My 2025 Holiday Adventure kicked off with an exhilarating weekend in Windsor, England — a charming town where royal heritage intertwines seamlessly with delightful shopping and breathtaking vistas.
Wandering through its picturesque streets, I discovered inviting cafes and vibrant boutiques, all overshadowed by the majestic Windsor Castle. With its ancient stone walls and rich heritage, this enchanting destination truly captivates the senses, blending warmth and beauty at every turn.
GETTING HERE
My choice to spend the weekend in Windsor was more about safety than desire. With a late-night flight, it was easier and safer to stay in Windsor than try to navigate the Tube to a Central London hotel at midnight. Plus, it was cheaper than taking a taxi from Heathrow.
Shortly after booking my flight, I changed my mind and decided to stick to my golden rule: always go for the first flight of the day. It’s not just about beating the rush — it’s about maximizing my adventure, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!
After all, life is too short to navigate public transport after dark — better to sip tea and stroll through Windsor instead!
So, I decided to stick with the Windsor plan, as it would be dumb not to take advantage of exploring a UK city that had somehow slipped under my travel radar.
Upon my arrival, I promptly boarded the Windsor Express Flightline 703 bus — an adventure in itself! Sure, the ride would stretch for an hour, but at just £3 (approximately $4.25 US), it was a steal compared to the rest of my options. I mean, who wouldn’t want to save a few bucks?
A leisurely car hire from my trusty friends at Welcome Pickups would have set me back £75 for a mere 15-minute car ride — uhmm, no thank you!
And before you suggest Uber; they weren’t much better at £45. 🤯
So, I settled in for my budget-friendly bus ride, ready to enjoy the sights along the way and to put my savings toward something truly necessary — perhaps a nice dinner to celebrate my frugality!
MACDONALD HOTEL WINDSOR
However, my first task was to check into my lodgings for the three-night stay.
The four-star Macdonald Windsor Hotel played host for my Royal Weekend. Described as a “luxury townhouse hotel in the heart of historic Windsor, offering contemporary rooms with premium bedding, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and 24/7 room service.”
Sounds fancy, right? Well, the townhouse aspect is correct; everything else — not so much!
Customer service was great throughout my three-night stay. From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel like royalty. They greeted me with warm smiles, and my room was ready even though I strolled in before the 3 p.m. check-in. Awesome start!
However, my standard double room was not as picturesque as seen on the hotel’s website. The room needs renovating.
PLEASE GET RID OF THE CARPET! It is dingy, dirty and stained, so much so that I didn’t feel comfortable putting my shoes on the floor. 🤢
The room was very dark and faced the trash area. The bathroom was adequate, and the walk-in shower was okay. However, there is a lot of noticeable wear and tear. The moulding peeling off the walls and doors didn’t quite add to the “luxury” experience either.
And let’s not get started on the Wi-Fi … it was weaker than the pinkie I lift when I sip tea.
On the bright side, the hotel’s location is absolutely ideal for castle-hopping and indulging in some serious retail therapy. If only the rest of the experience had matched that convenience!
Breakfast wasn’t included in my room rate, and the £24 charge was just ridiculous.
Instead, I ventured to The King and Castle down the block, where I enjoyed a delicious breakfast for just £10, complete with unlimited tea and coffee. It was the perfect way to start my day of exploring!
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Peascod Street
I ventured into the town’s shopping district to get a bit of Christmas shopping done. Windsor offers a delightful mix of high-street brands and unique boutiques. Just a short stroll from the castle is Peascod Street. The pedestrian area is lined with an array of independent shops and boutiques.
Here, I enjoyed ’window shopping’ through quaint shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to exquisite home decor. What a great place for a leisurely afternoon of browsing.
One of my favorite finds was a tiny, family-owned store filled with artisanal goods. I couldn’t resist picking up a few local delicacies, including some delicious handmade treats and fragrant teas that I couldn’t wait to share with my friends back home.
Alas, the goodies were too good, and didn’t make it back home. My friends may be upset, but my tummy said, “It’s the thought that counts.” 🤣
For those seeking a souvenir that captures the essence of Windsor, stop by one of the specialty shops for a lovely royal-themed trinket or a beautifully crafted piece of pottery.
Windsor Royal Shopping Centre
The Windsor Royal Shopping Centre is another nice place to do some window shopping. This covered shopping complex features a variety of shops, from well-known brands to quirky independent retailers. This excellent spot is where I found more modern items and trinkets.
Windsor Great Park
I took a much-needed break from shopping and wandered into Windsor Great Park. The park is open year-round and free to enter. However, there are charges for parking, entry to The Savill Garden, and Adventure Play tickets, which support conservation and stewardship work across the Windsor Estate.
Surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views, I admired the majestic trees and vibrant wildflowers. The park’s serene atmosphere offered a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.
Yes, I am no fan of ‘The Nature.’ Nevertheless, I do find comfort in the soothing sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves that fill the air. It was a perfect moment to relax and rejuvenate my spirit.
WINDSOR GREAT PARK ILLUMINATED
Later in the evening, I snagged a ticket to Windsor Great Park Illuminated, a popular annual winter event attracting visitors with its magical light trail through the park’s woodlands. The trees twinkled with dazzling lights and whimsical projections, all accompanied by an uplifting soundtrack that created an immersive atmosphere.
As I walked through the festive zones, I nearly forgot I was in ‘The Nature.’ The trees, adorned with an array of dazzling lights, seemed to dance in the twilight glow. At the same time, whimsical projections and carefully curated music created an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.
The enticing aroma of food stalls wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of toasting marshmallows — a delightful invitation to indulge in warm, comforting treats. I enjoyed a lovely, and huge, cup of hot chocolate, if only to keep my hands warm as I sat mesmerized by the displays.
The 2.2-kilometer (1.3-mile) trail, which took me about two hours to explore, was a captivating journey that truly embraced the Christmas spirit.
RIVER THAMES CRUISE
I don’t like boats. Never have and never will. However, I wanted to get a different perspective of Windsor. So I hopped on a boat and did my best to enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Thames.
As we drifted along the water, I sat back and enjoyed the afternoon sun. Yes, England had sunshine during this holiday season. Wonderful, glorious sunshine.
Sorry, back to the cruise.
The afternoon sun illuminated the beautiful riverside properties, making for a picturesque afternoon.
Despite being out of my comfort zone, I found the experience unexpectedly calming, as the blend of the river and historic architecture created a breathtaking scene. It turned out to be a delightful afternoon experience.
A ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA
I couldn’t explore Windsor without indulging in an Afternoon Tea. Reserving a spot at Caleys Restaurant Windsor, I was excited to sit back and enjoy.
Arriving at my 1330 reservation time, I stood at the hostess stand for a good fifteen minutes with no sign of anyone to greet or seat me. I felt like an absolute fool as I watched the concierge stroll past me three times, flashing a smile but completely ignoring my presence. Not once did anyone say, “Can I help you?”
At this point, my frustration boiled over. I was ready to storm out and take my business elsewhere. Just as I reached the door, the hostess finally decided to make an appearance. She casually apologized for the wait and escorted me to my table.
As no other restaurants were offering an afternoon tea service at that time, I reluctantly settled in and ordered the traditional afternoon tea. However, the sour taste of that initial experience lingered.
The finger sandwiches were delicate masterpieces, and the red berry tea was a delightful kiss of summer. The scones? Warm, fluffy clouds of goodness!
I admit, the whole debate over whether jam or clotted cream goes on the scone first completely baffles me. I mean, who has the time to pick sides when you’re staring at a plate of scrumdiddlyumptiousness?
I simply chose to dive in and relish every bite, savoring the deliciousness without a care in the world. In my book, the only debate worth having is how many scones my tummy can handle.
By the way, the answer is three. 😊
CONCLUSION
Windsor is a weekend gem that offers the perfect mix of history, shopping, and stunning landscapes. Don’t overlook this royal town. My short weekend showed me that there is more to Windsor than just the castle. This is a vibrant town with much to offer.
Head to Windsor and discover the magic this enchanting town has to offer!
Until next time …
Candy Knight's Stories 