Windsor Castle: Should you visit?

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  • čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
  • Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest castle still inhabited today. It is an iconic symbol of Britain and a popular tourist destination... but is it worth visiting? We are frugal travellers who avoid long queues ... so we procrastinated going to Windsor Castle for many years. But after visiting England together for over 30 years, we FINALLY made the trip to this famous castle! Come along for our visit and hear our review of WAS IT WORTH IT?
    Please check out the links below and consider SUBSCRIBING to join us for more adventures around the UK and discussions of all things British! Cheers! XX Dara & Ian
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Komentáře • 166

  • @fuoridalsentiero
    @fuoridalsentiero Před 20 dny +2

    Beautiful place we love it. Big Like.We join your channel 👍💛 A very lovely channel.

  • @john_smith1471
    @john_smith1471 Před 24 dny +2

    The Jubilee weekend was less than two years ago in 2022, a bank holiday date was moved to June, the Queen appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony, there was a flypast, the Mall was filled solidly with people and lined with the Union Jack flag.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 18 dny +1

      I'm so glad I was able to be here in Britain for that last Jubilee... it was quite a celebration!

  • @vongtaynhanaikptt6066
    @vongtaynhanaikptt6066 Před 21 dnem +1

    Nice video thanks for sharing friend Big like

  • @erikalfan1027
    @erikalfan1027 Před 23 dny +1

    Thank you friends for sharing a very pleasant and beautiful video of a very relaxing walk in the surrounding environment

  • @DH.2016
    @DH.2016 Před 24 dny +2

    I was amazed at the length of the queues. We were there over 30 years ago and I think we almost virtually walked straight in (also no booking online in advance in these days)! Nice wedding photos, btw. What a handsome couple you were then (and still are)!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 23 dny

      I knew there would be long queues, but was gobsmacked at how long they were when we arrived!
      Thank you for your kind words. I think it's unfair that I just look a lot older now, but Ian looks better!

  • @FunandBudget
    @FunandBudget Před 23 dny +2

    Love your personal back story to this visit

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 22 dny

      Hi Tinesha! Thanks for popping by. I hope you're doing well 💖. Cheers! Dara

  • @WITYTRAVELS
    @WITYTRAVELS Před 24 dny +2

    Love the crochet coronation piece! Reroute the planes!

  • @WITYTRAVELS
    @WITYTRAVELS Před 24 dny +2

    Love the flash back photos!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 18 dny +1

      Thanks! When you get as old as me, it's very shocking to see what you looked like back then! Lol

    • @WITYTRAVELS
      @WITYTRAVELS Před 18 dny +1

      @@MagentaOtterTravels

  • @hiddenwiltshire
    @hiddenwiltshire Před 24 dny +2

    Even though I'm all about Wiltshire, Windsor is a special place for me. My wife grew up there, and we lived there for the first 5 years of our marriage. As residents we used to get free entry to the castle.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 18 dny +1

      That is a special privilege of living nearby! It's nice to hear that you have a personal connection to Windsor 💖. Did your wife routinely cross paths with the royal family?

    • @hiddenwiltshire
      @hiddenwiltshire Před 14 dny +1

      @@MagentaOtterTravels yes she did. Prince Philip especially could often be seen driving around. During Ascot race week we would sit on the long walk and watch then all be driven out of the castle and they would wave as they went past

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 14 dny

      @@hiddenwiltshire that's fun! 🤩

  • @JohnDuffy-bq8wg
    @JohnDuffy-bq8wg Před 24 dny +1

    Always a kid weekends to visit in summer as very busy, best to go weekdays early, and spring or late autumn best as avoiding school holiday crowds, apart from that it's still a very very impressive building

  • @gaelsomerville5163
    @gaelsomerville5163 Před 25 dny +2

    Also, quite nice to hop over the bridge into Eton. Has a different sort of olde world charm.

  • @theresabigwideworld2632
    @theresabigwideworld2632 Před 23 dny +1

    Windsor Castle is definitely a place to visit, I have a soft spot for it as the castle was the first castle/stately home/palace I ever saw in the UK. On my first trip to the UK during my university years, my friend who was spending their Gap Year working there took me. In those days (pre the 1992 fire) it was free to enter the lower ward and St George's Chapel, the paid part was only the State Rooms. After the fire they needed the money to restore the castle so started charging to enter the grounds. During my Gap Year (after uni)I lived in the town of Windsor for a while, London got too big for me. Away from the main street, the station and the castle it's actually quite a peaceful town. I liked the walk along the river and over the bridge to Eton as well.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 21 dnem

      That's so interesting, Anna! I'm glad it has so many nice memories for you ❤️🇬🇧

  • @gaelsomerville5163
    @gaelsomerville5163 Před 25 dny +2

    The gardens are up in the Great Park. Savill Gardens and Valley Gardens are so lovely.

  • @puma55792
    @puma55792 Před 25 dny +2

    With whats happening in the world your videos are showing us that ther are still lovely kind people and beautiful places to visit it, they are so reasuring. Thank you,

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      Thanks so much. Yes, we all need a bit of mental escape at times because there are so many sad and scary things happening all over...
      Take care. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Dara

  • @dprid
    @dprid Před 24 dny +1

    If you want gardens then you need to go into Windsor Great Park - Savill Garden is 35 acres of formally laid out gardens, whilst the Valley Gardens are 250 acres of undulating valleys with loads of flowering shrubs, bushes & and trees. Windsor Great Park itself is a fabulous place to go and walk - deer in the deer park, loads of monuments & statues, Virginia Water, a Roman folly, and some of the oldest trees in the country. And all pretty much traffic-free.

  • @The_Brit_Girls
    @The_Brit_Girls Před 25 dny +2

    Interesting that the previous monarch's names are written above the doors. It must have been very emotional to see the Queen's tomb 🥲 Awe, poor Weston and his shaving mishap! I'm surprised His Majesty hasn't done something about the constant stream of planes flying over the castle too!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      Weston's face was a bloody massacre. He does it pretty much every family vacation... slashes it to bits with a cheap razor. Hence I have nearly no family photos!!
      Yes, it was very emotional seeing the tomb for QE2. Seems so recent that we had been celebrating her Jubilee!

  • @TravelingTramps
    @TravelingTramps Před 23 dny +1

    Beautiful castle, but it sure draws a crowd. I can see why so many people visit. Well, I heard about it anyway! 🤣🤣All joking aside it would be a must visit for us. Shame about the planes and not being able to film. Makes it hard to vlog as you said. Still enjoyed coming along!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 21 dnem

      Thanks Dave! I have been so busy traveling and hosting guests that I have not been able to watch many videos lately. I look forward to catching up with what you kids are up to! I hope your mother is healing well.

  • @user-eb1sd2vj9r
    @user-eb1sd2vj9r Před 24 dny +1

    Hi. If you go to Windsor Castle in August you trade the increased number of tourists for the fact that you can go into the Governor’s house’s private garden inside the castle’s grounds as he, like the Royal Family, is away from the castle (at least that was the case many years ago). Windsor Great Park is the free to enter part of the Windsor estate and covers 5,000 acres and includes gardens to explore. The private gardens are just that so that the Royal Family can enjoy some privacy. Remember that Windsor Castle is the family home whereas Buckingham Palace is the “corporate office”. FYI Post boxes were originally green in colour when introduced during Queen Victoria’s reign. They were changed to red at a later date. Therefore that post box has been kept in its original colour for heritage purposes, I would assume.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 21 dnem +1

      Thanks for all that great information! I knew someone would remind me why the postbox was green 😉💚

  • @john_smith1471
    @john_smith1471 Před 24 dny +1

    The sheltered garden and bench seen @1:40 is where Catherine Princess of Wales broadcast her message in March informing the nation that she is receiving a course of chemotherapy.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 18 dny

      Well spotted! Such shocking and sad news for her and her family. 😢

  • @griswald7156
    @griswald7156 Před 25 dny +2

    They sell bottled sticky toffee pudding topping in M and S food..really nice by the wine glass full after a meal..

  • @paulguise698
    @paulguise698 Před 22 dny +2

    Hiya Dara, welcome back to England, I enjoyed this vlog about Windsor Castle, that's all I have to say right now, this is Choppy in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England

  • @john_smith1471
    @john_smith1471 Před 24 dny +1

    Even if you don’t go to the castle the historic town of Windsor & Eton makes a nice day visit, many shops and places to eat, drink and sit, riverside walk, feeding Swans, boat rides, the 2.5 mile tree lined Long Walk castle approach in Windsor Great Park, a walk past Eton College where many famous people attended, Windsor has two railway stations so is well served, parking is expensive.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 21 dnem +1

      Thanks for the tips! We didn't have time to do all those things but they are great suggestions!

  • @juliegolding2646
    @juliegolding2646 Před 23 dny +2

    When the King is in residence at the Castle and it’s the same at Buckingham Palace the change the flight paths✈️ not only due to noise but for security reasons.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 21 dnem

      Very smart! And interesting! But seems rather complicated... however, I know nothing about air traffic control! Lol

    • @heythisisminenotyours
      @heythisisminenotyours Před 15 dny

      Urban myth and not true. Prince William and family live in the grounds full time...

  • @griswald7156
    @griswald7156 Před 25 dny +6

    You got a selfie with Chas !
    Harry will be so envious..

  • @richt71
    @richt71 Před 23 dny +1

    Great video. My brother used to live in Windsor so visited the castle. It's rather grand inside although the lounge of the late Queens apartment here was rather normal (from a tv address she did) with a sofa, tv, family pictures on the mantelpiece and a tv guide on the sofa!!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 22 dny

      That's funny. Nice to see a glimpse a normality amidst the grandeur.

    • @richt71
      @richt71 Před 22 dny +1

      @@MagentaOtterTravels Forgot to say the Queen neatly ran over me on the long walk royal park outside windsor castle! It's not a public road so I was walking along it with my brother and sister in law when I became aware of a car behind me and it was the Queen driving with just one security personal beside her. She was peering over the steering wheel. RIP

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 22 dny

      @@richt71 that's a great memory 💜

  • @john_smith1471
    @john_smith1471 Před 24 dny +1

    The historic Berkshire town of Windsor is not far from Heathrow airport and often recommended on travel forums for a final night stopover before a flight home instead of an airport hotel, with luggage and no frequent public transport though book a taxi, approx 20 minute drive.

  • @garylancaster8612
    @garylancaster8612 Před 25 dny +1

    Great video Dara. I was wondering, have you been to Runnymede? That's very close to Windsor and would be interesting for you I think. There's a piece of land there that's officially the USA, gifted by us to you. Also, how are your American visitors enjoying the lovely weather this week? Hope you managed to show them a glimpse of the Cotswolds looking their finest.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +2

      Yes, the first group of visitors LOVED the Cotswolds and thoroughly enjoyed the weather! It was 38 F and raining when they left Utah and it was warm and sunny the whole time they were here! They left this morning... next batch arrives tomorrow morning!

  • @MartinT5600
    @MartinT5600 Před 25 dny +1

    Love seeing the wedding photo's. You look like movie star's!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      You are very kind. I'm just annoyed that I look so old now compared to them... and Ian looks BETTER now!

  • @RichardWells1
    @RichardWells1 Před 25 dny +2

    You certainly had a lovely day for your Windsor visit! Great commentary from you both - thank you. Can't believe it's more than 30 years since we visited Windsor Castle: just shows how you visit your nearest places of interest least often!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      Yes, and in 30 years the thousand year old castle probably hasn't changed much... except for the passing of one monarch and the crowning of another!
      We had a lovely day for that visit, and we have enjoyed the sunny weather we have had this past week. A warm welcome back to Gloucestershire!

  • @lizbignell7813
    @lizbignell7813 Před 25 dny +1

    I thought Windsor was an impressive experience, especially seeing paintings that were so familiar of Henry Xlll and Anne Boleyn. My sister and l went to the Royal Windsor Horse Show last week and they must have been coming in from the other direction as we barely heard a plane.
    If you are over here now, welcome back, or should l say welcome home!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      Yes, we have been here one week now! Just finished with our first group of visitors who enjoyed the lovely weather as we toured the Cotswolds! We are very happy to be "home" ;-) Cheers, Liz! XX

    • @lizbignell7813
      @lizbignell7813 Před 24 dny

      So we have you to think for the improvement in the weather? Thanks Dara and lan.

  • @alexrafe2590
    @alexrafe2590 Před 24 dny +1

    Did you cross over the river to Eton? It's lovely too and not as crowded as Windsor. Despite the tourists, I enjoy strolling through the streets of the towns of Windsor and Eton. If you remember, Charles and Queen Camilla were married in Windsor's town hall. But there was something about, if they married in St George's chapel, the chapel would have had to be opened to marriages for members of the general public too.
    But I thought as it was a second wedding for both, it would have been a nice touch to have held the wedding at a church in Scotland, where there would have been none of the delicate issues of them marrying in St George's, where they were only able to have the Archbishop bless their union. Churches in Edinburgh, like St Giles Cathedral, which also has more space, and being Church of Scotland, i.e., Presbyterian, has no strictures about church weddings for divorced people. It would have been an ideal choice.
    That was why Anne and her second husband chose to marry in Scotland. It would have also made the second blessing ceremony unnecessary, and also raised the profile of the royal family in Scotland.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 21 dnem

      Very interesting! I like your suggestion. Too bad Charles didn't consult you first 😉

    • @alexrafe2590
      @alexrafe2590 Před 21 dnem

      @@MagentaOtterTravels I know!😉

  • @JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers

    What a beautiful day and tour. Thank you for bringing us along as I don’t think we can arrange a visit when we are in the UK this fall. Do they close tours when the Royal family is staying there? Great job Dara! ~Cara 😊

    • @john_smith1471
      @john_smith1471 Před 24 dny +2

      When winter daylight hours begin to noticeably shorten, the castle changes to last entry at 3pm from 1 November.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 18 dny +1

      I think the tour still happens since they are in a different part of the castle than the private apartments. I think you should prioritise going to the Tower of London if you haven't already been there.

  • @grahvis
    @grahvis Před 25 dny +1

    Been through Windsor countless times on the boat, but the crowds always put us off staying there for any length of time.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      I would love to see Windsor and Hampton Court from a boat! I understand your reluctance with the crowds... that's why Ian resisted going for so long!

  • @nicksykes4575
    @nicksykes4575 Před 24 dny +1

    Hi Dara, I hope Ian didn't try and put his drone up, they'd have shut down Heathrow again.😉 Pity you didn't get the Household Division guards, just the boring old regular army! Looks like the Royal Anglian Regiment or the Royal Fusiliers. The Gurkhas have just done a stint there last month.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 20 dny

      Yes, the guards were not wearing the really fancy uniforms, which would be nice to see! But I still appreciated getting to see these fine fellows!❤️
      Ian is very careful about not putting the drone up where it is not allowed. This place would definitely be off-limits! Interestingly, his drone won't even let him fly it in restricted airspace that is near an airport or military base !

  • @ianbailey509
    @ianbailey509 Před 24 dny +1

    No gardens per se but don’t forget there’s Windsor Great Park right there on the doorstep.

  • @alisonrandall3039
    @alisonrandall3039 Před 23 dny +1

    Lovely film. Did you know where the state apartments is that used to be the jousting area. If you look at the tower it’s in three parts the lower part was the mediaeval part and the second and third Georgian extensions.
    Down where the Guildhall is usually called gallows Road. During Elizabethan times if they found out you come from out of Windsor during the plague they would hang you.
    Just a small grumble. Windsor is not a city it’s a town. Just a bit niggling as someone who lived worked I went to school there.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 22 dny

      Oh, trust me, I know what a serious offense that is! That is why I filmed this video czcams.com/video/X4X1uXJK3Pw/video.htmlsi=v7sSx4KGDVjBcrMW
      But I still sometimes don't know if something is a town or city. Sorry!

  • @GENerationXplorers
    @GENerationXplorers Před 25 dny +1

    Gosh has it been a year already? Wow. Love the patriotic shops. We have a Victoria too (statue and building). Nice roses. Love those wedding pics ❤ a trip 31 years in the making. A really stunning Castle. Great guards capture. Ah poor Lizzy, we all miss her. Wow, you might have us beat with that postbox topper. Poor Weston shavings mishap! King Ian’s no fly zone. Ah Lizzy would approve of the Corgis. A green post box? Gosh. 👍

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      Yes, I think I found the ultimate postbox topper... fit for a king!
      I do love a good Victoria statue. Is yours of Old Vickie? I appreciate honouring a woman who is mature and wise... not just a 25 year old in her prime ;-)

  • @jamesbeeching6138
    @jamesbeeching6138 Před 25 dny +1

    Good video Dara!! It's a shame Queen Mary's Dolls house had such a wait,,,It truly is an amazing object!! And is 100 years old this year!!
    An interesting family fact : My Great Uncle was police bodyguard to Queen Mary!! However he said she was a truly formidable and terrifying woman and didn't NEED a bodyguard!!😅😅😅😅😅😅

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      That is VERY funny! I love hearing these family stories!
      We detest long queues... so after enduring the one at the entrance, there was no chance we could cope with the one for the doll's house. Too bad we missed it, because I do enjoy a good doll house ;-)

    • @jamesbeeching6138
      @jamesbeeching6138 Před 24 dny +1

      @@MagentaOtterTravels to be honest I doubt you would have seen much detail as they might have "hurried you along!!"

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 24 dny +1

      @@jamesbeeching6138 probably, given the length of that queue! A museum in Chicago that I loved to visit as a child had amazing dollhouse displays!

  • @theresabigwideworld2632
    @theresabigwideworld2632 Před 23 dny +1

    The Royal Collection Trust holds the copyright to the items and interiors to royal palaces, that's why you can't take photos. You have to pay to video or photograph interiors, I went to Sandringham last year and you couldn't film in there either. Kensington Palace is run by Historic Royal Palaces and they do allow photography there. I assume Highclere Castle also copyright their interiors and that's why they don't allow filming or photography. The Downton production company probably pays a good fee to film inside Highclere. I visited Sansouci Palace in Germany and if you want to film there you pay a photography fee and you wear a wrist band to show you paid and can film. Otherwise it's no photography for copyright reasons.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 22 dny

      Very interesting to know that it is for copyright reasons! That makes sense.

  • @evancortez2
    @evancortez2 Před 25 dny +1

    I went here as part of a big tour group, I remember the tour bus parked in the back and we had to walk the rest of the way to the castle, I remember passing through a little train station and some shops and as for the castle itself, I enjoyed it immensely, our tour group got to avoid the line and we were let in first because we were such a huge group

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      Very good to be able to skip the line! Even though you were in a large group, that is a castle that can handle a lot of people because it is SO immense!!

  • @griswald7156
    @griswald7156 Před 25 dny +3

    Charles could buy Sussex to site the airport..

  • @TheAg812
    @TheAg812 Před 25 dny +2

    I do miss living in Windsor! It was entirely possible that you could bump into Royal family members whilst simply on a walk with the doggo 🐶.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 24 dny

      How fun!

    • @DH.2016
      @DH.2016 Před 24 dny

      @@MagentaOtterTravels Don't have a footage of Windsor but here's a short on cyclists meeting the King at Balmoral. czcams.com/video/q97gUrw3ib4/video.html

    • @alisonrandall3039
      @alisonrandall3039 Před 23 dny +2

      Me too. I used to see the Queen walking her dogs quite often. And the Prince Phillip out driving his coach and four.

    • @TheAg812
      @TheAg812 Před 23 dny

      @@alisonrandall3039 Exactly what I had in mind! Prince Phillip and the coach!

  • @andrewdoubtfire4700
    @andrewdoubtfire4700 Před 25 dny +1

    So pleased to see another MOT vlog. Just home from work, the sun is shining and have a pot of tea (complete with Union Flag cosy) made and now have something gentle and fun to watch. Hope you’re all well.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      Sounds lovely! I hope you enjoy the little vlog today. Weston doesn't know I made a snide crack about him in the video... heehee

    • @nicksykes4575
      @nicksykes4575 Před 24 dny

      @@MagentaOtterTravels Bet he does now!

  • @DaveCollierCamping
    @DaveCollierCamping Před 25 dny +2

    Awesome

  • @PostcardAndAPint
    @PostcardAndAPint Před 25 dny +1

    That's where Wills mum got her MBE. Loved those patriotic donuts! I've never visited, it looks beautiful. We'll pop this on our list to visit. Cheers 🍻

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      Aww, I remember that little video of her getting her MBE. So special! I think Wills and you should be given a free ticket ;-)

  • @bobbyxhilone9953
    @bobbyxhilone9953 Před 25 dny +1

    Yes, too bad you could not take any pics or videos inside the castle. Still, this was beautiful, Dara, and amazing how enormous it is. I admire you guys for having the patience to stand in those long queues!!😌🏰

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      Ian HATES long queues!! Thank goodness it moved quickly. And he was rewarded with a gelato later ;-) haha

  • @ms.kayak7seas
    @ms.kayak7seas Před 21 dnem +1

    Hi Dara
    So sorry this comment is over due...
    I was on my filming trip and just got back. my notification box was flooded...
    900 yrs and till the castle exists to live in...remarkable...wait a min? so how the utility lines inside of castle are wired??? For my curiosity, is there central air system in there? hahah
    Is the castle tour pretty much busy all year around???
    OMG when you said 13000 acres of the property, I could not imagine it.
    we have Biltmore Estate here: George Vanderbilt's lifetime was approximately 125,000 acres
    Now I got I know how large property is. wow.
    I enjoy your personal story and this visit to the castle.
    I wonder what made you interested in the GB? Ian? or something else?
    I have a friend in Biltmore Forrest and she has a large Flag, crest, and etc... you can name it
    I always enjoy the diversity between countries through your films.
    Did you get emotional to walk through the castle where Queen Elizabeth may have walked on???
    I really liked her attitude as a figure/symbol of England. Although I liked Princess D. hahah
    Thank you always very much for complete tour guide.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 18 dny

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment! You never need to apologise for missing a video or watching it late! I know you are very busy with travelling and filming like I am.
      These days I have very little time to watch videos, because we are always running around and playing tour guide to our friends who are visiting from the US. We currently have friends with us who are visiting from North Carolina! They will be with us for a month!
      Castles like this have been extensively modernized over the centuries, so they managed to put in central heating and air conditioning and all the modern technology and conveniences. Because this is one of the most famous castles, it is very busy with tours all the time! But I'm glad we made the time to go. It was thought-provoking to walk around in the footsteps of where monarchs have lived for nearly 1,000 years! The most emotional part from me was walking by Queen Elizabeth's tomb... 😢
      The Biltmore estate is certainly very grand! One of the most impressive American "castles"!🏰

  • @The_Brit_Girls
    @The_Brit_Girls Před 25 dny +1

    Hi Dara & Ian, what beautiful wedding photos! THREE wedding receptions?! That must be something of a record, lol!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      All three receptions were small gatherings in people's homes... no big fancy country club with a sit down dinner or open bar (of course). We had family all over... though Ian and I were living in California, all my family was in Illinois and Ian's was in England. So we just decided to have 3 receptions. It made it easier to plan that way... especially since our engagement was only 2 months! With regard to all our family and friends, I joked "don't come to us, we'll come to you"... hahaha

    • @DH.2016
      @DH.2016 Před 24 dny +1

      @@MagentaOtterTravels ... and you got your money's worth out of that dress. 😄

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 23 dny +1

      @@DH.2016 indeed! It was a Laura Ashley dress. Very British and very 1990s!

  • @damonwilliams5033
    @damonwilliams5033 Před 23 dny +1

    Whoever thought of building the castle so close to the airport?!!

  • @wencireone
    @wencireone Před 25 dny +2

    Fancy building a castle under a flight path

    • @wencireone
      @wencireone Před 25 dny +1

      I'm not sure which is worse, landing planes, or taking off planes

    • @Poliss95
      @Poliss95 Před 25 dny +2

      @@wencireone Taking off because they use full throttle. Coming in to land they're gliding mostly.

    • @wencireone
      @wencireone Před 25 dny +1

      @@Poliss95 True, but Windsor is about 5 miles out of Heathrow, so on the glide path in, but when they take off most planes turn South or North within 2 miles. The planes in the video have their wheels down so are heading into land.

    • @garylancaster8612
      @garylancaster8612 Před 25 dny +1

      William the Conqueror should have had more foresight I agree.

    • @wencireone
      @wencireone Před 25 dny

      @@garylancaster8612 the first Heathrow terminal was opened by Queen Elizabeth, she should of objected in the planning stages

  • @andrewdoubtfire4700
    @andrewdoubtfire4700 Před 25 dny +1

    I’m pretty sure the planes don’t fly over when the Sovereign is in residence. They fly into Heathrow’s southern runway which is further away.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      Really? That is fascinating!!

    • @Poliss95
      @Poliss95 Před 25 dny

      @andrewdoubtfire4700 I think the no fly zone only applies to light planes coming within 1.25 nautical miles. The late Queen was said to be able to tell which airliners flew over Windsor by the sound of their engines.
      'Hello Magazine reported that The Queen was enjoying lunch with her racing friends at Windsor Castle when she stopped and said: "Boeing 747," as a plane flew overhead. Then she added: "That’s an Airbus." 😁😁

  • @iankelly5387
    @iankelly5387 Před 25 dny +3

    Terrific video Dara, I went to Windsor Castle last September and my partner and I both thought actually there was far too much opulence in the castle, riches beyond belief (mostly/all probably paid by the good old UK tax payer) when we have a world with many souls struggling to survive 🤕 And thank you for bringing some settled warm weather across with you to the UK. Cheers mate!

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      Yes, it is rather unpleasant to think about the extremes of opulence and poverty that exist. My eldest son really doesn't like going to palaces for that reason...
      I'm so glad that the weather has warmed up a bit. Our American visitors were very grateful for it! Cheers for watching, Ian!

    • @robk5159
      @robk5159 Před 24 dny +2

      A freedom of information request will show that all overheads and costs are met by the crown (excluding personnel and the military) her majesty was the first monarch to volunteer to pay income tax, but if this were not the case, the royal family generate (on average) in excess of 2.5 billion pounds per annum from the tourist trade and is therefore a nett contributor to the treasury. Forgive me but I get a little annoyed at general assumptions that are made by individuals that speak ( or write ) about things of which they know nothing about .

    • @iankelly5387
      @iankelly5387 Před 24 dny

      @@robk5159 - Respectfully the British Royal Family are still funded by the tax payer. They would not function as they do without that. The Queen may have been the first monarch to pay tax, but my point is all the riches they have date back well before her time. Clearly there is revenue generated by tourism etc by the Crown Estates, there's no disputing that, however without the tax payer they would no longer exist. I don't need any FOI request to figure that out! Did QE2 pay 40% Inheritance Tax when she died? No of course not, there is a law excluding that scenario too

  • @ShaneNixonFamily
    @ShaneNixonFamily Před 15 dny +1

    Fascinating place. I think I recognised some of it from the funeral. 30 quid seems a bit rich. You'd think the royals could afford to give a discount. No wonder I'm a republican (not the American type 😂 ). It is ridiculous that in the 21st century our head of state is King Charles. Having said that we get the King's birthday holiday in a couple of weeks. 😂 And no, our holiday is not Charlie's birthday, nor Liz's for that matter. It is has traditionally been the second Monday in June forever.
    There's a Windsor here in Melbourne and in Sydney. Somehow I don't think our original English settlers were very original when naming places. 😂 No wonder there has been a movement to rename some of our places names the original indigenous names. The local government area we live in Melbourne recently changed from Moreland to Merri-bek for example.
    I really have to get some gelato this weekend.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 12 dny

      I'm confused... what is the holiday on the 2nd Monday in June?
      No, the original English settlers in Oz as well as the colonies just named things after England!
      Why was Moreland renamed?
      Yes, you NEED gelato!!

    • @ShaneNixonFamily
      @ShaneNixonFamily Před 12 dny

      @@MagentaOtterTravels Kings Birthday holiday is the 2nd monday in June.
      Moreland was apparently named for a Jamaican plantation that one of the early settlers here owned. Moreland had slavery connotations so was thought not to be appropriate for the city name.
      I always need gelato. 😂

  • @Poliss95
    @Poliss95 Před 25 dny +1

    Yes I remember the fire. The BBC interviewed people who said they'd love taxpayers money to be used to pay for the repairs. Only the people were actually extremely hostile to the idea and said this extremely rich woman should pay for the repairs and why wasn't she paying income tax like the rest of us anyway??? Suddenly all the BBC interviews were of people who objected to footing the bill, which just goes to show that TV news channels only show the interviews they think will be popular with the public.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      Yes, I remember there was quite a bit of controversy over that!

    • @grahvis
      @grahvis Před 25 dny

      Few people understand the way the Monarchy is financed and that, although the Monarch may own places like the castle, it is not theirs to do with as they will.

    • @Poliss95
      @Poliss95 Před 25 dny

      @@grahvis I know very well how the monarchy is financed. Although the monarch doesn't own the castles they still get to live in them rent free for life, so it's just the same as owning them.

  • @garywilson6047
    @garywilson6047 Před 23 dny +1

    What the hell was William the conqueror thinking. Not building in room for public gardens.

  • @griswald7156
    @griswald7156 Před 25 dny +1

    They’re not just chocolate soldiers .. they’re the real deal

  • @griswald7156
    @griswald7156 Před 25 dny +1

    Aldi do a lovely cheese and onion sandwich..

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      Gris, you crack me up! I still don't think I've had a cheese & onion sandwich. I always go for pickle...

    • @griswald7156
      @griswald7156 Před 25 dny

      @@MagentaOtterTravels I had one today, it was delicious, really..

    • @garylancaster8612
      @garylancaster8612 Před 25 dny

      ​@@MagentaOtterTravelsThey're lovely, my favourite sandwich I think. Should be red onion.

  • @Poliss95
    @Poliss95 Před 24 dny

    @MagentaOtterTravels Channel 5+1 at 8.00 tonight. 'Inside Windsor Castle'. You've been at the mind reading thing again haven't you? 😂😂

  • @griswald7156
    @griswald7156 Před 25 dny +1

    Why not join the “national trust” to get a great deal with visits?

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny +1

      We are NT members, but that didn't help us at Windsor, unfortunately ;-)

  • @jjsmallpiece9234
    @jjsmallpiece9234 Před 25 dny +3

    Ridiculous building a castle so close to an international airport.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      They really should have thought about that a thousand years ago when they were choosing a building site!!

    • @griswald7156
      @griswald7156 Před 25 dny

      @@MagentaOtterTravels they were thinking of a pleasant ambience for people to lose their heads by..Hershey Squirts and Rolling Heads..pass me a drumstick, excellent entertainment today what?
      Eventually somebody thought of football which is a little less violent..entertainment gentrified..

    • @Poliss95
      @Poliss95 Před 25 dny

      @@MagentaOtterTravels Surely 'airplanes' weren't invented until 1775 when the revolutionary army took over airports from the British? 😁

  • @Nick_r
    @Nick_r Před 25 dny +1

    How do you rate Windsor vs. Arundle castle as a total experience on your scale of English castles? My opinion is that Windsor is certainly beaten by Arundle and Warwick.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      Windsor is worth it for the history and is a must for royal family fanatics. But I prefer Arundel. Ian and I absolutely love it!! We haven't been to Warwick in about 20 years, but I remember being very impressed. We always recommend it to friends who want to see a medieval castle that is very well preserved.

    • @griswald7156
      @griswald7156 Před 25 dny

      Nothing beats Dover carstle for loveliness..it’s even got a chip shop viewed down below in the town..and I’m talking chipperie finesse here..teeming visitors do a pilgrimage to Dover every day of the year..

  • @Poliss95
    @Poliss95 Před 25 dny +1

    No I don't like statues of Queen Victoria. I loathe them. I fell off one if you remember? 🚑🤕
    I mentioned the Royals used to be called Saxe-Coburg and Goethe up until the start of WWI when they had to change their name. 'What should one call oneself now? I know. We'll call ourselves after our favourite castle, Windsor.'
    If any of those swans had rings on them then they don't belong to the crown.

  • @Poliss95
    @Poliss95 Před 25 dny +1

    One year anniversary? Oh Dara. I am so disappointed with your grammar. 😢It's first anniversary.

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      Sorry! You have given me this lecture before and I forgot all about it!!! #American

    • @Poliss95
      @Poliss95 Před 25 dny +1

      @@MagentaOtterTravels I just sent an email telling off a radio presenter for getting a fact about trains wrong on the cricket commentary. 😁 I'm in a bad mood today because there was a minute change in my daily routine which made me forget whether or not I took my chill pill this morning. lol

    • @griswald7156
      @griswald7156 Před 25 dny +1

      @@MagentaOtterTravelsyou kept your cool in the lecture..well done!

    • @Poliss95
      @Poliss95 Před 25 dny +1

      @@MagentaOtterTravels The commentator read my email out on air. I'm famous! 😂😂

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 25 dny

      @@Poliss95 I think you are infamous!! Seriously, though, I think it is an American bad habit that we do lots of anniversaries. It is very common to say "our three month anniversary" or "our one week anniversary"... I know that's not the correct use of the word anniversary, but... thems the breaks.

  • @TomTom-gh1nf
    @TomTom-gh1nf Před 23 dny

    As a British citizen it's long over due that we must end the monarchy . Fill these castles with our homeless ?

    • @MagentaOtterTravels
      @MagentaOtterTravels  Před 23 dny

      I'm not taking sides on that debate... not what my channels is about 😉

  • @BeforeIKicktheBucket1
    @BeforeIKicktheBucket1 Před 12 dny +1

    Loved your video..worth visiting once for sure...