The Local Area
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
As the home of the 2011 World Rowing Junior Championships, Dorney Lake is close to more than 20 visitor attractions making it the perfect area for athletes and supporters to explore in their free time. For sightseeing, shopping or simply relaxing, Dorney Lake's location close to the historic borough of Windsor and Maidenhead could not be more idyllic.
Windsor Castle, the favourite weekend home of Her Majesty the Queen, is the largest inhabited Castle in the world and the oldest royal residence to have remained in continuous use by British monarchs. Steeped in history, the Castle covers an area of approximately 13 acres and contains magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection. The Castle’s imposing towers and battlements are visible from some parts of the Dorney course.
Across the River Thames and just a few minutes’ walk away from Windsor Castle is the historic town of Eton itself. World famous for being the home of Eton College, which was founded by Henry VI in 1440, the school, which is home to one of the biggest rowing clubs in the world, has produced a number of British rowing greats, including four times Olympic champion, Sir Matthew Pinsent. For centuries Eton’s pupils have rowed on the River Thames and today they have the added bonus of access to the excellent rowing facilities at the World Championships and Olympic course, built by the College.
With Henley only a few miles upstream from Dorney Lake, the River Thames really is the heartland of rowing. Well worth a visit, Henley is home to the award winning River and Rowing Museum which covers the history of the Thames as well as the sport.
History lovers will also enjoy Dorney Court, the 15th century manor house located in Dorney village and the Guildhall in Windsor, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. For more modern and fast-paced attractions Legoland and Thorpe Park, the area’s two theme parks, are ideal for fun-loving and younger visitors!
Shopping, entertainment and the hustle and bustle of a busy town can be found in Slough, just a few miles from the course. With two shopping centres and a multiplex cinema, visitors will be spoilt for choice. Shopping in the Royal Borough is also a delight. Specialist retailers are scattered through the area's towns and villages while independent stores, top high street names and international designer outlets can be found in the larger towns. Windsor’s hub is the Royal Station pedestrianised shopping centre, with chic boutiques, designer outlets and street cafés. The riverside town of Maidenhead also boasts a shopping centre and multiplex cinema as well as a leisure centre and bowling alley.
A trip to the capital could not be easier thanks to frequent and fast train services from Slough station to London Paddington or from Windsor & Eton Riverside station to London Waterloo.
For up-to-date information on these local attractions and more please visit www.windsor.gov.uk or www.visitbritain.com