- 2 min walk (100 m)
- Royal chapel with stunning Gothic architecture and royal tombs
- Cost: Included with castle entry
Top things to do near Windsor Castle
Windsor Great Park
Eton College
Windsor & Eton Brewery
River Thames Walk
Alexandra Gardens
Windsor Castle stands at the heart of Windsor, just west of London, surrounded by historic streets and the River Thames. Within a 20-minute walk, you’ll find royal parks, museums, and classic English pubs, making it easy to explore the best of Windsor and Eton. Its central location is perfect for planning a day of sightseeing, shopping, and riverside relaxation.
Unlock the London City Pass to access Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and top London museums. Perfect for first-time visitors, save up to 30% and skip ticket lines at major attractions.
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St George’s Chapel is the spiritual heart of Windsor Castle and the burial place of monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II.
Once royal hunting grounds, this vast park features ancient oaks, the Long Walk, and herds of deer. Ideal for walking, cycling, or a picnic with castle views.
Founded in 1440, Eton College is one of the world’s most famous schools. Guided tours reveal its historic chapel, libraries, and quirky traditions.
This Victorian train station has been transformed into a lively shopping and dining hub, with boutique stores and cafés under the original arches.
A riverside park with colorful flowerbeds, a bandstand, and mini-golf. It’s a favorite for families and offers a peaceful break from sightseeing.
Stroll along the Thames for classic Windsor views, boat trips, and plenty of benches for people-watching.
A working brewery offering tours and tastings of award-winning local ales.
A 2.6-mile tree-lined avenue stretching from Windsor Castle into Windsor Great Park, perfect for a scenic stroll or jog.
This small museum houses fascinating artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, curated by Eton students and staff.
Located in the 17th-century Guildhall, this museum tells Windsor’s story through local artifacts, royal memorabilia, and interactive displays.
A hidden gem with over 16,000 specimens, including fossils, birds, and mammals, perfect for curious kids and adults.
An intricate miniature palace built for Queen Mary in the 1920s, featuring tiny working lifts and running water.
Hop-on Hop-off bus tours stop near Windsor Castle and connect you to Eton, the Long Walk, and the riverside. It’s the easiest way to see Windsor’s highlights in a day.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Thames, with plenty of benches and picnic spots for a free riverside break.
Relax in this Victorian park, perfect for families, with a playground, mini-golf, and seasonal flowerbeds.
Discover Windsor’s history in the Guildhall, with free entry and interactive exhibits for all ages.
A self-guided trail through Eton’s historic streets, marked by bronze plaques and information boards.
Browse boutique shops and grab a coffee in this converted Victorian station, with no obligation to buy.
Take a scenic walk from the castle gates into Windsor Great Park, with deer-spotting opportunities along the way.
A classic British pub with hearty fare, cask ales, and castle views from the upstairs dining room.
Elegant brasserie serving modern British cuisine, afternoon tea, and cocktails in a stylish setting.
French-inspired riverside restaurant with terrace seating and classic dishes like steak frites and crème brûlée.
A cozy, wood-paneled pub with local ales and a menu of British classics, just steps from the castle.
Historic coaching inn turned gastropub, offering seasonal dishes and a relaxed riverside vibe.
Windsor’s only riverside pub, known for its terrace, fresh seafood, and classic British dishes.
Pair Windsor Castle with a Thames River cruise or a guided tour of Eton College. Combo tickets save money and time, letting you enjoy more with less planning.
A world of LEGO-themed rides, shows, and creative play zones, perfect for families with children.
Amphibious sightseeing tour by land and water, with fun commentary and castle views.
Safe, well-equipped playground with climbing frames, swings, and a splash pad in summer.
Hands-on exhibits and animal specimens, open on Sunday afternoons and great for curious kids.
Central park with a playground, splash pad, and picnic tables, ideal for a family break.
Interactive displays and family trails make this local museum a hit with children.
Historic theater hosting West End plays, musicals, and comedy in an intimate setting.
Enjoy riverside drinks and dinner as the sun sets over the Thames, with castle views from the terrace.
Sample local ales and ciders in a lively taproom, often with live music or quiz nights.
Classic English pub with regular quiz nights, live sports, and a friendly local crowd.
💡Tip: The Windsor Horse Show in May is a highlight for families and equestrian fans. Arrive early for the best seats and a chance to spot members of the royal family.
Boutique shops, designer brands, and artisan stalls in a converted Victorian station, just steps from the castle.
Windsor’s main shopping street, with high-street brands, independent boutiques, and lively street performers.
Modern shopping center with fashion, beauty, and homeware stores, plus cafés for a quick break.
Charming street with antique shops, galleries, and quirky boutiques, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Family-run department store offering everything from fashion to homeware, with a traditional toy section.
Monthly market with local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts, held in the town center.
Britain’s largest outdoor horse show, held in Windsor Great Park, featuring show jumping, dressage, and royal pageantry.
The castle transforms with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and special events throughout December.
Annual arts festival with concerts, talks, and performances in historic venues across Windsor and Eton.
Family-friendly fair with rides, food stalls, and live entertainment in Alexandra Gardens.
Festive lights, market stalls, and carol singing on Eton High Street, marking the start of the holiday season.
This vast royal park is home to ancient trees, lakes, and the famous Long Walk, offering space for picnics, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
A riverside park with flowerbeds, a bandstand, and mini-golf, perfect for families and a quick break from sightseeing.
A small, central park with a playground, splash pad, and picnic tables, ideal for families with young children.
Open meadows on the Eton side of the Thames, offering panoramic castle views and space for games or picnics.
Windsor’s main shopping street, lined with high-street brands, independent shops, and street performers.
A lively square with shops, cafés, and the preserved Victorian station architecture.
Historic street lined with independent shops, galleries, and traditional pubs, leading to Eton College.
Runs alongside the castle, packed with souvenir shops, tea rooms, and classic English pubs.
See Windsor by land and water on an amphibious vehicle, with live commentary and castle views from the Thames.
Take a sightseeing cruise along the Thames for unique views of Windsor Castle and Eton College.
Rent a bike and follow the Thames Path for a scenic ride through Windsor, Eton, and beyond.
Explore the park’s bridleways on horseback with local stables offering guided rides for all levels.
💡Tip: For a memorable evening, catch a West End show at the Theatre Royal Windsor. Book ahead for the best seats and check the schedule for special events.
Path: Windsor Castle → St George’s Chapel → Windsor Royal Station
Path: Windsor Castle → River Thames Walk → Alexandra Gardens → Eton College
Path: Windsor Castle → Windsor Great Park → Eton College → Windsor Duck Tour → Dinner in town
Path: Windsor Royal Station → Dinner at The Ivy → Theatre Royal Windsor
Kid-friendly Path: Windsor Castle → Alexandra Gardens Playground → Eton College Natural History Museum → Ice cream stop
Path: Windsor Castle → The Long Walk → Riverside dinner → Evening stroll
Windsor is compact and walkable, with most attractions within a 15-minute stroll. Windsor & Eton Central and Riverside train stations are steps from the castle. Local buses connect to LEGOLAND® and Windsor Great Park. Taxis and bike rentals are available at the station.
Town center parking is available at King Edward Court, Alexandra Gardens, and River Street. Rates start at £2 per hour. Arrive early on weekends and during events. Limited free parking is available further from the center.
Yes, Windsor is generally safe at night, especially around the castle and main streets. Stick to well-lit areas and main routes for added peace of mind.
Windsor is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions, shops, and restaurants within a 15-minute walk of the castle.
Locals love Alexandra Gardens for picnics, The Boatman for riverside dining, and Peascod Street for shopping and people-watching.
Alexandra Gardens and The Brocas (across the river in Eton) are top choices for a picnic with castle views and plenty of green space.
The Long Walk offers the most iconic castle view, while the riverside path and The Brocas provide great angles for photos.
Enjoy riverside walks, Alexandra Gardens, the Eton Walkway, and browsing Windsor Royal Station’s shops, all free of charge.
The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie, The Duchess of Cambridge Pub, and Côte Brasserie are all within a short walk and offer varied menus.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Alexandra Gardens Playground, and the Eton College Natural History Museum are all family-friendly options.
Visit Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, take a guided tour of Eton College, or enjoy afternoon tea at a local café.
Luggage storage is limited, but some hotels and Windsor & Eton Central station may offer facilities. Check ahead or travel light.
Both Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside stations are within a 5-minute walk of the castle.
Dogs are welcome in Windsor Great Park and Alexandra Gardens but not inside the castle or St George’s Chapel.
Some London City Passes include Windsor Castle and nearby attractions. Check the pass details before booking.
Windsor Royal Station, Peascod Street, and Eton High Street offer shopping, markets, and independent boutiques.
The riverside path and The Brocas in Eton offer beautiful illuminated views of the castle after dark.
The Eton College Natural History Museum and the Eton Walkway are lesser-known but rewarding stops.
Weekdays outside school holidays and early mornings are the quietest times to visit.
The Windsor Horse Show in May, Windsor Festival in September, and Christmas at the castle are annual highlights.
