Things to Do in Windsor

About Windsor

Windsor breathes with the rhythm of royal history, where ancient stones whisper tales of kings and queens across nearly a thousand years. The magnificent Windsor Castle rises majestically from the Thames Valley, its towers catching golden sunlight that has illuminated coronations, weddings, and state ceremonies for centuries. Here, time flows differently – through cobblestone streets where Shakespeare once performed for Queen Elizabeth I, past the Long Walk's perfectly aligned avenue of trees stretching toward the horizon, and within St. George's Chapel where modern fairy tales unfold beneath Gothic arches. The town pulses with living heritage, where Horse Guards still change ceremonially, where the Queen's standard flies when royalty is in residence, and where every corner holds stories of triumph, tradition, and timeless elegance. Windsor isn't merely visited; it's experienced as a journey through Britain's soul, where the present day gracefully dances with an extraordinary past, creating memories as enduring as the castle's ancient walls.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Take the direct train from London Paddington (51 minutes) or Waterloo (57 minutes) to Windsor & Eton stations. Buy advance tickets online for 20-30% savings. The town center is compact and walkable, but book parking early as spaces fill quickly during peak times.

Money: Use contactless payments widely accepted everywhere, including castle entry and local shops. ATMs are plentiful near the castle entrance. Budget £25-30 for castle admission, £15-25 for lunch, and £10-15 for afternoon tea. Many attractions offer combo tickets for better value.

Cultural Respect: Maintain quiet, respectful behavior inside the castle and St. George's Chapel. Photography is prohibited in State Apartments. Dress modestly for chapel visits. Stand when the national anthem plays during Changing of the Guard ceremonies at 11 AM.

Food Safety: Try traditional British cuisine at centuries-old pubs like The Two Brewers or The Duchess of Cambridge. Book afternoon tea at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel in advance. Tap water is safe to drink, and food hygiene standards are excellent throughout Windsor.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) offers the finest balance with temperatures of 12-18°C, moderate rainfall (45-50mm monthly), and castle gardens in full bloom. Accommodation prices increase 15-20% from winter lows, but crowds remain manageable. The Royal Windsor Horse Show (May) showcases equestrian excellence. Summer (June-August) brings peak season with 16-22°C temperatures and occasional showers (50-60mm monthly). Expect 40-50% higher prices and significant crowds, especially during school holidays. The Windsor Festival (September-October) features world-class classical music. Autumn (September-November) delivers crisp weather (8-16°C), beautiful foliage, and 25-30% lower accommodation costs than summer. Rainfall increases to 60-70mm monthly. Winter (December-March) sees temperatures of 2-8°C with 45-55mm monthly precipitation. Hotel rates drop 35-45%, creating excellent value despite shorter daylight hours. Christmas illuminations and New Year celebrations add magical atmosphere. Photography enthusiasts prefer autumn's golden light, while families should visit during school holidays for full activities. Romantic travelers find winter's intimate atmosphere enchanting, with cozy pub fires and fewer crowds allowing peaceful castle exploration.