down by the Riverside

Considering I was at Buckingham Palace a couple of months ago, it seemed logical to complete the local duo and visit Windsor Castle.

It is easy to get to via a slow train from Waterloo or a fast one from Victoria. Waterloo being closer to home I chose the slow train and 90 minutes later (to cover a 45 minute distance) I was disembarking at Windsor and Eton Riverside Station and started my stroll up the hill to the Castle.

The day wasn’t perfect… slightly overcast and coolish (the first hint of the approaching winter was in the air) but is wasn’t raining and the slightly drab scene suited the castle and kept the tourists away.

As with Buckingham Palace, the tour is via a very well presented audio guide and takes you through the various areas of the castle open to the public… the most spectacular are the state rooms, St George's Hall and semi-staterooms. The latter having been restored after the fire a few years ago.

An unexpected highlight (especially for a guy) is Queen Mary’s Dolls house. It is far from being a dolls house and is in effect a scale model of a 19th century mansion. The house is about 6 feet high and completely furnished, even containing miniature, original, paintings on the walls. It is fascinating, and requires a lot more the few minutes you have, looking at it!

The tour also takes in St George's Chapel with its most magnificent ceiling. Alas, like Buckingham Palace, the Queen was not at home when I visited. I am starting to feel she is avoiding me!