Things to do in Windsor: must-see attractions

Visiting Windsor

Located about 40 kilometres west of London in Berkshire, Windsor is the ultimate royal town. This is home to the famous Windsor Castle, the secondary residence of the royal family, along with other palaces like Frogmore House. Between its charming downtown and its lavish parks and gardens, Windsor is the ideal spot to unwind away from the rush of the capital. You will also find the Legoland theme park here, featuring miniature replicas of famous English landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye.

The most famous royal town in the United Kingdom

Naturally, any visit to Windsor includes its famous castle. Founded in 1070 by William the Conqueror, it is the largest castle in England with over 1,000 rooms and a surface area of 52,000m². Pay attention to the flag flying above the ramparts because if it is raised, the king and his family are in residence. During your visit, do not miss St. George's Chapel, a stunning Gothic religious building and the burial site of numerous British monarchs including Henry VIII and, more recently, Queen Elizabeth II.

The old town of Windsor hides other fine examples of English heritage, such as half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 18th centuries. Stop by the Windsor Guildhall, which houses a small museum tracing local history back to the Stone Age. History enthusiasts should head to the neighboring town of Eton, home to the prestigious Eton College and several museums.

Between parks and gardens

Aside from a scenic stroll along the Thames on foot or by boat, take advantage of your time in Windsor to admire the lavish surrounding parks and gardens like Windsor Great Park, the royal park of Windsor. Spanning 2,020 hectares, it features trees over 500 years old and herds of deer. Walk down the Long Walk, an avenue stretching from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse monument that offers great viewpoints. Commissioned by George V in 1932, the Savill Garden is a stunning botanical garden that also features a magnificent rose garden.

When to go?

Windsor Castle is open from early November to late February from 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM (last admission at 3:00 PM) and from early March to late October from 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM). Note that the chapel closes at 4:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, and the Changing of the Guard takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:00 AM. If you want to enjoy the gardens, the best time to visit Windsor is during the warmer months between May and September.

How to get there?

Windsor is located about 15 kilometres from London Heathrow airport. By car, take the M4 and exit at junction 6. From London Paddington, trains reach Windsor & Eton Central in about 40 minutes with a change at Slough. From London Waterloo, direct trains serve the town's other station, Windsor & Eton Riverside, in just under an hour. A shuttle bus also runs the route from London Victoria station.