Stay in Windsor for the royal welcome you deserve

With three different events taking place in Windsor, your itinerary can be as busy as you like!

When most people think about Windsor, they remember the extravagant castle which has long been synonymous with the Royal Family. With beautiful architecture that spans centuries and stunning grounds, it is this estate which really summarises this idyllic part of Berkshire.

However, as Windsor has also been chosen as a host town for the summer games in 2012, this fantastic location that’s rich in British history is now going to be on the map for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic rowing tournaments, in addition to the canoe sprint. The venue for all of these events is Eton Dorney, and the facilities at this centre have been upgraded to become a world-class arena for rowing.

At Eton Dorney, there is a 2,200-metre course which has been split into eight lanes, with materials used that adhere to international guidelines. Even though the centre has been used for tournaments in the past, the arena wasn’t been suitable for the canoe sprint event until renovations took place to install appropriate facilities and to make the venue more accessible to pedestrians and vehicles.

What’s coming up in the rowing and the canoe sprint?

The canoe sprint at Eton Dorney is going to be complementing the canoe slalom events that are taking place at the Lee Valley Regional Park on the outskirts of Greater London. The 2012 sporting events are going to be quite historic for this event, especially as the 200-metre race is going to be part of the schedule for the first time in Olympic history.

Meanwhile, the rowing will be running from the 28th of July to the 4th of August with 550 athletes aiming to get 14 gold medals in a number of different disciplines. The intensity and the strength of rowers is something to admire, and it’s fascinating to note that out of all of the different sports in the Olympics, it is only rowing where opponents pass the finish line with their backs turned.

Irrespective of the race that is taking place, the whole 2,000-metre course will be used in its entirety. Some rowers will be working individually, while other races will test the ability of athletes to work as a team along with a cox.

Rowing has been a regular fixture in the Games since 1900, although the actual sport gained exposure in the mid-1800s thanks to the rivalry between Oxford University and Cambridge University.

Best Windsor holiday accommodation for summer 2012

What are the attractions in Windsor?

As we mentioned earlier, if you are going to visit one thing during your stay in the area, it has to be Windsor Castle. With over 13 acres of grounds and many mesmerising exhibits such as a royal collection of artefacts, it can be an oddly patriotic feeling for Britons as they learn more about this castle’s heritage.

Shopping in Windsor

Aptly named, Windsor Royal Shopping has dozens of shops, boutiques and cafes in an authentic Victorian railway station setting – adding plenty of novelty to the shopping experience. If you want to take away something from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of staying in Windsor for the Olympics, paying this centre a visit will be worthwhile.

Dining in Windsor

You will find plenty of upmarket restaurants with a la carte menus and impressive wine lists. If you want a recommendation from us, try the Greene Oak – they have an extensive menu in a gastro pub setting, and their wine list is to die for.

Transport in Windsor: Everything you need to know

A royal carriage might be out of bounds, but there are plenty of other ways to get to Windsor – wherever you may be. There are motorway links to the M25, the M4 and the M3 close by, not to mention easy access to London Heathrow where international flights depart seven days a week from five different terminals.

Frequent trains run from Windsor to London Waterloo and London Paddington, allowing you to reach Central London in as little as 35 minutes. If you want to attend some events at the Olympic Park for a little variety, staying in Windsor is the perfect opportunity for you. In addition, with the sheer number of bus companies and taxi firms in the area, discovering hidden gems in the local area won’t be as difficult a task as you imagine.