If you have clients headed out to Eton Dorney, Windsor to watch the Rowing competition (just 15 to 30 minutes from London by train), or who just want to explore the countryside, here are a few things to see and do while in town, courtesy of VisitBritain...
1.) Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest working castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The full estate represents 900 years of British history. The staterooms are available for the public to visit and audio guides are available. Through January 2013, the castle will be hosting a new exhibition in honor of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee year, The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years.
Buckingham Palace isn’t the only place for visitors to see the traditional changing of the guard ceremony. Visitors can choose a spot anywhere along Windsor High Street to enjoy a great view of the procession that takes place daily at 11:00 a.m. from May – August and on alternate days, except Sunday, throughout the year.
3.) Crooked House
Enjoy afternoon tea in this quintessentially English tearoom with a decidedly sordid history! There is a (now blocked) secret passage to Windsor Castle and it is reputed to have been used as an illicit meeting point for then King Charles and his mistress, actress Nell Gywnne. The Crooked House is also located next to another famous Windsor landmark, Guildhall, where Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were married as well as where Elton John and David Furnish held their Civil Partnership.
4.) Windsor Great Park and Savill Gardens
The best way to see Windsor Great Park is by horse drawn carriage. Within these grand grounds is Savill Garden, one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens, made up of 35 acres of contemporary and classically designed exotic woodland and gardens.
Eton College has not only educated Princes William and Harry, but also 18 former British Prime Ministers. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI and the school uniform still consists of a black tailcoat, waistcoat (vest) and pin-striped trousers. Short, guided tours are available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and daily during the school’s holidays. Pre-booking is required.
Photo of Windsor Castle courtesy of VisitBritain.