Windsor is one of the most charming small towns in the UK, famous for Windsor Castle. There’s also a picturesque riverside, great shopping and restaurants. Its compact size makes it a good choice for a weekend break. Here are the best things to do in Windsor, to help you make the most of your time.
48 Hours in Windsor – Things to Do in Windsor
Located on the River Thames in the county of Berkshire, Windsor makes a great day trip from London. These are some of our favourite Windsor attractions.
1. Windsor Castle
The obvious place to start is Windsor Castle, home to royalty for over 1,000 years and one of The Queen’s main residences. The Castle is right in the centre, and looms large over the surrounding buildings, being the largest occupied castle in the world.
As you approach, you’ll notice a statue of Queen Victoria, standing guard in suitably regal fashion. It dates from 1887 and celebrates her Golden Jubilee.
Inside the castle, the State Apartments are one of the main attractions. They have some fabulous artworks by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Rubens.
It’s not possible to take photos inside the castle, however you are allowed to take pictures of the exterior and the gardens. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is our favourite attraction.
Designed for Queen Mary by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1921, it’s an elaborate model with running water and flushing toilets!
The Queen is often in residence at Windsor Castle. One of our favourite stories about her is of the tourists who didn’t recognize her and asked if she had met The Queen, to which she replied that she hadn’t but that the policeman accompanying her had.
Inside the castle, there’s a lovely walled garden.
2. Chapel of St George
The Chapel of St George is a must-see if you’re visiting from Monday to Saturday, as on Sundays its closed for worship. It’s a spectacular Gothic building that houses the tombs of Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, his third wife and Charles I.
It’s also the chapel of the order of the garter, a historic chivalrous order dating from the Middle Ages. We’d allow at least a couple of hours to visit the castle itself and the Chapel of St George.
It’s a good idea to purchase your ticket online beforehand, and an audio guide is included in all ticket prices.
3. Changing of the Guard
Another highlight with 24 hours in Windsor is the Changing of the Guard, although you don’t actually have to enter in order to view it. The guards pass along the high street every day at around 10.45 am when the New Guard leave their barracks, accompanied by a band. The Old Guard leave the castle at approximately 11 am.
4. Crooked House of Windsor
There are some quaint buildings in the town centre, like this one, known as the Crooked House of Windsor, that dates from 1592. It’s next to the Guildhall, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
5. Windsor Shopping Centre
As for the shopping centre, it’s in a Victorian Grade II listed railway station and a good place to browse.
There’s a replica steam locomotive named The Queen in the centre of the station.
6. Windsor Riverside
From the station, it’s a short walk down the hill to the riverside, which is a real highlight of a Windsor weekend break. You can admire the swans and ducks in all their splendour here.
Dining in Windsor
We sampled the cuisine at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. It serves up classic British dishes, made from the finest seasonal ingredients.
Located inside the Castle Hotel Windsor Mgallery, it’s a stylish space with golden velvet seating and elegant columns. Their fruit kebabs and Royal Temptation cocktails are very tasty.
We also recommend the cooking at The Duchess of Cambridge pub. It’s a casual Windsor pub opposite the castle that specializes in homemade pies.
How to Get To Windsor
There are regular trains from Windsor & Eton Central as well as Windsor & Eton Riverside from London Paddington and Waterloo. If driving, take the M4 to exit 6 or the M3 to exit 3.
Bear in mind that there is no parking at the castle itself so you’ll need to park elsewhere in the town centre.
Where to Stay in Windsor
You can’t get more central than Castle Hotel Windsor MGallery, on the high street and a minute’s walk from the castle. This beautiful Georgian building has 108 rooms and some lovely artworks of its own.
We really like the eclectic decor and attention to detail.
Many of the guests pose for a photo in Marco Pierre White’s chair in the lobby, simply known as Marco’s chair. The bedrooms are a good size and had some practical touches like a full-sized ironing board, so rare these days.
There is also a safe, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities and the bathroom is stocked with The White Company toiletries. As an added bonus they may well give you a welcome fruit and macaron platter.
The rooms are decorated with copies of Royal Warrants.
