Okay, we know we’re not actually in England, but will that stop us from being utterly obsessed with the Royal Wedding? Hell. No.
It’s just two months (!) until Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot in what is set to be the royal event of the year at the gorgeous Windsor Castle. And obviously, a ton of die-hard Aussie fans are bound to be heading over especially.
But, Royal Wedding aside, what’s a trip to England without a few exxxy days in London?
So to make the most of your own royal trip (or even just a regular trip to Windsor Castle and London, we don’t judge), the dining experts at OpenTable and the travel experts at KAYAK have rounded up the places to dine, best things to do and the hotels to stay at while in London.
Where to eat
Hardy’s Brasserie & Wine Bar
Grab yourself a romantic outdoor table during the warmer months at this tranquil neighbourhood gem. Hardy’s innovative menus change every two weeks to reflect the seasons – think old faves such as fish and chips with pea puree and classics like the wiener schnitzel still stand strong, along with their traditional rhubarb crumble and chocolate tarts for dessert.
Trishna
Head here for ahh-mazing tandoori lamb chops and spicy duck kebabs, among other delicious coastal Indian cuisine. Trishna’s doors also open onto the street, creating a semi-alfresco ambience throughout the restaurant.
Blandford Comptoir
The highly-anticipated new restaurant from award winning chef Xavier Rousset, Blandford Comptoir serves Mediterranean cuisine with Italian influences. The menu showcases a delicious array of meat, seafood and vegetarian plates, as well as a selection of raw dishes – plus an incredible list of 250 wines and champagnes, alongside an impressive cocktail offering.
What to do
Visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
We’ll forgive you for thinking this sounds a bit creepy, but it’s not actually a room full of horror-movie dolls! The Dolls’ House is a recreation of every facet of modern-day life from the 1920s. During a visit, you can walk around the house which is filled with thousands of objects made by leading designers, artists and craftsmen of the time, see inside each room and admire all the tiny details.
Place your bets at the Royal Windsor Racecourse
Located by the River Thames in 165 acres of stunning countryside, the Royal Windsor Racecourse is just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle. This unique venue is the only racecourse in the country where you can arrive in style by catching a boat from Windsor Town centre, enjoy a drink on the River Thames before stepping off right onto the racecourse’s private jetty. Luxurious, right?
Get your adrenaline pumping at the Motor Stimulation Room
UK’s best and most realistic full motion racing experience can be found here, just a 12-minute drive out of the Windsor Town Centre. The room offers six professional full motion TL3 simulators, each generating hyper-realistic acceleration and lifelike movement (to pretend you’re a race car driver a little more realistically than the usual speeding to get home in time for MAFS).
Places to stay
Perfect for sightseeing
Near the Windsor Parish Church, Windsor Guildhall and of course, Windsor Castle, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel is a usually a winner for couples and families, located just a 15-minute walk from all the popular tourist hotspots. Perfect for catching a glimpse of the Royal Wedding!
A romantic getaway
The Thames Riviera Hotel is a unique find, with a serene mix of countryside and classic English villages in your immediate surroundings. The intimate spot is also located just a short drive from Windsor, so you can still get your royal fix while immersing yourself in the English greenery.
A little bit of luxury
If you’re looking to splurge and indulge in your own royal stay during your time in London, look no further than the Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa. Just a short distance from Windsor Castle, Legoland, Thorpe Park and Wentworth Golf Course, visitors can spend their days exploring the area followed by relaxing in a state-of-the-art thermal spa with six spa treatment rooms, an 18-metre swimming pool, rock and infrared saunas and an outdoor hydropool. Now that’s our kind of serenity.
