DAYTRIP FROM LONDON
WINDSOR AND ETON
The town of Windsor and the attached village of Eton are consumed by two bastions of the British class system, Windsor Castle and Eton College. Within the ancient stone walls of Windsor Castle lie some of the most sumptuous rooms and rarest artwork in Europe. When the Queen is home, the Royal Standard flies in place of the Union Jack. During these times, large areas of the castle are unavailable to visitors, usually without warning. The Changing of the Guard takes place in front of the Guard Room at 11am on most days. (24hr. info 01753 831 118. Castle open Apr.-Oct. daily 10am-4pm; Nov.-Mar. 10am-3pm. £11.50, seniors £9.50, under-17 £6, families £29.) Eton College, founded by Henry VI in 1440, is still England’s preeminent public (or private in the American system) school. The best way to see Eton, lOmin. down Thames St. from the town center, across the river, is to wander around the schoolyard, a central quad complete with a statue of Henry VI. ( 01753 671 177. Open July-Aug. and late Mar. to mid-Apr. daily 10:30am-4:30pm; other times 2-4:30pm. £3, under-16 £2.25.)
Two train stations are near Windsor Castle; follow the signs. Trains (w08457 484 950) pull into Windsor and Eton Central from London Paddington via Slough (50min. 2 per hr. round-trip £6.90). Trains arrive at Windsor and Eton Riverside from London Waterloo (50min. 2 per hr. round-trip £6.90). Green Line buses ( 8668 7261) make the trip from London, leaving from Eccleston Bridge (#700 and 702; 1-lVhr. round-trip £5.50-6.70).
