Home to the royal family for over 900 years, Windsor has a rich history and an enviable location. A picturesque riverside setting and a charming town centre, the largest inhabited castle in the world, and extensive parkland. Combined with a variety of accommodation and dining options and proximity to London, Windsor – along with its neighbour Eton – makes the ideal choice for a long weekend break. So what are the best things to do in Windsor?
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Why Visit Windsor?
Windsor is situated in the Royal County of Berkshire, 40 km from London. As the name suggests, it is a seat of the British monarchy, and royal influence and history permeate the town. A major attraction is Windsor Castle and the surrounding Great Park, but there is much more to Windsor than this. You’ll find a town brimming with history and heritage, where you can wander the cobbled streets and drink at ancient hostelries. But you can also shop in high street stores and eat in a wide choice of restaurants.
The town is also home to the famous Royal Windsor Racecourse. And then there is the river, ideal for an evening stroll or for a longer walk along the Thames Path, and for a tempting range of boat trips. Or you can cross the river to visit Eton, the historic home of Eton College.
For longer visits Windsor is ideally placed for visits to the capital: good transport connections make it a great choice for those who want to explore London but not to stay there overnight. And there are many other attractions (royal, historic, sporting and more) within easy reach.
What To See And Do In Windsor And Eton
Much of Windsor and Eton can be visited on foot, although you might want a car to discover the whole of the Great Park, or to explore further afield. If you are visiting as part of a day trip from London, you may find that the castle, the town and the river fill up your time. A longer visit is recommended if you want to see everything that is on offer.
Windsor Castle And Great Park
Windsor Castle is a royal residence and one of the oldest castles in the world. It is set in the expansive grounds of Windsor Great Park, where you could follow the Long Walk to a historic deer park, amble along scenic walking trails, or soak up the beautiful Savill Garden and the Valley Gardens at the far end of the park.
Within the castle itself it is possible to visit the opulent state apartments and the 14th century St George’s Chapel. An elaborate Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at certain times during the week.
Read more about How to Visit Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park.
The Historic Town Of Windsor
A good way of exploring the historic town is by following the Queen’s Walkway, a 6.3 km heritage trail marked by pavement plaques. It takes in 63 of Windsor’s landmarks, exploring the town’s varied history and its royal connections. As you walk you will see major attractions like Thames Street and the castle, or the Windsor Royal Station, which now incorporates a trendy shopping centre. But you’ll also spot some quirks, such as the “shortest road in England” or King Charles I’s death warrant, signed by Oliver Cromwell.
To learn more about the town and its history visit the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum (open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The museum is located in the 17th century Guildhall (where the present King and Queen were married) and tours of the building are occasionally available – see the website for details.
Across The River To Eton
A short walk across the river takes you to Eton, with its old-world charm and ancient public school. Here too you can follow a heritage trail: the 3 km Eton Walkway connects the town’s main sights. (Follow the pavement plaques or purchase a guide at the Visitor Information Centre on Eton High Street close to the bridge.)
Eton College is at the heart of the town. Although public access is not normally permitted, Heritage Tours are available at certain times. These take in the school yard and the chapel, as well as the historic school rooms where you can see names of former pupils carved into the wooden panels.
The school also has three small museums that are open to the public free of charge on Sunday afternoons. The Museum of Eton Life, built in an old beer cellar, tells the history of the school, highlighting the boys’ experience as well as sport, music and eminent former pupils. The Natural History Museum has family-friendly displays, based around a Victorian collection but right up to date in its approach. And the Museum of Antiquities, also based on a private collection, has a range of ancient exhibits including some unusual Egyptian artefacts.
The River Thames
The attractive riverside area is one of the pleasures of a visit to Windsor. You can stroll alongside the water and watch the swans and other waterfowl that congregate here, or stop at one of the numerous cafés and restaurants that line the waterfront. Walkers are well catered for, as Windsor is on the 298 km Thames Path national trail, extending to the Cotswolds in one direction and London in the other!
For a complete change of scene you may also like to take a boat trip. Lots of options are available from the Windsor Promenade, but I enjoyed a private skippered tour with the Boat Hire Company. For couples and groups this is thoroughly recommended: imagine relaxing with coffee and pastries while gliding downstream through peaceful countryside with no sound but birdsong…
Round About Windsor
As befits its long history, Windsor is within easy reach of other sites with a royal connection. Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215, is around 7 km away. You can reach it by car or on a boat trip (if you are ready for a long hike you could also get there via the Thames Path). Further away (just over 30 km) is Hampton Court Palace, accessible by car or boat (train is possible but requires a change at Clapham Junction).
Families might also like to visit the popular Legoland theme park, just south of Windsor.
Eating And Drinking In Windsor
Expect to eat well in Windsor, with a whole range from fine dining to cosy cafés and chain restaurants. You could enjoy a classic English afternoon tea or while away the time in one of the town’s many traditional pubs. And, if your preference is for international cuisine, there’s a massive choice with everything from Greek, Korean, Moroccan and more.
Across the river in Eton is the 18th century George Inn. This is the flagship pub of the local Windsor & Eton Brewery, and offers lunch (including Sunday lunch) and an à la carte evening menu.
Where To Stay In Windsor & Eton
As with eating and drinking there is a wide choice of places to stay in Windsor. I stayed at the lovely Castle Hotel, right on the High Street (you can read about my stay here). If you prefer to be in Eton, the George Inn has a choice of 8 rooms (the very top room has a wonderful view of Windsor Castle). For further options have a look at the choices on booking.com.
How To Get To Windsor
- Direct trains run to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station from London Waterloo. The journey time is just over an hour.
- Heathrow Airport is 14 km away. If you hire a car the driving time is around 25 minutes. It is also possible to do the journey via public transport (Elizabeth Line and GWR train from Slough).
- Windsor is very close to the M4 motorway. It is also part of the Great West Way, a touring route between London and Bristol.
Thanks to Visit Windsor for arranging my trip, and to Eton College, the Boat Hire Company and the George Inn for their hospitality.
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Windsor.
