Royal Windsor, Berkshire

Less than thirty miles west of London, Windsor and the Royal Borough combines centuries of history and heritage with today's healthy lifestyle.

Stylish hotels with new health and beauty spas have been developed here within easy reach of historic world class attractions such as Windsor Castle and Eton College. Absorb the region's rich heritage, indulge in pamper treatments or take part in a range of outdoor activities. If you prefer to relax, have fun, and watch others compete, there's also a wide choice of spectator events all year.

Find out more at the offical site for Royal Windsor here

Windsor Castle

Perhaps the best known heritage attraction is Windsor Castle; associated with British monarchy for nearly 1,000 years and one of three official residences of HM The Queen, it is the largest inhabited castle in the world covering some thirteen acres. A visit includes the State Apartments; the Castle Exhibition, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the Drawings Gallery, St George's Chapel and Albert Memorial Chapel.

Eton College

Also recognised around the world, Eton College was founded by Henry VI in 1440 to provide accommodation for 70 poor scholars who would then go onto King's College, Cambridge. Historic places to visit away from the main towns include Runnymede on the Banks of the Thames where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215 and Dorney Court, a beautiful Elizabethan manor near Maidenhead where the first pineapple was grown in England and presented to Charles II in 1661.

Shopping and Eating

The relatively recent Victorian train station in Windsor is now a major pedestrian shopping centre, Windsor Royal Shopping, with a mixture of famous designer outlets, craft stalls, cafés and bars. Yet for those seeking memorabilia of a bygone era there is a well-polished Victorian locomotive on display and the old booking hall is now the Royal Windsor Information Centre. Trains still run from here to London (via Slough), just as they did a hundred years ago.

For evening entertainment in character surroundings, Windsor's intimate Theatre Royal dates back to 1910. Audiences are often treated to new productions before they transfer to London's West End or tour the country, without the London price tag!

The Royal Borough's unique mixture of heritage and healthy living, combined with sophisticated shops, fine dining and nightlife endorses the area as being a select destination for those seeking an alternative escape from everyday pressures. Whether visitors simply want to relax and reflect, join in active sports or take in heritage attractions, the Royal Borough will ensure they return home renewed and revitalised.