Inspired by her
The past weekend, we have been invited by the Castle Hotel Windsor MGallery to discover why this little town – so famous for its stunning castle – is the perfect destination for International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Windsor is a historic market town in Berkshire, home to the widely know Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. It is approximately 1h 30m away from Central London and it is the perfect destination for a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Other than the castle, this town offers a variety of pretty cafes, restaurants and beautiful walks along the Thames.
This town was one of the stars of last year’s royal wedding when Megan Markle married Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The now Duchess of Sussex’s work in human rights, as well as her glittering career as an actress mean she was already an inspiring woman before becoming a royal, and her and her husband’s relationship seems to be another in a new wave of more relatable royals.
It was also fascinating to see the extraordinary influence of Britain’s earliest female architect throughout the town and at the Windsor Guildhall.
Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery
When the Castle Hotel Windsor reached out to us regarding our stay, we were really curious to discover why it is considered the perfect getaway for a girls weekend escape. MGallery is considered a pioneer in addressing the distinct needs of the female traveller, with its special offering designed especially for women and called Inspired by Her. Through this program, MGallery has been responding to and anticipating the demands of their female clientele with tailored services and special considerations throughout the stay.
The research conducted by MGallery has shown how women love the idea of a hotel offering devoted to them, believing that the female-focus is a genuine need that is currently unmet. Things such as luxury linens, thick towels and other such simple indulgences can make all the difference in the world!
Windsor Castle and the Crooked House
After having settled in, we really couldn’t wait to visit for the first time the famous Windsor Castle. March is definitely one of the best periods to visit, as the weather is not too cold and the castle is not as crowded as it will be in the summertime.
On our way to the castle – and right opposite the hotel – we couldn’t not notice one of the most peculiar buildings we had ever seen!
This crooked house has been there since 1718 and was originally rented by a butcher, as the area used to be a meat market.
The crooked aspect of the building has still not been explained, but there are two suggestions. The general belief is that the house was built using low-quality oak and shortly after construction began to warp into a distinctly crooked appearance, but others believe that it only became crooked once some surrounding buildings were demolished.
After a quick stop by this gem, we headed off to the castle. Windsor Castle is owned by Queen Elizabeth II in right of the Crown and is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the longest-occupied palace in Europe. This historical building hosts around 500 people, of which some are living and others are working in the castle. The castle is used by the queen as a royal palace as well as a weekend home and it is now as often used for state banquets.
The exterior of the castle takes you back in time, it almost feels like being in an episode of The Crown! But what really stands out are the stunning interiors of the State Apartments and the history behind every room. Here you will find timeless pieces of art, incredible medieval features and even the actual dress that Megan and Harry wore at their wedding. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take photos in the rooms, you will have to check them out yourself!
Windsor Castle – in our opinion – is an absolute must visit for anybody living in London or visiting for more than 3 days. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and we would definitely suggest grabbing one of the audio guides so that you are sure not to miss anything.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is one of those things that cannot be missed on a girls trip. Fortunately, the Castle Windsor Hotel has one of the prettiest ones in town!
There is nothing like being pampered while enjoying high tea and delicious treats in such a beautiful and elegant decor, such as the one in the MGallery.
Pretty cafes and restaurants
As we said before, Windsor is not only about its castle. There are in fact plenty of pretty cafes and restaurants just walking distance from the hotel. That is why we asked the lovely staff of the MGallery for some suggestions.
We had time to drop by the cosy pink cafe Sel et Sucre for some delicious crepes, by Drury House for some warm afternoon tea (their tea selection is incredible!) and for a pint at the The Horse and Groom.
For dinner, we had our first ever Lebanese food experience at Meejana Windsor and tried Latino, a Greek Taverna that we highly recommend for food sharing!
Conclusions
A visit in Windsor is a must for any Londoner, and the Castle Hotel Windsor MGallery seems to be the perfect home away from home for a girls weekend escape, thanks to its innovative ‘Inspired by Her’ concept and its artistic and elegant decor.
