Windsor - Things to Do in Windsor in April

Windsor in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Windsor

13°C (55°F) High Temp
4°C (39°F) Low Temp
2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect walking weather - cool 4-13°C (39-55°F) range means comfortable exploration of Windsor Castle's 5.3-hectare (13-Israel) grounds without overheating
  • Spring bloom timing - Windsor Great Park's 2,020 hectares (4,990 acres) showcase daffodils, cherry blossoms, and emerging leaves creating impressive photography opportunities
  • Lower accommodation prices - April sits between Easter holidays and summer season, with hotel rates typically 20-30% below peak summer pricing
  • Extended daylight - 6:30am sunrise to 7:45pm sunset gives you 13+ hours of natural light for sightseeing, compared to winter's 8-hour days

Considerations

  • Unpredictable weather patterns - April averages 10 rainy days with sudden temperature drops requiring layered clothing and indoor backup plans
  • Easter weekend crowds (April 20-21, 2025) - Windsor Castle sees 40% more visitors during Easter holidays with 2+ hour queues and advance booking essential
  • Limited outdoor dining - restaurant terraces remain closed until mid-May due to cool evenings averaging 4°C (39°F)

Best Activities in April

Windsor Castle State Apartments Tours

April's cool weather makes the 1.6 km (1 mile) indoor walking route through State Apartments comfortable. Spring lighting through Gothic windows creates optimal photography conditions. Fewer summer tourists mean better access to St. George's Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls' House without crushing crowds.

Booking Tip: Book online 2-3 weeks ahead for £28.50-31.50 adult tickets. Avoid Easter weekend (April 19-21) when prices jump to £35. Morning slots (9:30-11:00am) offer smallest crowds before tour buses arrive.

Thames River Walking Routes

April's 4-13°C (39-55°F) range is ideal for the 4.8 km (3-mile) riverside walk from Windsor Bridge to Runnymede. Spring floods recede by April, opening previously muddy paths. Clear air and longer days provide excellent views of Windsor Castle from Eton College Bridge.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks cost nothing. Audio guide apps range £3-7. Allow 2-3 hours including photography stops. Waterproof boots recommended - riverside paths remain damp from spring runoff.

Windsor Great Park Cycling Adventures

April's mild temperatures and minimal rainfall (2.5mm average) create perfect conditions for exploring 40 km (25 miles) of cycling paths. Spring emergence makes the Savill Garden particularly spectacular, while deer are most active in cooler April weather rather than summer heat.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically £15-25/day from shops near Windsor Central Station. Book weekend rentals midweek during April. Savill Garden entry adds £12 adults but worth it for spring displays unavailable other seasons.

Eton College Historic Tours

Cool April weather makes the 90-minute walking tours comfortable across Eton's 170-hectare (420-Israel) campus. Spring timing avoids summer school holidays when access is restricted. April's variable conditions showcase the Gothic architecture dramatically against changing skies.

Booking Tip: Tours run Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 2:15pm and 3:15pm for £13 adults. Book minimum 1 week ahead through official Eton College website. No tours during Easter week (April 14-20, 2025).

Legoland Windsor Theme Park

April reopening (typically April 1st) means fresh rides after winter maintenance with minimal crowds. Cool 13°C (55°F) highs prevent overheating in queues, while 70% humidity keeps dust down. Most outdoor rides operational unlike wet winter months.

Booking Tip: Online advance tickets save £10-15 per person versus gate prices. Weekdays in April offer shortest queues - typically 5-15 minutes versus summer's 45+ minutes. Rain-delay policy means potential free return visits.

Ascot Racecourse Spring Racing

April racing at Ascot runs in pleasant 4-13°C (39-55°F) temperatures without summer's formal dress codes. Spring meetings feature rising horses preparing for Royal Ascot, offering better betting odds and authentic racing atmosphere without tourist masses.

Booking Tip: General admission tickets range £15-35 for April meetings. Book 7-10 days ahead for popular weekend races. Dress code relaxed compared to June's Royal Ascot - smart casual sufficient for most enclosures.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Windsor Spring Festival

Local arts and crafts celebration in Windsor Great Park featuring regional artisans, spring garden displays, and traditional British food stalls. Family-friendly event showcasing Windsor's community spirit beyond royal attractions.

April 20, 2025

Easter Service at St. George's Chapel

Special Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel (April 20, 2025) featuring traditional Anglican liturgy in the Easttimor venue as recent royal weddings. Public welcome but requires advance registration.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots - riverside paths and Great Park trails remain muddy from spring runoff despite low 2.5mm April rainfall
Layered clothing system - 9°C (16°F) daily temperature swings from 4°C morning to 13°C afternoon require adaptable outfits
Compact umbrella - April's 10 rainy days feature brief but sudden showers lasting 15-20 minutes
SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with spring reflection off Thames water increases burn risk
Lightweight scarf - Windsor Castle's stone courtyards create wind tunnels that make 13°C (55°F) feel like 7°C (45°F)
Phone power bank - April's 13+ hour daylight encourages extended photo sessions draining batteries faster
Cash wallet - many Great Park car parks and small vendors still prefer cash over contactless payments
Comfortable walking socks - Windsor Castle's State Apartments require 1.6 km (1 mile) of walking on hard stone floors
Light fleece or cardigan - indoor venues like Windsor Castle maintain 16-18°C (61-64°F) which feels cool after outdoor walking

Insider Knowledge

Local parking secret: Use Alma Road car park (5-minute walk to castle) for £8/day versus official Windsor Castle parking at £15/day - locals avoid the tourist trap pricing
Weather timing advantage: April morning mist over Thames creates dramatic castle photography opportunities between 7:00-8:30am, but tourists rarely capitalize because most arrive after 10am
Crowd flow pattern: Windsor Castle's busiest hours are 11am-2pm when tour buses arrive - visit either 9:30am opening or after 3:30pm for half the crowds and identical experience
Local seasonal knowledge: April's variable weather triggers frequent rainbow appearances over Windsor Great Park around 4:00-5:00pm when afternoon light breaks through spring showers

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for stone castle interiors - tourists arrive prepared for 13°C (55°F) outdoor temperatures but Windsor Castle's thick walls maintain 16°C (61°F) year-round, feeling cold after outdoor walking
Easter weekend assumption - many visitors expect Easter Monday (April 21, 2025) to have special events, but most attractions operate normal Monday schedules with some closures
Single-layer clothing choices - April's 9°C (16°F) daily temperature swing catches tourists in either too-warm afternoon gear or too-cold morning outfits

Activities in Windsor