Windsor Castle

[tiggerblue10]

We went there today and visited the castle and St. George's Chapel. Bit pricey but well worth a visit. Anyone else been lately? What castles, palaces etc., do you like to visit?

Nearly came to blows with little Tigs who was moaning quite loudly that he was bored. Can't seem to take him anywhere these days without him whining. He just wanted to go on the train journeys there and back as he's obsessed with trains.

[237SJ]

I have a friend who used to live in Windsor and she used to get free entry into the castle. We never got free entry into our local palace but it's self funding but I go there for the Christmas Eve midnight mass and it's lovely.

[Spungle]

I would love to visit Windsor but haven't been (yet!)- Also, never to Blenheim Palace- I would love to go to either. I would definitely recommend Buckingham Palace (visit in August), Warwick Castle (avoid summer holidays), Westminster Abbey was incredible...

[tiggerblue10]

I haven't done Buck. Palace or Blenheim Palace but I've been to Warwick Castle and Westminster Abbey.

[pastafreak]

Little Tiggs is probably at that age where the last thing he wants to do is anything you want to do. Is he interested at all in history...and I don't mean just boring dates. Maybe find a way to compare his life with that of the lives of children in the past.

[jno]

I recall jno jnr grumbling about being dragged around castles and palaces during his childhood. He has his own subscription to the BBC History magazine now.

You just have to be patient.

[jackthehat]

I remember JtH jnr huffing his shoulders and moaning to me; "Why do we keep having to look at interesting things...?" when we were wandering around Avebury stones.....

[1581960]

A little off the theme perhaps but Reading Museum to see the replica Bayeux Tapestry might be of interest.

[tiggerblue10]

He doesn't want to go anywhere in particular, he just wants to do train journeys. I said to him that one day we'll do a sleeper train journey to Scotland...if there is such a thing. I haven't looked it up but there must be something like that. He would love that.

[New Judge]

The Tower of London is great, especially for youngsters. Try to go on a tour conducted by one of the Yeoman Warders ("Beefeaters").

If little tigs is obsessed with trains (as I am), take him to a heritage railway. That way the train is the destination (and much more interesting than modern stuff). Most of them are closed for the winter now but many run Christmas Specials. Tell me which areas you can easily get to and I'll recommend one or two, if not for Christmas then next Spring.

[tiggerblue10]

I'm in the South East, Surrey, NJ.

I love the Tower of London but I think I'll have the same 'I'm bored' problem.

[tonyav]

Have you ever taken little Tigs on a stream train ride, tiggs ?. History and train ride in one with that. The train museum in York is great, he may enjoy that.

[tiggerblue10]

Looks like I've got a lot of train planning to do for next year's school hols :o)

[New Judge]

Then the Bluebell Railway is for you and little tigs, tigger: It is a superb operation (I would say that because Mrs NJ and I are Life Members). It is one of the country's premier heritage railways. You can get to it by train - its station at East Grinstead is next to the National Rail station. If little tigs is mad about trains I'm sure he'll love it:

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/

If you want to head west there is the Watercress Line:

https://watercressline.co.uk/

It runs from Alton to Alresford in Hampshire. Again, you can get there by train, about 40 mins from Woking. The Watercress line shares Alton Station with National Rail.

If you fancy a miniature railway, the Great Cockrow railway near Chertsey is excellent:

http://www.cockcrow.co.uk/index.html

You really need a car to get there but it's a really good day out. It is a one-eighth scale (7.25 inch gauge) railway where you can get really close to the trains.

Happy Chuffing!

[tiggerblue10]

I've heard of the Bluebell Railway but not the other two. Will mention it to him and I'm pretty sure he'll be up for it. Will maybe wait till the days get longer.

Cheers for the suggestions, NJ :o))

[New Judge]

You're welcome. As I said, most are now closed for the winter, so something to look forward to in the Spring.

[LadyCG]

Sounds like a fantastic day, Tiggs. Windsor Castle is on my to-do list.

I've been to Warwick Castle a few times and there's a very nice pub near there. I also love The Tower Of London and Blenheim Palace. I'm fortunate to have been to Westminster Abbey and St Pauls too.

[Gill1941]

I have been to Windsor Castle and the others mentioned by LadyCG.
Got stopped going through the metal detector bit and frisked down separately. Two metal hips - felt very conspicuous.
Enjoying programmes about Tower of London on tv at the moment.
Doubt if I will ever get to any of them again.

[tiggerblue10]

We were very lucky with the weather for our trip. Mostly blue sky with a few clouds later in the day but no rain.

[dustypuss]

Was staying at stains last month . Thought a trip to Windsor by train a good idea. SWR on strike no trains. So thought we would go the next day. SWR engineering works no trains had to get a bus . Tell little Tigs to avoid SWR thay are rubbish.

[goodgoalie]

tigger - Maybe one of the heritage railways recommended by NJ does a special day where you could book little tigs something like a ride on the footplate (if he is old/big enough) or a guided tour of 'backstage' - the engine sheds, marshalling yard etc etc. Would make a great Christmas present.