Windsor Celebrates Second Royal Wedding of the Year

Posted: Tue 23 October 2018 at 12:11

The Royal wedding of Windsor local Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank took place at Windsor Castle earlier in October, showing off the very best of our historic town once again.

Hundreds took to the gusty streets on Friday 12th October to wish the happy couple well. Visitors also perhaps hoped to catch a glimpse of the many celebrity guests attending.

Former supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell were in attendance. Pop icon Robbie Williams, Hollywood actor Demi Moore and model Cara Delevingne were all also invited. The sheer number of high profile guests lead some to suggest that this wedding was more star-studded than that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back in May.

St George’s Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, hosted the Royal wedding. The newly married couple set off on a carriage ride around the centre of Windsor shortly after emerging as man and wife.

Eugenie’s dress proudly showed off the scar on her back from the operation that corrected her scoliosis when she was 12. She topped off her beautiful gown with the Queen’s Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, which was made by Boucheron in 1919.

A formal reception at Windsor Castle hosted by the Queen followed the ceremony. There was then a less formal evening reception in Eugenie’s family home of York House within Windsor Great Park.

Programmes Like The Crown Help To Attract Visitors to the UK

Posted: Thu 18 October 2018 at 12:17

Tourism to the UK is being boosted by the success of British productions like The Crown and Paddington.

The international success of some British programmes are helping to attract overseas visitors to the UK, who are keen to soak up some of the country’s iconic history and landscapes. The Crown, an award-winning Netflix show about the British Royal Family, is a phenomenal success and has added to the appeal of visiting Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and other Royal residences.

Paddington and Paddington 2 have also been box office smashes and have led to an increase in visitors to London, all of whom are keen to experience first hand the idyllic London streets it portrays.

Margot James, the Minister for the Creative Industries, said:  “The UK is a creative powerhouse for producing many award-winning films, shows and video games enjoyed by millions globally.” As a result of this more tourists arrive in the UK, spending some £266.2 million a year, according to the British Film Institute.

Meanwhile, VisitBritain has reported this week that UK inbound tourism targets for 2020 have already been met in 2018 – two years early. A record 40.9 million overseas visitors have come to the UK so far this year.

Tourism Minister Michael Ellis said that Brexit does present a challenge but: “we are absolutely committed to helping the industry continue to grow, promoting the country as a must-visit destination and ensuring that local communities benefit.”

At Home with The Queen…

Posted: Thu 3 April 2014 at 18:26

Windsor CastleWindsor 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…)

Working in Windsor

Posted: Thu 3 October 2013 at 11:48

David BurianBack in July 2013, I came to Windsor for a job interview.  Coming from Hungary and having lived only in London, I hadn’t heard of Windsor before so I did some internet research about the town prior to the big day.  I read about the attractions, the restaurants, the social life, the transport and from every angle Windsor seemed a great place to live.  However, back then I was more worried about getting the job and not so much about the town.  So when I got off the train at Central Station on the day of the interview, my thoughts were focussed around the upcoming questions and I wasn’t thinking about the town too much.  And yet as I stepped off the train I was amazed.

“How can a train station be so charming? And if the train station is so lovely what should I expect from the town?”

As I left the station I was impressed by Windsor Castle, the charming cobbled streets and shops, by the happy, relaxed people all around me. I loved every little detail: the River Thames, the Windsor Bridge, Peascod Street, the narrow alleyways and Alexandra Gardens. I had a feeling that I had found the perfect place to live! I was so surprised I couldn’t read the map properly (most unlike me) so I had to ask for help to find the way to my interview at Alma House.

Luckily for me it went really well and I was offered the job and asked to move in on the same day.  Since then I have learnt more about the town and I still think Windsor is the greatest place to live.

It was love at first sight!

My role at at the company is very varied; I do a fair bit of cleaning of really fantastic apartments as well as maintenance jobs and looking after guests if they need anything out of office hours. This means I work closely with all of my colleagues from Housekeeping, Maintenance and in the Office too, not just from one Department.  The most exciting parts of my job are that I always can improve my English, learn something new and meet new people every day.  I love to chat with guests about their travelling, impressions of Windsor or our Bed & Breakfast.  A fresh pair of eyes is always helpful and it’s great to share stories and places to visit in this wonderful town.

Windsor Castle

Posted: Mon 4 March 2013 at 10:55

Windsor Castle Walk by Shedraway Photos
Windsor Castle Walk, a photo by Shedraway Photos on Flickr.

Beautiful shot of the Castle with a stormy sky

What’s On this Christmas in Windsor & Eton

Posted: Wed 21 November 2012 at 14:56

With shops full of gifts and decorations and several party invites on the mantelpiece already it must be nearly Xmas…!  Here’s our list of what’s on locally to help you plan your diaries:-

Eton Christmas Lights Switch On takes place this Thursday 22nd November.  Starting with a Service in Eton College Chapel between 6.30-7.00pm and then a procession and Light Switch on at the Community Xmas Tree in Jubilee Square from 7.20pm.

Windsor Street Gallery is an open air fine art show taking place on Peascod Street, Windsor.  Open for browsing and sales on Sunday 25th November between 11am and 5pm.

Carols by Candlelight will take place at Windsor Theatre on 28th November from 8pm.  The Locrian Ensemble will perform Carols and Christmas tunes accompanied by strings, harp and West End soprano Jill Washington.  A great start to the Xmas season!

Windsor’s Farmer’s Market has been taking place since 2005 on St Leonards Road between the Firestation and East Berks College.  Saturday 1st December 2012 will have a Seasonal theme with decorated stalls and advice for how to make Christmas dinner extra special.

Windsor’s most popular Christmas event returns also on 1st December this year. You can see the LIVE Reindeer and Father Christmas on a sleigh parading through the Town Centre between 2pm and 4pm.  Children can have photos taken with Father Christmas on his sleigh before he returns to Lapland.

Windsor Emporium takes place on Sunday 2nd December between 10am and 4pm at Windsor Guildhall.  A truly delightful and alternative Xmas shopping experience featuring hand produced Arts & Crafts.  There will also be a Vintage Tea Room serving homemade cakes and light refreshments.

Entry to The Savill Garden is free from 1st – 31st December allowing you to enjoy a variety of winter plants – gardens are open 10am-4.30pm.  There will be a Victorian Christmas theme in the café and Father Christmas will be visiting The Savill Building between 11am-4pm on 20th and 21st December (£5 per child – please book 01784 435 544 to avoid disappointment!)

Father Christmas will make his grand entrance on a festive horse and carriage at The Savill Building at 10.45am on 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th, 20th & 21st December.  The carriage will then be available for all the family to enjoy.

Tickets are now available for Theatre Royal Windsor’s Panto – this year Jack and the Beanstalk will be showing from 5 December 2012 – 6 January 2013.  Starring Matthew Kelly, Bond girl Brit Ekland and playing Jack is pop star Anthony Kavanagh.  Contact Box Office for further details.

Carols on the Hill takes place at King Henry VIII Gate on Friday 14th December from 6-7pm.  Join the Band of the Blues and Royals for a spot of carol singing in front of Windsor Castle.

Festivo takes place in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30pm.  Tickets remain for Quires seating only (no view); this popular programme features favourite carols, devotional readings and lighter seasonal items.

Finally, Alexander Gardens will once again be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with the arrival of the Christmas Ice Rink on 8th December until 6th January open from 9.30am to 10pm.  Windsor Ice will feature a private function room, Santa’s Grotto and a Victorian Christmas Market with evening entertainment.

Whatever your plans, AWL wishes one and all a wonderful start to the Christmas season.  www.accommodationwindsor.com.

The Royal Phone Box

Posted: Thu 1 November 2012 at 14:59

Fabulous Ring-a-Royal Art Box will be located outside Windsor Castle until the end of the year. The phone box, designed by Timmy Mallett, is one of a hundred created by artists across the country in aid of Childline to celebrate 2012 and 25 years of the charity.If you get a chance to visit, let us know who you think the Royals are all talking to…

Diamond Jubilee Weekend Celebrations

Posted: Fri 1 June 2012 at 10:27

So much going on in Windsor this weekend… How are YOU celebrating?

Sat 2 June 2012
A 21-gun salute takes place on the Long Walk to mark the start of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend  at 12 noon
 
Sat 2 June 2012
Diamond Jubilee Windsor Farmers’ Market and St Leonards Road Street Party, 10am to 2pm.  Street stalls, children’s competition, special shopping discounts and much more.
 
Sat 2 to Tues 5 June 2012
Diamond Jubilee carpet planting in The Queen Elizabeth Temperate House in The Savill Garden at Windsor Great Park.
 
Sun 3 June 2012
Big Picnic takes place in Alexandra Gardens from midday with a 1950s theme.
 
Sun 3 June 2012
Eton Street Party (TICKETS SOLD OUT)
 
Sun 3 June 2012
Windsor Emporium Arts and Craft Fair at Windsor Guildhall – 10am-4pm free entry.  Around 30 local craftsmen present their hand-produced work.
 
Sun 3 and Mon 4 June 2012
Windsor Vintage Market at the Windsor Royal Shopping http://lipstickandgearstick.com/article/windsor-royal-jubilee-vintage-market
 
Mon 4 June 2012
Ox Roast takes place in Bachelors Acre from midday until 6pm.  The Ox Roast is a traditional Jubilee celebration.
 
Tues 5 June 2012
FREE Hog Roast and paella tasters in Windsor Royal Shopping including 50s theme village market, vintage cars and live entertainment from lunchtime.

Royal Windsor Horse Show

Posted: Fri 25 May 2012 at 08:00

The family were thrilled at AWL’s invitation to the Windsor Horse Show.  Wellies on, tickets in hand, we walked along the river towards Home Park, soaking up the horsey atmosphere.  The ponies and tack were looking extra shiny in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee.  With jumps, dressage and carriage racing, our two year old daughter was in raptures.  The Berkshire Food Festival offered plenty of delicious pit stops and we ended the day watching the Italian Cavalry charging through the main arena to some fantastic live scoring- a great start to the weekend.  Thank you AWL for a great family outing, it was a nice reminder that Windsor does pageantry better than anyone!

We will be back next year.  Joe, Jen and Poppy x