Things to Do in Windsor in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Windsor
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect autumn weather window - daytime temperatures around 17°C (63°F) are ideal for walking the Long Walk and exploring Windsor Great Park without overheating. You'll actually want to be outside, unlike the sweltering summer months when the castle courtyards can feel oppressive.
- Half-term crowds are predictable and avoidable - UK schools break mid-October for one week only. Book before October 20th or after October 27th, and you'll get significantly smaller crowds at Windsor Castle and Legoland. Weekend mornings before 10am are surprisingly quiet even during half-term.
- Autumn colors peak in Windsor Great Park - the 2,020 hectare (4,990 acre) park transforms into copper and gold by mid-October. The Valley Gardens and Savill Garden are genuinely spectacular, and locals know this is the best month for photography along the Long Walk's tree-lined avenue.
- Hotel prices drop 25-35% compared to summer - October sits in shoulder season pricing. You'll find four-star hotels in Windsor town center for £110-150 per night versus £180-240 in July and August. Book by early September for the best selection at lowest rates.
Considerations
- Rain comes without warning - those 10 rainy days aren't evenly spread, and Windsor's weather can shift from sunny to drizzling in 15 minutes. The 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) monthly average is misleading because when it does rain, it tends to be brief but frequent showers that interrupt outdoor plans.
- Shorter daylight means rushed sightseeing - sunset by 5:30pm in late October means you'll lose 2-3 hours of touring time compared to summer visits. Windsor Castle closes at 5pm, so you're racing the clock if you sleep in or have a leisurely lunch.
- Some attractions reduce hours or close entirely - Legoland Windsor typically closes for the season by early November, with reduced operating days in late October (Wednesday-Sunday only). The river boat tours from Windsor to Maidenhead stop running after mid-October most years.
Best Activities in October
Windsor Castle State Rooms and Grounds Tours
October is actually ideal for the castle because the cooler temperatures make the non-air-conditioned State Rooms comfortable, and autumn light through the Gothic windows is softer for photography. The Changing of the Guard happens at 11am on alternate days - check the schedule when you arrive. The crowds thin out significantly after 2pm, giving you better access to St George's Chapel. With that 5pm closing time, arrive by 1pm at the latest to see everything properly.
Windsor Great Park Walking and Cycling Routes
The park is genuinely at its best in October. The 4.2 km (2.6 mile) Long Walk from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue is lined with mature trees showing full autumn color by mid-month. The Savill Garden (paid entry, around £12-15) has late-blooming perennials and the humidity level makes the 14 hectare (35 acre) woodland garden feel atmospheric rather than muggy. Rent bikes for the day and you can cover Virginia Water Lake, Valley Gardens, and the Savill Garden in 4-5 hours.
Thames Path Walking Tours from Windsor to Eton
The 2 km (1.2 mile) riverside walk from Windsor Bridge to Boveney Lock is particularly pleasant in October when the summer crowds have disappeared but the weather is still mild enough for comfortable walking. The path takes you past Eton College's famous buildings and along the Thames towpath where you'll see rowers training most mornings. That 70% humidity actually works in your favor here - it's not oppressive like July, just enough to keep the dust down and make the riverside feel fresh.
Legoland Windsor Theme Park Visits
If you're traveling with kids under 12, October is actually brilliant for Legoland because the queues are 40-50% shorter than summer holidays. The park operates reduced hours (10am-5pm typically) and some water rides close for the season, but the main attractions stay open. Pack layers because you'll warm up quickly during the day but that 9°C (48°F) evening temperature drops fast after 4pm. The Halloween-themed decorations and activities run throughout October.
Royal Windsor Horse Show Grounds and Equestrian Tours
While the famous Royal Windsor Horse Show happens in May, October is when local stables offer autumn hacking rides through Windsor Great Park and the surrounding countryside. The cooler temperatures are better for both horses and riders, and the trails through the park are less muddy than winter months but more atmospheric than summer. Even non-riders can visit the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle to see the horses and carriages used for state occasions.
Historic Pubs and Traditional Afternoon Tea Experiences
October weather is perfect for ducking into Windsor's historic pubs and tea rooms when those brief showers hit. The Two Brewers (supposedly haunted, dating from 1792) and The Carpenter's Arms are genuine local favorites rather than tourist traps. For afternoon tea, several hotels offer proper three-tier services with sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The cozy indoor atmosphere works better in October's changeable weather than trying to sit in summer beer gardens.
October Events & Festivals
Windsor Half-Term Activities Week
During the October school half-term break (typically October 20-27, 2026), Windsor Castle and local attractions run special family activities including craft workshops, historical reenactments, and children's trails. Legoland extends its Halloween-themed events throughout this week with trick-or-treating stations and spooky decorations suitable for younger kids.
Autumn Farmers Market at Windsor Guildhall
The monthly farmers market happens on the second Saturday of October, featuring local Berkshire produce, artisan breads, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables. It's genuinely popular with locals rather than being a tourist setup, and you'll find proper British autumn produce like heritage apples, squash, and game meats. The market runs 10am-2pm in the Guildhall courtyard.