To take the family to Windsor Castle when it’s actually only me that is truly interested in it?

[Runnerupthehill]

As the title says… I have wanted to visit Windsor Castle for years. We’re finally in London for a few days and we have an opportunity to go. My husband doesn’t actually mind either way BUT my two kids (13 and 9) don’t seem particularly thrilled. Would you still take them? I’m aware it’s an expensive day out… but think it’s something they might potentially look back on with nice memories. How could I get them interested?

Take them. Sometimes kids have to do stuff that you like, rather than just what interests them.

Take them. Although you know Windsor isn't in London right?

This! It won't kill them, they might even be interested despite themselves.

Of course you take them, otherwise you end up with dc who don’t broaden their horizons, don’t have the cultural capital to engage with things that don’t directly/immediately interest them and believe that they are the centre of the universe / everything should revolve around them.

Whenever we plan a holiday / trip out we all talk about things we want to do / are most interested in and we do a combination. And everyone shows engagement with everyone else’s interests. Then we all have a good time.

Could your husband not take the kids somewhere else for the day?
It's something you really want to do and the experience is likely to be tarnished by two dc who are less than thrilled to be there (and rushing you around if they're anything like my two).

If you've only a few days in London I wouldn't bother spending one of them travelling out!

Are they likely to try rushing you from one thing to another and spend the day complaining? If so, I would leave them with your husband in London and take the day for yourself.

I force my children round the occasional NT property, castle, art gallery etc even though they protest they aren’t interested or it’s boring. They just mean it’s not what they would choose. They generally find it ok once they get there and I think it’s important and good cultural capital that they have some exposure to these things and also learn to take an interest in things that wouldn’t be their choice. Some days they get to choose the activity and we go to the trampoline park or play pokemon go or whatever, some days I choose.

Absolutely take them, and tolerate no complaining.

It's fine so long as it isn't something that they'd find actively unpleasant/frightening
Ike taking them on big theme park rides if they're scared of them or it makes them sick.

Do it. I've spent my dcs whole lives taking them to places I wanted to go.
That's how they learn about the world. It can't all be soft play and playgrounds then they stay in bedrooms on screens.

Plus this is your life too and they should learn that sometimes everyone does what YOU want.

I took my two last summer, one wanted to go and the other wasn't fussed. They had a really good children's audio guide which is included in the ticket cost that kept my 9 yr old thoroughly engrossed (lots of interesting facts and things to find in each room with pictures and quizzes). The adult audio guide keeps you moving at a good pace which might help keep the older one engaged. Check to see whether you can be there at the changing of the guard which is a good spectacle.

Tàke them. Kids have to do stuff their parents like from time to time, and they're sure to find some aspect of it worthwhile ,

However, wouldn't it make sense for you to go alone and let the other three do something they fancy and compare notes in the evening?

I've been twice with my two. They'll love the headphones walking guide.

Tower of London might appeal more with all the gruesome history

How many is a ‘few’?

I don’t disagree in principle. But since Windsor castle isn’t in London it’s potentially an entire day. If you are there 5 days, then I would. 3 days and 2 nights, I wouldn’t. But I would arrange another family trip to Windsor.

Take them. There should be two historical/educational days out for every DCs culture to every one Fun, gratifying, plastic play day. Also they need to respect that not every day out is centred around their current interests.
As an example - the youngest actor to play Phantom in Phantom of the Opera only saw it because he was on a trip with his friend and friends parents.
Supposing the two friends had said “no thanks, let’s go to laser quest” and the parents had agreed, he might never have seen it and been inspired to the point where he thought- while watching it- “I want to do that”- and he ended up playing the role in the 25th anniversary edition.

What low expectations some of you have of your dc…leave them behind because they’ll complain / rush you around etc.

Set the expectations, give them the experiences (regularly) and they won’t do this. They’ll also, almost certainly, find new interests and enjoy different experiences because of the exposure.

Send them to Legoland and browse at your leisure!

It's an easy train ride from Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside, then a 3 minute walk up to to castle.

The castle is right in the middle of the town, so the teens could just go off and mooch in the shops if they want to.

I don’t think it’s about expectations. Not every day has to be turned into a learning experience for children. Sometimes, it’s fine to think, ‘have been really looking forward to this, I’d like to enjoy it in peace, am going to bugger off for a day on my own and leave the kids doing absolutely fuck-all educational at M&M world with their dad’.

I think it is normal on holiday to take turns doing things different family members like! A walk round Windsor Castle is hardly torture. The dc can consider it payback for all the pokemon/lego/superhero rubbish you have doubtless endured for them.

How about you go and look around the castle and enjoy yourself for a couple of hours whilst your DH takes the children on a duck tour? www.windsorducktours.co.uk

They are great fun and your children will learn a little about Windsor and it's history.

Win win in my opinion.

Whatever you decide to do, hope you have a great day. Windsor is a great place to have a mooch around. Don't visit to visit the Long Walk-a picnic there might be nice.

Take them. It's good for them to know that the world doesn't revolve around them and that it's your holiday too. I was taken to all sorts of places I wasn't keen on as a kid - turned out, I actually enjoyed a lot of them, so your kids might too.
Not everything needs to be based on "child-friendly" stuff, either.

Ooooh I didn’t know about the duck tour! Great tip! Thank you! I fully agree with all the posters saying that kids sometimes just have to suck it up… BUT I also want to really enjoy the day without lots of moans. I can cope with that on other outings - just not at Windsor 🤣 Off to research duck tours now!

It’s one day … and very easy to get to from London. It would be a pity if they were made to spend weeks doing something that hated but they can spend one day looking at something you are interested in.