Photo Exhibition and Book Celebrate Windsor’s Special Residents

Posted: Fri 21 September 2018 at 09:34

Local photographer, Derek Reay, is behind a fantastic exhibition of pictures featuring some of the more notable faces around Windsor.

The exhibition, which is part of the Windsor Fringe Festival, is being held at the Old Court art centre on St Leonard’s Rd. The photographs will make a fantastic backdrop for anyone visiting the Old Court bar to sample some Windsor and Eton Brewery beer or even some live music at the Old Court’s Windsor Festival Community Stage over the coming few weeks.

Derek Reay’s pictures will fill his latest book, Windsor People Revisited, which is to be published ten years after his book, Windsor People. Many of his subjects from the first book are back to be photographed once more for the new edition. There are also a number of new faces featured, including everyone from Peascod Street Florist Martyn Crossley to the Windsor Festival Director Martin Denney.

Councillor Samantha Rayner commented: “Derek’s excellent book captures the people who help make Windsor such a fantastic community.

“The portraits recognise the hugely valued and unassuming heroes who make Windsor a fabulous place to live, work and enjoy.

Some copies of the hardback edition of the book will be available to buy with profits being donated to charity. The exhibition will run until 12 October and is completely free, so get yourself along!

Summer 2018 Officially Among the Hottest Ever

Posted: Mon 17 September 2018 at 09:00

The Met Office has announced that summer 2018 was indeed the hottest ever – alongside 1976, 2003 and 2006.

This will come as no surprise to business travellers or holiday makers who enjoyed a stay in one of our executive apartments in Windsor over the months of June and July. With scorched ground across Bachelor’s Acre and Windsor Great Park, it was clear to see that this wasn’t any ordinary summer. In fact, there were more than 50 consecutive dry days and temperatures were consistently above average.

The Met Office has now confirmed that June to August temperatures just pipped previous hottest years, 1976, 1910, 2003 and 2006. However, they were unwilling to state a clear ‘winner’, instead adding: “Having further assessed the temperature data for the UK as a whole for summer 2018 the figures are so close that we are declaring it as the joint hottest on record together with 2006, 2003 and 1976.”

Although August was a lot more changeable, temperatures remained higher than average in most parts. The Met Office states that higher than average temperatures are likely to stay with us throughout the Autumn, which means we won’t be getting our winter coats out of storage just yet.

Six Weeks of Freedom!!! What’s Going on in Windsor for the Kids This Summer?

Posted: Tue 7 August 2018 at 11:59

It’s that time of year again – children are jumping for joy and parents are reaching for the gin: it’s the summer holidays! Don’t worry though, we’ve got some great tips on how to keep the little ones entertained in and around Windsor this August.

Kids Cinema in Windsor

Windsor is once again home to a great cinema, thanks to the lovely folk at The Screen who have been putting on a great selection of films at the Old Court on St Leonard’s Rd since the beginning of July. With the school holidays in mind, they have three kids films showing in August so check out their website for times and how to book.

Liquid Leisure Aqua Park

Liquid Leisure has, once again, brought its epic inflatable assault course to the Thames at Datchet. For kids aged 6 and above, providing they can swim well, it’s a huge amount of fun. Tickets for a 50-minute session are £15 in advance and £20 walk-in.

Kids Theatre

Children’s theatre is a great way to introduce your kids to something a bit more cultural this summer and we are lucky enough to have a wonderful production of Julia Donaldson’s The Snail and the Whale playing at our very own Theatre Royal Windsor this summer. There are several performances between 13th and 15th August, but be sure to book soon as it’s bound to sell out.

Fierce Ladies and Naughty Knights at the Castle

Throughout the summer holidays, Windsor Castle is hosting some special activities aimed at children. The activities, which include art workshops, talks and dress-up sessions, are largely themed around knights and kids will get the chance to learn more about this fascinating side to Royal history.

Windsor Leisure Centre

During this long hot summer we’re enjoying, swimming is an extremely popular activity and the fantastic leisure pool at Windsor Leisure Centre is very busy during the holidays. However, with a little planning (like coming in the middle of day, around lunch time) it can be a little quieter. The flumes and wave machines will be running between 10am and 6pm every day during the holidays, but check the website for last-minute updates.

Legoland

No summer in Windsor would be complete without a trip to Legoland now would it? There are always some great offers for buy-one-get-one-free tickets, which make a visit to the theme park slightly less damaging to the wallet. Also, for locals with an Advantage Card, entry is half price – another reason to get yourself down to the library or the leisure centre with proof of address.

This summer, Legoland is hosting a Summer of Fun beach party-style event complete with the UK’s largest water play structure and play beach, so be sure to bring towels and spare clothes for the little ones. The special summer events will take place every day until 2 September.

Windsor Festival to Mark WW1 and Women’s Suffrage Centenaries

Posted: Fri 3 August 2018 at 11:27

Windsor is set to host another Autumn of amazing cultural events during its annual Windsor Festival in September, and tickets are now on sale.

This year, the line-up is marking the centenaries of both the end of the First World War and of Women’s Suffrage. The exciting list of performances and speakers includes the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Orpheus Sinfonia, together with leading baritone Roderick Williams, who will be performing music commemorating the Great War.

A number of fascinating speakers will be coming to Windsor to share some insights about notable women from history. Jenni Murray will be sharing her thoughts on ‘A History of the World in 21 Women’, while Shami Chakrabarti is also appearing to talk about her book ‘Of Women: In the 21st Century’.

As well as giving locals and those visiting Windsor the chance to enjoy some cultural highlights this Autumn, the Windsor Festival also opens up some of the town’s most beautiful and historic buildings as venues. This year these include St George’s Chapel, Waterloo Chamber in Windsor Castle, Windsor Guildhall and Cumberland Lodge in the Great Park.

As well as the programme of music and talks, there will be a number of open houses featuring the work of local artists and craftspeople. Several other small exhibitions, as well as a community stage will also feature as part of the festival at the Old Court arts centre on St Leonard’s Rd.

The Macdonald Windsor Hotel, right across from the Castle, will be offering a special Festival Menu throughout the duration of the event from 16th September to 30th September.

‘Once in a Lifetime’ RAF Centenary Flyover Comes To Windsor

Posted: Fri 6 July 2018 at 14:46

Nearly 100 RAF aircraft, joined by the Red Arrows display team, will soar over the skies of Windsor just after 1pm on 10 July in what has been called a “once in a lifetime” event.

Marking the centenary of the RAF, the mixture of vintage and modern aircraft will fly from Ipswich at 12:45pm, reaching Buckingham Palace at 1pm and Heathrow at 1:10pm. Windsor and Maidenhead will be next, a few minutes later.

WINDSOR CENTENARY FLYPAST Lancaster Bombers, Hurricanes and Spitfires will join the RAF’s latest state-of-the-art jet planes, alongside several helicopters and passenger aircraft.

Perhaps most anticipated will be the RAF’s next generation fast jet, the Lightning, as it takes to the air for what will be its first public outing.

Providing the weather conditions are right, 25 different kinds of aircraft will be involved in the procession.

The RAF says: “This once-in-a-lifetime flypast will provide an iconic centrepiece for the RAF100 celebrations.

“In our centenary year we are commemorating those that have come before us, celebrating our current personnel and, ultimately, inspiring a new generation to write the next chapters in the RAF’s story.”

To get a great view of the flypast, Windsor tourists and locals alike could head to Alexandra Gardens, where they may enjoy views of the flypast in the skies above Windsor Castle.

Alternatively, anyone lucky enough to have accommodation in central Windsor will be able to enjoy the flypast in all its glory from the comfort of their own home or garden.

Happy 91st Birthday!

Posted: Fri 21 April 2017 at 14:23

Queen Elizabeth II is 91 today (21st April 2017). Windsor celebrated with a Royal Gun Salute. The Queen celebrated quietly at home (in Windsor Castle) – well she is 91 afterall!

Happy Birthday your majesty!

What’s on April / May 2017

Posted: Thu 6 April 2017 at 19:49

The weather is warming up and there is no better time to visit Windsor. With a huge choice of restaurants, bars and cafes and masses of local events taking place beat the crowds by booking to stay in our beautiful town this Spring. You can choose to stay in top 5 star hotels, executive serviced accommodation or boutique B&B’s.

Windsor is beautiful in Spring and here’s what’s on if you are planning a visit in the new few weeks…

Cliveden is running an Easter Egg trail between Saturday 14th and Monday 17th April from 10am to 3.30pm. Free entry for NT members
The Carnival of Colour at Savill Gardens on Wick Lane between 1st-17th April from 10-5pm each day with a Rainbow Trail and chance to win a celebratory Rhododendron
Theatre Royal Windsor is showing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from 4-8th April and Fame the Musical from 11-15th April
Enjoy Windsor’s very own Royal Free Singers in concert at Eton College on 8th April from 7.30 – 10pm
Treat yourselves to a Gourmet Spring Dinner hosted at the Cumberland Lodge on 19th April from 7-9.30pm
Help the Queen celebrate her 91st birthday with a 21-gun salute taking place on the Long Walk (Brook Street entrance) from midday on 21st April
Monday Evening races start at Windsor Racecourse on 24th April and then 8th, 15th and 22nd May – gates open 2.45pm
The Great British Dog Walk departs from Savill Gardens for a wonderful 4km or 9km stomp through Windsor Great Park on 29th April from 10.30am in aid of hearing dogs
The stylish Royal Windsor Jaguar Festival takes place at Windsor Castle on 5th and 6th May
Windsor Horse Show will once again be wowing the crowds from 10-14th May in Home Park
Ascot May Racing Weekend takes place 12-13th May
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra will be performing at Theatre Royal on Tuesday 16th May
Windsor Half Marathon and 10k River Trail will be on 21st May this year – still time to get training
The Adele Songbook performed by Katie Markham (hand-picked by Adele herself) will take place on 23rd May at Theatre Royal
Windsor Independent Market will be on Peascod Street this Easter weekend 15th and 16th April and also 29th and 30th April

What’s coming up… keep dates free and get tickets quick for these forthcoming events

Sunset Cinema will be appearing at Cliveden House Hotel from 21st June to 11th July – enjoy a classic movie with food by Rick Stein and ice-creams by Hand & Flowers in a wonderful setting
Windsor Championship Dog Show from 29th June to 2nd July in Home Park
Tickets for Royal Ascot are on sale now with the Windsor Enclosure already sold out – book early to avoid disappointment
Live & Unwind Festival at Oakley Court from 29-30th July

At Home with The Queen…

Posted: Thu 3 April 2014 at 18:26

Windsor Castle is the oldest, largest (and most beautiful) occupied castle in the world. Over 900 years old, the Castle is said to be Queen Elizabeth’s favourite residence… and who can blame her. (more…)

Changing the Guard and The Fat Duck

Posted: Thu 6 February 2014 at 10:02

Windsor is best known as one of Her Majesty’s official residences, with Windsor Castle inspiring the town and local residents. There is no better way to truly capture the resplendence and spectacle of royal life than to witness the Changing of the Guard, as they march up Windsor High Street and into the Castle – a duty that has been carried out since 1660. The stately ceremony begins outside the Guardroom, situated in the Lower Ward of the Castle, and takes only 10 minutes. Usually the guards are joined by an official band, to increase the grandeur, but this is dependent on weather conditions.

If you want to witness the ceremony, you must be positioned on the High Street at 10:50am to avoid disappointment. The Guard March is a year-round occurrence, taking place at various times throughout the year – SEE THE CALENDAR OF GUARD MARCHES

You can also witness the Changing of the Guard inside the castle; this ceremony usually takes around 30 minutes. The old guards then return to the barracks at approximately 11:25am.

After a morning of witnessing this regal procedure, why not dine in style at one of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s finest eateries – Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck. Situated in Bray, Berkshire, The Fat Duck is only a stone’s throw away from Windsor town centre. Run by one of the UK’s most famous chefs, The Fat Duck offers a tantalising menu full of sensory experimentation. At £195 a head, it is a pricey dinner, however the 3.5 hour menu of 14 courses is an experience to remember.

The Fat Duck is open Tuesday – Saturday, with lunch served from 12 noon – last orders at 2pm, and dinner served from 7pm – last orders at 9pm.

We recommend staying overnight in Windsor as there is so much to do and see – try Alma House – a boutique B&B on Alma Road – walking distance to town centre.