Windsor in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Windsor
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Castle viewing perfection - crisp winter air provides crystal-clear views across the Thames to Windsor Castle without summer haze, plus shorter daylight hours create dramatic golden hour photography from 3:30-4:30pm
- Minimal crowds at major attractions - Windsor Castle sees 60% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning genuine access to State Apartments and St George's Chapel without queuing, plus easier parking in town center
- Cozy pub culture at its peak - traditional English pubs are in their element with roaring fires, hearty winter menus, and locals gathering for warmth, creating authentic atmosphere tourists rarely experience
- February half-term activities - Royal Borough organizes special winter programming including guided castle tours with extended access to normally restricted areas, plus ice skating at Alexandra Gardens
Considerations
- Brutally short daylight - sun sets by 4:45pm limiting outdoor exploration time, with overcast skies making it feel dark by 4:00pm most days, requiring careful activity timing
- Persistent dampness makes everything feel colder - 85% humidity combines with low temperatures creating bone-deep chill that penetrates even good winter clothing, requiring constant warming breaks indoors
- Limited outdoor dining - Windsor's charming riverside restaurants and outdoor terraces are largely closed or covered, reducing the scenic dining experiences the town is known for in warmer months
Best Activities in February
Windsor Castle State Apartments Tours
February is ideal for exploring Windsor Castle's opulent State Apartments without summer crowds. The Queen Mary's Dolls' House and St George's Chapel are easily accessible, and winter light streaming through medieval windows creates dramatic photography opportunities. Cold weather keeps most tourists away, giving you space to appreciate the royal collections properly.
Thames Path Winter Walks
The Thames Path from Windsor to Maidenhead offers spectacular winter scenery when trees are bare, revealing hidden river views impossible to see in summer. February's crisp air makes for comfortable 5-8 km (3-5 mile) walks, though muddy conditions require proper footwear. Riverside pubs provide perfect warming stops every 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles).
Traditional English Pub Experiences
Windsor's historic pubs are at their absolute best in February - roaring log fires, hearty winter menus featuring game and seasonal vegetables, and cozy atmospheres that define English pub culture. The Duchess of Cambridge, The King Edward VII, and pubs along Thames Street offer real feels with locals escaping the cold.
Eton College Guided Tours
February offers rare access to Eton College with fewer restrictions than busy summer months. The famous school's historic buildings and chapel are particularly atmospheric in winter light, and guides have more time for detailed explanations about the 580-year-old institution's traditions and famous alumni.
Windsor Great Park Winter Exploration
The 2,020-hectare (4,988-acre) Great Park transforms in winter with bare ancient oaks revealing the full scope of this royal landscape. February deer spotting is excellent as red and fallow deer are more visible without foliage. The Long Walk's 4.2 km (2.6 mile) tree-lined avenue to the castle creates dramatic winter photography opportunities.
Royal Windsor Steam Train Experiences
Winter steam train journeys from Windsor Central to Eton and back operate select February weekends, offering heated vintage carriages and views of frost-covered countryside. The experience captures British railway heritage while keeping you warm and dry during unpredictable February weather.
February Events & Festivals
Royal Collection Trust Winter Lectures
Monthly lecture series featuring royal collection curators discussing castle treasures and royal history, held in Windsor Castle's atmospheric St George's Hall. These intimate events offer insights impossible to get during regular tours.
Windsor Half-Term Family Activities
The Royal Borough organizes special February half-term programming including historical reenactments, children's treasure hunts in the castle grounds, and traditional craft workshops showcasing royal trades.