Windsor Walk: A Royal Stroll Through History & Charm

#westerneurope Windsor isn’t just a town—it’s a **storybook escape** where cobbled lanes, castle turrets, and the lazy River Thames weave together England’s most regal day out. This **easy 2-mile loop** serves up royal grandeur, quirky alleys, and riverside serenity—no carriage required. ### **The Route: Fit for a Queen (or King!)** 🏰 **Start at Windsor Castle Gates** – Gaze up at the **Round Tower** where royal standards flutter (if the Queen’s in residence!). Snap the iconic **Long Walk** vista—a tree-lined avenue stretching into the distance. 🛍️ **Church Lane & Crooked House** – Duck into this fairy-tale alley, where the **15th-century Crooked House** (now a tea shop) leans drunkenly over cobbles. Pop into **Cambridge Gate Antiques** for vintage treasures. ⛵ **Thames Path Detour** – Stroll past **Eton Bridge** toward the river, watching swans glide by. Stop at **The Boatman** pub for a pint by the water—their **Scotch eggs** are legendary. 🎓 **Eton College** – Cross the bridge to peek at the **14th-century schoolyard** where princes and PMs studied. Don’t miss the **Eton High Street’s** old-school sweet shops. 🌹 **Back via Windsor Guildhall** – This **17th-century town hall** (with pillars allegedly misdesigned by Christopher Wren) hosts quirky exhibits. End at **Queen Charlotte’s Cottage** for a scone in the castle’s shadow. ### **Secret Spots & Tips:** - **Changing of the Guard**: Catch it at 11am (Tuesday-Saturday) for pomp without London’s crowds. - **The Two Brewers**: Windsor’s tiniest pub, hidden near the castle’s walls—**Henry VIII** supposedly drank here. - **Avoid Mondays**: Many shops close when the castle’s State Apartments are shut. **Why It’s Perfect:** ✅ **Compact & flat** (pram/wheelchair-friendly) ✅ **Royal + local flavor** ✅ **Tea rooms galore** (try **The Crooked House**’s clotted cream treats) **Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)** "A walk where history whispers from every gabled roof and riverside bench." *Detour Idea: Walk 1 mile to **Dorney Court**—a Tudor manor with gardens straight out of *Pride and Prejudice*.* 🌿🏡