Windsor Attractions

Ascot (pop. 7,500) lies at the end of Windsor Great Park. For 11 months of the year this small town sleeps, but comes into its own in June with Ascot Week. This great racing occasion draws many thousands of visitors and is attended by the Royal Family, who drive from Windsor Castle in a procession, often in open carriages when the weather permits. The climax of the week's racing is Thursday - Gold Cup Day.

Aimed at recording the history and development of balloon flying in Great Britain, this museum houses an impressive collection of hot-air balloons. Few are on public display but every year, weather permitting, a number of the balloons are inflated for exhibition.

The Crown Jewels of the World Museum in Windsor features crowns, regalia and state treasures from 15 countries. This collection is valued at millions of pounds sterling. The museum boasts far shorter line-ups than those at the Tower of London jewel display.

Begun in 1687, the Guildhall was completed by Christopher Wren. Its south face is embellished with a statue of Prince George of Denmark, husband of Queen Anne.

Legoland is a unique family park set in 150 acres of parkland. It is dedicated to the creativity and imagination of children of all ages with rides, interactive play areas and millions of LEGO bricks. It is fun for whole family.

In 1897 Queen Victoria observed her 60th anniversary as monarch. This event is commemorated by the audio-visual show "Royalty and Empire", situated in Windsor's old railroad station. Madame Tussaud's wax figures, old coaches and the Royal Carriage can be seen here.

Attraction is permanently closed.

Old Windsor, 1.5mi/2.4km southeast of Windsor, was the seat of the Saxon kings; excavations have uncovered the remains of a building which was probably the palace of Edward the Confessor.

The bronze monument to Queen Victoria on Castle Hill was unveiled in 1887.

To the south of Windsor Castle in a building in St Albans Street is a display of some of the official gifts presented to Queen Elizabeth II. The Coach House contains some of the royal carriages.

Runnymede (3mi/5km southeast of Windsor) is the name of the small meadow where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215. There is now a Magna Carta Memorial, and the place attracts large numbers of visitors.

Part of the area of Runnymede has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its diversity of flora and fauna. Situated on the Thames, this riverside area attracts walkers and anglers, and has mooring locations.

Slough Museum presents the unique and fascinating local history of Slough. Its history, which dates back thousands of years, is portrayed in a permanent exhibition: A Journey Through Time.

Stoke Poges (about 4mi/6km north of Windsor) is a place of pilgrimage. Thomas Gray (1716-1771) is buried in the attractive churchyard, a statue by Wyatt marking his grave. The landscape which inspired Gray to write his "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" has hardly altered. In the church the "Bicycle Window", depicting a man riding a bicycle, should be seen.

This annual two-week event, Windsor Festival, runs from late September to early October with daily events in venues such as the Waterloo Chamber, the Windsor Castle, St George's Hall and Chapel and the Eton College Chapel.

Since its inception in 1969, the festival has offered orchestral, choral, chamber and organ concerts, recitals, dance performances and lectures. International performers are invited every year to perform a repertoire of classical works.

Windsor is 25 miles west of London.