Things to Do in Windsor

Windsor sits along the Thames about 25 miles west of London, and honestly, it feels like stepping into a different era entirely. The town has grown up around Windsor Castle - one of the Queen's official residences and the world's oldest occupied castle - but it's managed to maintain its own character beyond just being a royal backdrop. You'll find Georgian and Victorian streets lined with independent shops, traditional pubs that actually feel traditional, and enough green space along the river to make you forget you're still within London's orbit. The town strikes that rare balance between being genuinely historic and pleasantly livable, which probably explains why it attracts everyone from day-tripping tourists to London commuters who've decided castle views beat city views.

Windsor's dining scene mixes traditional British pubs with modern restaurants, plus the inevitable tourist-oriented spots near the castle. The Boatman pub by the river offers decent food with excellent views, while The Long Walk Hotel provides more upscale dining if you're celebrating something special. For casual meals, the pedestrianized center has everything from chains to independent cafes - though quality varies significantly among the places clearly targeting day-trippers. The Saturday farmers market is worth checking out for local specialties, and several pubs along the Thames serve proper Sunday roasts that locals actually frequent.

Windsor works year-round, but late spring through early autumn offers the best combination of weather and opening hours for attractions. Summer brings crowds but also the most reliable weather for walking along the Thames and through the Great Park. Winter has its own appeal - the castle looks particularly atmospheric, and you'll have the town more to yourself, though some outdoor attractions have limited hours. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October often provide the sweet spot of decent weather without peak summer crowds, plus the Great Park's gardens are at their most impressive during these months.