Things to Do in Windsor in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Windsor
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring is starting to show itself - you'll catch early daffodils in Windsor Great Park and the Long Walk looks particularly stunning with fresh green growth, though it's still early enough that you won't deal with peak tourist crowds that arrive in April and May
- The castle and indoor attractions are significantly less crowded than summer months - you can actually spend time in St George's Chapel without being rushed along, and queues for State Apartments typically run 15-20 minutes versus the 60+ minutes you'd see in July
- Hotel rates are still in shoulder season territory - expect to pay 25-35% less than summer peak pricing, and you can usually book decent accommodation just 2-3 weeks out rather than the 2-3 months needed for summer
- Daylight extends noticeably through the month - early March sees sunset around 5:45pm, but by month's end you've got light until nearly 7:30pm, giving you proper time for afternoon walks along the Thames Path after indoor sightseeing
Considerations
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get a glorious 12°C (54°F) sunny day perfect for walking, or a grey 4°C (39°F) drizzly afternoon that sends you scrambling for indoor plans. Those 10 rainy days are spread randomly throughout the month, so you can't really plan around them
- It's still properly cold in the mornings and evenings - that -1°C (30°F) low isn't just a statistical outlier, and the 70% humidity makes the cold feel more penetrating than the temperature suggests. Early morning castle visits require proper layering
- Some outdoor attractions haven't fully opened for the season yet - certain areas of the gardens may still be closed for maintenance, and river boat services are running reduced schedules or haven't started daily operations, typically beginning their full timetables in April
Best Activities in March
Windsor Castle State Apartments and St George's Chapel Tours
March is actually ideal for experiencing the castle properly - the shorter queues mean you can take your time in the State Apartments without feeling rushed, and St George's Chapel is far less crowded than summer months. The cooler weather makes the indoor touring more comfortable, and you're not competing with the massive coach tour groups that arrive May through September. Morning visits around 10-11am tend to be quietest, before day-trippers arrive from London.
Thames Path Walking Routes
The riverside paths are genuinely lovely in March - you'll catch early spring growth without the summer crowds clogging the narrower sections. The 8 km (5 mile) walk from Windsor to Bray makes for a solid half-day activity, taking about 2-2.5 hours at a comfortable pace. That said, the paths can get muddy after rain, and with 10 rainy days expected, you'll want to time this for a dry stretch. The extended daylight by late March means you can comfortably do an afternoon walk without losing light.
Eton College and Town Exploration
Just across the bridge from Windsor, Eton is less crowded in March and the college offers guided tours that give you access to areas you can't see independently. The historic buildings are particularly atmospheric in the cooler months, and you'll avoid the summer tour groups. Tours run on specific days and times, so this requires advance planning. The town itself is worth 45-60 minutes of wandering, with several independent bookshops and traditional tea rooms that are far more pleasant when not packed with summer visitors.
Windsor Great Park Cycling and Walking
The park covers 2,020 hectares (4,990 acres) and March is when locals actually use it - you'll see early daffodils and the deer are more visible before the trees fully leaf out. The Long Walk stretches 4.26 km (2.65 miles) from the castle to the Copper Horse statue and makes for a solid walk or cycle. That variable weather means you need to watch forecasts closely - a sunny March morning here is genuinely special, but a cold drizzly afternoon is miserable with limited shelter once you're deep in the park.
London Day Trips via Direct Train
Windsor's direct rail connection to London Waterloo (55 minutes) and Paddington via Slough (35-40 minutes total) makes it easy to do London day trips when Windsor weather turns grey. March is actually a smart time for this - you can base yourself in Windsor at lower hotel rates and pop into London for museums and indoor attractions when needed. The trains run frequently enough that you don't need rigid planning, and off-peak returns cost £15-22 depending on route and booking timing.
Traditional Afternoon Tea Experiences
March weather makes afternoon tea particularly appealing - it's a proper indoor activity for those damp, chilly afternoons, and the historic hotels and tea rooms in Windsor do this well. The experience typically runs 90-120 minutes and includes sandwiches, scones, and pastries with proper loose-leaf tea. It's touristy, obviously, but it's also genuinely pleasant when it's 6°C (43°F) and drizzling outside. Booking the 3-4pm slot means you finish as early evening sets in.
March Events & Festivals
St Patrick's Day Celebrations
March 17th brings Irish celebrations to Windsor's pubs and the town center, though this is more low-key than major city celebrations. Several traditional pubs run special menus and live music, and you'll see decorations around the town center. It's not a major festival, but it adds some atmosphere if you happen to be visiting mid-month.
Spring Racing at Royal Windsor Racecourse
The racecourse typically begins its spring season in late March, weather permitting. These early season meetings are smaller and less formal than the summer fixtures, but they give you a taste of British racing culture without the massive crowds. The course sits right by the Thames with castle views, and March meetings attract more locals than tourists.