Windsor & Runnymede

Exploring The British Isles

Adventure Into Greater London
( Windsor & Runnymede )

Previous:  Prolog

Photo Album:  Windsor & Runnymede

Video: Windsor Castle & Changing of the Guards

So, the time had come to embark on the epic pilgrimage to London, a journey so long it makes a trans-Tasman flight feel like a trip to the corner store. With a 24-hour itinerary and a layover in Singapore—a mere blip in the grand scheme of things—we were ready to conquer the skies. But, Uncle Murphy came knocking again; our bank decided to join the party with a message: our most-used credit card had been put on hold due to a "scam transaction." Thanks, but could you have maybe waited until we were, you know, not in the air? Thankfully, we had a plan B (and C, and D, because we’re not amateurs).

Heathrow, as expected, was a symphony of chaos and noise, even at the ungodly hour we arrived. Still, we managed to snag a SIM card, which, at that price, we thought it is a piece of gold.

We then found our chariot—the bus—to whisk us away to our Airbnb, just a couple of blocks from our host, a kind soul who, bless his heart, offered to pick us up from the bus stop. Exceptional hospitality indeed. All went to plan.

Our strategic choice for a first taste of London civilization? The glorious borough of Slough. Think of it as London's chill, less-populated cousin, perfect for easing into the local rhythm. Plus, it's just a stone's throw from Windsor Castle. We could have taken the bus, but after 24 hours of being crammed into a metal tube, our legs were practically begging for a 5-6 km stroll. Jet lag, be gone!

Our walk to Windsor Castle was a tour-de-force through the grounds of Eton College. It's a place famous for churning out prime ministers and other elite characters, which explains the palpable air of tweed and privilege. 

The High Street, with its 200-300-year-old shops, felt like a time machine, a rare find for us Aussies who think a historical building is anything built before 1945.

This trip was a complete departure from my last London visit 25 years ago, a winter-weary 24-hour sprint for a finance meeting. Back then, I talked to "managers" with eagle eyes. This time, I was having conversations with actual people! Spring was showing its true colors, and everything felt alive.

Crossing the Thames, the imposing silhouette of Windsor Castle—a structure so quintessentially British it probably bleeds tea—stood before us. 

But even this bastion of tradition had signs of the modern era, with multicultural eateries popping up like mushrooms at its feet, ready to feed tourists from all corners of the globe. 

And, of course, there was the obligatory Queen Victoria statue, a familiar face even in a foreign land.

Fun fact: we have our own version in Australia, carved by Mother Nature herself. Just a minor detail, it takes an adventure to see it.

Our first day concluded with a mandatory visit to the local Tesco. We asked the first security guard we saw if we needed a membership. He responded with a twinkle in his eye, "No, but you can use mine for a discount!" and handed us his card, a trust fall of epic proportions. "Just don’t forget to return it," he added. What a beautiful, trusting soul.

The next day, we were back at Windsor Castle, exploring its lush spring gardens. 

And peeking into every nook and cranny. 

Naturally, we were there for the main event: the Changing of the Guards, a spectacle of synchronized marching and impeccable uniforms that truly makes you appreciate not being a guard. 

We also paid our respects at the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch whose reign felt as long and steady as the Thames itself. My lifetime anyway.

St George's Chapel where Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest.

Steeped in nearly a thousand years of history, Windsor Castle has undergone a remarkable transformation. It began as a humble fortification, built to guard London's western approach. Over the centuries, it evolved into the iconic symbol we see today: a sprawling complex of palaces, residences, and ceremonial buildings. It stands not only as one of the official residences of the British sovereign but also as a living testament to a history far richer than a single visit can capture.  Here is more about its history.

Our journey continued with a bus ride to Runnymede meadows, the legendary birthplace of the Magna Carta in 1215. This historical document, often dubbed the first constitution, was which the ruthless and war monger King John grudgingly agreed to share power with the rebellious British Barons. And just like that, the seed of democracy was planted. 

And a memorial for President JF Kennedy.

From there, we scaled a hill to visit the RAF memorial, a final salute before heading back, our heads swimming with history, jet lag, and a deep appreciation for Tesco's trusting security guards.

Just a side note:  The bus fare are aggregated for the whole day, and a grand sum of £4 is charged if the same credit card is used, for the same bus operator, at the end of each day.

....read more

History:   Eton College, Windsor Castle, Magna Carta, RAF Memorial

Highlights: Windsor Castle, Changing of the Guards, Magna Carta Memorial.

Gremlins:  Credit card on hold due to scam prior embarkation

Grief:  NONE

Index:  Table of Content

Next:  Negotiating the London Tubes / rail networks to Greenich

Previous:   Prolog