Top Oz Tours offers a great range of England tours and experiences. You can browse the options here.
Windsor is a destination steeped in history and royal connections.
Situated 160 kilometres west of London on the River Thames, this bustling East Berkshire town is home to Windsor Castle — an imposing edifice that has seen its fair share of blue blood residents — from William I in 1066 through to the late reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. A walk down Church Street reveals a plaque marking the place of execution of King Charles I in 1648. England’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren, supposedly oversaw the completion of the architecturally pleasing Guildhall on the High Street in 1687. And the list of significant points of interest from the past goes on.
Windsor Castle is open to the public all year round; pre-purchase your ticket online and put aside a full day to do it justice. Highlights include St George’s Chapel (which is filled with royal treasures — particularly those of King George IV — an extravagant and renowned collector), the Changing of the Guard (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the time of writing), the State Apartments, and the Moat Room models (which show how the castle has changed over the centuries).
Once you’ve seen the castle, here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Windsor itself.
1. Shop up a storm at Windsor Royal Station
The train journey from London to Windsor will see you disembarking at atmospheric Windsor Royal Station. This Grade II-listed Victorian-era structure hosts a busy retail complex, so let the souvenir shopping begin! Browse in dozens of speciality stores and stalls housed within the heritage concourse. Your footsteps will echo on the cobblestones as you pass under Jubilee Arch and head towards Queen Victoria’s royal waiting room — now an information centre.
2. Visit Windsor & Royal Borough Museum
There’s not a lot you can buy with two pounds these days, but it will gain you admission to the fabulous Windsor and Royal Borough Museum. This small cultural facility in Windsor Guildhall (circa 1689) presents an informative account of the town’s past through artefacts and an audio trail of recorded voices. It will give you a better understanding of life in Windsor under the monarchy down through the centuries.
3. Enjoy a night at the Theatre Royal
From humble beginnings in a muddy barnyard in 1778, Windsor’s Theatre Royal moved to the High Street in 1793 and enjoyed the patronage of King George III. Gutted by fire in 1908, the theatre was rebuilt in 1910. However, it faced further trying times — including the challenge posed by the rise of talking pictures. After operating briefly as a movie theatre, the Royal’s fortunes as a live performance space were revived by the attendance of the future King George VI and his wife Elizabeth. Members of the current royal family continue that tradition. Check the theatre’s website to find out what’s on during your visit.
4. Trot through Windsor Great Park
Kings and queens have saddled up and ridden across sprawling Windsor Great Park for centuries; so can you, on a horse riding tour. You’ll traverse a variety of landscape types and likely pass deer grazing with great contentment along the way. Keep an eye out for the mounted statue of King George III, forever watching over the castle and its royal occupants.
5. Spend a day at the races
Who could forget the scene in My Fair Lady of a massively hatted Eliza Dolittle (Audrey Hepburn) screaming, ‘C’mon Dover! Move yer bloomin’ arse!’ at Royal Ascot. Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot Racecourse offers a fascinating day of people watching and general entry tickets are relatively affordable if you’re so inclined. Snaffle a prime position trackside and marvel at the power and athleticism of the horseflesh thundering by.
6. Splash down on the River Thames
OK, this may be one of the less elegant modes of transport you’ll see around Windsor, but it’s certainly one of the most fun! Board a purpose-built amphibious vehicle at the Windsor Duck Tours stop outside the Theatre Royal for a lively and informative land-and-river adventure. Learn more of the history of Windsor and see landmarks like the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Fountain (where local children love to cool off on a warm summer’s day). Your tour will end with a splashdown on the River Thames!
7. Get messy over dessert
Established in the 15th century, Eton is a small village situated just across the river from Windsor. Here you’ll find prestigious Eton College, which was founded by King Henry VI in 1440 as a school for underprivileged boys. Today it’s one of the most lauded educational facilities in England. Keep an eye out for the College’s famous namesake dessert on menus across the region: the Eton Mess — a moreish mix of strawberries, crushed meringue, and cream.
8. Indulge in housemade fudge
Follow your nose to Windsor’s famous Fudge Kitchen, which occupies a quirky shopfront on Thames Street. The smell of fudge being made on the premises is intoxicating, and you’re likely to leave with more than one sugary indulgence to enjoy later!
9. Click bricks at Legoland
You will no doubt have seen Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House during your visit to Windsor Castle; it’s one of the most popular exhibits. Designed to replicate a 1920s aristocratic mansion with immaculate detail, the dollhouse features a fully stocked wine cellar, a library of original literary works, and working elevators. There’s even running water in the bathrooms! Equally, tiny travellers (and big kids at heart!) will love a visit to Legoland Windsor Resort. This popular theme park features an array of Lego-inspired rides, attractions, and shows.
10. Raise a royal toast
If you’re looking for a top spot to relax after a hard day of sightseeing, stop by the Duchess of Cambridge on Thames Street — the first pub in England to be named after Kate Middleton. Feast on freshly cooked fish and chips or the roast of the day, and wash it down with your choice from the selection of traditional cask ales.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.visitbritain.com.
Browse our range of Windsor tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Windsor on a first visit? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Linda Botting is a freelance writer, photographer, and travel blogger based in Adelaide, South Australia. Her work has appeared in Great Walks, SA Weekend, and International Traveller. She has travelled extensively through Western Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Linda has lived in London, trekked Peru, practised yoga in Bali, studied Italian in Italy, and played polo in Argentina. She seeks to inspire like-minded, independent travellers to explore our amazing planet.
[fc id=’10’][/fc]