocked again and the deer can be seen roaming around within the fences.
Another very picturesque part of the town is along the River Thames. The Thames Path, which starts at the head of the river near Cirencester and follows the river all the way down to London, passes by Windsor and Eton. For excellent views of the castle, cross the bridge to the Eton side of the river and travel upriver (west) across Brocas Meadow. The walk from here towards Maidenhead and also downstream towards Datchet make delightful walks if the weather is fine. There are also boats available for hire on the Windsor bank, and plenty of spots for a cup of tea or an ice-cream while you admire the view.
In all, Windsor is a very beautiful town and well worth a day-trip or two from London. Trains come in this direction from Waterloo (Windsor and Eton Riverside) and Paddington (change at Slough for Windsor and Eton Central).
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