Windsor Castle and Eton

It’s our last day in the UK today, the plane is scheduled to leave at 9.50pm so we had some time on our hands to see a couple more things before we drop off the car and go and wait at the airport for the long trip home.

Looked at the map and found Windsor Castle was only about 15 miles from Woking and from there it was only 10 miles to Heathrow.  Windsor Castle here we come.

Left the B&B at 9 and arrived early in Windsor, by the time we parked the car and walked to the castle the gates were opening.  Wandered through the grounds, it’s very grand, first built as a fort in 1076 and added to, renovated and rebuilt till we have the castle as we see it now.  Walked through the state rooms and the chapel, in 1992 St.George’s Hall was destroyed by fire after a curtain was draped over a halogen spotlight and caught alight.   Lots of damage to the hall and surrounding rooms, all renovated since and beautiful now.  No photos allowed in any of the state rooms so you’ll have to look it up!!

Watched the changing of the guard on the parade ground, not as ostentatious as the palace guards but still very ceremonial. 

After spending a couple of hours in the castle decided it was coffee time.  Next door to our chosen coffee place was the information centre, went in and thought a boat trip on the Thames River was in order.  Did the 40 minute trip, learnt a little history of the place (which was lucky because we were clueless!!)

Windsor and Eton (of the college fame) are on either side of the river so after the boat ride we took a stroll through the streets of Eton, all very posh and traditionally English.  It’s all a very rich area and the housing, streets and attractions are all very well maintained.  After a late lunch decided it was time (even though we’d be 5 hours early) to get to the airport.  Returned the car, they were very efficient, then caught the Europcar shuttle bus to Heathrow, dropped our bags, through security then time to wait.  Better to be early than stuck in peak hour traffic!!!

I’ll do one more blog entry, maybe when I get home and my brain has a chance to rest!!  It’s been a great trip, Pam was an excellent travelling companion, and all she needs now (according to her) is a break from my sparkling personality and charming wit??!!!

Scenes from Windsor castle

The original fort built on the hill overlooking the district

St Georges Chapel

Changing of the guard

The exit

The old train station, now a shopping centre with the train lines now below ground

A Lego guard for the kids

Couple of swans and geese on the river

Our boat and a few scenes from the trip

The lock and weir

The castle from the river

Looking across the river to Eton

Lots of flowers everywhere

Eton College Chapel

Various scenes of Eton College

Must be nice having a pub named after you Chris??

Looking towards Windsor Castle from the Eton side of the river

Last look at the castle before we kiss the UK goodbye