We travelled to Windsor to visit the famous Windsor Castle with our 12-year-old Kidsetter. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs.
Henry I was the first monarch to use the castle as a primary residence.
It was an exceptionally cold day for us in Windsor. We lined up in an outside queue to view Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Thankfully the queue moved fairly quickly. The doll’s house was built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, wife of George V.
From life below stairs to the high society setting of the saloon and dining room, from a library bursting with original works by the top literary names of the day, to a fully stocked wine cellar and a garden, no detail was forgotten.
The house even includes electricity, running hot and cold water and working lifts. Each room is fully furnished.
Next, we visited St George’s Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle. One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England.
Within the Chapel are the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, George VI, King George VI, Henry VI, Henry VIII, Charles I and Edward VII.
Next, we visited the State Apartments. These magnificent rooms are used by the monarch and members of the Royal Family to entertain guests. St George’s Hall is where splendid banquets are held.
It has over 1,000 rooms and houses a substantial portion of the Royal Collection, including furniture, paintings and armour. Unfortunately you not allowed to take photos inside the Castle due to security.
It was time for lunch with family friends at a local Turkish restaurant called Antalya. The food and service were ok, however thankfully the main attraction was catching up with our lovely friends.
Windsor began as a Saxon village. After the Saxons founded the settlement it grew into a town because of it’s position by a river. In those days it was expensive to transport goods by land, it was cheaper to transport them by river.
Medieval Windsor was run by an official called a bailiff, on behalf of the King. In 1212 the people of Windsor were ordered to provide 10 armoured men to serve the King. During the 13th century, Windsor grew in size and importance.
Windsor is stunning city to visit for Kidsetter’s at any age. The ambience is festive and exudes a palpable historic vibe.
