Video: Tour of Windsor

The last non-tidal stretch of the river is truly “royal” as it flows from Windsor Castle to Hampton Court. The original settlement in Windsor was in Old Windsor. It was not until the 11th century after William the Conqueror’s success at Hastings that the first wooden fortress was built. For hundreds of years the town existed primarily to house courtiers, the garrison and their families and visitors.

The expansion of Windsor did not take place until Queen Victoria’s reign. The river at Windsor is graced by hundreds of mute swans, all of which are owned by King Charles III and the Vintners’ and Dyers’ Livery companies. Each July the cygnets are weighed, ringed, recorded, and allocated at an ancient ceremony called Swan Upping.

Passing through Eton and Windsor towards London there are stunning views of Windsor Castle, one of three official residences of The Royal Family and home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. Windsor is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest castle that has been continuously occupied. The towers and battlements create a spectacular skyline from any approach.