Monday, August 11, 2014

Windsor Castle

Saturday, it was off to Windsor Castle in the charming little town of Windsor on the Thames River.
We took a train that didn't break down (I'm a little wary of trains since Cornwall), wandered through the castle, explored the town, ate delicious hand crafted fudge, and relaxed by the river. 

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been inhabited by British Royalty for more than 1,000 years. Currently, it is the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen.

King George V Memorial


A restaurant named for Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
 The castle was busy (a Saturday in the height of tourist season after all) and we had to queue for an hour waiting for our tickets, but it was worth it. It also gave us plenty of time to admire the castle on our approach.



All these little shops of Windsor come right up and boarder the castle. 


Note the very 21st Century airplane in the clouds :)

The Round Tower

The Moat Room overlooking the Moat Gardens. 

 e went through the St. George's Chapel where royals such as Henry VIII and George VI are buried. It was beautiful inside, but we weren't allowed to take photos and were ushered out rather quickly because people were getting married there later that aftenoon. How rich and connected do you have to be to get married at Windsor Castle?
The Chapel. 

The memorial chapel for Prince Albert, connected off of the main chapel.


We then took a tour of the State Apartments, which are still regularly used for entertaining guests and for official occasions. No photos in their either, which was painful because it was so gorgeous. Gold sconces, ceiling paintings, displays of armor, guns and swords, sparkling chandeliers, tables with luscious chairs and place settings...everything a castle should be.

We also saw Queen Mary's Doll House, designed for young Queen Mary
The view of the town of Windsor from the castle.
ER, for Elizabeth Regina, Queen Elizabeth.
There were several of these around the town. Nothing to take you back in time like the clop of horse hooves on cobblestone. 
We even saw the bridge and groom!!!!



Permanent residents: aka THE QUEEN!

Quite convincing, eh?
View of the castle from the town
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Karina, Jessica and I in front of the Royal Tower.

 While we were exploring the town, we happened upon a church in a bit of disrepair. The building was gorgeous, if a little eerie.

To top off the day, we wandered over to the Thames River to watch the sun lowering over the water. 






The Royal Tower from the water. 
Bridge selfie!
Although we didn't catch a glimpse of the Queen, or her adorable chubby cheeked grandson, Windsor was a great success that marked our final big trip in England. The next time I take a train, I will be France bound. It's crazy how time flies!

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