Eton, Berkshire (not just a posh school!)
Eton (Berkshire) often gets reduce to just one headline (home to England’s poshest private school, with boys in boater hats). However, Eton is also a town in itself, and there’s lots to do here, and plenty of places to visit nearby.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
Eton Swan Sanctuary (helping graceful birds)
The town of Eton is home to one of of England’s swan sanctuaries, which gives advice to help our graceful swans.
The seven-acre site on the River Thames houses Cuckoo Weir Island, a tranquil and peaceful location. It has 10 outdoor pens to house up to 180 swans needing help, with each one containing a pond, for a constant flow of river water.
The intensive care unit has 10 heated indoor pens for poorly swans, and a treatment room with various medical supplies, including a specialist ‘swan bath’ for swans covered in oil.
An easy way to raise funds is to sign up with easyfundraising (nominate Swan Lifeline, then anytime you buy things with shops or services, it donates a portion of profits, at no cost to you). You can if preferred donate anonymously, set up a giving account at Charities Aid Foundation.
Eton School (the poshest in England?)
Eton is known for its posh school (past alumni include Royal Family sons and former Prime Ministers. Along with actors (Damian Lewis, Dominic West and Hugh Laurie).
Eton College (despite being one of the most exclusive and expensing boarding schools in England, has faced many controversies over the years, showing that it’s not as lovely and innocent as beautiful swans!
Recently it has received agricultural subsidies from the EU, a bit daft considering its wealth, while farmers struggle. Yet the school charges around £40K per student each year?
Other controversies over the years have included:
- American actress Talulah Bankhead who famously said ‘I’m as pure as the driven slush’, was accused of smuggling boys under a rug in her car, in order to corrupt them with sex and drugs. The M15 investigated but could find no proof.
- The college received £3 million in national lottery grants towards a new sports complex, while the local athletic club had no money to build a running track.
- In 2022, a group of state school girls who attended a talk given by Nigel Farage, were booed and subjected to misogynistic language. Nigel said the talk atmosphere was ‘riotous’.
Eton and Windsor face each other across the Thames, and the connection feels natural. You can move between them on foot, which means you can pair a calm Eton morning with a busier Windsor afternoon. The walk takes just 15 minutes (around half a mile) over the bridge, connecting Windsor Castle to Eton College.
