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Windsor, United Kingdom - Things to Do in Windsor

Things to Do in Windsor

Windsor, United Kingdom - Complete Travel Guide

Windsor is a historic town in Berkshire, England, renowned for being home to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and an official residence of the British Royal Family. Located just 25 miles west of London on the River Thames, Windsor perfectly blends royal heritage with charming English town atmosphere, featuring cobblestone streets, traditional pubs, and beautiful riverside walks. Beyond its royal connections, Windsor offers visitors a delightful mix of attractions including the famous Eton College, expansive Windsor Great Park, and the nearby Legoland Windsor theme park. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the Thames Valley, with easy access to other historic locations like Runnymede where the Magna Carta was signed, making it a perfect destination for those seeking British history, royal culture, and family-friendly activities.

Top Things to Do in Windsor

Explore Windsor Castle

Visit the world's oldest occupied castle and official residence of the British monarch, featuring stunning State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and St. George's Chapel where recent royal weddings have taken place. The castle houses an impressive collection of art, armor, and royal artifacts spanning nearly 1,000 years of British history.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance for £26.50 adults (prices vary seasonally). Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and check the Royal Collection Trust website for State Apartment closures during official functions. Audio guides are included and highly recommended for the full historical context.

Stroll Through Windsor Great Park

Explore this magnificent 5,000-acre Crown Estate featuring ancient woodlands, formal gardens, and the famous Long Walk - a tree-lined avenue stretching 2.65 miles from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue. The park offers excellent walking trails, deer spotting opportunities, and spectacular views of the castle.

Booking Tip: Entry to the park is free, though parking costs £3-4 per hour. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The Savill Garden within the park charges £12 admission but offers world-class horticultural displays worth the extra cost.

Take a Thames River Cruise

Enjoy a leisurely boat trip along the River Thames, offering unique perspectives of Windsor Castle, Eton College, and the surrounding countryside. These scenic cruises provide commentary on local history and often include options for afternoon tea or dining aboard traditional riverboats.

Booking Tip: Cruises cost £12-25 depending on duration and inclusions. French Brothers and Salters Steamers are reputable operators running April through October. Book afternoon tea cruises well in advance, especially during summer months and weekends.

Visit Eton College

Tour Britain's most famous public school, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, where 20 British Prime Ministers and countless royals have been educated. The guided tours showcase the historic buildings, including the stunning College Chapel and School Yard, while sharing fascinating stories about traditions and notable alumni.

Booking Tip: Tours cost £15 and must be booked in advance online as they're limited to specific days and times during term. Tours typically run Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Check the school calendar as tours are suspended during exam periods and school holidays.

Experience Legoland Windsor

Enjoy this family-friendly theme park featuring over 55 rides and attractions designed for children aged 2-12, including roller coasters, water rides, and impressive Lego models of famous landmarks. The park combines entertainment with creativity through hands-on building experiences and themed areas like Ninjago World and The Haunted House Monster Party.

Booking Tip: Advance online tickets start from £29 (significant savings over gate prices of £55+). Visit during weekdays in term time for shorter queues. Consider staying at the Legoland Hotel for early park access and themed rooms that enhance the experience.

Getting There

Windsor is easily accessible from London via multiple transport options. The fastest route is taking a direct train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (journey time 25-30 minutes, £12-15), or from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside via Clapham Junction (45-50 minutes). By car, Windsor is just off the M4 motorway (Junction 6) and M25 (Junction 13), approximately 45 minutes from central London depending on traffic. Several coach services also connect Windsor to London Victoria Coach Station and Heathrow Airport, making it convenient for international visitors.

Getting Around

Windsor town center is compact and easily walkable, with most attractions within a 10-15 minute walk of each other. The two railway stations (Central and Riverside) are both within easy walking distance of Windsor Castle and the main shopping areas. Local buses connect Windsor to surrounding areas including Ascot, Maidenhead, and Slough. For exploring Windsor Great Park and more distant attractions, consider renting a bicycle from local shops or using taxis, which are readily available. Parking in town can be expensive (£2-4 per hour), so public transport is often more convenient and cost-effective.

Where to Stay

Windsor Town Centre
Eton
Datchet
Old Windsor
Ascot
Maidenhead

Food & Dining

Windsor offers an excellent dining scene ranging from traditional British pubs to fine dining restaurants. The town center features numerous gastropubs like The Duchess of Cambridge and The Two Brewers, serving classic British fare and local ales. For upscale dining, restaurants such as Gilbey's and Meimo offer contemporary cuisine in historic settings. The cobbled streets around the castle are lined with charming tea rooms perfect for afternoon tea, while the riverside area provides scenic dining options with Thames views. Don't miss trying traditional fish and chips or sampling local Windsor & Eton Brewery beers, and consider booking Sunday lunch at one of the many country pubs in nearby villages.

Top-Rated Restaurants in United Kingdom

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Windsor is from late spring through early autumn (May to September) when the weather is warmest and Windsor Great Park is at its most beautiful. Summer months offer the longest daylight hours and outdoor events, though this is also peak tourist season with larger crowds and higher accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colors in the parks. Winter visits can be magical, especially around Christmas when the town is decorated and less crowded, though some outdoor attractions may have limited hours and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Visit Windsor Castle early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups and enjoy better photo opportunities with softer lighting
The Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle occurs on select days - check the official schedule online and arrive 30 minutes early for the best viewing spots
Combine your visit with nearby Runnymede (where Magna Carta was signed) and Virginia Water for a full day of history and nature, all within a short drive of Windsor

Explore Activities in Windsor