Windsor Castle
 

A few questions: We have about 7+ hours in England before we reboard the plane at Heathrow. We plan to take a taxi to Windsor to see the castle, etc. We're thinking of reserving a taxi from Convent Cars. Anyone used this service before? Also, we will each have our luggage (2 medium sized backpacks)...will they be allowed in the castle? Doubtfully. And lastly, we hear the Indian food is excellent in England. Any good Indian restaurants in Windsor?

You have to ccheck in your bags before entering the castle. There is one really nice Indian restaurant. Its called Spice Route and is at: 18a Thames Street Boots Passage, Windsor.
It is a little hard to find, I'll try to describe the location.
When walking from the castle towards Eton, there's a narrow covered passage on the left. Go through the tunnel (there's a lovely faded fresco on the wall of the tunnel) and you'll see a long flight of stairs going down. About 15 or so stairs down this flight, there's a landing from which you can enter this restaurant. Its quite up scale and the food was good. (The stairs eventually lead through a childrens park with a maze among other things, down to the Thames river where the swans are).

A reply to my own post: After searching Windsor restaurants in this forum I found a moroccan restaurant, Al Fassia, in Windsor that looks promising. Now my question is, if the taxi drops us off at Windsor castle, is Al Fassia within walking distance? The address is 27 St. Leonards Rd. Thank you for any help!

ssachida: Our posts must have crossed. Thanks so much for the info. Sounds great! How upscale is it? Very expensive? Will we need to dress up? Reservations? Would it be inappropriate to bring our backpacks in? Questions, questions.
Thank you.

I had a daypack with me and was perfectly comfortable. They weren't snooty and should be willing to stow your packs for you (I think!). They aren't expensive just nice with good linen, fancy china and discreet seating.

My lunch cost me, 16.00 GBP including the tip, dinner maybe more expensive. Here's the breakdown:
Entree: Biryani - 9.95
Bottle of water - 3.20
Total with taxes- 14.20

I expensed it as part of a business trip and so didn't mind the hefty charge for water (which is also why I still have the reciept and can give you this info :-) ), but I'd probably take my own bottle of water if I was paying out of my pocket.

There is also a Left Luggage facility at Heathrow if you didn't want to schlep your luggage along.

Thanks again ssachida. Sounds good.
Kayb95: is there a charge for this left luggage service?
Time is constricted so we may find that we only have time to see the castle and pick up food at a market (although the Indian restaurant would be first choice). Any recommendations for a good market near Windsor castle?

The left luggage service at Heathrow is, I believe, run by the same firm that does it at the main London railway stations (www.excess-baggage.com). The charge is an outrageous £5.50 per item per day.