Are you planning a visit to England and looking for the best things to do in Windsor? Or perhaps you’re a local seeking exciting things to do on a day trip to Windsor?
Windsor, the royal town of England, is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the country. Located in the southeast of England, Windsor is home to the iconic Windsor Castle, the former weekend residence of late Queen Elizabeth II.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque surroundings, Windsor offers an ideal getaway for both tourists and residents. While Windsor Castle is world-famous, the town has so much more to offer.
From historical landmarks to beautiful parks and riverside walks, Windsor is packed with attractions and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a day trip from London or a relaxing short break, Windsor has plenty to see and do.
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Visit Windsor Castle
No visit to Windsor is complete without exploring the world-famous Windsor Castle. As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, it has served as a royal residence for over 1,000 years. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle continues to be one of the most popular places to visit in Windsor.
It’s a good idea to book your Windsor Castle tickets in advance to save time and skip the queue, especially in the summer.
Highlights of your visit to Windsor Castle include:
- The State Apartments: Admire the luxurious décor and priceless treasures.
- St George’s Chapel: This Gothic masterpiece, included in your castle ticket, is famous for royal weddings and the resting place of monarchs like Henry VIII.
- Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House: A stunning miniature world created in 1921, showcasing incredible craftsmanship.
Visit St George's Chapel
Your ticket to Windsor Castle includes admission to St George’s Chapel, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. Built in 1475, this historic chapel is still a working place of worship and is famous for hosting royal ceremonies, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
St George’s Chapel is also the burial place of several monarchs, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II, making it a deeply significant part of British royal history. The stunning stained glass windows, ornate stonework, and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit when exploring Windsor Castle.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Another highlight of your castle visit is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the most famous dolls’ house in the world.
Built in 1921 for Queen Mary, this miniature marvel is a testament to craftsmanship and attention to detail. It features working electricity, running water, and an extensive library filled with tiny books written by renowned authors of the time.
The dolls’ house provides a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century design and technology and will appeal to visitors of all ages.
Watch the Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle is a must-see event that takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11 am. This traditional ceremony sees guards march up the hill from Victoria Barracks to Windsor Castle. Here, they hand over their duties to another set of guards, who return to the barracks.
It is a very British tradition, which has been running since 1660. I have seen it many times and never tire of it.
Best spot: Watch from the High Street near the Queen Victoria Statue for a great view, even without a castle ticket.
Explore Windsor's historic statues and memorials
Windsor is steeped in history, and its statues and memorials reflect this. Some of the most significant statues to look out for are:
- Queen Victoria Statue: A prominent landmark directly in front of the castle.
- Irish Guardsman Statue: A 6ft figure honouring Irish soldiers who served in the wars.
- King George V Memorial Fountain: A serene photo spot near the town centre.
Wander down Queen Charlotte Street
Take a stroll along Queen Charlotte Street, the shortest street in Britain at just 51 feet and 10 inches long.
This quirky street leads to Windsor’s famous Crooked House, a must-see teahouse that dates back to 1687. This wonky building makes it a great photo spot.
Family fun at Legoland Windsor
One of the top things to do in Windsor for families, LEGOLAND Windsor offers thrilling rides, LEGO-themed attractions, shows, and interactive exhibits.
Located, just outside the town, Legoland makes a fantastic day out for younger kids. My kids loved it when they were little and we even stayed in the Legoland hotel.
Visit Windsor Guildhall and Museum
Windsor Museum, located in the elegant Windsor Guildhall, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich history. This small but impressive museum showcases a unique and varied collection, including a 100,000-year-old Mammoth tusk and a model of the Hawker Hurricane, the iconic plane designed by Windsor-born Sir Sydney Camm.
The museum is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 4 pm, and admission is completely free for all visitors.
On the first floor, you’ll find the library featuring a panel exhibition that traces the development of Windsor over the last 1,000 years. It’s a must-see for history lovers, providing a deeper understanding of Windsor’s past.
Go shopping at Windsor Royal Station
In addition to being one of England’s most historic towns, Windsor is a fantastic destination for shopping. As a local, I pop in regularly, as they have a good choice of shops to suit all budgets.
One of the most popular places to visit in Windsor for shoppers is the historic Windsor Royal Station, a former railway station transformed into a shopping and dining area. The station retains its historic charm with impressive architectural features like the Jubilee Arch, built in 1897, and a replica steam train called “The Queen.” Families visiting Windsor will especially enjoy the impressive mosaic of Harry and Meghan made entirely from LEGO squares, a delightful nod to modern royal history.
For those looking to continue shopping, the Royal Station arcade connects to Peascod Street, Windsor’s bustling high street. Here, you’ll find a mix of well-known high street shops and a few independent boutiques, making it one of the best things to do in Windsor for both locals and visitors.
Enjoy a river cruise
Head to the River Thames for a relaxing boat cruise with French Brothers Boats or a guided kayak tour.
On a sunny day, you could hire a rowing boat or simply enjoy a peaceful riverside walk, feeding swans and admiring the views.
Visit Eton
Cross the pedestrian-friendly Windsor Bridge into the historic village of Eton, known for its prestigious Eton College.
Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, this famous school educated members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry. Eton also features charming shops, art galleries, and cosy cafés.
Take a guided tour
Windsor is a great town to visit, as it’s compact, pedestrian-friendly, and easily explored on foot. If you want to learn some interesting historical facts whilst you’re exploring, you could book a walking trip with a local guide. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes many of the major tourist attractions, including a visit to Eton.
However, to uncover more about Windsor’s history, book an Open Top Hop-on Hop-off bus tour or a Duck tour. The Duck Tour provides a unique experience by combining a city tour with a river cruise.
Explore Windsor Great Park
If you are looking for somewhere to relax, head to Windsor Great Park, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Windsor. Conveniently located right behind Windsor Castle, it’s easily accessible and offers a peaceful retreat from the town’s bustling streets.
Begin your visit with the iconic Long Walk, a stunning tree-lined avenue stretching 2.64 miles from Windsor Castle to the top of Snow Hill. This picturesque route offers breathtaking views of the castle and is steeped in royal history, frequently featured on television during special royal occasions. Keep an eye out for the deer that roam freely across the park.
If you have extra time to explore, venture out of Windsor to nearby Virginia Water Lake or Savill Gardens. Alternatively, head to Runnymede, a site of immense historical significance where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215.
How do you get to Windsor?
By train
It is very easy to get from London to Windsor by train. Regular, direct trains from London Paddington or Waterloo take about 40 minutes. The Paddington train is faster and more popular.
There are 2 train stations, “Windsor & Eton Central” and “Windsor & Eton Riverside”. Visit national rail enquiries for details of times and prices.
From the station you can easily walk to Windsor Castle or Windsor town centre.
By car
By bus or coach
You can take the Green Line 702 from Greenline Coach Station, near Victoria station, London.
Alternatively, local buses run frequently from Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 to Windsor.
Windsor is easily accessibly by car. You can take the M4 motorway from London in about 40 minutes.
There are plenty of pay and display car parks, but they get busy at the weekend and can be expensive.
Pin for Later: Best things to do in Windsor, England
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