Essential Windsor Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Windsor is a historic Berkshire town where royal tradition, English countryside and everyday town life come together. Located about 40 kilometres west of London, it is best known as the home of Windsor Castle, but its appeal extends well beyond the palace walls.

Windsor Castle and the Town’s Royal Heritage

Windsor Castle dominates the skyline and remains one of the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castles. Founded by William the Conqueror as a defensive stronghold, it later became a royal residence.

Visitors can explore the castle’s ceremonial rooms, St George’s Chapel and the remarkable Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Together, these attractions offer an insight into centuries of British monarchy and Windsor’s enduring connection with the Crown.

Windsor Great Park

Windsor Great Park gives the town a spacious, natural dimension. Once a Norman hunting forest, this extensive royal estate includes historic landscapes, gardens, woodland, farms and areas protected for wildlife.

Its scale and variety make the park as important to Windsor’s character as the castle itself. For visitors looking for open space and countryside scenery, it provides a different perspective on the town’s royal landscape.

The River Thames and Eton

The River Thames separates Windsor from neighbouring Eton, creating a scenic setting for walks, boat excursions and relaxed views along the water. Across the river, Eton College adds another layer of history and tradition through its long association with Britain’s political and royal establishment.

The Thames Path offers a quieter way to appreciate the riverside landscape, while the water and surrounding scenery add to Windsor’s distinctive sense of place.

Windsor’s Streets, Shops and Local Life

Beyond its major heritage sites, Windsor has a lively town-centre atmosphere. Cobbled streets, old inns, shops and varied restaurants create a setting that feels active and lived-in rather than solely focused on tourism.

Royal Windsor Racecourse adds a sporting tradition to the town, complementing its historic attractions and riverside character.

Things to Do in Windsor

For travellers researching things to do in Windsor or deciding what to see in Windsor, the town offers a balanced experience. Explore the royal heritage of Windsor Castle, discover the open landscapes of Windsor Great Park, walk beside the River Thames, visit the historic surroundings of Eton and enjoy Windsor’s shops, restaurants and traditional streets.

Together, these experiences combine grand history, nature, riverside scenery and the distinctive atmosphere of a living royal centre.