Windsor Castle definitely deserves a day of your time in and around London. William the Conqueror started it and Henry III and Edward III both made additions to the huge building. Windsor is a royal residence and as a consequence is guarded by the Queen's Regiment. You can watch the Changing of the Guard every day (apart from Sunday) at 10.50 am marching up the High Street. However, you can only see the changing ceremony from inside the castle. Inside the castle you will notice that each monarch has left the mark of their era on the interiors. There are some fine foreign paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and others and a wealth of British portraits. State apartments are interesting and also the Queen's Doll House. Climb the 220 steps of the Round Tower and you will be rewarded by a marvellous view of the surrounding countryside that has changed very little since Chaucer stood on the same ramparts.

The best way to see the lovely Great Park that surrounds this fairyland castle is in an open horse-drawn carriage. You are picked up from the High Street in front of the Castle Wall and then ride through Windsor into the Great Park. The streets around the Castle entrance give a wonderful impression of history. Here you will find many gift shops and places for refreshments. Mid July in Windsor sees the famous Swan Upping ceremony, where the Queen's Swanherd and other city dignitaries ceremonially mark the swans as the Queen's property and proclaiming "Her Majesty the Queen, Seigneur of Swans!". The quickest way is from Paddington Station and, on the way you will be able to see Eton College and the Castle as you enter Windsor Central Station. Alternatively, you can go from Waterloo Station. The journey is a little longer (50-55 minutes) but unlike the Paddington service it is direct to Windsor and Eton Riverside Station. Both the Windsor stations are about 5 minutes walk from the castle. If you go by tran make sure you get a 1-day cheap travel card. It is also possible to reach Windsor Castle by Greenline Bus Service from The Colonnades opposite Victoria Coach Station.