Once we reached the spot where our coaches would be we waited, then what we wanted to not happen at all happened. It started raining...then poured! Some of our group was prepared, but me? Nada. All my rain gear was in my suitcase shut away under the coach. We were not able to get to our suitcase so I was left touring in flipflops, tee-shirt and yoga pants capri style, sweat shirt and hat. I was not ready to be walking in the pouring rain! But I did it anyways.
We left the airport and we headed to Runnymede which is a meadow where King John was forced by the barons to sign the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta is the documents of English freedom. Also, there is one acre of land that was given for JFK memorial. As we arrived to Runnymede the rain was coming down in big drops and we had to walk through grass. I looked like a drowned rat with grass all over my legs from the flipflops flicking it up of the ground. In the middle o the meadow was a circle of chairs where the Magna Carta took place. Not one chair looked the same with the design on the back. No one wanted to hike up to see JFK memorial since it was quite a ways to walk in the pouring rain. It became a quick stop and run to the bus. By the time I was at the bus my sweat shirt was soaked through to my shirt. I thought for sure this was going to make me end up getting a cold!
Here is the link to see pictures of JFK memorial and learn more about the Magna Carta. With it being the first day, I don't recall anything that was told, haha.
Windsor Castle
After Runnymede we headed to Windsor Castle, home of the Kings and Queens of England. Queen Elizabeth was gone in Scotland so we were able to see the castle. I was given the impression that when we got there it was going to be all inside walking so I left my soaking wet sweatshirt behind...bad idea! It was all outside walking and not only was it raining, the wind picked up!
Before we got to the castle I imagined the castle being in a meadow away from civilization. Oh no, it was the opposite. We walked by a train track, through a path that had stores on both sides that led to a statue of the Queen and the road that led up to the Castle.
The Windsor Castle does have guards, but not as many and the change of guards doesn't happen there only at Buckingham Palace. The guards walk a certain amount of steps back and forth before halting and backing into a hut like structure that kept them out of the rain. After about 10 minutes, I am guessing on this number, they step out and repeat. When the guard was in the hut people would rush up and pose for a picture. I don't know how they stand there so still with a straight face.
It was a long walk to see the State Apartments, Dollhouses, Great Hall, dressing room and much more. We had a recorder that told us the background to each room we were in and what it was used for. For an example, one room was designated for the guest seeing the Queen would meet before going into another room to meet the Queen. The Dollhouses were replicas of the Crown Jewels and the Castle. It was very detailed and even included the servant wing. The Dollhouses were only played with a few times and the rest of the time it was on display. The paintings and architecture had so much detail that it was breathtaking. The living quarters for the Queen was on the other side of the courtyard away from the areas that were open for tourist.
After the tour we headed to the Radisson Blu Heathrow Hotel where I said I need a hot bath! I was so cold to the bone that a bed wouldn't be enough. Let's just say I slept like a baby that night.
No pictures were allowed inside the castle.
Below is the link about the Windsor Castle:
https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle
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