Hey! I should start off by saying that I went to Windsor Castle in the middle of February, and it is now late March. Many apologies to those hurt by this (Alex). Also an important fact about my trip to Windsor Castle: the Queen was in residence! She stayed in the Upper ward while we are allowed to see the Middle and Lower wards. In the picture below, she would be in the area to the right.
First stop, Windsor Castle. It was about an hour ride to the town of Windsor. The bus parked far from the castle so that we had to opportunity to walk through the lovely town of Windsor. On the way to the castle, we walked along side a river full of swans. It was actually the famous River Thames which eventually flows through London also.
Swans in the River Thames. All the Swans in the United Kingdom belong to the Queen, so it's illegal to kill them.
The streets of Windsor with the castle on a hill in the background.
The River Thames on the way to Windsor Castle.
As we walked closer to the castle, the side streets got cuter and cuter. We soon ended up at the front gate of Windsor Castle. In front of the gate is a 2 1/2 mile road called the Long Walk. At the end of the walk is a statue called the Copper Horse. It is of King George the III and was built by his son, King George the IV. It's almost three miles away because it is said that they hated each other.
The Long Walk at Windsor Castle.
A small church in the small town of Windsor. I was taller than the door...
Street side Windsor.
The front entrance of Windsor Castle. During the changing of the guard, the new guards and band enter through that archway.
Windsor Castle from the front gate. The Long Walk is behind me in this picture.
Next, we went through security. The security building was a small brick building that was for the sole purpose of security. The interior of the building was lined with photos of the Queen, Betty as I call her, that captured her adorableness.
Finally, we made it into the castle! The place is like a town in itself. It is made up of a lower, middle, and upper ward. The entrance led us into the lower ward which was sort of on the bottom of the hill. I noticed how the castle at a slight slope, with the lower ward on the bottom, leading up to the upper ward at the top. It's funny because the Queen stays in the Upper ward, so it's like she's watching down on us!
The view of the castle as soon as you get though security, still not exactly in the castle.
LET ME IN.
Spring time at Windsor Castle.
On the exterior wall of the Castle. When it was under attack, soldiers were able to shoot their muskets and things from behind the protection of this creative barrier.
The Middle Ward at Windsor Castle.
Lamp...
After a few minutes of exploring the first section of the castle, we heard music coming from the Lower Ward. Naturally, we ran towards it. It was the changing of the guard!
The changing of the guard at Windsor Castle. Buncha Tina Turners over here.
After we'd seen enough of the changing of the guard, we moved on to St. George's Chapel. The chapel was amazing. It was beautiful on the inside but we weren't allowed to take pictures. This is where many of England's famous rulers are buried. Some to name a few are King Henry VIII, some of his many wives, and King Charles I.
St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The crowd in front was watching the Changing of the Guard.
From inside the chapel. Love these windows!
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The State Room Apartments at Windsor Castle. (I didn't take this)
He was giving me the eye. I think he would've attacked me if I accidentally touched him. Tough guy.
Next stop, Hampton Court Palace. It was about an hour ride to Hampton Court Palace from Windsor, not bad at all. Hampton Court Palace was built by King Henry VIII for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1514. When Cardinal Thomas Wolsey died, he passed it back to King Henry VIII. It has been added on to since its beginning in 1514. That's why the many areas of the palace seem very different.
The front entrance of Hampton Court Palace.
Sitting in King Henry VIII's chair with his soup spoon, ain't no thang.
The dining room ceiling.
There were fun, used for entertaining.
One of three courtyards inside the palace. They all looked very different.
The outside of the palace and the gardens were probably my favorite part. They seemed to be very Alice in Wonderland inspired. Like these oddly shaped trees and perfectly flat landscaped path and grass.
The palace had a hedge maze that dates back centuries for the kiddos visiting the palace (me and my friends).
One side of the Palace and it's view of the water ways. Mr. Darcy, it that you?
Another Alice in Wonderland feeling.
Another side of the palace, very different than the last.
Archway with vines growing over it.
Overall, I loved both Hampton Court and Windsor Castle. I'd say I loved Windsor more in its entirety and its village feel inside the exterior walls. It didn't have any gardens, though. I LOVED the gardens at Hampton Court Palace. Thanks for reading!
