By Courtney Greatrex
If you’re hoping for a winter getaway, you don’t have to look too far.
Last month, I visited Windsor, the perfect destination for a weekend trip.
Regardless of the dreary weather, Windsor feels like an exciting place, with plenty of quirky shops and places to eat and drink.
It’s just a stone’s throw away from London – you can get the train there in just over an hour.
You can forget the daily grind almost immediately when you arrive, it felt if I was entering a different world.
My partner and I stayed at the four-star Macdonald Windsor hotel, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like we were being treated like royalty.
Which is fitting, as the hotel is situated directly across the street from the Queen’s favourite residence, Windsor Castle.
After we checked in, we made our way to our hotel room and ogled at the view of the castle across the street.
The room was elegant and modern in its decor, and we’d even been treated to a sumptuous cupcake on arrival.
It was a huge room too – and even the bathroom was more or less the size of your average Premier Inn.
In winter, prices start from £52.00 per room, per night, a bargain if you ask me.
Our hotel was the perfect location to pop across the road and tour the castle, or stroll along the river and visit Eton.
After spending an afternoon looking around the shops and stopping for a few glasses of wine, we nipped back to the Macdonald for a bite to eat.
The restaurant runs as the The Scottish Steak Club in the evenings, and does exactly what its name says – steak.
I had a rib-eye while my partner tried the sirloin along with a bunch of sides to share – including amazingly fat chips that were delicious.
The restaurant was relaxed and the staff made us feel welcome.
After the amazing meal, we nipped out again to try a couple of the historic bars.
The following morning, we woke to a newspaper by our door, and after slowly rising, we went down to grab some breakfast.
Included in the B&B price, we got a huge English breakfast, plus the choice of a buffet of continental food too.
When it was time to check out, we asked concierge to look after our bags while we explored the castle above.
Entry to the castle costs £20, which is pricey but means you can return any time for 12 months.
After the castle, we collected our bags and moseyed back to the train station to travel home.
Windsor was the perfect winter trip, as it isn’t too far from home, yet feels like a million miles.
Prices start from £52.00 per room, per night, click here