When East Meet West . Vol 4: Windsor

Winsor is an affluent suburban town and unparished area in Berkshire , England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. Winsor and the surrounding areas contain some of the most expensive and desirable housing in the UK.

We took the train there from London Paddington. It was a short journey of approximately 30 mins. Once arrived, walk out from the train station and Windsor castle will stand majestically in front of you. The Duck booked the tickets beforehand so we didn't have to wait for a long queue. However, you need to claim the tickets from the counter. As usual, audio guide will be given.

Spotted a group of
Spanish
dancers performing the Flamenco, a Spanish dance in front of the castle

Winsor Castle is a medieval castle and the royal residence which is notable for its long association with the British Royal Family and its architecture. The castle is located on a strategic position high up on the mountain so that it serves as a defensive wall against the enemy where they can see the enemy clearly from afar.

The castle is divided into the upper ward, middle ward and the lower ward. We followed the audio guide and went up to the middle ward, the heart of Windsor Castle.

Crown on the lamp post

Norman Gate. Behind the gate is the private apartment.

Private Apartments

The walls are enhanced by sharp pieces of ceramics and glasses

This is where the archers stand. They have a clear view while safely shielded.

I was trying to demonstrate how it was done. Haha

The Round Tower

Next we went up the upper ward, where the private apartments and state apartments are located. There was an unpleasant incident while queuing up to enter the State Apartment where we were cut queue. Don't wanna mention what's their nationality but it was such a disgrace to act in such uncivilised manner. And they acted as if nothing was wrong when I glared at them.

We were first brought to Queen Mary's Doll House. No photography allowed in this building. The doll house was built in 1924 as a present for Queen Mary, wife of George V. The house itself is five feet tall and built on a scale of one inch to one foot.

Pictures credit to Mail Online.

Inside the Queen Mary's Doll House. The light has to be dim to preserve the doll house

The dining room

The drawing room to greet the guests

The splendid staircase

We were then led to the State Apartments where we get to see the different corners such as the king's bed chamber, garter throne room, queen's present chamber, grand reception room, St George's Hall, Lantern lobby, etc. which serve different purposes. There were beautifully painted portraits of the royal family and the architecture and designs within were definitely mesmerising.

We then trailed down the lower ward which holds St George's and most of the buildings associated with the Order of the Garter, which is the highest order of knighthood existing in England.

The Lower Ward

A guard marching by to change shift

St George's Chapel

King Henry VIII Gate

The guard that marched past me before

Private Garden

Horseshoe Cloister

The Curfew Tower

Lower Ward

We bought the postcard collection of the pictures in the State Apartments from the souvenirs shop, handed over our audio guides and left the castle.

Windsor town

Before heading back to London, we had lunch at Gourmet Burger Kitchen. A place where you get to cut up your burger nicely with a knife and eat in a demure manner. XD

Huge glass of Oreo Milkshake. Very thick and creamy. Slurp~

Spongebob was having a bite on my chicken burger with salad, mayo and relish. I absolutely fell for the relish which tasted on the sweet side and very refreshing. Delicious! You can totally tell from Spongebob's face, can't you?

The Duck had Jamaican chicken burger with mango and ginger sauce, salad and mayo.