Touring Wonderful Windsor, England

"Why don't you just move there?"

Some friends, knowing what an Anglophile I am (having toured the United Kingdom often, including London 42 times), recently teased me when I commented that of the 55 countries I have visited I would love to spend three months in delightful Windsor, England. It's just a 20-minute taxi ride from Heathrow and about a 45-minute train ride from London.

In the past year my husband, Carl, and I have stayed twice in both London and Windsor -- last May and October. London is an exciting place to be, with great theater and historic sites such as the Tower of London and the Churchill War Rooms. But it can be crowded with long lines and a whirlwind of activity -- a city of nearly 9 million on steroids.

On the other hand, charming and calming Windsor has around 32,000 residents. I have visited Windsor more than a dozen times, and I especially love touring Windsor Castle each time I'm there.

Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the world's longest-inhabited royal castle for nearly 1,000 years. Forty monarchs have lived here (11 are buried in its St. George's Chapel, including Henry VIII with his third wife, Jane Seymour), and it was Queen Elizabeth II's favorite home. More than 200 people live and work in the castle, which has nearly 1.5 million visitors each year.

My love of all things royal -- and especially Windsor Castle -- began when I was in the third grade. After reading a bedtime story about kings and queens, I asked my mom if there were any real kings or queens in the world. She told me about Queen Elizabeth, whose daughter Princess Anne was about my age -- and who also had a baby brother (Prince Andrew) and was a Girl Scout like me. So I wrote to the princess, asking if she would like to be my pen pal. Within a few weeks a letter on Windsor Castle letterhead arrived. It was typed by the queen's lady-in-waiting.

"Dear Sharon," it read. "I write at The Queen's command to thank you for your letter to Princess Anne, and for the good wishes which you sent to Her Royal Highness. ... Her Majesty thought it so kind of you to write to her daughter, and bids me send you her sincere thanks."

So now you can see why I love Windsor and its castle.

And here's a tip: If you buy a ticket to tour Windsor Castle, you can sign it to return multiple times within a year, saving about $45 each adult visit. You can order tickets online (good idea) or in line at the castle ticket office. It's helpful to get the complimentary headset that explains its interesting history and offers detailed information about the royal staterooms.

I tell friends to visit the amazing, magical Queen Mary's Dolls' House first because there can be long lines. This doll house, the largest and most famous in the world, celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. It's a favorite for tourists of all ages and was not built as a child's toy: It has 1,000 tiny objects, including furniture, miniature leather-bound books, running water, electric lighting and even filled wine bottles.

The Green Drawing Room, Crimson Drawing Room, Grand Reception Room, State Dining Room and St. George's Hall are my favorite rooms to tour. The Waterloo Chamber is a highlight, too. This is where Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday and where she and Prince Philip toasted their 70th anniversary.

And I love visiting St. George's Chapel, completed in 1528, especially for the daily 45-minute evensong service (especially with the charming choirboys and girls) and occasional pipe organ concert or service in the nave, which are free. Nearly 1 million people tour the historic chapel each year.

Most moving are the marble statues in one nave corner as a memorial to Princess Charlotte, who died at age 21 of childbirth in 1817. Flanked by two angels -- one holding the stillborn baby -- Princess Charlotte ascends to heaven. Then there is the memorial side chapel where the beloved Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret are interred.

Another favorite thing that Carl and I enjoy is taking the two-hour boat ride along the Thames River, which has a great view of the castle and the famed Eton College, along with historic commentary. And our favorite place to dine -- good food, reasonably priced -- is the King & Castle, a popular JD Wetherspoon bar and restaurant across the street from the castle.

Also near the castle is the MacDonald Hotel, where we have stayed for the past few years. It's especially fun to watch the changing of the guard passing by on the street out front. Prior to that we stayed at the Travelodge, a short walk to the castle and good for families, especially for those who want to tour nearby Legoland. The Theatre Royal Windsor is also a great place for live entertainment.

For a stroll, The Long Walk (2.5 miles) in Windsor Great Park behind the castle is popular with locals and tourists. But that's for next time.

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WHEN YOU GO

The castle is open nearly year-round, but it's a good idea to check availability; normally it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Allow at least three hours to visit the castle for viewing the massive rooms, furnishings, artwork and china as well as for visiting the gift shops. Guidebooks there are a wealth of knowledge.

Windsor Castle: windsor.gov.uk

Royal Collection Trust: rct.uk

Windsor Great Park, The Long Walk: windsorgreatpark.co.uk

French Brothers Ltd., Thames Boat Ride: frenchbrothers.co.uk

Theatre Royal Windsor: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

MacDonald Hotel: macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Travelodge Windsor: travelodge.co.uk

The King & Castle, JD Wetherspoon Windsor: jdwetherspoon.com

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Sharon Whitley Larsen is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.