Tag Archives: Queen Victoria

Royalty at its Finest at Windsor Castle

Our tour bus arrived in the regal town of Windsor and parked near the train station before we stumbled out into the winter chill.  Located thirty miles west of London, Windsor Castle overlooks the fertile Berkshire landscape of England and its battlements can be seen from miles around.  One of three magnificent residences of London’s royal family, Windsor Castle, has been inhabited by the rulers of England for nearly a millennium.

Our guide directed us to an upstairs shopping center with coffee shops, cafes and shopping boutiques crowded with visitors from the morning tour of the castle.  Couples sitting across from each other at intimate tables designed for two were enjoying a bite to eat while discussing their plans for what remained of the day.   I found myself desperately trying to keep up with the tour, winding through a maze of strangers until I was deposited at the opposite end of the Windsor Royal Shops located across the street from the royal residence.

The cobblestone streets led to an unexpected view of the castle.  The muted colors of the grey sarsen stone and deep red wooden accents have, over the years, replaced William the Conqueror’s original castle built in 1080.   Today, it is the official residence of the Queen of England and is hailed as Britain’s oldest continually inhabited royal home.   Atop of one of the towers was a  tiny clock with a black face and golden Roman numerals preparing us for the start of the next tour.

William built the fortress to guard London against enemies approaching from the west.  Small slits at the base of each tower protected the castle’s defenders as they shot arrows toward invaders who dared to attempt an attack.

Advancing towards the entrance to Windsor Castle, we noticed brick buildings and pastel covered storefronts ahead housing a museum, banks, shops and pubs with fish and chips.  A bronze statue of Queen Victoria stood in the center of Peascod Street where we made a left.  Up a mild slope, reaching a small set of stairs, we happened upon the ticket counter designated for groups and took our place in line.

Within minutes, we were shackled with wrist bands and audio tour devices.  We departed the waiting area where we were met with more cobblestone streets and an archway that pointed us in the direction of the castle.

Recognized as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle includes 1,000 rooms.  I learned that the castle has been home to eight successive royal houses and was the primary childhood home of Queen Elizabeth II and considers it her favorite residence.  My entrance fee allowed me access to the grounds of the castle as well as the staterooms, Queen Mary’s Doll House display and St. George’s Chapel.  During my visit, I would have the opportunity to tour the Great Kitchen, witness the Changing of the Guard and explore the various monarch tombs in the chapel.

Before arranging the logistics to my tour to Windsor Castle, I learned that my cousin, Jim Ambuske, PhD was honored as one of the few American historians selected to review the historical documents of King George III.   He was incredibly helpful with a list of shops and pubs to visit while I was in Windsor.  Queen Elizabeth II had recently announced that she would allow access to these precious artifacts which included letters, journal entries and personal belongings of the King.   King George III reigned over Britain from 1760 to 1820 and made vast improvements to Windsor Castle transforming it into its current picturesque “Gothic” style, Georgian architecture.  I pictured my cousin sitting in the Round Tower reviewing documents and private royal possessions that had been locked away in the Royal Archives for over 200 years.

During the audio tour, I enjoyed learning many interesting facts about Windsor Castle, its history and the royal families that have lived here nearly 1,000 years.  The land on which the castle stands was once owned by Harold Godwinson who used the land as a hunting ground.  The original castle stood on a 50 foot motte, an artificial hill of dirt where the castle was built and had a 13 acre bailey, a courtyard located within the walls of the castle.  Where the Round Tower stands today, William constructed a wooden keep located at the castle’s most central location acting as its inner stronghold.

Many kings at Windsor Castle have contributed to the expansion and renovations of the castle resulting in the magnificent architectural beauty that remains today.

In 1347, Edward III began a major rebuilding program to expand the castle but it was Charles II’s 130,000 pound restoration that would include the addition of new state apartments, and alterations to St. George’s Hall and the King’s Chapel.    What remains of Charles II’s 1670s renovations can be seen in the King’s Dining Room and in the Queen’s Presence and Audience Changes.  My favorite addition to the castle’s landscape are the beautiful elms of the Long Walk, a 3-mile route that begins at the south entrance of the Castle to Windsor Great Park.

George III enlarges the Queen’s Lodge, George IV employs the assistance of Sir Jeffry Wyatville for another remodel project and Edward VII brings electricity to the castle in the early 20th century.  

Passing through the King Henry VIII gate, is one of the most significant additions to the castle, St. George’s Chapel.  Founded by Edward IV in 1475, this gorgeous Gothic structure was completed by Henry VIII in 1528 and would become the burial place for no less than 10 monarchs.

St. George’s Chapel was built as a burial chamber for Edward IV to replace the former house of worship, built on the premises.  Most visitors will agree that it is one of the most fascinating examples of late Gothic architecture and is a highlight of one’s visit to Windsor Castle.

Approaching the entrance to St. George’s Chapel, my eyes are drawn to the pinnacles above the flying buttresses.  The seventy-six carved figures are the Queen’s Beasts, representing the Royal Supporters of England.  These animal statues include the lion of England, the red dragon of Wales, the panther of Jane Seymour, the falcon of York, the black bull of Clarence, the yale of Beaufort, the white lion of Mortimer, the greyhound of Richmond the white hart of Richard II, the silver antelope of Bohun, the black dragon of Ulster, the white swan of Hereford, the unicorn of Edward II and the golden hind of Kent.

Inside, the windows allow the light to illuminate the marble floors and the luxurious artwork covering the walls.  The highlights of my visit include the West Window with stained glass images of 75 saints, popes and royal family  members, the tomb of Henry VIII and the brilliant multi-dimensional architecture of the chapel’s ceiling, displaying the Banners of the Knights of the Garter.

The first Round Tower of Windsor Castle was built of wood by William the Conqueror atop the Norman motte.  Offering spectacular views of the River Thames, it was the perfect outpost for the defense of the castle.  The current stone structure of the Round Tower was built by Henry II in 1170 and today houses the Royal Archives and Photographic Collection.

In 2011, the Round Tower was open to the public for tours, having been closed to visitors since 1975.  For a limited time in the summer months, the “Conquer the Tower” tour includes a visit to the cannonade at the base of the tower which was an added defense for the castle during Medieval times.  Ticket holders will be able to climb the 200 steps to the top of the Round Tower for a spectacular view of the London skyline and a close up view of the flagpole which displays the Royal Standard when the Queen is in residence or the Union Flag when she is not.

Located on the Upper Ward of Windsor Castle, surrounding the upper bailey, are the State Apartments and private apartments of the Royal Family.  Known for their exquisite interiors, these rooms were renovated by Charles II to rival the gorgeous quarters of King Louis XIV’s Versailles.  The King’s Dining Room, the Queen’s Presence Chamber and Audience Chamber are what remain of Charles II’s contribution to the Apartments, where ceilings were painted by Antonio Verrio and wood carvings created by Grinling Gibbons.

Queen Elizabeth took on the transformation of Windsor Castle’s State Apartments including St. George’s Hall after a devastating fire in 1992.  While some areas were restored to their original magnificence, the Octagon Dining Room, Lantern Lobby and St. George’s Hall were renovated to reflect the Queen’s preferences.

I was so excited to explore my final exhibit on my tour of Windsor Castle, Queen Mary’s Doll House.  Designed by Sir Edwin Luutyens in 1924, this exquisite dollhouse is the largest, most extravagant, most famous dollhouse in the world.  Built in the Palladian style, the house represented an Edwardian townhouse with running water, electricity and working elevators.  Luutyens received contributions from over 1500 artists and designers to furnish the house which included all of the luxuries one could imagine, including a fully stocked wine cellar containing genuine vintage wine.

Queen Mary’s Doll House is incredibly impressive with its elaborate miniature furnishings, architecture and interior design.  Standing three feet tall, each room was decorated with only the finest and most modern products available in the early 20th century.  While the carpets and curtains match Windsor Castle, I can’t help but notice the grand piano, monogrammed towels, the vacuum cleaner and a garage with fully functioning automobiles.  After returning home, I learned about a book written by Vita Sackville-West, A Note of Explanation, a children’s story about the adventures of a sprite that inhabits the dollhouse.

With only a half an hour left before boarding the bus, I set aside time to visit the royal gift shop and stroll through the shopping plaza for some coffee and a small bite to eat.  I purchased a Corgi and a commemorative plate from the Queen’s 90th birthday at Buckingham Palace and opted to pick up a sandwich and tea for the road.  Stonehenge, here we come!

Have you had the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle?  What fun places did you visit? Was there a restaurant or shop that you enjoyed?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my exciting day in Windsor and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire, UK SL4 1NJ

  • Admission Fee:  £21.20 for adults (18 – 59); £13.30  for children ages 5 -17; children for and under are free; Seniors (60+)  are £19.30
  • Hours:  November 1 to February 28: Open from 10AM to 4:15PM (3PM is the last admission); March 1 – October 31:  Open from 10AM to 5:15PM (4PM is the last admission); Check the website for special closures
  • Amenities:  a multimedia guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish , Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Mandarin, museum, gift shop, restrooms, special events
  • Length of Visit:  2.5 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking.  The busiest time is morning and early afternoon, so it is suggested to arrive after midday.  Photographs are not permitted within St. George’s Chapel or the State Apartments. Re-entry permits are available should you plan on returning to the site throughout the day

Where to Stay:

Sir Christopher Wren
Thames Street
Windsor, Berkshire, UK  SL4 1PX
Telephone: +44 1753 442400

Enjoy dinner along the Thames River!  This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Windsor and offers free Wifi, a conference center and access to the Wren Club with a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, and spa treatments!

Where to Eat:

Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel
Marlow Bridge
Bisham, Marlow, UK  SL7 1RG
Telephone:   +44 344 879 9128

Another gorgeous restaurant for riverside dining!

The Fox and Hounds Restaurant and Bar
Bishopsgate Road
Englefiel Green, Egham, UK  TW20 0XU
Fish Fridays and dogs are welcome everyday!  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What to Eat: 

  • Bacon Sandwich consists of a generous amount of bacon between two pieces of bread seasoned with ketchup
  • Bangers and Mash are otherwise known as sausages and mashed potatoes
  • Beef Wellington
  • Bread Pudding
  • Fish and Chips
  • Full English Breakfast which includes sausages, eggs, beans, toast, hash browns, tomatoes, black pudding and much more
  • Haggis, Neeps and Tatties are comprised  of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs cooked with oatmeal, onions, spices and stock.  The neeps and tatties are turnips and potatoes
  • Spotted Dick is a pastry of dried fruits served with a custard
  • Steak and Kidney Pie is a filling of steak and beans inside of a pastry
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding
  • Sunday Roast

What to Read: 

  • The Uncommon Reader, by Alan Bennett
  • Revengeful Death, Jennie Melville
  • George VI by Denis Judd
  • Death at Windsor Castle, by C. C. Benison

Photo Guide for Windsor: 

  • The City of Windsor
  • Windsor Castle

Exploring London on the Hop On/Hop Off Bus

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” – Samuel Johnson

Wellington Arch

The sky was overcast and the Hop On/Hop Off bus was scheduled to arrive at the stop in about ten minutes. I would have hardly noticed the young guy in his mid-twenties, except that I could hear the heavy metal music coming through his ear buds.  Dressed for the cold weather, he wore black boots, dark skinny jeans and a NorthFace Bubble jacket to match.  We were the only two waiting at the stop when the double decker pulled up to the curb.

I boarded the bus, selected a map and headset, taking the stairs to the upper floor.  I felt the hipster close on my heels and noticed plenty of bucket seats available as I reached the top of the staircase.  Finding the perfect row with an unobstructed view, I prepared myself for the ride, adjusting my headset in preparation for the self-guided tour.   As the bus pulled away from the pavement near Trafalgar Square, I heard the mystery man’s voice welcome us aboard the bus, introducing himself as our tour guide, Bobby.

Passing by Hyde Park, Bobby explained that this beautiful piece of land was once the property of Westminster Abbey.  Stocked with wild boar, deer and bull, King Henry the VIII acquired the land and converted it into his private hunting ground in 1536.

Several landmarks within Hyde Park are worth a visit, including the Wellington Arch.  This beautiful monument was commissioned by King George IV in the 1820s and is located at Hyde Park Corner. Visitors can reach the first floor of the arch to learn more about its history and proceed to the fourth level for spectacular views of London’s skyline.

Statue of Achilles at The Royal Park’s Hyde Park

Stretching from Westminster to Kensington, Hyde Park was opened to the public by King Charles I in the early 1600s.   Over the years, the lineage of royal families had made many updates and improvements, including a lighted byway, an artificial lake, several statues and a memorial fountain to the late Princess Diana.

The Achilles statue was the first to be erected in Hyde Park in 1822.  Commissioned by the Ladies of England, an upper class society in London, its purpose was to commemorate the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley.  Reaching a height of eighteen feet, the monument caused quite a controversy when the nude statue was unveiled.  With such a reaction, the fig leaf was added shortly after the bronze was installed.

Children rode bikes along the paved path while maintenance workers took advantage of the beautiful weather for a bit of yard work.  Pedestrians, bundled up in warm coats with mittens and hats explored the afternoon away from the city, enjoying the fountains, monuments and the colors of early spring.

Hyde Park seemed to stretch for miles as we passed the Joy of Life fountain.  In the 1860s, this area, known as Park Lane, was once a Victorian sunken garden, a popular site for locals and guests.  Our guide explained that the beautiful bronze Huxley-Jones water feature dates back to 1963, replacing the previous Boy and Dolphin Fountain.  The whimsical fount of children playing in the pool sits amidst 60,000 daffodils that bloom in the beauty of springtime.

Within minutes, the bus reached a gorgeous, gated entrance which could only be described as befitting of British royalty.  In the distance, the Victoria Memorial stood guard to the entrance of Buckingham Palace and its surrounding gardens.  The memorial, made of marble and gilt bronze, was built to commemorate the rule of Queen Victoria. The statuesque monument was designed by Thomas Brock and was unveiled to the public in 1909.

Our tour continued passing the Palace of Westminster before crossing the bridge towards the northern part of the city.   The sun was struggling to shine through the cloudy sky, but the cold temperatures continued to rise on this brisk, blustery day, providing much needed warmth for the double decker bus.

The Palace of Westminster dominated the banks of the River Thames and has been the governmental seat of Houses of Parliament (the Lords and the Commons) for over 500 years.   The large, gorgeous neo-Gothic structure was once the home of the royal family until a fire in 1834 forced the family to move their home to nearby Whitehall Palace.  Westminster Hall and Jewel Tower, dating back to 1097, are what remain of the original palace after the fire.

There is no doubt that Big Ben is the superstar of the Houses of Parliament.  Located at the north end of the grand structure, the famous bell resides in the clock tower standing 316 feet tall.  While the five bells of the Westminster Chimes strike every fifteen minutes, Big Ben continues its loyal keeping of time, tolling upon the hour.

Royal Courts of Justice

Seeming more like a castle or a cathedral, the Royal Courts of Justice reviews civil matters such as divorce, civil liabilities and libel.  Built in the late 1880’s, the sprawling, Victorian Gothic contains one thousand rooms. Standing at the center of this magnificent architectural masterpiece, I admired the spires, rounded turrets and stained glass rosette, attempting to count the number of windows, both great and small.  The public are permitted to enter the courtrooms to observe the civil hearings, while criminal cases are decided at the Old Bailey, a short walk east of the Royal Courts.

I have fond memories as a child watching my great grandmother enjoy a cup of Twinings tea.  Sarah Hodgson came to the United States from Manchester, England aboard the Caronia in 1921.  I enjoyed hearing about her life as a child and loved sharing in her afternoon tea rituals.  I was able to hop off at the nearby stop for a visit to Twinings on Strand.  It was a memorable experience and an homage to my great grandmother.

The cheery entrance into the Twinings store on Strand reminded me of Christmas with its colorful bulbs flanking the simple, white Romanesque columns on each side.  Gorgeous mahogany doors were an added element of elegance to the store made famous for selling some of the best teas in the world.  Twinings dates back to 1706 when it was first called the Golden Lion and a long list of poets, writers and artists have graced through its doors.

The overwhelming, sensational scent of tea drew me in and I was captivated by the store’s regal interior.  A stunning variety of teas were displayed upon the dark wooded shelves such as Breakfast Blend, Chamomile and the famous Earl Grey tea.  I left Twinings with a few souvenirs and a memory I would cherish for a lifetime.

Fleet Street Sculpture

With shopping bags in tow, I came across this most spectacular, sinister dragon, standing upright on Fleet Street.  Lurking between the divide of the City of London and Westminster, this Temple Bar Memorial dates back to 1880, replacing the former archway that was designed by architect Christopher Wren.

Many playwrights, publishers and authors began their careers here on Fleet Street after the city’s first printing press was introduced in the late 15th century.  With the increase of publishing, large newspapers set up shop here until the late 1980s, when many of them closed and relocated outside of the city proper.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral was my first glimpse of London when, as a young girl, I awoke early to watch the televised wedding ceremony of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.  I remember the train of Lady Diana’s gorgeous gown as she slowly walked down the aisle to recite her marriage vows.  Not only was it the wedding of the century, Americans were introduced to the British monarchy, architecture and the belief that fairytales can come true.

The original St. Paul’s Cathedral dates back to 604 AD, but it is Christopher Wren’s English baroque architectural masterpiece built after the Great Fire of London that draws thousands of visitors each year.  St. Paul’s impressive triple-built dome is one of the largest in the world, second only to that of St. Peter’s in Rome.

I couldn’t wait to enter St. Paul’s Cathedral and looked forward to the scenic view from its dome.  With a total of 528 stairs to reach the top, I was happy to learn that there were three galleries to explore along the way.  Within minutes, I had miraculously reached the halfway mark of my journey looking down at the parquet flooring and circular starburst from the Whispering Gallery.  With the power of acoustics, even a whisper is said to carry from one side of the dome to the other.

A shorter trek of stairs leads to a platform on the dome’s exterior for a view of the city referred to as the Stone Gallery, but it’s the tight, winding black staircase that reaches an additional outdoor viewing arena with spectacular 365 degree views of the city of London.  Referred to as the Golden Gallery, this is the highest point of the dome reaching 365 feet in height.

The wind begins to pick up making it the perfect time to exit the viewing area and make the descent back down to the nave.  A group of schoolchildren are gathered under the dome, so I slip out of the exit and wait for the next Hop On/Hop Off bus to transport me back to the north side of the Thames.

I was surprised at how quickly the red double decker bus arrived on Whitehead Street.  Earlier that morning I had referenced Rick Steve’s City Walk of Westminster before the Horse Guards had arrived at their post.  The horses stand on each side of the arch which leads to the Household Cavalry of the Queen.  I had strolled through the courtyard prior to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 11 AM, deciding instead to complete the walk and tour London on the Hop On/Hop Off bus.  I was determined to wake early the next morning for the ceremony in all of its pomp and circumstance as the bus arrived to the stop where I first hopped on.

What is your favorite way to explore London?  Walking or by bus?  I would love to hear about your London favorites and recommendations for places to stay, eat and visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  I have provided the contact information for the British sites I explored on my bus ride.  Many thanks for reading about my beautiful day of touring London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hyde Park
London W2 ZUH, UK

Buckingham Palace
Westminster, London, SW1A 1AA UK
Phone:  +44 303 123 7300

  • Admission Fee (Royal Day Out):  £45.00 for adults (17 – 59); £24.50 for children ages 6 -16; children five and under are free; Seniors (60+)  are £40.00
  • Hours:  Open July to September:  Open from 9:30AM to 5:15PM
  • Amenities:  Access to 19 State Rooms, special exhibits, multimedia guide in nine languages; walkthrough  of the gardens, royal stables and carriages, local guides
  • Scenic View:  Beautiful gardens and gorgeous staterooms
  • Length of Visit:  5 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking.  According to the site, re-admission is free for a year should you treat your ticket as a donation.

Palace of Westminster
Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA UK
Phone:  + 44 20 7219 3000

  • Admission (Houses of Parliament Audio Tour):  £18.50 for adults (17 – 59); £7
  • Hours:  Open Wednesday to Friday between December 21 to January 4, 2019 and every Saturday until May 25, 2019
  • Amenities:  Audio tour in 9 languages; access to the Commons Chamber and the Lords Chamber, following footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening and visit Westminster Hall which is over 1000 years old.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 1.5 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Royal Courts of Justice
Strand, London, WC2A 2LL, UK

Excursion booked through Strawberry Tours: 

  • Admission Fee:  £12
  • Hours: 9AM to 4PM
  • Length of Visit:  2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The Royal Courts of Justice only deal with civil issues. Additional attractions inside and outside of the court include the Bear Gardens, the Painted Room, the Crypt, the Great Hall, and the sculpture/costume room.  Visitors are only permitted to sit in the final two rows of the court room.   Dress conservatively and avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts or any revealing clothing,  You must bow your head to the judge when both entering and leaving the court room.  Do not enter any rooms marked as “In Camera,” “In Private,” or any other rooms with clouded-out windows.

Twinings
216 Strand, London, WC2R 1AP, UK
Phone:  +44 207 353 3511

St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD, UK
Phone: +44 20 7246 8350

  • Admission Fee: £18.00 for adults (19 – 59); £8 for children ages 6 -17; children five and under are free; Seniors (60+)  are £16.00
  • Hours:  Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, last admission at 4 for sightseeing and 4:15 for the galleries;
  • Amenities:  multimedia guides and guided tours; dome accessibility
  • Scenic View:  Amazing views from the gallery and the dome
  • Length of Visit:  2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially if you enter the dome; photography is limited and not permitted inside of the Cathedral.

Horse Guards
Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX, UK

Where to Stay:

The Clarence
53 Whitehall
London, SW1A 2HP, UK
Telephone:  +44 20 7930 4808

Where to Eat:

Boyd’s Grill & Wine Bar
8 Northumberland Avenue
London, WC2N 5BY, UK
Telephone:  + 44 20 7808 3344

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and I started out with the Heritage Tomato Salad of buffalo mozzarella, tomato powder and basil oil.  For my entree, I could not pass up the Beer Battered Fish with triple cooked chips, crushed peas and tartar sauce.  Malt vinegar was provided at the table.

What to Eat: 

  • Fish and Chips – fried fish and French fries
  • Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding – usually eaten from noon to five on Sundays
  • Full English Breakfast – includes eggs, sausages, potatoes, mushrooms, blood pudding, tomatoes and toast
  • Pie and Mash – typically a simple steak and kidney pie or pork pies, this is a classic British comfort food served with mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Bangers and Mash – which is sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Cockles – a small type of clam
  • Eton Mess – a dessert made of merengue, cream and strawberries
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding – a moist sponge cake baked with dates or raisins and smothered in toffee sauce served with custard or ice cream
  • Afternoon tea – with teacakes, scones, jam and clotted cream as well as champagne and tea
  • Beef Wellington – filet steak covered with pate and wrapped in puff pastry

Where to Drink:

Eclipse Bar 
158 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington, London, SW5 0BA England
Telephone:  +44 20 7259 2577

What to Read:

  • The Light Over London, by Julia Kelly
  • London: The Biography, by Peter Ackroyd
  • The Five, by Hallie Rubenhold
  • London: A Travel Guide Through Time, by Dr. Matthew Green
  • The Diaries of Samuel Pepys

Photo Guide to London:

  • Inside the Natural History Museum
  • Oxford Street and Regent Street – lovely street photos
  • Neal’s Yard – colorful surroundings
  • Notting Hill and Ladbroke Square- upscale architecture
  • Portobello Street and Hillgate Place – pastel colored flats
  • Leadenhall Market
  • Peggy Porschen Cakes
  • Coppa Club
  • Churchill Arms Pub
  • Tower Bridge
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Millennium Bridge

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A Walking Tour of the Victoria and Albert Harbor

Filled with adrenaline from having swam with the Great Whites at Gansbaai, I was excited to explore the scenic coast of Cape Town before hopping a plane for Johannesburg.  With a couple of days ahead of me, I planned to explore the coast, sample the local wines and study the fascinating life of Nelson Mandela.

Grabbing my backpack, I exited the Protea Hotel in Sea Point and began my forty-five minute trek towards the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.  Known as the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, this lively neighborhood is where I will be catching the jetty over to Robben Island in the afternoon.

Navigating through one of the most affluent suburbs of Cape Town, I quickly reached the coast.  I had arrived in August, the start of South Africa’s winter, greeted with mild temperatures and overcast skies.  The colorful high rises were a welcome site against the gray backdrop and foggy start of my day.

Mounds of seaweed covered the manicured beaches as small whitecaps made their way towards the water’s edge.  The sun was rising and casting a glow on the concrete landscape where locals slowly filled the promenade.  The briny smell of the sea continued to grow stronger as warmer temperatures began to rise.  My walk continued northeast away from Sea Point  towards indigenous gardens, passing the Green Point Lighthouse with a glimpse of the Cape Town Stadium.

Gazing toward the barren mountains in the distance, the palm tree-lined avenue brought me closer to the V&A Waterfront.  Posted signs served as a reminder of Cape Town’s water shortage which was at its peak during my visit.

Within minutes, the landscape grew more beautiful with gardens of purple salvia and elegantly laid brick stretching for miles.  Tall, clusters of palm trees rose from the rocky cliffs sloping down towards the bay. The V&A Waterfront, a part of  Cape Town’s Big 6, includes the Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstensbosch Gardens, Robben Island, Cape Point and Constantia Vineyards.

In the midst of the spectacular countryside was built a beautiful tribute to Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, known by locals as the V&A Waterfront. The venue has become one of South Africa’s most visited historical and cultural destinations.

From the second story of the waterfront’s shopping plaza I noticed the boats moored in South Africa’s oldest working harbor, over 450 shops and restaurants lining the streets and a Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Signal Hill.  I had purchased a ticket to visit Robben Island and would return to the dock after lunch to board the Robben Island jetty.

Too early for lunch, I strolled the harbor where boats were tied up alongside the dock bringing in the catch of the day and taking out passengers for tours of the coast. Many of the stores and restaurants would soon open, so I strolled the quiet site and found The Harbor House where I decided to dine for lunch.

Starting out with a local Chenin Blanc from Beaumont Wines, I scanned over the menu in hopes of finding a local seafood dish or a platter of sushi for lunch.  The wine was crisp with the flavors of tart apples and melon, chilled perfectly.  Sitting on the second level of the restaurant, the sun was struggling to push its way past the cloudy sky, but its warmth was pressing in.

With each sip, I weighed my options and finally  decided on the Tuna Rainbow Roll and Ultimate Rainbow Roll.  Decadent and full of flavor, I slowly enjoyed each bite as I finished my glass of wine. The weight staff were exceptional and the restaurant views, spectacular.

As I strolled the waterfront with its colorful monuments and museums, I heard the bark of a Cape Fur Seal. Following the sound, I came upon this beautiful mammal tucked in a concrete corner finding a place to rest near the first stop on my self-guided tour, Cape Town’s Clock Tower.

Built in 1882, the Victorian-Gothic Clock Tower was once the office of the Port Captain, who managed the schedule of ships coming in and out of the docks.  The clock tower, originally painted yellow, is the oldest building along the waterfront.  One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the red-and-gray tower was refurbished in 1997 and is the home to several Cape Fur Seals.

Located at the base of the Swing Bridge, the African Trading Port is a shop focused on selling local African Art to include sculptures, ceramics, pottery and artifacts.  Drawing works from all over the country, this workshop first opened in Zimbabwe in 1978 with additional shops such as the one in Cape Town, opening in 2001.

Looking out across the port, the location where I am standing is Alfred Basin, where the original docks were built at the port of Cape Town.  In the distance are the picturesque Signal Hill and Table Mountain.

One of my favorite experiences was finding the beautifully painted rhinos placed along the waterfront, part of a program to bring awareness to these endangered species.  Poachers have been hunting the rhinoceros for their tusks, bringing about their near extinction since the 1950s.  TRAC, which stands for “The Rhinos are Coming” is  raising money to stop this practice throughout Africa.  From February 1st to March 31st of 2017, one hundred decorated rhinos were strategically placed throughout Cape Town as an outdoor art exhibit, which remained on display.

The V&A Market is now home to the former Pumphouse.  A vibrant marketplace with over forty vendors offering fresh food and produce as well as gourmet meals and local beer and wine.  I couldn’t resist stopping by The Knysna Oyster Company for a half a dozen oysters on the half shell.

A few steps from the market is Nobel Square, another impressive artistic installation, which opened in December of 2005.   The four statues represent Albert Lutuli, Desmond Tutu, F. W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, four of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Checking my watch, I realized the ferry would soon be leaving for Robben Island.  Eager to explore the history of this island prison, I was also curious to learn more about Nelson Mandela’s experience here as a political prisoner.

Have you visited the Victoria and Albert’s Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cape Town and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay;

Where to Eat:

What to Eat:

What to Read:

Photo Guide to Capetown: