Windsor is a must-see destination for a huge proportion of 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 for such a small town, so you’ll want to use our top tips to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Take a look at our picks for the top 7 things to do in Windsor.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 March – 31 October | 10:00 | 16:00 | 17:15 |
| 1 November– 28 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-spring each year. This year the rooms will be open Thursday, 24 November 2022 – Sunday, 26 March 2023. The Semi-State Rooms are not open on days when the State Apartments are closed.
Castle closures in 2023: every day 12-16 January, 7 April, 9 April open at 13:00, 23 April last admission at 11:30 – closes at 13:00, closed all day on 6 May, 18 & 19 June.
More details can be found here.
You’ll also get entry on several of our fantastic Windsor tours.
The Great Park
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
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.
Legoland
This one is perfect for kids of all sizes. Legoland is just a short bus journey from Windsor town centre and provides hours of entertainment, including Lego-themed rides, games and exhibitions. Stimulate their creative side in the Imagination Center or make thrilling discoveries in Adventure Land.
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 steam train. You’ll also find outlets from some of the UK’s best brand names to explore.
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.
