holiday at windsor?

Louise, I have been to windsor a few times and absolutely love it. I wanted to be sure you know that it can easily be done as a day trip from London. The castle only takes a few hours to tour, and the town is fairly small. I think you could easily see everything of interest in 1 day.

Windsor has great shopping. I'm not really one for spending time shopping, but I have some treasured items that I bought in Windsor (I don't really buy many souveniers.) The last time I was there, there were merchants selling wonderful hand made items from stands near the train station.

Have a wonderful trip!

Windsor is lovely. If you do stay there make sure you cross the bridge to Eton which is a lovely small town - only about 10 mins stroll. Day trips to London very easy.

I agree that the shopping is great and lots of nice pubs, restaurants and cafes.

In terms of the time of the year, I would always go to UK in summer time when the days are longer - avoiding if possible July and August and whenever their school holidays are.

We stayed in a lovely cottage in Eton which is available by the week during summer and shorter periods during the winter - sleeps 4. Let me know if you want the details.

Most people just come to Windsor for the Castle and just spend a morning and afternoon, but its really worth at least a couple of days. Because Windsor is so accessible and close from London its heavily visited every day of the year.
If you are staying overnight then summer is best as its light in the evening and you can walk the ground of Windsor Great Park, Rinnymede or just relax outside in a Pub by the river, so much better than a dark winters evening.
Avoid Castle morning when most tour groups arrive. Polo on Sunday. River trip to Hampton Court. Runnymede (Magna Carta), Eton College, Great park and river walks, horse racing, Legoland, Virginia Water.

We have been to Windsor a couple times. I enjoy it,
but my wife absolutely loves the town. I would suggest two days there max. The best accomodations in town are at the Harte and Garter across the street
from the Castle. You are centrally located and can
watch the changing of the guard in the street below if you have one of the castle view rooms. The hotel
is old, I believe Shakespeare stayed there, but was
completely renovated in 2007. Rooms are expensive, even for UK, but it is worth it for a night or two.

In May 2006 did a day trip via train from London on weekend of the Royal Windsor Horse show. Booked tickets ahead via internet [http://www.seetickets.com].
Sat with the commoners across the arena from Ms. Queen and the Royals. Lots of neat events for pro riders, military and kids. Photo ops galore. Walked all over her huge back yard. Cheers.

Windsor is Great.....make sure to attend the 5pm Evening Song in St George's Chapel...be in line by 4:45p to make sure you get a seat in the choir. Also, "The Hare & Garter" restaurant has a wonderful "Yrkshire Pudding" supper...found across the street on the way back to the train station....

I'd recommend the Castle hotel. Right across the street from the Castle. Windor is lovely and worth a night. The rose garden of the castle is great. Walk over to Eaton and also take a cruise down the Thames.