Royalty at its Finest at Windsor Castle

28 January 20253 May 2025

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 20^th 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 20^th 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 90^th 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

A Rick Steves Tour of London, England

24 December 20243 May 2025

The train arrived on time at the Underground Terminal of Westminster Station. Most everyone departed making their way onto the platform, riding escalators and taking stairs to the busy world above. I had not yet reached the Thames River, but my heart was pounding in anticipation as I exited the tunnel and the view opened up providing me a glimpse of London’s South Bank.

With its spectacular museums, lavish gardens, notorious theaters and exuberant history, London’s cosmopolitan style and attitude attracts over 27 million visitors each year and is home to over 8 million.

Under the suggestion of Rick Steves, I began my exploration of London at Westminster following the Westminster Walk from his Best European City Walks & Museums guide. Next, I will visit a couple of museums, take the bus tour around the city and if I have time, cruise down the river Thames. Earlier that morning, I walked to the Gloucester Road Station to purchase my pass. The front desk attendant suggested that I stop by The Shard for a spectacular view of the city, which I hoped to fit into my schedule later in the day.

I had plenty of British Pounds to purchase a full day pass which allowed me unlimited rides on the Tube for zones 1 & 2. I fed the machine and confirmed that I was heading westbound for the Westminster stop.

The “Underground” was not as busy as I had expected at 6:30 AM. The train approached, opened its sliding doors and reminded passengers to “Mind the Gap” before taking their seats. I found a spot next to a young mother with her little boy in a stroller, who was eating his morning breakfast. It was a busy work day with full compartment of business suits and backpacks. I counted the five stops before hopping off the train and was feeling a sense of excitement to explore London having just read the book, War of the Roses.

The exit led me up to a set of stairs where I found the statue of Boadicea to my right. She was queen of the Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in the first century AD. An unobstructed view of the Parliament buildings as well as Elizabeth Tower stood to the north. Soaking in my surroundings from the Westminster Bridge, I admired the London Eye, the Thames River and the London Bridge in the distance.

Elizabeth Tower (lovingly named after the current Queen of England) stood shining in the morning sunlight and I waited in anticipation to hear Big Ben toll at the hour. The structure stands 320 feet high and is connected to the Parliament Buildings, the central meeting places for the British Government. For years, since the 11^th century, when King Canute built a palace here, the Royal Family lived at Parliament until they relocated to Buckingham Palace.

Along the banks of the Thames is the London Eye, built in 2000 and standing 443 feet tall. There are 32 capsules which hold 26 visitors in each car. On a clear day, the views from this attraction can reach as far as 26 miles. The ride from start to finish takes approximately thirty minutes.

I felt a bitter cold wind off of the Thames gently pushing me towards Parliament Square, located across the street from Westminster Abbey. This quiet park, without a bird to be seen, was lined with statues of both famous Brits like Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George as well as notable world leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. I followed the stone corridor of this lovely park where I found the gorgeous rosette stained glass window of the infamous Westminster Abbey ahead of me.

One of London’s most precious jewels, not only because of its spectacular architecture but its glorious history, is Westminster Abbey. Edward the Confessor founded the abbey and it is London’s oldest and most important church. For over ten centuries, the cathedral has been the location for a host of coronations, royal weddings and funerals. In 1997, Princess Diana’s funeral was held at Westminster Abbey where it was estimated over 3 million were in attendance for the funeral procession, while Will and Kate were married here on April 29^th 2011.

Following my map to find Whitehall Street, I realized I had come full circle when I noticed the Westminster public subway stop. My current route led me to many of London’s government buildings such as the Royal Navy Headquarters and the Ministry of Finance. Colorful pubs occupied corner spaces along the route and the crowds were starting to grow.

In the distance, I noticed a collection of three monuments, one positioned in the middle of Whitehall. On the towering white memorial made of marble, is a cenotaph honoring the brave men and women who died during the two Great Wars. Each year, in November, the Royal Family attends the Remembrance Day service which takes place around this “Glorious Dead” monument.

The large, white, Greek-style structure that occupies a block along Whitehall was once a part of the palatial estate of Henry VIII and the location of King Charles’ execution. Henry VIII moved out of his Palace of Westminster residence (Parliament) and built this grandiose building which, at one time, extended from Trafalgar Square to Elizabeth’s Tower. The 1698 fire destroyed most of Henry’s opulent structure, but what remained is the Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace.

Continuing my walk towards Trafalgar Square, I noticed that the Horse Guard station was empty, and within minutes I stood in front of the 170 foot column supporting the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson. Credited for his leadership during World War II and the defeat at Waterloo, he died a heroic death in battle.

The square was alive with tourists and commuters passing through to reach their destination. A line formed at the entrance of the National Museum which had not yet opened. Attempting to climb one of the four bronze lions, a group of teenagers disregarded the warning signs and placards, capturing photos with their cellular devices. A light mist of spray clings to my coat and kisses my face as I pass a fountain eager to find the ticket office for the Hop On/Hop Off bus. A perfect mode of transportation for the day, the double-decker is a quick option for touring of London. Bringing me back to Trafalgar Square, I will have time to indulge in more attractions, sites and pubs which are waiting to be explored.

Have you had the opportunity to visit London? Which guidebooks and resources did you reference? Let me know about your visit by providing a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my walking tour of Westminster in London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Ambassadors Hotel
16 Collingham Road
Kensington, SW5 0LX
London, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7373 1075
Photo Credit: Ambassadors Hotel London

Where to Eat:

Earl’s Court Tavern
Taylor Walker
187 Earl’s Court Road
London, SW5 9RL
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7370 2760

Walking Tour Resources:

Best European City Walks & Museums guide, by Rick Steves

London Telephone Booth

The Port of Monaco, Venturing Off “The Rock” and Visiting a Perfume Factory

2 February 201631 August 2024

A set of stairs led down from “The Rock” where we had just explored Monaco’s Old Town and Monte Carlo Casino. Below the palace is the Monaco Harbor full of expensive yachts and to the right, the starting line for the Monaco Grand Prix. We had only a few moments before making our final stop in Eze so we descended down the stairs leading to the port.

Monaco is famous for its Royal Family, the Monte Carlo Casino and Formula One Racing. The Monaco Grand Prix has drawn race fans to the country since 1929. Known as one of the most prestigious car races in the world, this competition is one of three that make up the “Triple Crown of Motorsports” taking place over Memorial Day weekend. Although the route of the race changes each year, the starting point remains the same. At the base of the stairs descending from “The Rock”, we approached the race’s infamous hairpin curve.

The Circuit de Monaco is approximately 1,000 miles throughout the streets of Monte Carlo and Condamine which wraps around the harbor. The streets of the race are very narrow and the turns quite sharp. The most famous of the turns on the route is the Fairmont Hairpin turn, so named because it passes the Fairmont Hotel and is one of the most sought after locations to watch the race. Spectators pay thousands of dollars to cheer on their favorite driver from this vantage point.

Due to the design of the street circuit, this race is considered one of the “most demanding tracks in Formula One,” With its dangerous curves and narrow course, it is one of the most prestigious races throughout the world. In addition to its challenging track, there is a tunnel that continues below the Fairmont Hotel following the Fairmont Hairpin Turn.

A short bus ride through the French Riviera brought us to our next stop, the coastal town of Eze. Known for its highly acclaimed perfume industry, we visited the world-renowned Fragonard factory. The medieval town of Eze sits atop a large mountainous rock and is famous for its panoramic views as well as its beauty and charm.

Fragonard has been producing a wide variety of fragrances since 1926. Our tour included a presentation of how the fragrances are made as we watched chemists make handmade soaps and lotions in a variety of scents for both men and women.

The factory also produces cosmetics and candles which are available for sale in the gift shop. In addition to purchasing a couple of candles, I found an amazing, fresh smelling scent that reminded me of a day at the beach.

I exited the gift shop into a charming courtyard, surrounded by fragrant roses used to produce the fragrances within the perfumery. I took a seat wanting to sit under the warmth of the sun and gaze out into the Mediterranean, mesmerized by the waterfront scenery below.

While enjoying the sunshine and fabulous scents at Fragonard, I could see the village of Eze up on the hill. This medieval town’s narrow cobblestone streets make it a wonderful change of scenery for drinking an afternoon coffee at the cafes and shopping its lovely boutiques. The Path of Nietzsche originates at the coast at Eze Sur Mer and ends at the town of Eze, offering spectacular views of the coast along the way.

The drive back to Villafranche was just as spectacular as the rest of the tour. I sat at the back of the bus with a wide open window where I could see the magnificent coastline of the French Riviera. The shades of blue darkened as the water met the coast. The towns and people seemed like miniature toys as we climbed up hills towering over the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean.

Although this coastal drive is magical and mesmerizing, it is also a scene of tragedy and sorrow. One of the most memorable tragedies was that of Princess Grace of Monaco. As she was returning back to the palace from her vacation home, she suffered a stroke and lost control of her car sustaining life threatening injuries. It was a sad day for Monaco as well as the world. She was 52 years old.

Within a few moments and we are passing through the popular, metropolitan port city of Nice. This panoramic coastal drive takes us through the cornices of Basse, Moyenne and Grande. Nice is most known for its scenic promenade, the Promenade des Anglais that offers a spectacular view of the waterfront.

Additional dramatic overlooks include Cliff Walk and the Fort at Mont Boron. Nice also has an Old Town, the Vieux Nice, where visitors can get lost in the maze of boutique shopping and local markets.

At last we have arrived back to port and I had wished we had more time in Villafranche. I was drawn to the town’s laid back atmosphere and how it had maintained its character without succumbing to the typical touristy nature of popular port towns. I learned that the beach here is preferred over some of the other French Riviera shores because it is quiet and more relaxing. I had experienced an amazing day in Monaco and Monte Carlo and look forward to coming back for a peaceful day in Villafranche.

Have you visited the port town of Villafranche? Did you take an excursion or explore this cozy port town? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my shore excursion to Monaco and Monte Carlo. Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Parfumerie Fragonard
158 Avenue de Verdun
06360 Eze France
Telephone: 33 4 93 41 05 05

Admission Fee: Free guided tours year around (book ahead by calling +04 93 36 44 66 or by email at tourisme@fragonard.com). Guests may experience additional wait times if reservations are not made ahead of time.
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 6PM
Amenities: Perfume shop, lovely courtyard with beautiful roses
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the French Riviera
Length of the Tour: Approximately 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Guided tours must be made in advance. If you suffer from allergies, you may want to reconsider this tour. Wait times may apply if advance reservations are not made.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Ambassador Monaco (affordable)
10 Avenue Prince Pierre, 98000
Monaco
Telephone: +377 97 97 96 96

Fairmont Monte Carlo (luxury)
12 Avenue des Spelugues
98000 Monaco
Telephone: 377 93 50 65 00

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Le Pinocchio
30 Rue Comte Felix Gastaldi, 98000
Monaco
Telephone: +377 93 30 96 20

I ordered the Salde de calamars grilles, fenoil, oranges et huile parfumee a la vanille for 18 Euros. It was the perfect lunch , although I would have also liked to have tried the Risotto “La Fee Bleue”, a risotto with Mascarpone and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, Liquour Cointreau 1849 and poire et pistache for 29 Euros.

What to Eat:

Barbajuan is the national food of Monaco. Similar to an empanada, these pastries are filled with ricotta cheese and Swiss chard. Some may also include added ingredients such as onion, rice, leeks, spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Bouillabaisse, a fish stew.
Fougasse, made popular by the Monegasque is a bread seasoned with sage, rosemary and/or thyme.
The Galapian is a cantaloupe-cherry-almond tart
Gnocchi is a potato based dough served with cream
Pissaladiere is a French pizza topped with olives, carmelized onions and anchovies.
Porcetta – stuffed pork roast
Socca are street food pancakes/crepes

What to Read:

Loser Takes All by Graham Greene
A Ghost in Monte Carlo by Barbara Cartland
I Kill by Giorgio Faletti
Headhunters, by Jules Bass
Anything Considered, by Peter Mayle
Grace, by Robert Lacey
Once Upon a Time, by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Photo Guide for Monaco:

Port Hercule for the super mega-yachts in the harbor
Tete de Chien is trail that takes you from the center of Cap d’Ail to the hills offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Rooftop Terrace of Musee Oceanographique
Digue de l’Avant Port where a pathway winds along the water’s edge
Jardin Exotique for its gardens and cliffside pics
The Observatory Cave is located inside of the Exotic Garden
The Monte Carlo Casino for its elegant exterior
Ride the Bateau Bus for gorgeous photos of the coast
Monaco Cathedral for its beautiful interior
Monaco-Ville, the charming old town of Monaco

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A view of the fort as seen from the tender

The port of Villafranche as seen from the ship