KC On The Go

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been thinking about fun and relaxing day trips quite a bit lately. The weather is finally starting to warm and it’s the perfect time to get out there and explore. And really, who doesn’t love a day trip? It’s a great way to quickly recharge after a harsh, stressful winter. If, like me, you live in a city, there’s nothing better than getting a little sunshine and nature outside the city.

London is one such city that offers a wide variety of day trips for every type of traveler, all a quick train ride away. Of all the amazing options out there for you, they don’t get much better than Windsor. A quick 40-50 minute train ride from London’s Paddington Station, it’s close enough to hop over just for a morning if the fancy struck you. Honestly though, why would you want to limit yourself with all Windsor has on offer?

I know I’ve spoken about this before but choosing a day trip from London is always a challenge for me. The struggle between picking a new spot or revisiting an old favorite is very real. Then, once I’ve made up my mind on that front, I’m faced with a completely new set of decisions – where to go and when!!! Oh, the insanity. Seriously though, these are good problems to have – which amazing town or village to spend the day in. If only all decisions in life were like this.

Way back in 2017, my friend and I met this lovely couple in an old, purportedly haunted pub in London. We ended up sharing a table with them and chatting the entire evening. It was such a nice night. This couple happened to live in Windsor’s sister town, Maidenhead. Of the many locations throughout England they recommended we visit, Windsor was one of them. I kept it in the back of my mind and last year, after much deliberation, I decided to pay Windsor a visit, see what all the fuss was about. With the Royal Wedding earlier in the year, it seemed like as good a time as any.

I couldn’t have chosen a more gorgeous day if I tried. The sun was shining, the town was bustling and I hopped off the train with pep in my step ready to explore. It’s as if Windsor was welcoming us all with open arms. Any doubt that may have existed as to why the Queen would spend all her weekends there was quickly and decidedly squashed. But what to do first…?  

In general, I like to hit the tours early, leaving the remainder of the day free for wandering around and that’s just what I did. Since no trip to Windsor would be complete without a trip to the eponymous castle, that was my first stop. As a lover of history and architecture, the grounds and buildings are quite impressive. For nearly 1,000 years, Windsor Castle has been inhabited continuously starting with William the Conqueror back in 1070. These days the castle serves as the private home of Queen Elizabeth II as well as a Royal residence used for official duties.  

Once granted access to the property, you can do the tour at your leisure in any order you choose. Walking through the State Apartments, both the ceremonial and historic routes, is absolutely awe-inspiring. The architecture and collection of art that’s been curated by the monarchy for centuries truly is something to behold. The highlight for me though was St. George’s Chapel. The Gothic architecture, both outside and in, is stunning. The chapel is steeped in history – it’s been the home to many royal weddings and 10 monarchs are buried there, including Henry VIII.

If you’re lucky enough to be there when it’s open to the public, be sure to check out the gardens of Frogmore House which adjoins Windsor Castle. Serving as a royal retreat, the gardens were established in 1790. The picturesque landscape consists of lakes, bridges, walking paths all, of course, surrounded by the best trees and flowers nature has to offer. The Queen can’t very well walk the royal corgis in shabby settings, can she?  

If you’re in need of a refuel after the tour, why not take a walk down to the Thames and park yourself at one of the dining establishments along the water to enjoy a leisurely lunch? For location alone, it doesn’t get much better than The Boatman, a pub situated on the river with a terrace for outdoor dining. Thankfully, the food doesn’t disappoint either with a well cultivated menu comprised of local ingredients that changes seasonally. I absolutely love this place! Can’t you picture yourself spending an afternoon sitting outside along the river for hours with good food, sipping a gin and tonic from a copa, not a care in the world? Sounds like paradise to me.

Windsor is a walker’s dream which makes shopping a joy. In fact, shopping is one of the main attractions of Windsor. Stroll along pedestrian-only streets strung with Union Jacks overhead that go on for miles and branch off into charming little alcoves and alleys filled with more shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes. With a nice mix of well-known retailers and independent stores, be prepared to shop ’til you drop. And all this comes with a view of the castle in the distance. Not bad at all. Or for a change of scenery, take a hop across the Windsor Bridge for yet more shops, pubs and restaurants in Eton.

The pedestrian-only streets are also great for people watching. So, grab a table and live like the royals – by taking Afternoon Tea. What better place than with Windsor Castle as your backdrop? There are plenty of tea rooms from high end to casual dotted throughout Windsor. I made a quick stop at Nell Gwynn Tearoom on a small cobblestoned street with outdoor tables across from the castle. Truth be told, I went for the cream tea complete with scone, clotted cream and jam. I know, I know, I don’t do dairy – I cheated and it was worth it. Whatever or wherever you choose, be sure to keep that pinky down.

Before heading back to London, a great way to end the day is with a boat cruise on the Thames. I’m always up for a river boat cruise. There are a number of options on offer from hiring a private boat to short jaunts to tea cruises on steamboats – that sounds like fun! All boats are heated and weatherproof, so it’s never a bad choice. It really is the perfect way to end your day in Windsor.

Who else wants to hop a train to Windsor right now? Where have your favorite day trips been? I’d love to hear about them – and add them to my list! Until next time – cheers!