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Travel details as below for Windsor, with a bus service to the park (approx 2
miles from the town centre) that operates near to both stations. Special LEGOLAND tickets are
available from most mainland stations which include admission to the attraction, plus rail and
shuttle bus travel. Opening
Times, Admission: £35 adults, £26 children/senior citizens, Website: www.legoland.co.uk
Although by no means the cheapest option for a family outing, LEGOLAND Windsor
is nonetheless a superb attraction for younger children, especially those familiar with the current
LEGO range. The park itself is set in 150 acres of parkland and contains more than 50 interactive
rides, building workshops and cinematic/live shows. Of course Miniland, which contains detailed
LEGO models of famous landmarks within the British Isles and Europe is the park's principal draw,
although rides such as Pirate Falls, Space Tower and Extreme Team Challenge all provide sound fun
for kids. However, it's educational and imaginative attractions where LEGOLAND gets a firm "thumbs
up". FreeStyle Workshops allow young imaginations to run wild, while Technic Garage (which is
designed for older children) offers insight into the reasons behind mechanical advances such as car
suspensions. Of course, there are plenty of food and rest areas in which to take lunch or, if you
prefer, the cheaper option of a picnic. N.B. LEGOLAND gets extremely busy at weekends and during
school holidays.
Windsor Castle and other Local Attractions
Located 20 miles west of London, Windsor can be reached by rail from Waterloo
(South West trains run every 30 mins) or Paddington via Slough (Thames Train services every 25 mins
to Slough, 2-3 trains per hour between Slough and Windsor), Official Borough Website: www.windsor.gov.uk, for the Official Windsor
Castle Website Click here
Most famously associated with Windsor Castle and (more recently) the LEGOLAND theme park, Windsor
and Eton boasts a rich and proud history with a royal association dating back over 1000 years. As a
favoured daytrip from London throughout the year, the surrounding area not only features the
attractive wide open space of Windsor Great Park but Frogmore House, the Windsor Guildhall and
Britain's most prestigious public school; Eton College.
Getting there is easy too as the town has two train stations; namely Windsor
and Eton Riverside (which serves trains from Waterloo every half-hour) and Windsor and Eton Central
which serves trains from Paddington via Slough. Visitors should note, however, that arrivals and
departures must be made from the same station as return tickets are not interchangeable.
Originally established by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor Castle first
began life as a small fortification just a few miles down river from the former Saxon Royal Palace
at Kingsbury (in old Windsor). Strategically the area made for a sound choice, primarily as it
offered excellent vantage points over lower-lying land, enjoyed good connections with London via
the Thames and was also just a day's march from the city. Additionally, nearby Windsor Forest
provided plenty of opportunity for both William and latter-day monarchs to practice their hunting
skills.
However, by the early 13th century much of the castle's original wooden
structure had decayed, suffering also from damage sustained during battle (in particular the siege
of 1193 when Richard I's younger brother John attempted to take the Crown). It was actually Henry
II who developed the site further, with the king's grandson Henry III adding a curtain wall and
extending the castle beyond its original Norman boundaries. Having been fortified and enlarged
considerably over the centuries, George IV is credited for the look of today's castle which
incorporates the sturdy Round Tower at its heart.
Of course, any visit to the castle is not complete without a visit to the
State Apartments and Queen Mary's Dolls House - the latter being designed by the famous architect
Edwin Lutyens which took over three years to complete.
The apartments themselves have now been fully restored following a serious
fire in 1992 that left many completely gutted. Originally designed for Charles II, the displays,
which now include fine art pieces and furniture, attract in excess of one million visitors each
year. Highlights include the Waterloo Chamber, which was commissioned following the defeat of
Napoleon, the King's dining room (decorated with wooden sculptures by Grinling Gibbons, who is also
responsible for work at St Michael's Church in Ludgate, Hampton Court and Petworth House) and St.
George's Hall, which has been used by successive monarchs for ceremonial banquets.
Elsewhere, the impressive St. George's Chapel, complete with fan-vaulted
ceiling, serves as the Chapel of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and, as such, is the last
resting place for sovereigns including Henry VIII, George V and Queen Mary. Taking some 50 years to
complete, this elaborate memorial chamber stands as a wonderfully fitting example of English Gothic
architecture. Interestingly, the adjoining Albert Memorial Chapel was converted by Queen Victoria
from a much earlier original design by Cardinal Wolsey to serve as a Memorial to her husband Prince
Albert (who died prematurely in 1861). Up until March 24th 2002, visitors to the castle will also
have the privilege of seeing George IV's semi-state rooms. Still used today by the Queen and other
members of the royal family for official engagements, they remain a fine example of the pomp and
splendour associated with the British monarchy.
Windsor town centre itself is a busy mix of cobbled streets containing
tourist, antique and high-street shops, together with a wide variety of boutiques, restaurants and
pubs. Both the High Street and Thames Street play host to shops more obviously geared towards
souvenir hunters, while further afield Peascod Street and St. Leornards Road contain mainstream
outlets and eateries.
Also worthy of attention is the town's impressive Guildhall, which was
designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1687. Local historians will tell you that the building's
original design was initially rejected by the town's authorities (on safety grounds) whereupon they
subsequently insisted that additional line columns be inserted into the supporting structure. Of
course Wren, who was confident in the integrity of his original plans was forced to comply,
although it didn't stop him from ensuring that the extra columns were built an inch short of the
Guildhall's ceiling (so as to prove his point in the most subtle way possible).
Further afield, Windsor Great Park is an ideal spot for a pleasant picnic or
gentle stroll during the summer. Comprising of over 4800 acres of parkland, it originally served as
a popular hunting ground, thanks mainly to plentiful supplies of deer and wild boar. The Long Walk,
which connects the park to the town centre, gives free public access although the nearby Savill
Garden is by paid admission only.
Two other attractions well-worth seeking out are Frogmore House (which dates
back to the late 17th century) and the world famous Eton College; situated just across the bridge
at the end of Thames Avenue in Windsor. Set in picturesque gardens, Frogmore House was originally
bought for Queen Charlotte, who promptly set about converting it into a royal retreat with the help
of James Wyatt. Later used by the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary, it remains a
peaceful spot in which to escape from the hustle and bustle of Windsor High Street. However, as the
mansion is only open for a few days each year, a visit here should be planned well in advance.
Eton College, which is open between March and October, has served to educate
both the aristocracy and establishment, boasting 18 former Prime Minister's, Prince William (and
currently) Prince Harry within its roll-call. Although founded by Henry VI to provide free
education to poor scholars and choristers, it has since become one of the most exclusive (and
expensive) schools in the world. Visits here, which last approximately one hour (for the short
tour), take in the 500 year-old College Chapel, The Cloisters, School Yard and Museum of Eton
life.
Wimbledon Village and Town Centre, Merton Abbey
Mills
Located in the London Borough of Merton, Wimbledon is easily reached by Tube
(on the District Line) and by rail from Waterloo. The 93 bus serves both Wimbledon Village and
South Wimbledon (running between Putney Bridge and North Cheam) while the 219 operates between
Wimbledon and Clapham, Official Website: www.merton.gov.uk
Every June tennis fans the world over flock to SW19 to savour the action at the All-England
Championships. Inevitably they end up scoffing far too many strawberries, buying souvenir T-shirts
and, of course, enjoying the delights of Wimbledon town centre! Although in the 70s and 80s the
merits of central Wimbledon were few and far between (1001 shoe shops and seemingly little else) a
modern shopping centre has since opened - the unimaginatively named, but pleasant Centre Court
- along with even more recent retail/leisure units which include a new 12 screen cinema.
Visitors are, however, likely to find more reward by checking out the more
historic parts of the town. For example, The Wimbledon Windmill (www.wpcc.org.uk) situated on the common, is a fine example of a 19th-century
"hollow post mill". Part of the building is also devoted to an interesting museum which displays
models of various types of windmill and the traditional machinery used, as well as explaining the
basics of flour grinding.
Back at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, the in-house museum explores the
history of tennis and the development of the modern game. With a comprehensive collection of
rackets, balls and displays showing just how the rules of the game (and dimensions of the courts)
have changed, it's a fascinating exhibit for adults and children alike.
In Wimbledon Village (situated just a short walk up Wimbledon Hill from the
town centre), you'll find a good selection of speciality food stores, upmarket eateries and trendy
boutiques. In addition, the Village benefits from a number of decent pubs. The Rose and Crown is a
charming English pub (dating back to the 17th century and frequented in the past by the likes of
Oliver Reed) which has a neat little outdoor area, while the nearby Dog and Fox pub incorporates a
stables to the rear from where horses can be hired for a ride around the common. A little further
afield (on the edge of Wimbledon Common) you'll find two Young's pubs; the Crooked Billet and Hand
in Hand, while the Fox and Grapes is another local favourite. Also just a short walk away is the
beautiful Cannizaro Park, which now houses a luxury Thistle Hotel within Cannizaro House.
Finally, if you venture down to South Wimbledon and Colliers Wood you'll find
Merton Abbey Mills. Located in a former silk printing works on the banks of the river
Wandle, the
craft village incorporates some charming specialist shops, along with a pub, pizza restaurant and
tea house. What's more, craft and antique markets are held here all year round.
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