Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend with a trip to Windsor
WINDSOR’S Royal history, river walks and slap-up meals make for a majestic break, says Acting Lifestyle Editor Emma Ledger.
Find out how she got on during her weekend staycation.
Visit the Magic castle
What better place to visit to mark the Queen’s historic reign than the place she calls home?
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has since been the home of 39 monarchs.
Year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations include daily events for kids, live music and a display of the Queen’s 1953 coronation dress and robe.
Don’t miss Queen Mary’s epic doll’s house, complete with electricity and running water, and take your time to enjoy the immaculate grounds.
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Entry costs £26.50 for adults, £17.50 for 18-24 year olds, kids are £14.70 and under-5s go free (Rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle).
Sleep like a princess
A literal stone’s throw from Liz’s pad is Castle Hotel Windsor.
Dating back to the 16th century, this elegant Georgian building has beautiful, plant-filled decor.
Bedrooms are big and modern – from some you can even watch Changing the Guard, which takes place every day during the summer months and sees them march up the high street and into the castle playing their brass instruments.
Start your day right with the hotel’s enormous breakfast buffet, piled high with pastries, fresh fruit, artisan breads, thick-cut local cold meats and everything you’d hope to find in the cooked breakfast of your dreams.
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Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly and attentive staff, who will have you feeling like royalty.
Double rooms cost from £145 per night, including breakfast (Castlehotelwindsor.com)
Meet Lego Lizzie
If you’re travelling with little ones – or you developed a lockdown Lego obsession – the marvellous Legoland is just 10 minutes’ drive away.
From the giant dinosaur overlooking the park, to the option of hurtling down slides rather than plodding down stairs, everything here is geared towards fun.
The iconic model scenes from around the world – which feature almost 40 million colourful bricks – include the London Eye, Times Square, the Taj Mahal and, of course, a Lego-brick tribute to Windsor Castle.
There are brilliant, colourful rides suitable for all ages from toddlers up, a huge adventure playground, and if the sun’s out, make sure you bring your swimmers for the Splash Safari water park.
Tickets cost from £32 – make sure you book in advance online for the best deals.
Kids under 90cm go free (Legoland.co.uk).
Make time for tea
The Jubilee afternoon tea at Castle Hotel Windsor is a truly indulgent spread of favourites, including coronation chicken wraps, smoked salmon pinwheels, cupcakes, macarons and freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream – plus bottomless cups of tea – £30 per person.
HM would surely approve.
Stroll along the swan-filled River Thames, enjoying the little boats moored under gorgeous weeping willows.
Once you feel peckish again, head to local favourite Giggling Squid for a Thai banquet fit for a queen.
The salt and pepper squid, £7.50, is the stuff of legend, while standout mains include sticky chicken, £11.99, and lamb shank massaman curry, £13.50.
There’s also a kids’ menu, plus totally tropical cocktails to toast a thoroughly enjoyable weekend (Gigglingsquid.com).
FYI
When Hitler was plotting to invade Britain during WW2, it’s said he forbade his bombers from targeting Windsor Castle, because he wanted to claim it for his home.
