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.

Diamond Jubilee Tribute

Posted: Mon 8 October 2012 at 10:26

ImageIt’s Jubilee fever all over again.  Tomorrow Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth will unveil Windsor’s Diamond Jubilee Tribute in Windsor town centre.  The sculpture was designed by competition winner Caroline Basra of Windsor Girls’ School and features 60 spheres spiralling upwards.  The prize-winning tribute will be placed on the pedestrian concourse between Top Shop and Daniels.

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

Red Arrows, Diamond Jubilee

Posted: Tue 22 May 2012 at 10:57

What a fabulous couple of weekends Windsor has had with the Windsor Horse Show and the Queens Diamond Jubilee.

Windsor Red ER Post Box

Posted: Wed 14 March 2012 at 12:52

Lovely shot of the Post Boxes outside Windsor Castle.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Posted: Wed 8 February 2012 at 13:11

 
Queen Elizabeth was born on 21st April 1926 in Mayfair, London and at the time third in line to the British throne after Edward, Prince of Wales and her father, The Duke of York.  She spent her earliest years at Whitelodge in Richmond Park before moving with her family to the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park at the age of 6.  Here Princess Elizabeth was presented with her own house called The Little Cottage which was given to her by the People of Wales.
 
When her grandfather, King George V died in 1936 her Uncle took the throne of England as King Edward VIII but within a year, and amidst much scandal he abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson who was a divorcee.  At this point Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, was crowned and Princess Elizabeth became next in line to the British throne.  Throughout her childhood years Princess Elizabeth was home schooled by her father on topics such as Politics and History to prepare her for the life she had ahead.  She was also educated on religion by The Arch Bishop of Canterbury.

During the Blitz Elizabeth and her family sought safety and refuge at Windsor Castle where they spent most of the War years.  Whilst the country was still recovering from the devastation caused by WWII Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip have now been married over 64 years and they have four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In the 1950s her father’s health began slowly deteriorating until his death on Wednesday, 6 February 1952. Elizabeth was in Kenya on a royal visit when she received the news and immediately flew back to England as the new Queen.  Her Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.  The procession was viewed by crowds of people and the ceremony was broadcast over the radio across the world.

During her reign Queen Elizabeth II has seen many changes in the world including the first man on the Moon, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the invention of modern television, mobile phones and internet.  She is an avid animal lover who has taken a keen interest in the breeding of both dogs and horses.  It is also less known that she has an interest in Scottish country dancing and performs each year at Balmoral Castle to neighbours, staff members and the local community.

The Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee, a milestone to mark the 50th year of her reign in 2002, and a large number of people threw street parties, garden parties and many other events to celebrate with her.   Now the country is looking forward to celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this summer to commemorate 60 years since her Coronation. The only other Monarch in British history to have celebrated their Diamond Jubilee is Queen Victoria who at the moment holds the title of longest ruling Monarch after her reign of 63 years.

The Diamond Jubilee Central Weekend takes place over four days in June 2012, celebrating 60 years of The Queen’s reign, see the diary of events below.

Saturday 2 June

The Epsom Derby

Sunday 3 June

The Big Jubilee Lunch

The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant

Monday 4 June

The Diamond Jubilee Concert

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons

Tuesday 5 June

Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral

See link for further information on events taking place during the Diamond Jubilee weekend http://www.bbc.co.uk/diamondjubilee/index.shtml

 

Windsor at the back of the Guildhall

Posted: Sat 7 January 2012 at 17:32

Windsor by Andy Blackwell Photography
Windsor, a photo by Andy Blackwell Photography on Flickr.

Lovely wintry shot of Windsor by Andy Blackwell

Top Ten Things to do in Windsor for FREE

Posted: Tue 4 October 2011 at 14:15

Days out and weekends away can be expensive, especially with the kids in tow, so we thought we’d have a look at how much you can do in Windsor for FREE.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD & WINDSOR GUILDHALL

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CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT WINDSOR

The Changing of the Guard is where the hustle and bustle is taking place late mornings (10.50 am). The parade which can include the Coldstream Guards, Grenadier Guards, Welsh Guards or occasionally the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment and accompanying band, is a real treat for visitors.  Lots of information on the guard change can be found on this website: Guard Change at Windsor

Our pick for best view is the Windsor Guildhall in the centre of town.  The site of many a famous wedding, including Prince Charles and Sir Elton John, the building has steps which will let you see over the crowds to get a good view.  While there, spend some time looking round the impressive building, first built in 1687 and completed by Sir Christopher Wren.  You will note that the four columns to the Guildhall do not touch the ceiling above – legend has it that Wren was told he needed to install supporting pillars but he did not agree – he had the last laugh by installing them but leaving a gap of a few inches above – so they do not support anything and are purely decorative!

 

THE LONG WALK TO THE COPPER HORSE

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The 2.64 miles of stunning, Elm tree lined walk leads from the doorstep of the Castle to the top of Snow Hill, which has the most amazing views over Windsor. At the top of the hill is the copper statue of King George III on horseback.  The legend has it that King Henry VIII sat at the top of this hill waiting for news of the execution of his second wife, Anne Boleyn.

This is a fantastic walk and is popular with tourists and locals alike.  On the way back you can stop off for a glass of something cool at the wonderful Two Brewers pub located at the Castle gates on Park Street.

ROYAL WINDSOR (WINDOW) SHOPPING

 The Royal Windsor shopping area is largely covered and built on the site of the 100 year old railway station right in the centre of town.  It boasts an array of top retail brands and chic cafes for a great combination of shopping and relaxing.  You can plan what to buy after pay day!

FULL SIZED REPLICAS

hawker hurricane at Windsor, serviced apartments windsor, accommodation windsor ltdWindsor is home to two exquisite full-sized replicas in and around the town. First is the steam locomotive, set in Windsor and Eton Central train station.  This is a full size replica of the steam engine that pulled the Royal Train of Queen Victoria between Windsor and London.

 

The other is the Hawker Hurricane, the legendary WWII Fighter plane – a memorial to Windsor resident Sir Sydney Camm. Both are impressive in their own right and are in great locations. The Hawker Hurricane is along Barry Avenue by the river near the mini golf at Alexandra Gardens.

VISIT ST JOHN’S CHURCH

St Johns Church Windsor

St. Johns Parish Church is located in the centre of town just along the High Street from the Castle.  Built in a medieval style in 1822 this grand church contains the Royal Borough’s war memorial to the fallen soldiers of the Second World War and a spectacular painting of the Last Supper.  All are welcome to the parish church and it is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.

The church has a great 360 image of the inside on their website here: Parish Church Windsor

 

 

 

Windsor Swans

FEED THE SWANS

Feeding the swans is an activity which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and there is certainly no lack of swans to feed at Windsor Bridge.  We strongly recommend that you purchase a bag of swan feed from the food stall located near the Bridge as opposed to feeding them bread.  This is because swans and ducks don’t get any nutritional value from bread as much as they might love it!  There is a safe area to feed the swans and this is usually a very popular spot for tourists with young children or for photo opportunities as the best place to feed them is by Windsor Bridge – a footbridge that takes you over to Eton.  This bridge was closed to vehicles back in 1970 due to cracks in the ironwork that were caused by constant heavy traffic.

It is possible to drive to Eton from Windsor – you just have to take the long way round!

EXPLORE WINDSOR GREAT PARK

WINDSOR GREAT PARKThis beautiful and vast open space provides the perfect setting for picnics, ball games, kite flying and cycling – you can bring your dog too.

ALEXANDRA GARDENS

Take a picnic along to Alexandra Gardens where you can relax in a beautiful setting with a perfect view of the castle, kick-back and enjoy the Windsor Wheel gently revolving in the summer season or watch the ice-skaters throughout the winter months.

QUEENS WALKWAY

The Queens Walkway is a sixty-four-stop walking tour in and around Windsor. The route is marked by Gunmetal Plaques with the Queen’s Seal on. The tour will take you around some of the spots we have on our list and a whole lot more and includes a guide with interesting information about each of the stops.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/241361_156d2f735e6f4bb4b23569f22f2df206.pdf

(credit to The Outdoor Trust, Commonwealth walkways)

ETON WALKWAY AND MUSEUMS

Like the Queens Walkway, the Eton Walkway is a walking tour around the historic town, home to one of England’s most famous and prestigious school.  This tour takes you through the town showing off the eclectic range of architecture, the remarkable individual pieces of the school

WALK ALONG THE WINDSOR TRAIL 

Enjoy an easy stroll along the River Thames Path in either direction from the Castle to see some wonderful countryside and historic locks and towns.  Walking from Windsor to Old Windsor offers wonderful views of the Castle and provides the opportunity to explore Datchet on the way.  Keep going past Old Windsor to Runnymede to see where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215.

WINDSOR CASTLE

jubilee fountain windsor castle

Residents of Windsor can enjoy unlimited free entry to Windsor Castle with their Advantage Cards.  Non-residents who don’t want to pay to enter can still enjoy walking around the outside of the Castle where it meets the High Street with lots of lovely photo opportunities.

If you are feeling flush and would like to buy Windsor Castle Tickets please click on the link! Although not free Windsor Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK.  We get a small commission from the sale of Windsor Castle tickets which helps us to maintain this and other free sites like Royal-Windsor.com where you can find suggestions on places to eat in Windsor and places to stay – from bed and breakfasts to Windsor Hotels.

Thanks for reading!