Just shy of London, Windsor is a stunning place that’s steeped in history! With the Queen’s favourite castle, cobbled streets and stunning parks, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Windsor dotted all across the town to discover.
Over the years, we’ve visited Windsor loads of times – after all, it’s only around 30-minutes from Central London by train. This makes Windsor a perfect day trip from London that’s well worth visiting if you’re after an escape from the city.
So, to help you get the most out of your visit to Windsor, I wanted to share some downright dazzlers that you can’t miss whilst strolling the town.
Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Windsor. Have an epic trip!
1.) Windsor Castle
You can’t visit Windsor without exploring iconic Windsor Castle!
Being one of the world’s oldest inhabited castles, it’s a royal residence that’s loved by Queen Elizabeth II. In fact, it’s said (though not confirmed) that she actually prefers Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace.
Once here, you can buy tickets to explore Windsor Castle’s stunning grounds and staterooms that are totally incredible. Plus, you’ll get to take a nosey around Windsor Castle’s extensive private art collection and priceless antiques owned by the Crown.
As you stroll, look out for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House (which is one of Windsor’s more unique attractions).
Upon entering Windsor Castle, you can take a good gawk at this lavish dolls house that’s 100 years old! A gift to King George V’s wife, Queen Mary, it’s said to have taken three years to create.
What’s totally fascinating is that this dolls house is almost a timestamp in how the Royal family lived during the 1920s.
Contained within its walls are numerous iconic works by the leading visual artists, writers and composers of the time, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who wrote the Sherlock Holmes), A. A. Milne (of Winnie-the-Pooh).
Also, keep your eyes peeled for which flag is flying about Windsor Castle. If it’s the Royal Standard, that means that the Queen is currently inside. If it’s the Union Flag (Union Jack), it means she’s gallivanting somewhere else.
Read more: Essentials to know when visiting Windsor Castle
2.) Boat along the Thames River
We totally loved exploring Windsor and Eton via the boat tours that head up and down the Thames. Typically departing from Windsor Promenade, it’s one of the best things to do in Windsor on a warm and sunny day.
Lasting around an hour, you’ll head up the river whilst learning all about the history of this incredible part of England that’s totally beautiful.
We headed out with French Brothers’ who host a heap of public trips (or private charters, if you’re feeling flush).
3.) St. George’s Chapel
St. George’s Chapel is located right within the grounds of Windsor Castle and serves as both a Royal Peculiar or a church operated under the direct authority of the monarch.
Not only that, it’s a royal mausoleum, with many iconic figures in British history buried inside. From the likes of; Edward IV, Henry VI, Henry VIII, George V and Queen Mary – the list goes on!
It’s an utterly gorgeous chapel with gothic architecture that’s too beautiful to miss.
Depending on when you visit, you might also get to attend a service that happens three times a day (and all free, of course).
Read more: Essentials to know when visiting Windsor Castle
4.) Historic streets of Windsor
Remember I said that Windsor is steeped in history? I wasn’t kidding, it’s over 1000 years old and has a heap of coves, townhouses and cobbled streets to explore.
Now, in my opinion, Windsor is best explored by foot! This way, you’ll be able to truly explore all the cosy nooks that and spots that just isn’t as easy in a car.
This is totally true when you stop at spots like Queen Charlotte Street. You see, it’s the shortest street anywhere in the UK.
Be sure to spot The Crooked House of Windsor that (somehow) still stands – it really looks like it’s going to collapse like a stack of cards!
Of course, you’re gonna stroll down the Queen’s Walkway that’s one of the best things to do in Windsor if you fancy a stroll. A casual 4 miles, it includes waypoints around 60+ of Windsor’s must-see historical spots.
Though, if you want to make it easier, book one of the tours around the town itself. Windsor Guided Tours hosts a heap of them.
Read more: Best day trips from London
5.) Eton
Located just across the River Thames, Eton is home to one of England’s most prestigious schools, Eton College.
Famed for educating royalty and prime ministers, it’s the kind of place that’s steeped in history and easy to visit from Windsor itself.
For a chance to examine a rare original page from Charles Darwin’s famous Origin Of Species, schedule a visit on a Sunday to enjoy the Natural History Museum.
Though, just be aware, it’s closed to the public on weekdays.
6.) Windsor Great Park
If you’re fancying a stroll, head over to Windsor Great Park to enjoy the best views of Windsor Castle itself. It’s a totally stunning walk and a vast open space that’s lovely on a summer day.
Keep your eyes peeled for the deer that roam the grounds. In my experience, I’ve found these easiest to see early in the morning!
7.) Gorge in Windsor
Whenever we visit Windsor, I always leave stuffed! Though, that’s part of the fun of travelling, right? Being able to try every local dish in sight! 😉
For some of the best homemade pasta, visit Sebastian’s Italian. Here, they cook up the most delicious pasta in this area of England. Their seafood pasta is just too delicious to miss.
If it’s a lovely dinner you’re after, book a table at A la Russe, a French fusion restaurant that serves up a delicious steak tartare.
Also, for an afternoon tea of fresh scones, preserves, clotted cream and loose leaf tea then head across to Clarence Tea Room. They have a sparkling afternoon tea, which we couldn’t resist!
For another sweet treat, head to the Fudge Kitchen is a glorious little shop where sweet-toothed confectioners whip up delicious fudge by hand. The smell of fudge is incredible and it’ll leave your mouth watering! Before you leave, make sure to buy a couple of fudge slabs for the road.
Their butterscotch fudge is so good!
Read more: Best day trips from London
8.) Legoland Windsor
Just outside the limits of the town itself, Legoland is one of the best things to do in Windsor if you’re heading across with the family.
Complete with all that lego goodness…. the park hosts a heap of performances, fun rides and enough lego to satisfy any bricklayer!
Not only that, Legoland Windsor hosts seasonal fireworks nights that are so epic!
9.) Royal Ascot
One of the Queen’s favourite sporting pastimes, horse racing is something that’s pretty easy to see whilst in this area of England.
The Wimbledon of racecourses, Ascot is hosts a heap of international races that go on throughout the year. The most famous of these is Ascot Week, held at Ascot Racecourse itself and typically in June.
Though, if horse racing isn’t your idea of a good time, give this spot a miss – you’ll find it pretty dull otherwise!
Read more: Best day trips from London
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