Whether you’re a first time visitor to royal Windsor or a local seeking new ideas, this guide to the best day trips from Windsor will help you uncover some fantastic nearby destinations. From historic landmarks and charming country parks to fun-filled family attractions, there’s something for everyone within a short drive of Windsor.
If you’re visiting Windsor, a tour of Windsor Castle—the Queen’s former weekend residence—is a must. But since Windsor itself is relatively small, those staying longer or seeking variety will want to know about the best places to visit nearby.
As locals, we know Windsor and its surroundings really well. In this post, we’ll share the top day trips from Windsor, including must-see locations and practical tips on how to get there. Whether you’re looking for serene countryside spots, cultural experiences, or kid-friendly attractions, this list has something for you! Plus, they’ve all been tried and tested by us.
And if you’re considering a visit to London, we’ve got you covered too! Check out our guides on spending a weekend in London with kids or exploring 20+ exciting things to do with teenagers in London.
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Day trips from Windsor: Great Windsor Park
Let’s begin with one of the closest and most iconic day trips from Windsor, Windsor Great Park. Located just south of town and spanning over 4,800 acres of stunning parkland and ancient woodlands, this royal park is so close to Windsor town centre. you can easily walk there.
Dating back to the 13th century, Windsor Great Park was once a private hunting ground for the royal family. Today, it’s open to the public and is one of the most beautiful green spaces near Windsor, perfect for outdoor adventures and leisurely strolls. You may even get so see some of the free-roaming red deer that live in the park.
Starting from the gates of Windsor Castle, it’s a 2.65-mile walk to the famous Copper Horse statue of King George III on Snow Hill. You may haves seen the tree-lined Long Walk on the tv, as it is often used during royal events and special occasions.
You can click here to find more of our favourite walks in Windsor Great Park.
Virginia Water Lake & Savill Gardens
Another of the best day trips from Windsor is a walk at Virginia Water Lake, part of the Windsor Great Park Estate.
This picturesque lake is a top destination for families, offering plenty of attractions and outdoor activities around its scenic shoreline. Highlights include the beautiful Virginia Water Cascade, an ancient Roman ruin, and an impressive Totem Pole—all perfect for sightseeing and family photos.
The main trail around Virginia Water Lake covers approximately 4.5 miles, but you could do a shorter out-and-back walk to the Totem Pole.
Alternatively, you could extend your walk to the beautiful Valley Gardens or Savill Garden, both of which offer a collection of stunning rare plants and seasonal flowers throughout the year. Savill Garden also features a new adventure playground with treehouses, slides, and walkways, which is always a hit for families with young children.
Admission to Virginia Water Lake and Valley Gardens is free (parking fees apply), but entrance fees are required for the gardens and play area at Savill Garden.
Read on to learn more about visiting Virginia Water Lake, one of the top day trips near Windsor!
Day trips from Windsor: Runnymede
For a day trip rich in history and heritage near Windsor, Runnymede in Egham is an unmissable destination. This historic site is where the Magna Carta was signed by King John of England in 1215, marking it as a birthplace of British liberty. The Magna Carta remains one of the most influential documents in history, symbolizing freedom and justice.
At Runnymede, you can visit two iconic memorials: the Magna Carta Memorial and the JFK Memorial, honouring President John F. Kennedy.
You’ll also find several interesting commemorative scattered around the site, including The Jurors and Writ in Water.
There is a National Trust car park within walking distance from the memorials or you could combine your visit with a longer circular walk, taking in the Runnymede Air Forces Memorial too.
Alternatively, if along the river, you’ll reach Runnymede Pleasure Ground, a lovely riverside park and gardens.
Runnymede is a great day trip from Windsor, especially if you want to step on the small piece of England owned by the US!
With free admission to Runnymede, this is one of the best historical day trips from Windsor for those interested in British heritage.
Day trips from Windsor: Eton
Just a short walk from Windsor town centre, across the Thames footbridge, lies the historic village of Eton, best known for its prestigious school, Eton College.
Founded by King Henry VI as a charity school for underprivileged boys, Eton College has since become one of the world’s most famous public schools, counting both Prince William and Prince Harry among its alumni.
Eton village is a charming village to visit whilst in Windsor, with a few independent shops and art galleries, that are ideal for browsing.
Its close proximity to Windsor Castle makes Eton easy to explore on foot, offering visitors a taste of English heritage and local culture just minutes from Windsor’s royal attractions.
Day trips from Windsor: Fun on the River Thames
When it comes to day trips from Windsor along the River Thames, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from.
Start with a scenic walk along The Thames Path, a beautiful riverside trail that stretches all the way to the Cotswolds. The section near Windsor is especially popular with families, as there are so many ducks and swans. Note, that if you are planning on feeding them, thrown the food into the water rather than the riverbank.
For a unique perspective on Windsor’s historic landmarks, hop on a river cruise with French Brothers Boats. They offer both 40-minute and 2-hour round trip cruises along the River Thames.. On sunny days, you could also hire a rowing boat or join a guided kayak tour with London Kayak Tours, a great way to explore Windsor and enjoy some outdoor adventure!
Day trips from Windsor: Thorpe Park
Click here for tickets to Thorpe Park.
For thrill-seekers, one of the top days out from Windsor is to Thorpe Park Resort in Chertsey. This thrilling theme park is home to Hyperia, the UK’s fastest rollercoaster, and features over 30 exciting rides and attractions, making it a must-visit for adrenaline junkies. Thorpe Park is always one of the favourite days out for my teenagers.
Another fantastic theme park near Windsor is Chessington World of Adventures. Just a 40-minute drive on the M25, Chessington is great day out for all ages. With a good mix of theme park rides, a zoo, and Sea Life Aquarium, it’s the perfect family-friendly attraction for anyone who wants rides and animals in the same place!
For more ideas on how to entertain teenagers, check out our ideas for fun things to do in London.
How to get from Windsor to Thorpe Park:
Thorpe Park is about 9 miles from Windsor, so the easiest way to get there is by car. However, there is a Thorpe Park shuttle bus which collects visitors from Staines train station every 15 minutes.
Day trips from Windsor: Black Park Country Park
For nature lovers, Black Park Country Park is a perfect day trip from Windsor.
Located just 7 miles away in Buckinghamshire, this beautiful woodland park offers over 500 acres of natural scenery and family-friendly activities. Start with a walk through the woods or enjoy a visit to the lake, followed by a stop at the adventure playground. Admission to Black Park is free, making it a cheap day out for families.
For kids seeking a bit more excitement, Nets Adventure offers a thrilling treetop experience where they can bounce their way around the tree canopies. We’ve been several times, and the kids love it. Other family attractions at Black Park Country Park include Go Ape, Segway and a Bike Hub.
Day trips from Windsor: Thorpe Lakes Aquapark
On a sunny day, Thorpe Lakes Aquapark in Chertsey is one of the best family attractions near Windsor. Located just 10 miles from Windsor, Thorpe Lakes is home to boasts the ultimate floating aqua park near London, offering hours of fun on the water.
With a variety of water-based activities for all ages, Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor adventure and family fun near Windsor. I recommend booking in advance, as it gets very busy when the sun’s out.
How to get from Windsor to Thorpe Lakes Aquapark:
Liquid Leisure is near Chertsey, just 20 minutes’ drive from Windsor. The entrance is on the B388 between Thorpe Village and Chertsey. Once you’ve arrived in the car park, just walk over the bridge.
Day trips from Windsor: Legoland
For families with younger children, one of the best things to do near Windsor is a day out at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.
This fun-filled them park offers over 55 interactive rides and attractions, making it an ideal destination kids aged 2 to 12 years looking for adventure and excitement.
At LEGOLAND®, children can experience a variety of attractions, from earning their first driving license to riding a Dragon or testing their skills on the Ninja Training Course. The park has rollercoasters, water rides, and interactive adventures, many of which are specially designed for younger visitors.
LEGO® fans will love exploring Miniland, where they can see large-scale models of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, all crafted from LEGO bricks. Legoland® always makes a fun day out and is certainly one of the family attractions near Windsor.
Click here for tickets to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.
How to get from Windsor to Legoland®:
Legoland is only 2 miles from Windsor. You could take the 01, 702 or 703 bus, or get a taxi.
Day trips from Windsor: Swinley Forest
If you’re a nature lover, Swinley Forest is an unmissable destination just 12 miles from Windsor. This expansive woodland offers a variety of scenic walks, trails, and play areas, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
For cycling enthusiasts, Swinley Forest is a top spot, with 24 km of mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there are plenty of routes to explore.
Children will love the two adventure playgrounds at The Look Out in Swinley Forest.
There are several distinct play areas. The accessible playground offers a safe, natural setting for younger kids to explore, while older children can enjoy the junior play area, complete with its own wooden fortress. Just behind the playground, there’s also a fantastic den-building area, perfect for creative outdoor fun.
For families seeking even more adventure, Go Ape and Segway tours at Swinley Forest offer an exciting experience.
The Look Out Discovery Centre at Swinley Forest
If you’re visiting Swinley Forest with younger children, head to the Look Out Discovery Centre. Here they can have hands-on fun in the interactive science centre. Based at the edge of Swinley Forest, it’s a fantastic place to entertain toddlers and little kids on a rainy day.
The Visitor Centre has a café, with indoor and outdoor seating and toilet facilities. You’ll also find plenty of picnic benches and a picnic lawn.
How to get from Windsor to the Look Out at Swinley Forest:
It is easiest to get to the Look Out by car. However, you can get the train to Bracknell and then take a bus to Birch Hill. The Look Out is 10 minutes’ walk from here.
Day trips from Windsor: Coral Reef Waterworld
One of the best rainy-day trips from Windsor for kids is a visit to Coral Reef Waterworld, located near Bracknell. As one of the largest interactive indoor water parks in England, Coral Reef offers a fun-filled session for the whole family.
Teenagers and older children will love the hot tubs, thrilling waterslides, and the exciting four flashing-light waterslides. For younger kids, there’s a pirate ship and a dedicated toddler splash zone. Plus, don’t miss the dramatic erupting volcano that adds to the excitement.
If you don’t fancy the slides, you can relax in the café or unwind in the adult-only spa area while the kids play.
As you’d imagine, Coral Reef Waterworld is a one of the top family attractions near Bracknell, so it’s best to avoid peak times for a quieter experience.
Day trips from Windsor: Hampton Court Palace
If you enjoyed your visit to Windsor Castle, why not take a day trip to another of the best historic houses in South East England, Hampton Court Palace? This magnificent royal residence was once home to King Henry VIII and is filled with fascinating history and stunning architecture.
On a fun-packed day out, you can explore the grand rooms of the palace, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, or get lost in the famous maze. For younger children, the Magic Garden playground offers an exciting space to play and explore.
If you have extra time, be sure to visit Bushy Park, located just across the road. This historic royal park is filled with plenty of things to do, including memorials, a playground, woodland gardens, and wildlife. Keep an eye out for the free-roaming deer that call the park home.
Day trips from Windsor: Warner Bros Studio Tour
For any Harry Potter fans, one of the best day trips from Windsor is a visit to the Warner Bros Studio Tour near Watford. Just a half-hour drive via the M25, this popular attraction offers a magical experience that brings the wizarding world to life.
The Warner Bros Studio Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Harry Potter films. Walk in Harry’s footsteps as you explore iconic sets and props from the movies, including a visit to Hogwarts, stepping onto Platform 9 ¾, and strolling down Diagon Alley. Perfect for any Potterheads!
Travel further afield
Bath
Less than two hours’ drive from Windsor is the beautiful and historic city of Bath, a must-visit destination with plenty to see and do.
Start your visit with a trip to the Roman Baths, the well-preserved ancient spas that were once used by the Romans. Afterwards, explore the stunning Bath Abbey or admire the city’s remarkable Georgian architecture.
Bath also boasts a variety of museums and tranquil outdoor spaces, such as the peaceful Victoria Park Gardens. We took a hop-on hop-off bus, which is a great way to see all the main attractions in the city.
If you’re travelling by public transport, you’ll need to change at Bristol, with trains taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Stonehenge
For a historic day trip from Windsor, Stonehenge, is an iconic destination not to be missed. Located just over an hour away near Salisbury in Wiltshire, it’s an easy drive via the M3/A303.
Stonehenge is a remarkable prehistoric site, featuring a circle of towering Sarsen standing stones on the Salisbury Plain. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the most famous landmarks in the UK and a must-see for history enthusiasts.
After exploring Stonehenge, why not extend your visit with a trip to the nearby cathedral city of Salisbury, known for its stunning architecture and charming atmosphere
Winchester
Winchester is a charming historic city located on the edge of the South Downs National Park, making it a perfect day trip from Windsor.
Known for its stunning medieval cathedral, Winchester is rich in history and boasts several other notable sites. It’s especially magical around Christmas, when the city hosts its world-renowned Christmas market, offering a festive atmosphere with beautiful festive stalls.
Winchester is just an easy drive from Windsor, about 1 hour via the M3.
Alternatively, if you’re traveling by public transport, there are regular train services that take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
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