9 Things to Do in Windsor England

You’re planning a trip to Windsor, but you’re probably wondering how to make the most of your time without breaking the bank. This charming English town offers far more than just its famous castle – though that’s certainly worth your money. From free riverside walks to historic colleges and family attractions, you’ll find activities that suit every budget and interest. Here’s how to experience Windsor’s best attractions while keeping your wallet happy.

Tour Windsor Castle’s State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel

When you step into Windsor Castle’s State Apartments, you’re walking through rooms that still host real royal ceremonies and state dinners today. Built for Charles II in the 17th century, these ceremonial rooms house masterpieces by Van Dyck and Rubens alongside exquisite tapestries and French furniture.

You’ll explore St. George’s Hall, where official ceremonies happen, and the Garter Throne Room, famous for grand investitures. The King’s Gallery and Waterloo Chamber showcase centuries of British royal heritage through impressive artwork and historical armor.

Your castle ticket includes audio tours—definitely use them for historical context. Photography isn’t allowed, but your ticket’s valid for a year, so you can return. The apartments are accessible via step-free access with a lift from the North Terrace for visitors with mobility needs.

Between autumn and spring, you’ll also access the beautifully restored Semi-State Rooms.

Walk The Long Walk Through Windsor Great Park

Just 2.64 miles from Windsor Castle’s gates, The Long Walk offers one of England’s most iconic strolls—and it won’t cost you a penny. This perfectly straight, tree-lined avenue stretches through Windsor Great Park to the Copper Horse statue, where you’ll catch panoramic views across 4,800 acres of Crown Estate parkland.

The flat tarmac path works for everyone—wheelchairs, pushchairs, cyclists, and runners included. You’ll need about an hour each way at a comfortable pace, making the full round trip roughly 2.5 hours.

Skip the entrance fees at nearby Savill Garden and focus your energy on this historically significant route that’s featured in countless royal ceremonies. Start from Cambridge Gate and you’re walking the same path royalty has used for centuries. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Deer Park, home to approximately 500 red deer roaming among ancient oak trees.

Spend a Day at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort transforms 150 acres into Britain’s ultimate family playground, where over 55 rides, shows, and building workshops keep kids aged 2-12 entertained from opening until closing.

You’ll want to prioritize popular zones like LEGO® NINJAGO® World and the thrilling Dragon Coaster for older kids, while Miniland’s detailed British landmarks captivate all ages.

Book tickets in advance to skip queues and guarantee entry, especially during busy weekends. Visit during weekdays in term-time for shorter wait times and a more relaxed experience with your family.

The park typically operates 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from mid-March through early November.

Download the LEGOLAND app to check live queue times and plan your route efficiently.

Getting there is easy via train from London Paddington to Windsor, then a short bus ride.

Consider on-site accommodation for early access and extended evening entertainment during special events.

Take a Thames River Cruise or Walk the Thames Path

While Windsor Castle commands attention from land, the Thames reveals the town’s beauty from an entirely different perspective during leisurely river cruises or peaceful walks along the Thames Path.

French Brothers offers flexible 40-minute river cruises from Windsor Promenade with commentary highlighting Windsor Castle, Eton College Chapel, and Brunel’s bridge. You’ll enjoy light refreshments aboard while infants under three travel free.

For budget-friendly exploration, walk the Thames Path—a 184-mile national trail passing directly through Windsor. This well-maintained route provides stunning river views and wildlife spotting opportunities without any cost. During your journey, you’ll pass historic Runnymede, the significant site where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215.

Whether you choose the relaxing cruise experience or prefer exploring on foot, both options showcase Windsor’s riverside charm while connecting you to centuries of royal history flowing along England’s most famous waterway.

Visit Historic Eton College Across the Bridge

Where else can you walk through 580+ years of educational history while standing just steps from Windsor Castle? Cross the Thames bridge to explore Eton College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI for poor scholars but now one of England’s most prestigious schools.

You’ll discover stunning Gothic architecture in the College Chapel, complete with medieval paintings from the 1480s and intricate stone vaulting. The 15th-century Lower School and cloisters still function as active classrooms where future prime ministers once studied.

Twenty British PMs walked these halls, including recent leaders like Cameron and Johnson, plus royalty like Princes William and Harry.

Heritage tours let you peek inside historic buildings that blend medieval charm with modern education. Tours are compulsory for groups during the main visitor season from March through September. It’s fascinating history that won’t break your budget.

Watch the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle

After exploring Eton’s academic legacy, you’ll want to witness another piece of living British tradition right at Windsor Castle itself. The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:00 AM, lasting about 45 minutes.

You’ll need a Windsor Castle ticket to watch since it occurs within the castle grounds on the Forecourt.

The spectacle features the Household Guards—including Grenadier, Coldstream, and Welsh Guards—accompanied by regimental bands.

You can catch the New Guard marching from Victoria Barracks through Windsor town around 10:45 AM for free, then see the Old Guard return at 11:25 AM. The British Army typically confirms the official schedule around the 20th of the previous month.

Weather can cancel ceremonies, so check www.royalcollection.org.uk beforehand.

This 900-year tradition showcases British pageantry at its finest.

Explore Savill Garden’s Botanical Collections

Just two miles from Windsor Castle, you’ll discover one of Britain’s finest royal gardens at Savill Garden—a 35-acre horticultural masterpiece that’s been showcasing rare botanical collections since 1932. You’ll explore several National Plant Collections, including magnolias, rhododendrons, and Australian correas spread across themed areas like Spring Wood and the Mediterranean-inspired Dry Garden.

Don’t miss the Queen Elizabeth Temperate House, where you’ll find exotic tree ferns and unusual climbers year-round. The contemporary Rose Garden features swirling petal-shaped beds with varieties like Munstead Wood. While there’s an entrance fee, day tickets and memberships help maintain these royal collections. Book your tickets online before 9am for the best discounted prices, which also includes complimentary parking with your garden admission.

Visit during spring for spectacular magnolias and rhododendrons, or winter for scented daphnes and colorful dogwood stems.

Sample Local Brews at Windsor & Eton Brewery

Since 2010, Windsor & Eton Brewery has been crafting award-winning ales in a converted industrial building on the Vansittart Estate, bringing local brewing back to Windsor after an 79-year absence.

You’ll find their taproom open daily with beer tastings for around £4.30—a bargain for sampling three quality brews.

The brewery’s earned over 70 awards and holds a Royal Warrant, so you’re tasting top-tier ales.

Take a guided tour to learn the brewing process and sample raw ingredients alongside finished beers. The brewery features a fully operational brewery with brewing vessels that were installed in just seven weeks when the facility was established.

Don’t miss trying their flagship Guardsman Best Bitter or the unique Zinzan’s Drop, brewed with rugby legend Zinzan Brooke.

You can purchase bottles at their onsite shop, and if you’re lucky, you might catch their twice-monthly horse-drawn delivery tradition around Windsor.

Dine at the Boatman Pub With Castle Views

For over 295 years, The Boatman has served visitors and locals from its prime riverside location on Thames Side. It’s Windsor’s only pub sitting directly on the river’s banks.

You’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of Eton Bridge, swans, and passing boats while savoring contemporary British gastropub fare made with locally sourced ingredients.

The menu features classics like fish and chips alongside standouts such as six-year menu staple lamb shoulder and house-made Eton Mess. Originally called The Donkey House in the 1800s, the pub was used for stabling donkeys by the river before becoming the beloved hotel it is today.

You can grab a pint of real ale in the large beer garden or sheltered terraces, perfect for any weather.

Located between Windsor & Eton Riverside station and the Thames, it’s easily accessible and offers both casual dining and refined evening meals until 11 PM.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Windsor offers something for every budget and interest. Mix free activities like walking the Thames Path with must-see paid attractions like Windsor Castle. Pack a lunch for Windsor Great Park to save money, and check LEGOLAND’s online deals before visiting. Whether you’re drawn to royal history, family fun, or scenic walks, you can easily fill a weekend here without breaking the bank. Plan ahead and you’ll maximize both time and savings.