When he commissioned the creation of a Royal Observatory in 1675, King Charles II hoped that an improved study of the moon and stars would perfect navigation at sea. The architect tasked with such a mission: Sir Christopher Wren. It is only appropriate that now a beacon by the same name, the Sir Christopher Wren hotel in Windsor sits perfectly on the banks of the River Thames, guiding sailors into the capital and out to the North Sea.

Inviting you to navigate the royal town of Windsor, one of the primary homes of the British Royal Family, the four-star Sir Christopher Wren is the only town centre hotel to occupy a prime, riverside location. A characterful time warp between the Tudor period and the present day, grand rooms and an afternoon tea overlooking the water play to the romanticism of this iconic town. With guests residing in varying properties, from Windsor House to Thames House, even Heritage House, this hotel has divided and conquered some of the finest views of both the river and Windsor Castle.

Just outside, with the sounds of piano keys dancing in the background, or the voice and strumming of a budding guitarist, Eton bridge is alive with music makers. Once a thriving market town, now the resting place of countless Kings and Queens and claiming references in Shakespeare, Windsor sings of a loud and proud history. From the clatter of feet on stone cobbles to ripples of water running behind the boats that come and go beneath you, this is the soundtrack to suburbia. Chiming in with a rather less tuneful, but equally entertaining squawk and the flapping of wings on water, a gaggle of swans journey their way to the nearest bread offering, nestling along the river’s edge within perfect throwing distance.

There is a lot to admire and observe along the river paths of Windsor and there is no better place to settle yourself in for this programme of passers-by than at the window of your signature suite. Walking out and over the bridge, the famous Eton college is just a several minute walk away and, in the other direction, Windsor’s great castle and town centre are even closer. Adding to the patter on the cobbles, your feet can take you anywhere here, unless attempting to make a godly leap of faith on its waters. Thankfully, with a private jetty, you can moor your own boat or embark on a cruise down the Thames just as easily.

As the sun lowers in the sky, the Thames turns orange, set alight with gold and amber. Flooding through the panelled window frames, the regal history of this town enters with it. A village of a hotel, one charm and quirk about Sir Christopher Wren is the uniqueness of its range of decor, from historic to the more contemporary. In total, 138 bedrooms and a not too dissimilar number of styles, span across multiple buildings that this riverside hotel has expanded into over the years. Wake up back in the 17^th Century with a sleep under Heritage House’s original wooden beams and floorboards, or keep your feet firmly in 2022 with Windsor House’s iPod docking stations and Nespresso machines. For some, high-backed, velvet armchairs offer a gentleman’s club-like sophistication, softened by golden and yellow tones. However, across the road, seven apartments welcome a longer, more intimate stay, with larger spaces and a kitchenette offering promotion from room and suite, to a home from home.

In particular, the Sir Christopher Wren Suite, with its wood-panelled walls, grand, old wardrobe and crested front door personifies the very character of this establishment. Glancing to your left as you turn the door knob, there he is in multi-coloured, stained glass glory. From 1632 to 1723 and now in 2022, he still stands proud, papers under his arm and St Paul’s Cathedral in the background. With its windows overlooking the impressive, domed ceiling of the hotel’s restaurant, glimpsing the waters beyond, there feels a modern nod to Sir Christopher’s most famous design.

Sat beneath this impressive cupola, guests are invited to dine at The Brasserie at Sir Christopher Wren. A menu rife with modern British and European cuisine, the temptations tucked into with a knife and fork simply must compete with the feast of a view that arises when you lift your head. Riverside dining at its best, vast windows span the length of the restaurant and river to perfectly frame the bustling happenings that come and go over Eton bridge.

A home of royalty and quintessential Britishness, no four-star hotel in Windsor is complete without the rituals of an afternoon tea. As the clock’s hand passes midday it is time to pass around the sandwiches and debate which goes first: cream or jam? Whatever your preference, Sir Christopher Wren starts things off with a cleansing sorbet, followed by a delicate display of finger sandwiches, plain and sultana scones, as well as a selection of seasonal cakes. Washed down with your choice of tea or coffee, conversation turns to the events of today and plans for tomorrow.

Where the old intertwines with the new, Sir Christopher Wren caters for the comfort seeking tourist right through to corporate parties. Sporting a business centre, spa, and gym, the opportunities here start with a room but by no means end there. Offering guests of every level access to the fitness facilities, including an outdoor jacuzzi and sauna, an array of equipment and studio space make up Wren’s Club, divided over three levels. Their Business and Conference Centre offers a range of rooms for up to 65 delegates, suites to host cocktail receptions, banquets, and Christmas parties, and the team are even on hand to arrange something a little more special. Dragon boating on the Thames, laser clay pigeon shooting, and a day at the races at either Windsor or Ascot are by no means your average team-building activities, but Sir Christopher Wren live up to the reputation of their namesake as the architects of that extra mile.

Reflecting on the moonlight waters, the four-star Sir Christopher Wren hotel is the North star of Windsor’s astronomical map. A centre from which to explore each and every inch of this historical town, there is no more perfect location to simply watch the world go by, or throw yourself out into it.