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Legoland WindsorWindsor CastleAscot RacecourseOUT OF TOWN: WINDSORBy Susannah O’GradyThis Royal borough needs nointroduction. Famous as the homeof the oldest and largest inhabitedcastle in the world, (and Her MajestyThe Queen’s official residence)Windsor Castle (p. 52), this superbdestination should be on everyvisitor’s itinerary.It’s not just an iconic landmarkand working palace, as many partsof the castle are open to the publicand provide a fascinating insightinto 900 years of British historyand the monarchy. See the plushState Apartments adorned withpriceless artworks from the RoyalCollection and the incredible gothicarchitecture in St George’s Chapel.For the duration of summer, thecastle’s Drawings Gallery is hostingPrince Philip: Celebrating NinetyYears. This exhibition looks at HisRoyal Highness’s long life and manyinterests through photographs,memorabilia, paintings and gifts.Beyond the castle’s fortified wallslies the 5,000-acre Windsor GreatPark and its 2.6 mile Long Walk,a tree-lined path which runs to thecastle. The Savill Garden is alsolocated within the Great Park andis hailed as one of Britain’s greatestornamental gardens.Windsor town itself brims withinteresting architecture, and thereare plenty of gift shops, boutiques,cafés, pubs, hotels and restaurantsto cater for visitors. Situated nearbyis Eton College, the world-famousschool, famous for educating royalfamily members and a host of Britishprime ministers. Book guided toursat the visitor information centre orthe Eton College Gift Shop.Windsor borough is also hometo Eton Dorney, where you’ll findEton College’s Rowing Centre. Thislake offers rowing and flat-watercanoeing and will host the rowingand kayak events in the 2012Olympic and Paralympic Games.Check out its summer programmefor events open to the public andopportunities to enjoy its 450 acresof parkland ( dorneylake.co.uk).Also in the wider borough ofWindsor is another popular attraction– Legoland Windsor, whereincredible Lego models, rides andshows ensure a great day out for allthe family ( legoland.co.uk).Or head to Ascot Racecourse,which is celebrating its 300thanniversary. Its most famous event,Royal Ascot, is set to be bigger andbetter than ever. People flock hereto enjoy the world’s best race horsesand jockeys in action, soak up theglamour and tradition, and dress upand sup champagne (14-18 Jun. ascot.co.uk).TRAVEL INFO:Windsor is located in Berkshire,south east England.Rail: Trains leave from LondonWaterloo about every 30 mins.Travel time is approximately30 minutes.ROYAL WINDSOR VISITORINFORMATION CENTREThe Old Booking Hall, WindsorRoyal Shopping, ThamesStreet, Windsor.☎ 01753 743 900. windsor.gov.ukFor more ideas tomake the most ofyour travels in theUK, pick up a copyof Britain Plannerat the Britain &London VisitorCentre, or visit britainplanner.comGGWWW.BRITAINPLANNER.COM SUMMER 2011BRITAINPLANNERTHE O FICIAL GUIDE TO THE NATIONS & REGIONSTHE O FICIAL GUIDE TO THE NATIONS & REGIONSLORIOUSARDENSExplore Britain’s lush lawns,vibrant blooms and tranquil lakesDiscover theCotswoldsEnjoy rural beauty andcharming vi lagesPLUSFamily adventuresTen beautiful beachesGreat British destinationsENGLAND | SCOTLAND | WALES | NORTHERN IRELAND | CHANNEL ISLANDS | ISLE OF MAN FREEBP_SUMMER_FINALCOVER.in d 56 18/03/2011 15:42WINDSOR CASTLE © BRITAIN ON VIEW/PAWEL LIBERA; LEGOLAND © BRITAIN ON VIEW/MARTIN BRENT14 | visitbritain.com | LONDON PLANNER | June 2011