Commonly hailed as one of the best day trips from London, Windsor lies just a few hundred miles from the vibrant heart of the UK—and yet, visiting feels like stepping into another world. Historic cobbled streets, some lined with buildings so old they look like they’re about to topple over, create an enchanting backdrop to this royal town.
- 1. Shop at Windsor Royal Station
- 2. Watch Your Step Along Thames Street
- 3. Feel Like Royalty at Windsor Castle
- 4. See Where Meghan and Harry Married at St George’s Chapel
- 5. Explore Windsor Great Park
- 6. Walk The Long Walk
- 7. Stroll Down Britain’s Shortest Street
- 8. Spot the Famous Crooked House
- 9. Relive Your Childhood at LEGOLAND Windsor
- 10. Visit Liz and Her Corgis at Bachelor’s Acre
- 11. Admire Windsor Guildhall
- 12. Discover the Sydney Camm Memorial
- 13. Pause at the Ancient Well
Most visitors expect “castle central” and little else, but Windsor surprises with a host of unique sites and fun activities to fill your day—from running along Britain’s shortest street (a journey of mere seconds) to discovering a cluster of adorable corgi statues honoring Queen Elizabeth II.
If you’re arriving in Windsor by train, you’ll likely get off at Windsor & Eton Riverside, a tiny station that seems quite modest for such a royal town.
But don’t worry: Windsor does boast a truly grand station—Windsor & Eton Central. Attached to this is the Windsor Royal Station, now transformed into a beautiful shopping and dining center.
The original railway station was built in 1850 and is a grade II listed building for its striking Victorian architecture. Today, it’s filled with modern shops, stylish cafes, and restaurants, plus a charming steam locomotive known as “The Queen” on display at the center.
Looking for a chic spot to eat or grab a drink? Try All Bar One, located in what was once Queen Victoria’s private waiting room—complete with preserved period details, like her marble sink, now displayed behind glass.
If you’re walking from Windsor & Eton Riverside to Windsor Castle, you’ll likely head for Thames Street, a curved road lined with restaurants, shops, and pubs on one side and the castle walls on the other. While snapping countless castle photos, take a moment to watch your step and see if you can spot a unique clock embedded in the pavement outside Pizza Express—a quirky local landmark.
This odd installation is probably the only clock of its kind in the UK. The Windsor “pavement clock” dates to the 1950s, when a timepiece was first installed in front of Dyson & Sons (then a watchmaker).
The current version was placed in 2011 and, for bonus trivia, supposedly hides a time capsule beneath it.
The main attraction in Windsor is of course Windsor Castle—the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and a beloved residence of Queen Elizabeth II. When you visit, members of the royal family may even be present, though much of the estate is open to the public.
Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and famed for its more than 300 fireplaces, over 400 clocks, and what is said to be the oldest working kitchen in Britain—though we won’t bore you with those details. One of the highlights is the Changing of the Guard ceremony (a smaller-scale version of the Buckingham Palace event), but don’t miss the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House—one of the most exquisite in the world.
Practical tips for your visit. Entry requires a ticket, which should be booked in advance. Check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard here.
It usually takes place only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with the main ceremony inside the castle—so you’ll need a ticket. Photography and videography are not allowed inside, but exterior photos are encouraged. Some State Apartments are only open from September to March, so plan accordingly if you want to see as much of the palace as possible.
Another top Windsor attraction is St George’s Chapel, known to fairy-tale-loving millennials as the place where Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018.
Built in the 14th century and expanded over the 15th, the chapel has hosted many royal weddings and burials. Notable royals buried here include Henry VIII, Charles I, Elizabeth II, her father George VI, and her husband Prince Philip.
Photography isn’t permitted inside, but trust us: it’s a stunning gothic gem worth the admission (included with your Windsor Castle ticket).
Nature lovers will find plenty to do in Windsor Great Park, the 5,000-acre former royal hunting ground, now largely open to the public. There’s a deer park where semi-wild red deer roam freely, and beautiful areas for walks or picnics when the weather’s fine. Only the Savill Garden section charges admission—just £7.95 when booked online—and is well worth a visit.
Another highlight inside Windsor Great Park is the aptly named Long Walk—a perfectly straight 4.3-kilometer (3-mile) avenue stretching from Windsor Castle to a bronze horse statue atop Snow Hill.
Because it’s so straight, you’ll enjoy unbeatable castle views from the tree-lined path, making it one of the best free things to do in Windsor. Reach Snow Hill for a closer look at the statue of King George III—and, on a clear day, sweeping panoramas as far as London.
For a much shorter walk, make sure to find the shortest street in Britain—Queen Charlotte Street! It’s right next to the Crooked House (see next section) and is marked by a small plaque, so you can snap a photo to celebrate your achievement.
This street measures less than 52 feet and is paved with historic cobblestones, just down from Windsor Castle—so it’s a must-stop for any visitor. At the end of this tiny lane, you’ll find the delightful pub The Carpenter’s Arms, ideal for a classic pint and some traditional pub fare!
Among Windsor’s quirkiest sights is the Crooked House of Windsor, right by Queen Charlotte Street. Once the oldest tearoom in England before its recent closure, it was originally built as Market Cross House in 1687, then demolished to make room for the Guildhall. The council was later ordered to rebuild it—resulting in an impressively wonky structure!
Since its 18th-century reconstruction, the building has maintained its noticeable tilt. Over the years, it’s served as a butcher’s, a tearoom, antique shop, and jeweller, although it’s now empty. Still, its charming slant makes a great photo spot.
For pure family fun, visit LEGOLAND Windsor—a theme park and resort dedicated entirely to those famous little LEGO bricks.
It’s a perfect choice if you’re visiting with children, but even adults with fond LEGO memories (or painful ones from stepping on a brick!) will enjoy it. The park features LEGO-themed rides, models, building workshops, and even two on-site hotels.
Miniland is especially magical, showcasing miniature countries and cities from around the world—each made entirely of LEGO!
For corgi-lovers (like me!), don’t miss Bachelor’s Acre, home to a charming statue of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by her beloved corgis. The late Queen was famous for her affection for the breed, and here she’s portrayed in a rare, wonderfully relaxed pose. Installed for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the sculpture is known as The Windsor Lady.
Bachelor’s Acre has hosted markets and fairs since medieval times, but today it’s a small park with play equipment, splash pads, and of course, the Queen and her corgis.
The Windsor Guildhall serves as the city’s town hall and regularly hosts charity events, dinners, and weddings—including celebrity ceremonies.
Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Camilla wed here in 2005, as did Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish later that year when same-sex unions became legal.
Much of the Guildhall was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, whose architectural legacy includes St Paul’s Cathedral and over fifty other churches rebuilt after the Great Fire of London.
You can’t just wander in unless you’re attending an event, but the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum is housed inside and offers an intriguing dive into local history—making it an excellent stop for curious visitors.
Aviation buffs shouldn’t miss Windsor’s Sydney Camm Memorial. Sydney Camm, a Windsor native, designed the Hurricane aircraft—vital during WWII. He was called “the man who saved Britain” after the Battle of Britain, awarded the British Order of Chivalry in 1941, and knighted in 1952.
The memorial, a replica Hurricane, sits near the Thames on the western edge of Alexandra Park, and looks particularly striking at sunset when illuminated.
For something truly offbeat, stop by the ancient well at the corner of St Alban’s Street and High Street.
Next to a classic red British phone box (hello, photo op!), this mysterious well bears a sign reading “Ancient Well,” though there’s little information locally or online about its true age.
It’s a charming spot, with the Royal Mews courtyard just behind it, and a nearby statue honoring fallen Irish Guards in the area.
