Windsor

This last weekend, my man and I headed over to Windsor for the day. Yes, Windsor where the Queen's favorite castle is.

We spent most of the day at the Windsor Leisure Center, playing in the pool. See, with the weather here, there are very pools outside. If you want to go swimming, one must travel to visit a leisure center. These are usually a combination of swimming pool, spa, and gym. Some, like this one, also have a wave pool and water slides. Think of a very miniature Wet'n'Wild. Nothing amazing, but nonetheless fun.

Of course, it was a blast for me, being the big kid I am. When they turned the waves on, everyone went to the sides of the pool, or to the shallow end, so they didn't have to fight the waves. Me? I treaded water in the deep end, closed my eyes, and pretended I was back in Florida (with slightly less salt in the water). 

After a few hours, we couldn't handle the chlorine anymore (seriously people, dial it down a notch) and headed into Windsor.

When I mention Windsor, the area I am referring to is technically called "New Windsor". There is an "Old Windsor" 2 miles to the south, which is apparently 300 years older, but still only a village.

The age of the city of Windsor is unknown, though they know that it existed some time before 1066- because that is when the castle was built. It is currently the home to a little more than 26,000 people, and is one of Englands greatest tourist areas.

The main reason for the tourism here is Windsor Castle. It is the longest-occupied castle in Europe, and also the largest inhabited in the world- 500 people live in and work in it!

It is the Queen's favorite castles, which is evident in the picture above. The United Kingdom flag raised is the sign that the Queen is currently in residence!

The tourist's gate into the castle

Interestingly enough, while the Queen loves Windsor, apparently the Princes are not to keen on it. The only reason they ever stayed at Windsor is because of the bustling nightlife opportunities that surround it. My man used to go out in Windsor, and he remembers seeing Harry out and about many times! (No, he never drank with him. But he swears he saw them).

The north side of the castle, looking over the Thames River.

Thank you, Wikipedia, for this wonderful picture

To the north of the castle is the Thames River. The west, the city of Windsor. The south and east border the Queen's lands, Windsor Great Park.

Now, to be completely honest, there aren't a huge number of things to do in Windsor. Other than Windsor Castle and Windsor Great park, the main places of interest are Legoland Windsor, the Thames River, and the nightlife. The city is very touristy, but nice. Think of New York, divided by 12. Lots of shops and restaurants, but all within a small area. Outside the main area is the much calmer lifestyle that is frequently associated with English life.  Windsor is definitely a place you should visit when in England, but you will not need more than a day to do it. Have a picnic in the Great Park, explore the Castle, and have dinner in a restaurant over looking the Thames.