Mind the Gap: The Great British vs American Word Swap. Windsor day trip from London

Thinking of a Royal Windsor day trip from London on your travels? Even native speakers can find themselves delightfully lost in translation between British English and American English — especially when planning travel. So, to help you feel at home on your Windsor visit, I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite differences and the charming quirks behind them.

Before we begin, a little context. I spent almost five years living in America — in Hollywood, Los Angeles, in fact.

My favorite vacations spots in California? Palm springs right, Catalina island (the wild side) and Big Bear, pictured below.

I remember calling my father to tell him where I was heading for Independence Day that year: Santa Barbara, to my favourite spot, the Santa Barbara Inn, with a stop at Mac’s Fish and Chip Shop — the only proper British “chip” (fry) shop in LA.

When I told him what we were celebrating, he replied, “Two hundred and thirty years? I’ve got hats older than that.” Not quite true, of course, but he had a point — entirely

underwhelmed, as only an English gentleman, who never left Europe, could be.

I, adored America. I loved the service, the sunshine, the smiles, the ease of life. This was in 2009 — over a decade ago and now fast approaching twenty years — but the memories feel as bright as yesterday.

During my time there, I worked in post-production in Hollywood and later moved into digital content for TV and film, working with some of the smartest and most creative people at companies like Netflix and Amazon. It was a world full of ideas, energy, deadlines, and brilliance — and I thrived in it.

I lived all over Los Angeles: Studio City, Downtown, the Hollywood Hills — Woodrow Wilson and Mulholland, and also in Laurel Canyon. Each neighbourhood had its own rhythm, its own quirks, its own stories. We’d make regular trips to Big Bear and Las Vegas, and whenever we had the chance, we’d fly where we could such as Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee and Memphis. I wanted to see and experience everything, and I loved every moment of it.

Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I enjoy meeting our American guests so much today. I understand the love they have for their own country, and I recognise the excitement — and sometimes the uncertainty — that comes with exploring a new one. I missed a few states during my time in the US, and hearing our guests speak about their hometowns or favourite destinations always feels like filling in the map of a life I once lived. It’s a lovely full-circle moment every time.

And yet — the green fields of Britain were missed. When my father’s health began to decline, I returned to the UK. Not initially to Windsor, but to work for Amazon in London, helping launch their new European initiative called Prime. Yet with my father and his older horses both ailing (their combined age was nearly 160 years), I found myself helping out here and there — driving the youngsters at weekends, caretaking the oldies in the evenings. It was a welcome relief from a day spent in Amazon’s London HQ.

And here I am, all these years later, right where I was meant to be. Sometimes you have to travel the world to realise where you belong was where you started. Without the stories we share and the moments we create for guests, a small but vital thread of Windsor’s soul could be lost forever — and that’s something I’ll never allow to happen.

So, in celebration of our shared quirks and differences, here’s my light-hearted guide to the wonderful world of British vs American English — and how to navigate it during your visit to Windsor.

Clothing Confusions for Your Windsor Day Trip from London

If someone in Windsor compliments your jumper, don’t look down for a dress.

In the UK:

• Jumper = Sweater

• Trousers = Pants (here, pants means underwear!)

• Trainers = Sneakers

• Waistcoat = Vest

So, when packing for your Windsor stay, bring your jumper and trainers, but leave the pants confusion at home.

On the Road

Brits drive on the left and fill up at petrol stations, not gas stations.

• Car park = Parking lot

• Bonnet = Hood

• Boot = Trunk

• And our horses? They arrive in horse 'boxes' in place of horse trailers, the trailers bring the carriages.

Food & Drink Favourites

Order chips here and you’ll get thick-cut fries, not crisps.

• Crisps = Chips

• Biscuit = Cookie

• Pudding = Any dessert

• Aubergine = Eggplant

• Courgette = Zucchini

If someone offers you a cuppa, it’s always tea — and there’s rarely a wrong time for one. We hear, would you like a tea about as frequently as you hear 'you're welcome'!

Around Town

A few more everyday differences to note on your Windsor visit:

• Queue = Line

• Lift = Elevator

• Toilet = Restroom (and yes, it’s perfectly polite to say “toilet” here)

• Postcode = Zip code

• Mobile = Cell phone

• Torch = Flashlight

• Chemist = Pharmacy

Any I’ve missed? Let me know — we’re always learning new ones from our guests!

✨ Why We Love the Differences

These language quirks are more than semantics — they’re part of what makes travel so rich. They remind us that connection isn’t about sameness; it’s about curiosity, patience, and laughter over the little things.

At Windsor Carriages, we translate not just words, but culture — helping our guests feel at ease, discover the best of Windsor, and experience hospitality in its truest, most human form.

Planning Your Windsor Visit

Whether you call it a holiday or a vacation, we’ll make sure it’s unforgettable.Your first step is simple: Commission your experience by arranging a private call.Reply to this post or email bookings@windsorcarriages.co.uk, and I’ll personally help craft a Windsor visit inspired by your dreams.