Windsor is known for its royal treasures and rich heritage. But there are so many other gems to discover in this town of Berkshire. This place is well consorted with history and culture. This trip is a perfect short break for culinary delight and regal treatment. I came here for planning a friend’s birthday and came across a contemporary boutique: Frances Lodge. It’s a place which is purely sophisticated and yet manages to be so simple. They have tastefully decorated rooms, no chintz in sight, and it’s surprisingly palatial inside. You can be rest assured that you will be treated like royalty. The decorations are in perfect harmony with the look and architecture of this place. It has an excellent location as it just takes a few minutes’ walk from Windsor Castle and the town center to get here. If anyone plans a visit to Ascot Racecourse or Legoland, this is a perfect accommodation for them.
There is nothing more amazing than a beautifully laid breakfast waiting for you. Get ready to devour homemade muesli, smoothies, pastries, fresh fruit, full-English breakfast, and homemade relish. Everything was fantastic. Even poached duck egg with asparagus for the royal palate is something you wouldn’t want to miss. Being in Windsor, the first thing you need to see is the Windsor Castle. The castle is stunningly remarkable. At the end of October the Royals have a state visit at the castle, which always attracts lots of publicity and fans. Closer to Windsor try and catch up the Changing of the Guards. Move along to see the many shops in the area that will surprise you and impress you with their merchandise. Then see the Great Windsor Park. It is pretty fabulous. Try the Long Walk, which is also perfect for a job and end your day relishing dinner at a local pub. The Two Brewers, Gilbey’s or Windsor Larder for snacks are some of my favorite dining options in the city. If you are not a food fanatic, you can head to Windsor Racecourse for an evening well spent watching horses race. You can pick your favorite one and cheer for him all evening.
This city doesn’t disappoint at any given time, day or month of the year. A Windsor local’s calendar if scribbled with endless events. Try borrowing one from a friendly local and this may actually turn out to be one of the most helpful travel guides in the city. If you are here in mid May there is no way you can stay away from the extremely popular Windsor Tattoo event. Or attend Royal Ascot which is a personal favorite of the Royals too.
Royalty is what makes Windsor so popular worldwide. But there is plenty to explore in this city. This is a succinct travel guide for one of the finest city breaks in Windsor. And within a short time, you’ll develop a penchant for this small wonder.
Former rugby star Zinzan Brooke and his wife Alison are the owners of this place. Leave it for them to provide you with the best services. They were very friendly on the phone and during our stay and hugely accommodating, even though we were a group of 12. The rooms were very well decorated. They even have car parking spaces, a rarity in Windsor. The food here has truly been one of the biggest highlights of my stay here.
When I stepped out of my Frances Lodge, the first place I visited was the Windsor Castle. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is the royal residence of Windsor. The beautiful architecture and the protective walls dominate the landscape of this delightful city. If you want to visit the castle with the added bonus of not having to pay, then go to the 6 p.m. Prayer service, held every evening in St Georges Chapel. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of the Great Windsor Park with the Long Walk.
This was another highlight of my visit to Windsor. Ensure you don't miss The Changing of the Guards between 10.45 am and 11.30 am every day in the summer and on alternate days in the winter. See the Guards march and then be a part of the actual ceremony.
I was craving for some food by this time. The Two Brewers is one of my favorite places in the city on 34 Park Street. It feels like it’s steeped in history, yet serves mouth watering tapas for around £20 per person.
You will be surprised to know that this place was originally an old butcher’s shop. It has been transformed into one of the most healthy dining options. It is a small restaurant famed for its quality and service. If you are looking for a fine dining experience fit for a queen, make sure you jot down this address- 82-83 High Street, Eton, Windsor.
For coffee and snacks I’d head to the Windsor Larder, owned by celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson at 59a St Leonards Road. It’s only a short walk from Frances Lodge and the park. The best part is that it even prepares perfect picnics. So you don't have to worry about the time you pick to gorge on some delicious snacks. It's all packed into one and you can relish them according to your convenience.
The next destination to head to is the Windsor Racecourse for Monday races. It can qualify as one of the best evening watching the horse racing. The easiest and most fun way to get there is by boat. If you are lucky, you might just win enough to pay for an extended trip in the city.
This is one of the most sought after racing events in Windsor. Windsor doesn't just swell up with race-goers but also the Royals who attend it each day.
