During a weekend jaunt to Windsor, What’s On writer, Laura Nightingale, stumbled upon a charming neighbourhood nestled along the River Thames, Eton. Known for its world-renowned school and what could possibly be the most upmarket Budgens, Eton is a picturesque area located just across the river from Windsor, connected by the Windsor Bridge and a mere 15-minute drive from Egham in Surrey.
Laura began detailing her visit and said: “I hadn’t planned on visiting the Berkshire town, and only really stumbled on it by mistake, but I’m glad I did. I had such a lovely afternoon wandering up and down the quaint high street and seeing the impressive Eton College for the first time, where the likes of Prince William and Harry, David Cameron, and Boris Johnson studied.
“The private boarding school for boys looked like a striking cathedral, and as I peeked my head through a little gap through an open door, there was a courtyard that reminded me of Hampton Court Palace.”
A majestic willow tree divides the idyllic high street from the college buildings, including the magnificent Eton College Chapel.
Many of the houses surrounding the school are residences for staff members. According to Rightmove, the property website, the average house price in Eton over the past year stands at £647,000.
Over the past year, the majority of properties sold in Eton were flats, fetching an average price of £713,833. Terraced houses, on the other hand, sold for an average of £513,333. The high street was immaculate, adorned with large British flags from start to finish, reported Surrey Live.
Laura noted: “I spotted a shop called Billings and Edmunds that sold the official school uniform for Eton College and it reminded me of the Harry Potter books.
“As I peered through the window, I saw large trunks like the ones Harry, Hermione and Ron had for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”
Dating back to the early 19th Century, the shop is within view of Windsor Castle. Across the road, Laura passed Tudor’s 1799 ice cream shop, Tom Brown Tailors, Eton Porny C of E First School, and the former Hovis bakery shop, which still bears its sign.
The buildings were all breathtaking, some featuring classic Royal red fronts with red brick, others showcasing traditional black and white beams. There were also plenty of charming eateries and pubs along the historic street.
Laura continued: “I grabbed a quick iced latte from Costa and slurped it in the rear garden which backed onto the tranquil river, but had I been stopping for food, I might have ventured into the old Hovis property as that is now home to The Eaten Café.
“As I walked back towards the river, I saw a Budgens, but it wasn’t any old supermarket. It was the poshest one I had ever seen with hanging baskets out the front and the British flag swaying above.
“Obviously, I had to venture inside, and there was a quaint cheese counter, a stall with freshly baked cakes and bread, and a sophisticated-looking fridge for meat.”
She added: “It reminded me of Wholefoods in London. Just before I trundled back over the bridge to Windsor, I spotted a huge Cote restaurant which offered tasty French inspired food and glorious views over the glistening water.
“Windsor and Eton Riverside railway station is situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from the high street, so I would recommend catching a train there and exploring the wonderful royal neighbourhood on foot.”
Address: Windsor and Eton Riverside Railway Station, Datchet Road, Windsor, SL4 1QG.