The queen stays at Windsor -- why not you?
Today this exclusive enclave educates about 1,300 boys (ages 13 to 18). A guided tour gives visitors a glimpse of the schoolyard, chapel, cloisters, and a museum dedicated to "Eton life" (whose artifacts include the birch whips once used to discipline students).
Even if you're not touring the school, it's worth the few minutes it takes to wander up Eton's High Street, a mix of antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Architecture buffs will appreciate some finely preserved shop fronts with typical 15th-century timber-framing.
While 99 percent of visitors come to Windsor just to tour the castle and go, overnighters have the added pleasure of attending evensong in St. George's Chapel, with a glorious fan-vaulted ceiling overhead, Henry underfoot, and the banners of the knights of the Garter all around. Consider this as a royal sendoff for your last night in Great Britain.
IF YOU VISIT...
SLEEPING: Langton House B&B is a homey Victorian house set in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood (moderate, www.langtonhouse.co.uk). For a luxurious stay near the castle, book the Windsor Castle Hotel (splurge, www.sofitel.com).
EATING: Classy but rustic, Bell & the Dragon is the place for a fine British meal (1 Datchet Road, tel. 01753/866-056). For a more international selection, try the modern bistro Cornucopia a la Russe (6 High Street, tel. 01753/833-009).
GETTING AROUND: Windsor and nearby Eton are delightfully small and walkable.
TOURIST INFORMATION: www.windsor.gov.uk.
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(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(c)2017 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
