Windsor
Why we love Windsor
Lovers of The Crown can immerse themselves in royalty, as this town is about as regal as it gets. Windsor Castle, an official residence for 40 monarchs, pulls out all the royal stops - but there’s plenty more to discover.
Take a tour of perhaps the most famous public school in Britain; Eton. Discover one of Britain’s most legendary racecourses and buy a hat for Royal Ascot. Explore England’s shortest street and sample top-notch restaurants and atmospheric pubs. Tour a royal themed brewery or take in the nearby River Thames by paddleboard, where you can see Britain’s only swans to get their own census. And for the bravest among us, Bray Lake is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.
Windsor is an easy day out from London, or an idyllic base for exploring the surrounding Berkshire countryside.
Windsor Great Park
Take a stroll on the Long Walk, or go deer spotting in the meadows and woodlands, all with great views of Windsor Castle. The British royal family adore their horses, so why not join a riding tour, or explore in a horse-drawn carriage? There are some great local pubs, too.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot famously hosts some of Britain’s top horse races, but look out for live music, festivals and Christmas parties too. Every summer, the five-day Royal Ascot involves lashings of champagne, fine dining and eye-catching outfits – plus spectacular horse racing, of course.
Windsor’s own brewery
The Windsor and Eton Brewery now sells to 20 pubs – delivering its beer by shire house and cart around the town. Take a tour and enjoy a pint of Harry & Meghan’s Windsor Knot. You’ll also find street food, comedy and music nights in its Taproom, Unit 4.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
From rollercoasters and rides for all ages, to world icons made entirely from LEGO, this action-packed park has it all.
Don’t want to leave? There are two hotels on site, both with fun LEGO-themed rooms. Think treasure hunts, bunk beds and a pirate swimming pool.
Cruze Luxury Boat Services
Explore the River Thames in the ultimate comfort with this five-star cruise company, which offers on-board picnics, champagne and afternoon tea on its sightseeing jaunts. Based at Bray Marina, it also runs private trips to some of Berkshire’s most glamorous spots: think Soho River House, Cliveden House and The Waterside Inn. Kick back on a classic Riviera-style speedboat, and arrive at your destination in style.
Windsor
Rich in history and royal traditions, Windsor is home to the world’s largest inhabited castle and has been home to royalty for centuries.
Get into the races at Royal Ascot, famous for its eye-catching outfits, or take a tour of renowned public school, Eton.
See the Changing the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle, a spectacle of pageantry, or wander the 2.6-mile (4.2km) Long Walk and go deer spotting in Windsor Great Park.
Marvel at the historic Windsor Guildhall, home to Windsor and Royal Borough Museum, or delve into the world of LEGOLAND Windsor, the ultimate LEGO-themed experience.
Fun fact
Fun fact
The clocks in the Great Kitchen at Windsor Castle are always set five minutes fast to make sure that the food is never served late.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, having acted as a fortress and royal residence since 1070.
The British Royal Family requested that the London marathon start at Windsor Castle for the 1908 Olympic Games so that the Royal children could watch, resulting in the distance being changed to 26 miles (41.8km).
Windsor’s Eton College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, has many notable graduates including Princes William and Harry.
Commissioned in 1932 by George V, The Savill Garden in the heart of Windsor Great Park covers 35 acres and is one of Britain’s finest ornamental gardens.
King Charles III married the Queen Consort, Camilla at the Grade I listed Windsor Guildhall in April 2005, with the historic building dating back to 1690.
Things to do in Windsor
Featured things to do
Step into history at Windsor Castle
Open all year round, Windsor Castle is an awesome sight and especially gorgeous in spring. Visit for its art, the state apartments and St George’s Chapel too.
Learn more about Windsor Castle
Dress to the nines for Royal Ascot
Welcoming horses and jockeys from around the world, Royal Ascot mixes top quality flat racing with pageantry and style.
Learn more about Royal Ascot
Embrace art and nature in Savill Garden
Every autumn, Windsor’s Savill Garden transforms into an outdoor gallery, filled with striking sculptures and installations.
Learn more about Art in the Garden
Encounter a local hero at The Stanley Spencer Gallery
Celebrate the rich artistic legacy and view the works of renowned contemporary painter Stanley Spencer, who lived locally in Cookham.
Learn more about the Stanley Spencer GalleryPlaces to stay in Windsor
The town centre
You’ll find a range of hotels in the centre of Windsor, including several offering views of Windsor Castle and the River Thames.
Monkey Island
Check out the Monkey Island Estate on a private island in Bray for a luxurious hotel experience.
Riverside towns
If you’re looking for a beautiful riverside town, there’s Marlow, Cliveden (for 17th century Cliveden House) or Henley, all within half an hour of Windsor.
The Runnymede on Thames hotel is on the bank of the River Thames and is just ten minutes from Windsor.
Explore nearby
Getting to Windsor
Windsor is under 10 miles from London Heathrow Airport. It’s a 15-minute taxi journey, or there are several bus services operating directly from the airport to Windsor town centre.
Direct trains from London Paddington and Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Central Station take about 40 minutes. Trains to Windsor & Eton Riverside take an extra 10 minutes, but both stations are a short walk to Windsor Castle.
You can also travel by National Express coach from London Victoria to Windsor. The journey takes just over an hour.
Getting around Windsor
By foot
Windsor is best explored on foot to take in its historic sites and architecture. The town centre’s shopping areas are pedestrianised.
The Royal Windsor Information Centre has a range of brochures and guides to help you plan your trip.
By water
Windsor Duck Tours run a road and river sightseeing tour, providing a unique way to see Windsor's main attractions.
To explore the river in style, complete with a champagne picnic, take a trip with Cruze Luxury Boat Services.
By bus
First Bus and Courtney Buses provide regular bus services in Windsor to surrounding towns including Slough, Maidenhead and Heathrow Airport. Both companies accept contactless and cash payments.
By taxi
You’ll find a taxi rank on Thames Street in front of Windsor Castle.
Want to know more
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in Windsor?
Planning a Business Event in Windsor?
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