A Day Trip to Windsor and a Royal Surprise
Sometimes the best day trip to Windsor is the one you don’t plan.
My mum was visiting us for the first time in eight years, and we wanted to show her somewhere new — so we chose Windsor. The plan was simple: a relaxed walk through the town, Windsor Castle from the outside, and a stroll along the River Thames.
Windsor had other plans for us.
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Why Are All These Streets Closed?
As soon as we arrived, something felt different. Streets were closed, gates and barriers were up, and there were police officers everywhere.
We had no idea what was going on, so we asked. The answer took us by surprise: Windsor was preparing for an official state visit the following day, welcoming the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the First Lady. What we were seeing was the full rehearsal.
A Royal Surprise
And what a rehearsal it was.
Soldiers marching in formation, guards in their iconic bearskin hats, horses trotting through the closed streets, and the sound of drums and trumpets filling the town. We stood and watched — the kind of ceremonial tradition Windsor is famous for, happening right in front of us, completely unplanned.
My mum couldn’t believe her luck. Neither could we.
The Castle That’s Been Home for 950 Years
No day trip to Windsor is complete without seeing Windsor Castle.
We only saw it from the outside, but even that is impressive. The castle was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and it’s been lived in ever since — making it the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It’s still a working royal residence today, and yes, you can visit inside. If you’re visiting London, Windsor is one hour away, making it an easy trip to plan.
Tea at England’s Oldest Tea House
Before leaving, we passed one more Windsor treasure: The Crooked House of Windsor, the famously wobbly building on the High Street. It dates back to 1687 and is often called England’s oldest tea house.
We didn’t stop for tea this time, but we stopped to take a picture.
Swans, Ducks and a Very Happy Mum
After the excitement around the castle, we headed to the River Thames.
Elegant swans gliding near the banks, ducks swimming down the river, people enjoying their walk along the water. We walked slowly, took photos, and simply enjoyed it.
The Day We’ll Always Remember
Looking back, what made our day trip to Windsor so memorable wasn’t just the castle or the river. It was stumbling into a royal rehearsal we never planned — the soldiers, the horses, the music, the sense of history happening around us.
Sometimes the best travel memories come from the moments you never planned.
Have you visited Windsor? Did you see the castle or were you lucky enough to catch one of the royal ceremonies?
There’s always another day out, another unexpected story, another cup of tea somewhere new — and I’d love to have you along for the next one. If you’re still here, I would love for you to subscribe. Join me below.
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