Royal Windsor is an ideal city for a short break or a day trip. Windsor Castle is a must visit and there’s lots to offer for all ages and interests with plenty of things to do. How can you visit Windsor for less?
Lets have a look at why you should visit Windsor.
Most famous for Windsor Castle of course, one of the Queens official residences. Rich in Royal History, Windsor is a truly beautiful city to enjoy. Bustling riverside restaurants and bars. Take a long, lazy walk along the Royal mile. Paddleboard (if you’re feeling brave)or take a cruise down the Thames or enjoy shopping in the fabulous town.
Where is Windsor?
- Windsor is in Berkshire. Only 15 miles from Heathrow Airport.
- Half hour on the train from London Paddington. Stations are Windsor and Eton Central and Windsor and Eton Riverside, both a few minutes walk to Windsor town centre.
- Easily accessible by car M4 Exit Junction 6 for Windsor or M3 Exit junction 3 (Bagshot) or M25 Exit junction 13 (Egham) or M40 Exit junction 4 (Marlow) or junction 2 (Beaconsfield)
Plan how to get to Windsor by car
5 things you must do in Windsor
- Windsor Castle. This magnificent castle is well worth a visit. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and is open to visitors year-round.
- The Guard Changing Ceremony takes place inside Windsor Castle so if you are in the castle then don’t miss this.
- Hop on Hop off bus tour. For a fun way to experience Windsor and Eton jump on The Original Tour. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours and there are 11 hop-on hop-off stops along the way allowing you to get off and explore the places that interest you.
- Head to the Duck Stop outside the Theatre Royal to catch the Duck Tour, an amphibious vehicle that takes you on a circular tour of the town on road and water. Great fun
- Have a cocktail or afternoon tea overlooking the bustle of the Thames or in sight of the castle. A treat that you will remember .
5 free things to do in Windsor
- The Long Walk and Windsor Great Park. Charles II created the three-mile-long Long Walk from the castle leading into the Great Park. The Great Park, part of a vast Norman hunting chase, is set in 2,020 hectares (5,000 acres) of countryside stretching from Windsor Castle to the north and Ascot to the south. The varied landscape and sweeping deer lawns, woods, coverts and huge solitary ancient oaks means the park is alive with wildlife
- Take a picnic and stroll along the riverside. Start from Old Windsor, and once past the weir at Old Windsor Lock, cross Albert Bridge for a detour into the village of Datchet – you’ll soon return over Victoria Bridge into Home Park, with picture-postcard views of both Windsor Castle and Eton.
- Enjoy Evensong in St George’s Chapel, one of England’s most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings. It’s free of charge for all and a truly wonderful experience in a magnificent setting.
- Visit The Savill Garden a wealth of beauty and interest in all seasons and is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural environment. The world-renowned 35 acres offer ornamental gardens and woodland including National Collections and rare international species.
- Windsor Castle Guard marches up Windsor High Street to Windsor Castle from Victoria Barracks daily from April to July and alternative days from August to March (except Sundays) at 10.50am usually accompanied by a military band. The best viewing point is the Corn Exchange at the famous Windsor Guildhall.
5 places to stay in Windsor
- Central Holiday Inn Express Right in the City Centre. Breakfast included. Pay for parking
- Outskirts Alma House Upmarket B&B. Fab city view double room or a 2 bedroom family suite or cottage, with free parking and breakfast. Only a 12 minute walk from Windsor Castle.
- Families Windsor Studio West. Perfect for families, this self catering studio with free parking and beautiful grounds (you can collect fresh eggs) is 10 mins from Legoland, Windsor and Dorny Lake.
- Luxury The Oakley Court Hotel Spa Hotel in the most beautiful grounds, a 15 minute drive from Windsor. Perfect for a special occasion. Awesome pool
- Budget Bluebell House. We love this place, free bottled water, WiFi and toiletries. Choose the garden room and you have your own terrace. Half an hour walk to Windsor.
Things to do near Windsor
Legoland Windsor Just 2 miles from Windsor. Day tickets start at £29 (plus parking from £8!) Have a look at our deals page to get the best offers.
Ascot Racecourse Extend your weekend and stay for a Monday night race meeting (from April to October) at Royal Windsor Racecourse. The perfect place to be on a summer’s evening and so easy to get there with riverboat shuttles running between the town and racecourse throughout the evening.
Bray – If you are looking for the finest culinary experience head to Bray, less than 6 miles from Windsor town centre, for Michelin star heaven at The Waterside Inn by Alain Roux and The Fat Duck by Heston Blumenthal. Avoid disappointment by booking at least three months in advance. Alternatively you can book one of Blumenthal’s other restaurants in the same village – The Hinds Head or The Crown at Bray.
Runneymeade This is where the Magna Carta was signed and you can visit this memorial and many others at this fabulous site. Also take in The Ankerwycke Yew – The National Trusts oldest Yew Tree at over 2500 years old. You have to see it to believe it.
How to enjoy Windsor for less
Pick up a loyalty card from the Visitor Information Centre to get discounts in the shops and restaurants
within Windsor Royal Station.
Here are some links to useful Windsor websites
- The Windsor tourist information office Your first stop when you visit Windsor
- Windsor Castle website Opening hours, prices and tour information
- Legoland Windsor 10 minutes from Windsor, a great day out for the family
- Tripadvisor Windsor Castle Lots of information and reviews
Frequently asked questions about Windsor
- How much does it cost to go into Windsor Castle? It’s £23.50 for an adult and £60.50 for a family ticket. Look out for offers when you are booking your accommodation – some include deals.
- Is parking expensive at Windsor Castle? There is no parking at Windsor Castle but Romney Lock car park (Romney Lock Road, Windsor, SL4 6HX) is around a 10 minute walk away downstream the River Thames. Check Parkopedia for locations and prices. There is also a park and ride for both Windsor and Legoland.
- What is Royal Ascot? Royal Ascot is a 5 day horse race meeting that takes place in June. Tickets range from £26 to £85.
- How much does it cost to eat at The Fat Duck Restaurant? The Fat Duck is one of the worlds most expensive restaurants. You don’t go there for a meal. You book tickets for a 4 hour multi sensory experience at £255 each.
- How do I get to Legoland from Windsor? There is a shuttle bus service from Windsor town centre, so you don’t need a car.
Our favourite memories made in Windsor
Taking our picnic backpack which has a picnic blanket, coolbag and wine glasses with us, buying lunch from an artisan bakery and walking past Windsor Castle and the whole 3 miles of the Long walk, through to the Great Park. There we sat, eating our pork pies and scones, people watching and looking out for deer. Perfect.
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