Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th century Bavarian castle. Located about two hours on the train from Munich, the castle was built by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner, the King's inspiring muse. Apparently its the most photographed building in Germany.

The castle's famous fairytale appearance lends itself to frequent use in popular culture including being the inspiration for Disneys castle which was why Mel was so keen on seeing it. It was a great day trip and was definetly worth the long train ride, it was also great having a day to recover from the two previous sessions in Munich.

Farnham

Farnham is a small town in Surrey, It is of historic interest, with many old buildings, including a number of Georgian houses. Farnham Castle overlooks the town. Farnham is only 50 minutes from London by train so it was the perfect country weekend getaway. We stayed at a really nice hotel that was a converted coach house. We went on a couple of long walks on the Heritage trail and saw heaps of wildlife and historic buildings including a 12th centry monastery and WW2 bunkers and tank traps. I would highly recommed it for a visit to get out of London and enjoy the English countryside.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. Its been a Royal home and fortress for over 900 years. Melissa and me went on a day trip last Sunday and it was we had a great time even though the weather was cold and wet. Once inside we walked around the State Apartments which are extensive suites of rooms at the heart of the palace. We were also lucky enough to see the Semi State rooms, which are some of the most splendid interiors in the castle and only open to visitors for part of the year. These rooms were furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings by Holbein, Rubens, Van Dyck and Lawrence, fine tapestries and porcelain, sculpture and armour.

Within the Castle complex there were many other attractions, including the Drawings Gallery, Queen Mary's dolls' house (Melissas favourite), and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, the burial place of ten sovereigns and setting for many Royal weddings.

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