I had a bit of a crappy week last week, so when my parents suggested that we convene somewhere outside of London for the day on Saturday, I couldn't say yes fast enough. Usually I end up driving back to Bournemouth, or they come here and we all go into Central, so it was nice to do something a little different.
We ended up meeting in Windsor. I'd never been there before, it's only a thirty minute drive from my flat, but it couldn't have felt farther from the London smog. When you look past the Wagamama, the Starbucks, the Nandos and the Yo Sushi, you can see that Windsor still has a lot of 'typical' old English village charm. I'd actually quite like to go back there just to go shopping, there was quite a lot there!
It seemed only right to go round the castle while we were there. The flag was flying high on the Round Tower so apparently the Queen was in, Windsor is her usual weekend residence, so this isn't unusual! Strange feeling to be getting a tour of the Queen's house while she's in. Kept expecting to find her in a throne in a corner doing some knitting.
If you ever find yourself at Windsor Castle, I'd definitely recommend picking up the audio guide, we all agreed we'd have missed a lot had we not picked them up on the way in (they are included in the ticket price), since there's not really any information about. We were able to go around the grounds, in the chapel and the State apartments, but you weren't actually able to take photos inside any of the buildings so I can't show you guys that, but it was really impressive! Also, if you get your ticket stamped on the way out, you can re-enter for free for the next year, so if you're local you get a good deal out of the ticket price!
When we left the castle it was hammering it down with rain and we were all starving, so we popped into the first place we saw, The Harte & Garter Hotel for lunch. Other than the eye-watering bill at the end of the meal, it was fab, all the food was delicious, and it was just really nice to have a leisurely three courses and a bottle of wine with my parents, we've never done that before!
I'd love to go back again, we had to rush through the church since it was closing early for a service, and whilst I'm not religious, churches fascinate me. This one was probably the most beautiful church I've ever seen!
We did wander round the town after but because the weather was so bad I didn't snap any photos and we ended up sat in the car having a chat, making the most of the extortionate parking fees! It was just lovely to get out of London, and spend time with my parents!
