Windsor is located in the county of Berkshire England and is home to about 30,000 people and a very famous castle. The town is in close proximity to the Thames and is considered one of the better places to live in the UK. The name of the town was New Windsor to differentiate it from the older settlement of Old Windsor that originally was the home of the king. It was moved to its current location in 1086 by Henry I and the change of the town name just happened in 1974. Windsor Berkshire is home for the Queen today but there is much more to see too.

Because of all the high fees placed on those that lived in Windsor, it has been known to be the home of the wealthy. In fact, it was considered to be the richest town in England around 1332. The king had many projects he needed to have finished so he brought in many workers and there was an excess of jobs. Merchants soon followed because of the wealth of the area and Windsor became a great market area.

Many stores still line the streets today. There are the many souvenir and gifts shops especially situated around the castle. Department stores, toy stores, clothing stores and other larger stores can also be found in town. Peascod Street is know most for its shopping experiences but it is also one of the oldest streets in town dating before the castle was even built. You can shop to your hearts content just on this one street.

The most popular tourist site is Windsor Castle. This is a royal residence even to this day and because Kings and Queens often came to town Windsor has many things a small town in England would not presume to have. This includes some very nice large hotels and two rail stations. Inside the castle are the State Apartments, St. George Chapel where 10 other monarchs are buried and Queen Marys Dolls House. There are hours to tour the castle and surrounding area from March to October and then again from November to February. The castle is an actual residence of the Queen today so it might be closed due to special events. It is best to call to see if it is open on a day you wish to visit.

Windsor is also the home of LEGOLAND. Take kids aged 3 to 12 there and the whole family will have a great time. You can ride amusement style rides or self propelled rides. You can see all kinds of shows and even build from LEGO blocks. LEGOLAND is open March to November and check for hours because they tend to vary.

Enjoy the Changing of the Guard in Windsor when the weather is nice. Guards process up High Street to the Castle where the actual changing happens outside the Lower Ward Guardroom. The entire ceremony encompasses thirty minutes. If the weather is bad the guard will change privately but when weather is nice April to July it occurs every day but Sunday. August to March it happens every other day. The Guard begins the march in the morning at ten fifty and it ends at eleven twenty five.

There are several other tourist sites that you should not miss and they include Windsor Great Park, Savill Garden and Eton College. If you get hungry you are sure to find a great restaurant in town and when you get tired you can stay in one of the many hotels. If you visit during the end of September you may be in for a treat. Windsor hosts a nice arts festival where you can take in films, see dance recitals, hear a concert and many other activities. Often times popular celebrities from all over the world participate.

For a wide selection of Windsor hotels just click here.