Windsor is a must-see destination for first-time visitors to the UK. As the seat of the Royal Residence and one of the country’s most beautiful market towns, Windsor attracts over 7.6 million tourists every year.
It’s the perfect place to get a slice of traditional Britain – with some of the UK’s most famous institutions and a heritage that goes back thousands of years.
The city itself is less than an hour from London Waterloo and less than 40 minutes from London Paddington by train. If you have a week or so to explore London and the surrounding area, Windsor is the perfect day trip from the capital.
Once you’re there, though, you’ll want to spend your time wisely. There’s a lot to explore in such a small town, so be sure to use our top tips to get the most out of your visit. Take a look at our picks for the top 7 things to do in Windsor.
What are some exciting things to do in Windsor? Our top recommendations:
- Windsor Castle
- Windsor Great Park & The Long Walk
- Eton College
- Horse Carriage Rides
- Boating on the River Thames
- Explore the River Thames Path
- Windsor & Royal Borough Museum
- Legoland Windsor Resort (Family Fun Highlight)
- The Café scene
- Souvenir shopping
- Windsor & Eton Brewery
Windsor Castle
The King’s official residence is the reason that most people visit Windsor. This illustrious castle is one of the most beautiful in Europe, if not the world, and is the perfect showcase for all the regal trimmings of the Royal Family.
It’s also the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, having been built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. You can visit the castle on the following days and times:
The Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
| Opening time | Last admission | Closing time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st March – 31st October | 10:00 | 16:00 | 17:15 |
| 1st November – 28th/29th February | 10:00 | 15:00 | 16:15 |
- Access to St George’s Chapel may be limited after 13:30, particularly on Saturdays.
- Entrance to the State Apartments closes 30 minutes after the last admission time.
- The Semi-State Rooms are usually open from autumn to spring each year.
More details can be found here, but you’ll get entry on several of our fantastic Windsor tours!
Windsor Great Park & The Long Walk
Windsor’s beautiful green parks are my personal favourite. With over 5,000 acres of green space, the Great Park provides hours of uninterrupted exploration and fresh air.
The view down the Long Walk to Windsor Castle is one of the most photo-worthy views in the UK, and you may even be able to catch a few snaps of the deer that roam the park. Don’t miss out on this beautiful attraction.
Eton College
Eton is a short walk from Windsor town centre and home to the world-famous Eton College – one of the UK’s most traditional schools. Founded by Henry VI in 1440, the College still holds to age-old customs and practices. Its students wear a school uniform of tailcoats and waistcoats daily and are looked after by their housemasters. Tours of the college are available to the public – perfect if you want to experience Britain’s traditional culture up close.
Horse Carriage Rides
Both at Windsor Castle and in Windsor Great Park, horse-drawn carriage tours are on offer, and have been for around 165 years. Still proving as popular as they did a century ago, these carriage tours take in views of the castle, The Long Walk and The Copper Horse, not to forget the beauty of the Great Park.
Boating on the River
Take in the sights of the river aboard one of Windsor’s river cruisers, or hire a rowing boat to explore at your own pace. Among the local boat operators is French Brothers, who offer a 40-minute river cruise, which passes Windsor Castle, Eton College, Mill House, Windsor Racecourse and Brocas Meadows before returning to its base.
The River Thames Path
Many people think of London when they hear about the River Thames, but this great waterway also flows through the heart of Windsor. The town’s peaceful stretch is especially idyllic, with trees and historic architecture lining the riverbanks and a riverside footpath to stroll along – perfect for hikers and runners!
Windsor & Royal Borough Museum
After visiting Windsor’s most magnificent sights and soaking up the idyllic surroundings, set aside enough time to delve a little deeper into the town’s history at Windsor & Royal Borough Museum. With a focus on five themes – The Royal Borough’s settlement, military history, aeronautical background, working life and childhood – the museum offers free tours, giving visitors a better understanding of the collection.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
This one is perfect for kids of all sizes. Take a LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort coach tour from London and enjoy hours of entertainment, including Lego-themed rides, games and exhibitions. Stimulate your kids’ creative side in the Imagination Centre or make thrilling discoveries in Adventure Land – there’s so much to see and explore at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort!
The Café Scene
Take a break from sightseeing by settling into one of Windsor’s charming cafes. Situated in the Old Booking Hall of Windsor Royal Station, Cinnamon Café has proven to be especially popular for its excellent coffee and cinnamon buns.
Souvenir shopping
Whether you need some retail therapy or not, shopping is one of the best ways to explore Windsor’s town centre. Sooner or later, you’ll stumble across the beautiful Windsor Royal shopping arcade, which features a beautiful cast-iron ceiling and a steam train. You’ll also find outlets from some of the UK’s best brand names to explore. Stroll the lovely souvenir stores there, or browse the four shops within Windsor Castle’s grounds.
Windsor & Eton Brewery
If you’re looking to experience some of the UK’s best food and drink, you can’t miss the chance to explore the Windsor & Eton brewery. This (relatively) new addition to the town’s list of attractions has been making outstanding beers since 2010 and reflects the UK’s renewed interest in craft brewing.
Take a tour of the brewery, and you will get to sample a few of their fantastic ales and bitters brewed the British way. Lovely!
To arrange your own trip to Windsor completely hassle-free, check out our unforgettable Windsor tours – it’s a great way to learn all about the history and heritage of this gorgeous town.
