The Monarch's river

A thousand years of royal favour have made Windsor truly unique. No-one could ever overlook its magnificent castle, the largest occupied castle in the world which has served as a royal palace and fortress for nine hundred years. Its mighty walls, towers and turrets dominate the centre of the town, looking down over the medieval Guildhall and small streets now busy with elegant shops and restaurants, set beside a broad sweep of the River Thames. Across the river is Eton High Street with its treasure trove of shops offering everything from antiques and collectors' items to haute couture, all springing from the presence of the Eton College which was founded here in 1440. While visitors love to exclaim at the sumptuous interiors of the castle or take a tour of the world-famous college, Windsor also offers lots of fresh air attractions. Open top bus tours and carriage rides are always popular and seasonal favourites include passenger boat trips on the Thames and race meetings at Windsor and nearby Ascot. One of the greatest treats is Windsor Great Park, created for Henry I around 1100. Its 14,000 acres provide many public areas of lovely woodlands and open grasslands and incorporate some well-known attractions such as 35-acre Savill Garden or Frogmore House and the mausoleum where Queen Victoria is buried, which is open periodically throughout the year. Within a stroll of the town centre, the three-mile Long Walk is always a delight. Charles II commenced it by planting its distinctive double row of trees and Queen Anne added the road which now runs between them. The Copper Horse, a statue of George III on horseback was added in the 19th century on Snowshill, where Henry VIII is said to have stood awaiting the sound of gunfire from The Round Tower that signalled the death of Anne Boleyn.

Your country escape

Leads out of Windsor on a peaceful stretch of the Thames Path National Trail, through ancient river and meadow landscapes remote from the bustle of the town. From Windsor town centre, follow the footbridge over the Thames to picturesque Eton then take the first left into Brocas Street (stopping perhaps at The Waterman's Arms) to reach the Thames Path. Walking through The Brocas meadows, in the care of Eton College, you'll soon see Brunel's superb "bow and string" railway bridge, the oldest wrought iron bridge still in service. Look back for more magnificent views of Windsor Castle before passing under the road bridge, where a "kink" in the river marks your approach to Windsor Racecourse on the opposite bank. Take a seat to watch the boats go by, with eyes peeled for the bright flash of kingfishers or the ringed parakeets that are often spotted along this stretch. Walk on through South Field, skirting Eton Wick to reach Boveney Lock and weir and beyond them lovely St Mary Magdalene church, built for working bargemen and now in romantic isolation at the water's edge. For the return leg, either retrace your steps along the Thames Path or take Salter Steamers' scenic boat ride back from Boveney Lock, which operates on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 23rd May to 20th September. For a circular walk, turn inland at the lock onto the Lock Path then follow Boveney Road across part of Dorney Common to the main road. Turn left here to Dorney village and its Tudor Manor House, Dorney Court, or turn right to follow Common Road towards the welcoming pubs of Eton Wick. The same road will bring you in to Eton; at the traffic lights at the end of Keate's Lane, turn right into Eton High Street to re-cross the bridge to Windsor.

Fact file

Distance to Boveney 2 miles; circular walk 5 miles; 1 hour & 2 ½ hours. Signposted from Eton to Boveney with the Thames Path National Trail acorn symbol. Easy, level access along the Thames Path. Returning by boat: Salter Steamers run services between Boveney and Windsor, Tues & Weds, 23rd May - 20 Sept; French Brothers run Windsor - Boveney round trips, daily Feb - Oct and weekends Oct - Dec, weather permitting. For details see www.visitthames.co.uk

To complete your break, dip into the attractions and activities on and around the River Thames and the Thames Path National Trail near Windsor and further afield. For information on how to enjoy the River Thames see www.visitthames.co.uk; for information about the Thames Path see www.nationaltrail.co.uk or call 01865 810224

Tourist Information Centre
Windsor
24 High Street,
Windsor.
Tel: 01753 743900.
Email: Windsor.tic@rbwn.gov.uk
Website: www.windsor.gov.uk
Travel by train to: Windsor and Eton Riverside.

Cliveden (National Trust)
Taplow,
Maidenhead,
Buckinghamshire
SL6 0JA
Tel: 01628 605069; 01494 755562 (Infoline)
Fax: 01628 669461
Email: cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Cliveden's Grade I Listed gardens and woodlands are set around an Italianate mansion, the former Thames-side home of socialite millionaires, the "fabulous Astors". Open: Estate & Gardens March - Dec; House (parts only) April - Oct; Woodlands all year.