"A cat can look at a king."
IVY STUART
IVY STUART
We had an early start Thursday morning. It was gray outside, but I was excited because we were taking the train to Windsor. After spending all of our time in town, I was looking forward to seeing a bit of countryside. Leaving from the Waterloo station, Windsor is about an hour west of London by train. Departing at the Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, one can turn right for Eton or turn left and up the hill for Windsor. We trekked up the hill just as misty rain began to fall. Tom was once more an expert in getting us lined up along the pavement at just the right time for the Guard March at 11:00 a.m. With musical pomp, the guards marched past, and we made our way to the castle.
Windsor Castle is magnificent and one of my favorite places of all those we visited that week. With brilliant red October tree foliage splashed against the green landscape, I admit I paused often to look out upon the grounds. Even with centuries of furnishings fit for a king and regal paintings surrounding me, I find it slightly ironic that I was captivated by the view from the tall windows. Whenever I think of a monarch surveying his or her kingdom, I think about standing at those windows looking out upon true splendor. Stepping out of the castle, I walked to the lower ward and toured quiet St. George’s Chapel, skirting the slab marking the tomb of Henry VIII and the wife he considered his true queen, Jane Seymour. Hmm. Well, yes.
The village of Windsor was busy with both visitors and locals alike strolling the main shopping street and drinking coffee. Did I mention they were drinking coffee? I stopped in the Crooked House for afternoon tea, ran to a few shops and then those of us who wished to return to London on the 3pm train headed back to the station. Jan, one of my fellow travelers, and I had tickets to a Handel and Vivaldi candlelight concert at St. Martin in the Fields that night.
For a 10 £ concert ticket I shared a side pew with a couple from Birmingham who were in town for a walking holiday. The acoustics in the church are wonderful, and the atmosphere is perfect for classical music. At the intermission, you can go down to the crypt cafeteria to grab a drink or dessert.
I admit I wish I'd had an hour or two longer in Windsor and Eton. Even on a drizzly day, it's an appealing place to visit!
For a 10 £ concert ticket I shared a side pew with a couple from Birmingham who were in town for a walking holiday. The acoustics in the church are wonderful, and the atmosphere is perfect for classical music. At the intermission, you can go down to the crypt cafeteria to grab a drink or dessert.
I admit I wish I'd had an hour or two longer in Windsor and Eton. Even on a drizzly day, it's an appealing place to visit!