Things to Do in Windsor in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Windsor
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring blooms transform Windsor Great Park and the Long Walk into spectacular photo opportunities - the magnolias and cherry blossoms typically peak mid-to-late April, creating that postcard-perfect Windsor experience without the summer tourist crush
- Comfortable walking temperatures of 13°C (55°F) mean you can explore the castle grounds, riverside paths, and town center for hours without overheating - perfect for the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) walk from castle to Eton and back
- Easter holidays bring special events at Windsor Castle and Legoland Windsor (typically early-to-mid April 2026), with extended opening hours and seasonal programming that locals actually attend, giving you a more authentic experience than the peak summer tourist vibe
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Easter week - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to summer highs, and you'll actually get tables at decent riverside pubs without booking weeks ahead
Considerations
- April weather in Windsor is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three seasons in one day, with morning frost giving way to afternoon sunshine and evening drizzle. Those 10 rainy days are scattered randomly, so outdoor plans need flexibility built in
- If Easter falls early in April 2026 (which it does - April 5th), expect the first week to be packed with UK families on school holidays. Accommodation prices spike 40-50% that week, and Windsor Castle queues can hit 90+ minutes even with advance tickets
- Daylight is decent but not abundant - sunrise around 6:15am, sunset around 8pm means you'll have roughly 14 hours of daylight, but the castle closes at 5pm in April, so you're racing against closing times more than in summer
Best Activities in April
Windsor Castle Extended Tours
April hits a sweet spot for exploring Windsor Castle properly. The State Apartments are less crowded than summer (except Easter week), and the 4°C (39°F) mornings mean indoor palace exploration feels comfortable rather than stuffy. The castle's semi-state rooms sometimes open for tours in April depending on the Royal schedule - check closer to your dates. Budget 3-4 hours minimum to do it justice, arriving right at opening (10am) to beat coach tours that roll in around 11am. The April light through St George's Chapel windows is particularly beautiful mid-morning.
Thames Path Walking Routes
The 8 km (5 mile) riverside walk from Windsor to Bray (or shorter 3 km/1.9 mile loops) is genuinely perfect in April. Temperatures of 13°C (55°F) mean you won't overheat, and the spring foliage along the Thames is at peak greenery without the dense summer growth that blocks views. The path can get muddy after those April showers, so waterproof boots matter. Locals walk this route year-round, but April brings out the swans nesting along the banks - keep 10 m (33 ft) distance, they're territorial. The UV index of 8 means sunscreen is non-negotiable even on cloudy days.
Windsor Great Park Cycling
The park's 20+ km (12+ miles) of cycling paths are accessible and uncrowded in April. The Long Walk's 4.8 km (3 mile) tree-lined avenue looks spectacular with spring blooms, and the Virginia Water lake loop adds another 7 km (4.3 miles) of varied terrain. Bike hire shops in town charge £25-40 per day depending on bike quality. April's variable weather means bringing layers - start cool at 4°C (39°F) in early morning, peel down to t-shirt by midday at 13°C (55°F). The Savill Garden within the park charges separate admission (£12-15) but the rhododendrons and azaleas are worth it in late April.
Legoland Windsor Theme Park Visits
If you're traveling with kids under 12, April is actually the smart time to visit Legoland Windsor. The park opens for spring season with significantly smaller crowds than summer holidays - queue times average 15-25 minutes versus 60+ minutes in July-August. April weather at 13°C (55°F) is comfortable for outdoor rides, though bring waterproofs for those 10 potential rainy days. The park's indoor attractions (Lego Factory Tour, 4D Cinema) provide solid backup options. Easter week (early April 2026) brings special events but also peak April crowds and premium pricing.
Eton College and Village Exploration
Cross the pedestrian bridge from Windsor to Eton for a completely different vibe - this 600-year-old college town is walkable in 2-3 hours and feels authentically lived-in rather than tourist-focused. Eton College offers guided tours (typically £15-20, book ahead) that run more frequently in April than winter months. The cobbled streets and antique shops along Eton High Street are best explored in April's mild 13°C (55°F) weather before summer heat arrives. Watch for Eton students in their distinctive tailcoats - term time in April means the town has actual student energy.
Royal Ascot Preparation and Racecourse Tours
While Royal Ascot itself runs in June, April is when Ascot Racecourse (10 km/6.2 miles from Windsor) hosts spring race meetings with a completely different atmosphere - smaller crowds, locals in regular clothes rather than formal wear, and ticket prices of £15-30 versus £80+ for Royal Ascot. The racecourse also runs behind-the-scenes tours in April (£20-25 per person) showing the royal boxes and parade ring. It's a decent indication of British racing culture without the intimidating formality of the main event.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Weekend at Windsor Castle
Easter 2026 falls on April 5th, and Windsor Castle typically hosts special services at St George's Chapel plus extended opening hours through the Easter weekend. The town center gets a traditional Easter market with local craft vendors and food stalls along the High Street. It's genuinely popular with UK families, so book accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead if you're visiting this specific weekend. The atmosphere is festive but crowded - expect castle queues of 60-90 minutes even with timed tickets.
Windsor Festival
This annual arts and music festival typically runs late April through early May, with classical concerts, jazz performances, and theatrical events at venues across Windsor including Windsor Castle's Waterloo Chamber and Theatre Royal Windsor. Programming for 2026 hasn't been announced yet, but past years have featured chamber music, comedy nights, and outdoor performances in Windsor Great Park. Tickets range £20-60 depending on event and venue. Worth checking their website around January 2026 when the program usually drops.