How to Spend 24 Hours in Windsor, England
For many, Windsor marks the setting of the biggest event of 2018…Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. The picturesque town on the River Thames in southeast England is the perfect day out, especially for day trips from London. Here’s our guide to how to spend 24 hours in Windsor:
Morning
Offering an incredible selection of breakfast classics, from the full English and eggs on toast to pancakes and waffles, Monty’s Café is the perfect spot to start the day before properly exploring Windsor. Situated in the heart of Windsor (on St. Leonards Road, to be precise), this welcoming café is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. You can even add a glass of fizz or a Bloody Mary to to your order for just £3.50.
If you get peckish after your brunch, Fudge Kitchen is an absolute must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth – suffice it to say that it boasts over 20 flavours of fresh fudge. The venue has been crafting its very own fudge recipe for over 30 years and every single batch is made with fresh whipping cream for that extra smooth texture. Fudge Kitchen is the perfect pitstop for a mid-morning treat – you can even watch fudge being made fresh daily between 11am and 4pm.
Afternoon
With over 40 shops to offer as well as a selection of outstanding eateries, Windsor Royal Shopping Centre truly is a shopaholics paradise. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an art and craft market open seven days a week. The shopping destination is located just opposite Windsor Castle and many original features of the Victorian station still remain intact, such as the Jubilee Arch and Queen Victoria’s waiting room.
Keeping with the royal theme, what better place than to stop off at than a pub named after Kate Middleton herself? The Duchess of Cambridge pub opened just a few months after her marriage to Prince WIlliam in 2011 and its royal-ness can be felt throughout. This lunchtime spot offers traditional pub grub with a sophisticated twist, with a menu boasting delicious dishes such as a beef and rioja pie and posh whitebait. You can wash down your tasty food with a special selection of wines and award-winning real ales. The hearty British cuisine is served in a relaxed setting, with open fires during winter and a outdoor terrace space in the summer months.
Once you’re all fed, head to one of Windsor’s’ biggest attractions: Windsor Castle. This incredible venue is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – her majesty Queen Elizabeth resides there many weekends and over the years over 39 monarchs have called it home. It’s important to dedicate most of the afternoon to exploring the grounds as there’s so much to see in detail, including St George’s Chapel, which is the spot where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot. Tours are offered daily but make sure you book well in advance if you want to reserve a spot, particularly if you want to tour the luxurious interior and catch a glimpse of Queen Mary’s exquisite dolls’ house.
Evening
Take a moment to appreciate Windsor’s beautiful surroundings by following the Thames as it curves its way between the town and neighbouring Eton. Have a cup of tea at one of the many pleasant cafés dotted along the riverbank, or stop to feed the swans and watch the boats drift by. Cross Windsor Town Bridge for an even better view.
Windsor is known for its great selection of pubs and The Oxford Blue is the perfect spot to indulge in some fine evening dining. The chic pub dates back to the 1800s when it was originally two game keepers’ cottages. The menu is based around traditional comfort food, making it the perfect place to refuel and refresh after a day of walking around Windsor. The Oxford Blue offers a selection of mouth-watering main dishes to suit all tastes, including fillet of beef, Cornish halibut and roe deer. This is an ideal spot for an evening meal before heading for a last drink or checking into one of many B&Bs in Windsor.
Night
After a long day of walking around, why not grab a beverage at The Two Brewers, a pub popular with locals. The public house often has beautiful flowers on display and ample benches out the front to soak up the atmosphere on a pleasant evening. The venue is one of Windsor’s smallest pubs, with only nine tables inside, but it’s the perfect cosy setting for winding down after a busy day exploring the area.