UK breaks: 24 hours in Windsor

This family-run coffee house sources its beans from a variety of South American countries and is the perfect start to your day in Windsor. If coffee’s not your thing, there’s also an excellent range of fragrant loose leaf teas and cakes to grace your taste buds.

William the Conqueror first built a castle here after the Norman invasion of England. Henry VIII reigned there during his tumultuous monarchy, marred by *ahem* marital issues. The Queen of England even stays here on weekends - is there any royal residence more iconic than Windsor Castle? Don’t miss St George’s Chapel, the magnificent setting for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

The Long Walk is a three-mile-long avenue between Windsor Castle and The Copper Horse – a statue of George III on horseback – perfect for walking, cycling, picnicking, and even a selfie with a deer. Seriously, the deer at the nearby deer park are so used to seeing visitors that some are known to pose for photos.

Push the boat out by hiring a luxury private river cruiser for up to 12 people and take a trip down the River Thames. Treat your special someone to an on-board royal afternoon tea. Or, if you’re looking after the pennies, stroll the riverside pathway and stop by the variety of coffee shops, bars and brasseries that line the waterfront.

This special little Grade-II listed building has been standing in Windsor (more or less) since 1687. One of the most photographed buildings in the country, this slanted wonder, once a popular dining room, is now a classy jewellers. Still, a vital place for an Insta snap – don’t miss out!

Not only is this street older than the castle, it’s also chock-full of department stores, independent shops and mega-chains, ready for your wallet’s approval. One of the stores even has a royal warrant for supplying the Queen’s gifts. You’re the Queen, now, so treat yourself.

This super-cool riverside brewery’s beers are stocked in bars and pubs across town, but there’s no better place to imbibe one or two of their bevvies – including Harry & Meghan’s Windsor Knot – than fresh from the source. Take a tour or simply try one of over 40 different local cask and keg beers in the taproom.

What was once a humble butcher’s shop is now one of the best foodie joints in Windsor. Hang out with the locals in the conservatory restaurant, bar or courtyard garden and enjoy super-special dishes with a French twist. We hear great things about the Sunday set menu. Three courses for £29 – don’t mind if we do.

Only a short walk across the bridge from Windsor Castle, pull up a pew at the boutique bar of this elegant but cosy outfit or opt for dinner in the restaurant which sources ingredients locally. Afterwards, roll into one of the stylish bedrooms and drift off into dreams of ancient castles, crooked houses and posing deer.

A 15-minute drive or 40-minute bus ride will bring you to the gastronomical village of Bray, where you’ll find some of the world’s best Michelin-starred restaurants. Enjoy culinary wizardry at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, fill your belly at his Michelin starred pub The Hinds Head, or indulge in mouth-watering French cuisine at the Roux family-owned Waterside Inn.