Excursions
Wednesday 10th December: 13:30 -18:30
Thames River Cruise
13:45 – 17:30 From and to Hotel (£50)
Capacity limited to 50, so early reservation is advised, by email to
(arrangements for payment will be notified at a later date)
Enjoy a carefree, history-guided cruise upriver from Windsor Promenade Pier, with its great photography opportunities viewing up towards the ramparts and towers of Windsor Castle and then upstream, soon passing the Eton College boathouses, where rowing commenced in the late 18th Century. Next follows the railway bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1849. Further upstream, above Boveney Lock and among several sights of interest (including the site of signing of the Magna Carta) is the site of Bray Film Studios, taken over by Hammer Films in 1950. Altogether the trip offers a compact snapshot of early, medieval and recent centuries of English history.
A cash bar will be available (Please note that no cards can be accepted). A sumptuous afternoon tea will be served with tea or coffee, within the tour. This will be provided when the boat makes its turn near Monkey Island for the return journey to Windsor Promenade under the castle, which is usually floodlit after dark, providing further photo opportunities.
Suggestions for individual excursions
Windsor’s many attractions
During the meeting, please feel free to ask Local Organising Committee members for further suggestions.
For those wishing to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the historic town centre of Windsor - where there is a famed, picturesque walk up to the entrance of the castle (home to the late Queen Elizabeth II), numerous traditional English tea venues (including the “scandalous” 16th century “Crooked House”), traditional ‘Real Ale British Pubs’ (including an 18th century pub with a ‘secret’ tunnel connecting it to the castle), a central town hall containing a free local history museum and plenty of opportunity for Christmas shopping - there will be a semi-organised ‘tour’ by local residents of the Organising Committee. The form of this will depend upon numbers and interests, but will pivot around a centrally sited Committee member with knowledge of the local area who will be available throughout the afternoon to guide and to offer directions, recommendations and any other help as required. Please indicate any interest via email (
Medical historical museums around Guy’s Hospital, London SE1
(Both are close to London Bridge Underground Station: about 75 minutes each way from De Vere Estate: taxi required between hotel and Windsor Central Station). The medical museums require advance notice of visits so if you plan to visit either- or both perhaps briefly, it will be important to email
The Gordon Museum
Free of charge.
The Curator has kindly offered a 45 minute guided tour. (NHS/professional/Institutional ID required: no photography)
The Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret Museum
On the former site of St.Thomas Hospital, and above St. Thomas Church in St. Thomas Street opposite Guy’s Hospital.
Windsor Castle
10:00-16:15 (Closed Dec 9-10)