Windsor
Why we love Windsor
Lovers of The Crown can wrap 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 its racecourse and buy a hat for Royal Ascot. Explore England’s shortest street and sample numerous restaurants and atmospheric pubs. Tour its royal-themed brewery or take in the nearby River Thames by paddleboard and see Britain’s only swans to get their own census. And for those who dare, Bray Lake is home to a bungee jumper’s paradise. Windsor is an easy day out from London, or an idyllic base for explore the surrounding Berkshire countryside.
Things to do in Windsor
Featured things to do
Step into history
Open all year round, Windsor Castle is an awesome sight. Visit for its art, the state apartments and St George’s Chapel too.
Learn more about Windsor CastleRoyal Ascot
Welcoming horses and jockeys from around the world, Royal Ascot mixes top quality flat racing with pageantry and style.
Learn more about Royal AscotEmbrace art and nature in one
Every autumn, Windsor’s Savill Garden transforms into an outdoor gallery, filled with striking sculptures and installations.
Learn more about Art in the GardenLiving advent calendar
At 6.15pm every night up to Christmas Eve, Windsor and Eton become a living advent calendar. Serving a small 15-minute surprise performance at various locations, followed by festive nibbles.
Learn more about Christmas in WindsorPlaces 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
For beautiful riverside towns 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. 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. A coach also travels from London Victoria and take just over an hour.
Getting around Windsor
By foot
Windsor is best explored on foot to take in the shopping, the historic sites and architecture and the college. The 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 the main Windsor attractions.
By bus
First Bus and Courtney Buses provide regular 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?
Check out the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for top insider tips and inspiration.