Easter with the Queen, Spurs, and lunch with an Oompa Loompa

 

Easter Sunday we visited Windsor Castle. This fortified castle along the river Thames is also a Royal residence where the Queens spends many of her weekends.  It's a beautiful and very well maintained castle with lovely views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Pictures are not allowed inside the castle, but there were some amazing rooms within. The armory was stocked with weapons of all types from famous battles. The arms were arranged in decorative patterns on the walls which was very impressive. Also on display were items taken as "trophies" from defeated groups during the expansion of the British Empire.  We were able to see the State Apartments and Queen Mary's Dollhouse, "the largest dollhouse in the world".

Waiting to go inside the castle

The Royal Standard (flag) means the Queen is in residence (Otherwise the Union flag would be raised)

Interior courtyard facing the castle wing in use by the Royal family.

Garden area beneath the Round Tower. We saw guests of the Royal family hunting Easter eggs here.

St. George's Chapel where the Queen attended Easter service.

Guards in training

The next day it was time for me to see my favorite football team play- Tottenham Hotspur. Of course I took Will along with me for the visit to White Hart Lane in London.

Even though Tottenham lost the game 2-1, it was still a thrill to finally see them in person.

Team huddle before kickoff v. Norwich

A scoring opportunity turned away again by the Norwich keeper

One of my favorite players (Gareth Bale) and one of Will's favorites (Louis Saha)

Before we headed north to York, we took a detour to the town of Great Missenden to see the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Center. Roald Dahl is the author of such stories as James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The Witches.

Outside the Roald Dahl Museum

The museum has a series of galleries about Roald Dahl's life and how he became an author. We learned he was a fighter pilot during the World War II and began his writing career after his flying days were over. The museum also has storytelling throughout the day and a creative writing center to work on your own writing ideas.

"Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three"

We found a fun growth chart with characters from Roald Dahl books.

One of the models used for the film Fantastic Mr. Fox

Gate from the Tim Burton film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

After our stay at the museum and some play time at the park, it was time to load up and head north to York. Another full day of activity tuckered out even the most active of the family.