Things to Do in Windsor, United Kingdom

Windsor is a historic royal town in Berkshire, England, renowned as the home of Windsor Castle, the oldest occupied castle in the world and an official residence of the British Royal Family. This charming Thames-side town has been intimately connected with English royalty for over 900 years, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into centuries of royal history, tradition, and pageantry. The town's cobbled streets, Georgian architecture, and manicured parks create an atmosphere of refined elegance that perfectly complements its royal heritage. Beyond the castle walls, Windsor offers delightful riverside walks along the Thames, the nearby Windsor Great Park with its ancient woodlands and gardens, and the famous Eton College just across the river. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader region, including easy access to London, while providing a more intimate and manageable alternative to the capital's overwhelming attractions. Whether you're interested in royal history, stunning architecture, or simply enjoying a quintessentially English experience, Windsor delivers an unforgettable journey through Britain's living heritage.

Top Things to Do in Windsor

Windsor Castle Tour

Explore the magnificent Windsor Castle, the world's oldest occupied castle and weekend home to the British Royal Family. Marvel at the State Apartments with their priceless artworks, visit St. George's Chapel where recent royal weddings have taken place, and witness the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony. The castle houses an incredible collection of royal treasures, armor, and furnishings spanning nearly a millennium.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance for £28.50 adults (prices vary seasonally). Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and check the Royal Collection Trust website for ceremony times and any closures due to royal events. Audio guides are included and highly recommended.

Thames River Cruise

Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the River Thames, taking in Windsor's stunning riverside scenery from a unique perspective. These relaxing journeys offer beautiful views of the castle, Eton College, and the surrounding countryside while providing informative commentary about the area's rich history. Many cruises include options for afternoon tea or dining aboard traditional riverboats.

Booking Tip: Cruises typically cost £12-25 for basic trips, with premium dining options £40-60. Book during spring and summer for best weather, and choose operators like French Brothers or Salters Steamers for reliable service and good commentary.

Windsor Great Park Walk

Discover the vast expanse of Windsor Great Park, a 4,800-acre royal landscape featuring ancient woodlands, gardens, and the famous Long Walk stretching 2.65 miles directly to Windsor Castle. The park includes the stunning Savill Garden with its diverse plant collections and the Valley Gardens known for spectacular rhododendron displays. This is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and experiencing the natural beauty that has served as the royal hunting ground for centuries.

Booking Tip: Park access is free, but Savill Garden entry costs £12 adults. Visit during spring (April-May) for best blooms, or autumn for stunning foliage. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing as the park is quite exposed.

Eton College Visit

Tour the prestigious Eton College, one of the world's most famous schools that has educated British royalty and prime ministers for over 580 years. Explore the historic buildings, beautiful chapel, and learn about the traditions and customs of this exclusive institution. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into British educational heritage and the lives of its notable alumni including Princes William and Harry.

Booking Tip: Public tours cost around £15 and run on specific dates (usually weekends and school holidays). Book well in advance through Eton College's official website as tours are limited and popular. Tours last approximately 1 hour and include the chapel and historic classrooms.

Royal Windsor Horse Show Experience

If visiting in May, attend the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show, one of the most important events in the equestrian calendar. This spectacular event features international showjumping, dressage, driving competitions, and often includes appearances by members of the Royal Family who are passionate equestrians. The show combines world-class sport with traditional British pageantry in the stunning setting of Windsor Castle's private grounds.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from £25-150 depending on seating and day. Book early through official channels as popular days sell out quickly. The event runs for 4-5 days in mid-May, with weekend tickets being most expensive but offering the best competitions and royal attendance likelihood.

Getting There

Windsor is exceptionally well-connected to London and other major UK destinations. The fastest route from London is via train from London Paddington to Slough (22 minutes), then connecting to Windsor & Eton Central (6 minutes), with the entire journey taking about 30 minutes. Alternatively, take a direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (50 minutes). By car, Windsor is just 25 miles west of London via the M4 motorway (about 45 minutes without traffic). Heathrow Airport is only 8 miles away, making Windsor an excellent first or last stop for international visitors. National Express coaches also connect Windsor to various UK cities, though train travel is generally faster and more convenient.

Getting Around

Windsor is a compact town that's easily explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. The town center to Windsor Castle is just a 5-minute walk, and the riverside areas are equally accessible. Local buses connect Windsor to surrounding areas including Windsor Great Park and nearby towns. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short journeys. For exploring the wider area, including Eton (across the river via a pedestrian bridge), walking remains the best option. Bicycle rentals are available for those wanting to explore Windsor Great Park more extensively, and river taxis operate during summer months for scenic transportation along the Thames.

Where to Stay

Windsor Town Centre

Riverside Windsor

Eton

Windsor Great Park Area

Old Windsor

Datchet

Food & Dining

Windsor's dining scene perfectly balances traditional British cuisine with modern international options, all set against the backdrop of historic royal surroundings. The town boasts several excellent gastropubs serving classic dishes like fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and locally sourced seasonal ingredients. For fine dining, establishments like The Oxford Blue and Gilbey's Bar & Restaurant offer sophisticated menus in elegant settings. Traditional afternoon tea is a must-try experience, available at various venues including some with views of the castle. The pedestrianized town center features numerous cafes, bistros, and international restaurants ranging from Italian and Indian to modern European cuisine, while the riverside areas offer scenic dining with Thames views.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Windsor is from April to September when the weather is most pleasant and all outdoor attractions are fully accessible. Late spring (April-May) is particularly beautiful with blooming gardens in Windsor Great Park and comfortable temperatures for walking tours. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, though this is also peak tourist season with larger crowds and higher accommodation prices. Early autumn (September-October) provides excellent weather with fewer crowds and stunning fall foliage in the parks. Winter visits can be magical, especially around Christmas when the town is beautifully decorated, though some outdoor activities may be limited and daylight hours are shorter.

Insider Tips

Visit Windsor Castle early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds, and check if the Royal Standard flag is flying - this means the Queen or other royals are in residence

Take advantage of the free audio guide included with castle admission, and don't miss the dolls' house - Queen Mary's incredibly detailed miniature palace that's a masterpiece in itself

Combine your visit with a walk across the bridge to Eton for a complete royal experience, and consider purchasing the Royal Collection Trust annual pass if visiting other royal palaces during your UK trip

Things to Do in Windsor