Great tips for Visiting the town of Windsor in Berkshire
The day started off bright and clear so we thought, let’s do a road trip to visit Windsor. We knew – obviously, that part of our visit to Windsor would include seeing Windsor Castle.
Although the centrepiece of Windsor is the great Windsor Castle there is actually a lot more to see and things to do in Windsor than you realize and it’s a charming small town nestled beside the Thames River in Berkshire.
Arriving at Windsor, we found a parking spot and tucked the car in just behind the Castle. If we knew then what we know now we would have taken a better look at the area and not parked there because the resultant ticket cost us £35. Lesson learned
Now if you are sensible you won’t drive in the UK although outside London it’s not too bad, I would advise taking a tour with a group like Get Your Guide they have a fantastic tour of Stonehenge and Windsor and it includes Bath which is just beautiful.
How to get to Windsor Berkshire from London
Where is Windsor?
The actual address of Windsor Castle is Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ so you can put that in Google maps if you are driving from London to Windsor.
Getting to Windsor by train
Getting to Windsor by train is easy, trains to Windsor and Eton Riverside run regularly from London Paddington and Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Central train station, which is just a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle. Journeys take less than an hour from the capital.
What to do in Windsor for a day
- Windsor Castle
- Windsor Great Park
- The Alexandra Wheel
- Queen Victoria Statue
- A Thames Cruise
- Windsor Bridge
- Eton College
- Ascot
- Swans on the Thames
- Fudge Kitchen
- Royal Shopping Arcade
- Victorian Railway Station
- Windsor for Foodies
- Windsor and Eaton Brewery
- Visit Legoland
Visiting Windsor Castle
A visit to Windsor Castle is probably the first thing you think of when visiting castles in England and Windsor doesn’t disappoint. Originally built as a motte and bailey castle by William the Conqueror over the centuries Windsor became royalty’s favourite palace.
History of Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year.
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs. Today The Queen spends most of her private weekends at the Castle.
Tour of Windsor Castle
Visiting Windsor Castle is an expensive proposition for 2 people, it is only a self-guided tour but it does take around 3 to 4 hours to see the whole site. We walked down from our parking spot which was at the back of the castle to the front area noticing the absolutely huge lineup of folks wanting to get into see the place.
There were literally hundreds of Windsor Castle visitors in line and we decided that next time we are going to get to Windsor very early to beat the crowds.
https://www.getyourguide.com/windsor-l437/windsor-half-day-t71088/?partner_id=GD7YLO0&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middleGuards in bearskin hats and purple coats march through the grounds of the castle and you are allowed to take photos outside but not inside. The audio tour guides are available in lots of languages and they help guide you through the palace and the grounds.
The State Apartments are as grand as you would expect from the palace that the Queen calls home, and their 17th-century furnishings and layers of more recent history tell the story of the monarchs that have called this castle home.
On 20 November 1992 Windsor – which was the Queen’s beloved residence and home to the British monarchy for nearly 1,000 years burst into flames destroying nine rooms, injuring one and risking priceless artworks. Prince Edward was a resident at Windsor at the time and he recalls the “shock and horror” of seeing his home go up in flames. The fire apparently started when a spotlight caused a curtain to go up in flames.
It caused an estimated £37 million of damage and took months to restore the palace, in particular, the St George chapel, to its former glory.
Prince Edward who was resident when the fire took place described the “Shock and horror” of seeing Windsor Castle ablaze.
St George’s Chapel is where weddings will take place in 2018. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, it is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Inside the Chapel, there are vaulted ceilings, gorgeous stained glass and the tombs of many of England’s monarchs.
When to visit Windsor Castle
From March – October the doors open to the public at 9.30 am every day, including Sunday, and close at 5.30 pm.
From November to February opening time is 9.45 am, closing at 4.15 pm. The last entrance is 90 minutes prior to closing time.
Windsor Castle Tickets
Adult tickets to Windsor Castle are £28.50
Visiting Windsor Castle – the Changing of the Guard
Changing of the guard happens between 11 am and 11.30 am also adding to the morning rush. Many of the coach tours will commonly stay until around midday departing after the changing of the guard.
On Sundays, St George’s is closed for religious services.
If you are very lucky you might even be visiting when she is “at home”! Check the flag flying from the Castle’s Round Tower; if it’s the Royal Standard the Queen will be in.
Tips for visiting Windsor Castle
- On paying your admission you pass through airline-style security where bags are put through an x-ray machine and you empty your pockets and pass through a detector door. Once through the security, you pick up your audio phone at the kiosk opposite.
- The exit is from the main Windsor Castle-Henry VII Gate, not the entrance with the ticket desks.
- There is an information desk, toilets and a gift shop here too. By the audio kiosk is a sign that details the times of the guided tours that day. It is from here these tours start.
- Wear comfortable shoes it can be a long tour.
14 Things To Know Before You Visit Windsor Castle
Things to do in Windsor, Berkshire
St. John the Baptist Church
From our Castle visit, we passed around the back of the Windsor parish church and High Street. The beautiful old parish church of St John the Baptist dates back to 1822 and backs onto the Castle.
Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park is a beautiful green space of over 4,800 acres. This is where the Kings and Queens of England used to hunt, fish and ride their horses. There is a herd of red Deer, loads of walking paths, gardens, a lake and a bridleway.
Legoland Windsor
Just two miles from the centre of town you have to visit Legoland if you are planning a day to Windsor with kids. Visiting Legoland on a budget is possible and with more than 55 interactive attractions, rides, shows and Lego models, LEGOLAND is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family day out.
The Alexandra Wheel
The Alexandra Wheel is a summer-only attraction the wheel is similar to the London Eye. With spectacular views over the battlements of Windsor Castle, you can even see the arch of Wembley Stadium. There are beautiful gardens below the wheel and a lovely little Cafe.
Then we meandered around the side of the castle down to the High Street. Windsor is obviously a well-kept little town, very clean with thousands of tourists milling around.
Queen Victoria Statue
The iconic Queen Victoria statue is at the front of the castle. This fine bronze statue of Queen Victoria was designed and executed by Sir Edgar Boehm. It was erected in 1887 in celebration of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The cost of £2,500 was covered by subscriptions from the people of Windsor and the surrounding districts.
We took a walk around the front of the castle, meandering down to the Thames where we had decided to take a boat tour of the river to be able to take in the views and just watch the birdlife.
A Thames River Cruise
Thames River Cruise – we embarked on a French Brothers 40-minute cruise, which was just great value for money at £7 each. The boat goes from the Windsor Bridge pier just a short walk away from the centre of town
Windsor Bridge
The Windsor Bridge was built in 1824, or rather completed in 1824, as there were apparently many problems with the building of the bridge. The structure is quite weak and has been closed to traffic since 1970.
The Famous Eton College
Eton College – to the right of the river is Eton the famed Eton founded by Henry VIII in 1440. Rowing and swimming took place just down the river from Windsor for many years.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse – there is lots to see along the water from the racecourse at Ascot to the interesting water birds spotted on the river. The swans that flock to the waterside and beg tourists for food are a treat. To own swans has always been a privilege granted by the crown.
The Swans of Windsor
Swans on the river – today there are three owners of the swans, the Queen, the Worshipful Company of Vintners and the Worshipful Company of Dyers. On the pier, you will find boxes of swan food to feed these hungry birds.
After a lovely 40 minutes cruise, we disembarked and strolled up to the High Street.
Shopping in Windsor
Famous Fudge Kitchen
The Famous Fudge Kitchen – walking along, we chanced upon the Fudge Kitchen shop. Being very big fudge fans, we decided to check it out but convinced ourselves we were not going to buy any. So we entered to be greeted by Jimmy handing out huge fudge samples, which we obligingly tasted.
The fudge was absolutely superb and so naturally we had to buy some. Jimmy told us not to refrigerate the fudge, it could be frozen or eaten but refrigeration apparently kills the texture – who knew?
Windsor Royal Shopping
Windsor Royal Shopping is located opposite Windsor Castle in the grade II listed Victorian Railway Station. Many of the original features remain including the Jubilee arch, the cobbled stones and Queen Victoria’s Royal Waiting Room.
Shopping in Windsor covers the gamut of chain stores to independant retailers. Many of the top names in both fashion and lifestyle are here in the Royal shopping centre.
But there are also many bargains to be had in the open-air market of Windsor from fabulous leather goods to a wide variety of tourist-style gifts like fridge magnets.
Windsor’s Victorian railway station
Victorian Railway Station – this shopping area is just beautiful with over 40 top-of-the-line shops and dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars it is a unique use of an old Victorian Railway station and you can still grab a train here.
Where to eat in Windsor
Foodies in Windsor – walking back up the High street we passed the newly opened Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Restaurant opposite Sir Christopher Wren’s Guildhall and decided as foodies this would be well worth a visit and blowing the budget.
Unfortunately, we were incredibly disappointed, there was absolutely no service and we waited over 15 minutes to get noticed and served and nothing. So we left and wandered over the road to a lovely pub called the Three Tuns and had a great Panini sandwich and a cider.
We had a great lunch after a severe disappointment and then walked the cobblestone streets back to the car. Even with a parking ticket, the day trip to Windsor was a great success.
Windsor and Eaton Brewery
Windsor & Eton Brewery – fancy a pint then head over to the brewery. They offer 3 types of tours in this “beer-led” brewery. The Duke Street Experience: is ideal for individuals or small private groups, The Brew Masters Tour: is an experience completely suited to beer connoisseurs and Corporate Tours: are tailored more towards groups from small and large businesses.
I absolutely love the names of their beers Scumbag Maggot (a nod to the Fairytale of New York by the Pogues), the Windsor Knot (a specific knot for your ties), and Caught by the Fuzz – these are just a few of their tongue in cheek names. Check out their website for more information.
Where to stay in Windsor
Macdonald Windsor: Situated on Windsor High Street, just opposite the famous Windsor Castle, Macdonald Windsor offers bedrooms with free WiFi access throughout the property. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar.
Castle Hotel Windsor: Castle Hotel Windsor is a 4-star hotel based in the heart of Windsor town centre, located opposite the Windsor Castle and Windsor Guildhall. Boasting unrivalled views of the ‘Changing of the Guards’ procession which marches past the doorstep of the hotel along Windsor’s picturesque main street. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included in all rooms and throughout the hotel. Parking is available at an additional charge, subject to availability.
Gilbey’s Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse: Located just 700 metres from Windsor Castle, Gilbey’s Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse provides accommodation in Windsor with access to a terrace, a bar, with free WiFi, this 5-star bed and breakfast offers water sports facilities and luggage storage space. Dorney Lake is 6.9 km from the bed and breakfast and Legoland Windsor is 7.8 km away.
visiting Windsor for a day is an experience that you will never forget. From the stunning views of Windsor Castle to exploring the charming streets and shops, there is something here for everyone. Whether you are travelling solo, with friends or family, this historic town has plenty to offer.
You can indulge in delicious food and drink at cosy pubs and cafes, take long walks along the River Thames or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. With its rich history and culture, Windsor is one of those places that truly captures your heart. So if you find yourself with a free day on your hands and are looking for a new adventure, make sure to add Windsor to your list!
Have you been to Windsor Castle yet? What did you like about Windsor? For me, it was shopping lol.
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