Old Windsor
Old Windsor is located just south of Windsor. It lays along the River Thames, and provides a pleasant stroll along the river's edge to Old Windsor Lock in the summer. There are excellent views of Windsor Castle that can be found from Pelling Hill. Old Windsor was originally the site of an important palace of the Saxon Kings, which suggests the area has been a link to royalty since at least the 9th century. Old Windsor was popular with the monarch because of its convenient location, near the river for transport and Windsor Forest for hunting.
For when the grandchildren visit there is of course Legoland and Thorpe Park both within 5 miles of Old Windsor.
Windsor
From boat trips on the River Thames to romantic horse-drawn carriage rides through Windsor Great Park, there is a large array of relaxing activities on offer. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen. With a history of nearly a millennium the Castle contains magnificent state apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel which is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs, and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature.
The school of a number of Prime Ministers and members of the Royal Family, the prestigious Eton College has much history to offer on its regular tours.
For those of you who enjoy a little flutter on the horses there is the Royal Windsor Racecourse. The course consists of 165 acres of beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Thames and is overlooked by Windsor Castle. And there is also the Ascot Race Course, which as well as the Royal Ascot, hosts entertainment through the year including Beer and Wine festivals to fireworks, concerts, and a shopping village.