Commonly considered one of the best day trips to take from London, Windsor is located just a few hundred miles from the bustling capital of UK, yet it feels like a world away, with historic cobbled streets lined with some buildings so old they literally appear to be falling apart.
When visiting Windsor we expected “castle central” and not much else. Instead you were surprised to find plenty of unique places and fun activities to fill your day, such as running along Britain's shortest road (a journey just seconds long) or petting a pack of corgi statues that make up the sweetest dedication to Queen Elizabeth II across the country.
If you're heading to Windsor by train, you'll most likely disembark at Windsor & Eton Riverside, a tiny station that seems surprisingly simple considering the city's royal reputation.
But don't worry: Windsor ha a very large station to gawk at and you will find it connected to the other Station railway – Windsor & Eton Central. Attached to Windsor & Eton Central is Windsor Royal Station, which is now a splendid shopping centre.
This original railway station was built in 1850 and is a Grade II listed building for its stunning Victorian architecture. It's also full of modern shops, cafes and elegant restaurants, with a lovely steam locomotive aptly known as 'The Queen' on display in the center of the covered arcade.
If you are looking for an elegant place to eat or drink something go toAll Bar One it is located inside what was Queen Victoria's private waiting room, with some period features preserved behind glass such as its marble sink.
If you are walking to Windsor Castle from Windsor & Eton Riverside station, you will most likely head towards Thames Street, a curving street lined with restaurants, shops and pubs on one side and the castle walls on the other. Since you inevitably take a lot of photos of the castle, be sure to also look where you're walking and see if you can spot a clock set in the concrete outside Pizza Express (very charming location).
This is a somewhat curious attraction as it is perhaps the only similar clock in the whole country. The history of Windsor's so-called "sidewalk clock" dates back to the 50s, when a clock was originally installed in front of the Dyson & Sons store (amazingly, watchmakers, not pizza makers).
Today's release only dates back to 2011, but for bonus trivia, there's said to be a time capsule hidden beneath it.
The most important and popular of Windsor's attractions is the Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, which was one of Queen Elizabeth II's favorite principal residences. This means that members of the British royal family actually live here when you visit, as many parts of the castle are open to the public.
Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 300th century, Windsor is a beautiful castle surrounded by stunning gardens, so it's easy to see why the former queen loved it so much. That and over 400 fireplaces, over XNUMX clocks and what is supposedly the oldest kitchen in the country. But but I won't bore you with the details.
One of the best and most popular things to see here is the Changing of the Guard ceremony (similar to the one held at Buckingham Palace but on a smaller scale), although you should make sure you don't miss the stunning display by the Queen as well. Mary dolls inside!
Practical information for the visit. THEEntrance to Windsor Castle requires a paid ticket which they recommend booking in advance. If you want to see the changing of the guard, be sure to check out the schedule here
Please note that it usually only takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and the main ceremony takes place in the castle, so you will need a ticket. No photography or videography is permitted inside, but photos of the castle's exterior are encouraged. Some rooms in the State Apartments are only open from September to March, so come during those months if your goal is to see as much of the palace as possible.
One of the most popular activities in Windsor is taking a look at the St George's Chapel, better known to us fairytale-obsessed millennials as the place where Meghan Markle she married the Prince Harry in 2018.
St George's Chapel was originally built in the XNUMXth century, further expanded during the XNUMXth century and has been the site of numerous royal weddings and burials over the years. Notable members of the royal family buried here include Henry VIII, Charles I, Elizabeth II, her father George VI and her husband Prince Philip.
No photos allowed inside, but trust me when I say it's a stunning Gothic wonder that's worth the admission fee (included in your ticket to Windsor Castle).
There are many great things to do in Windsor if you like the great outdoors, especially within the park Windsor Great Park. This 5.000-acre Royal Park was the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle, but is now mostly free to the public. There is a fenced deer park where semi-wild red deer can roam without being chased away and there are many nice areas for walking or picnicking when the weather is nice. Savill Garden is the only section of the park where you have to pay to enter, but it's very beautiful and only costs £7,95 if you book your tickets online.
Another attraction located within Windsor Great Park is the long walk, a very aptly named straight road that stretches 4,3km (3 miles) between Windsor Castle and a copper horse statue on Snow Hill.
Since the Long Walk is so straight, you can enjoy incredible views of Windsor Castle from the tree-lined avenue, and taking a walk here is one of the best free things to do in Windsor. If you go up to Snow Hill, you can see the copper horse statue of King George III and breathtaking views, even in London on a clear day!
For a much shorter walk, you can also find Britain's shortest street in Windsor: Queen Charlotte Street! It's located next to the Crooked House (see next section) and there's a small plaque to mark it, so you can photograph your arduous achievement for all to see.
This street is less than 52 feet long and lined with ancient cobblestones, plus it's just down the street from Windsor Castle... so it would be rude not to at least stop. At the end of this little street there is a delightful pub, The Carpenter's Arms, which is a great place for a drink and some quintessential British pub food!
Another of the quirkiest things to see in Windsor is located right next to Queen Charlotte Street and it is the famous crooked house. There Crooked House of Windsor it is the oldest teahouse in England, or at least it was before it closed. It was originally built as Market Cross House in 1687, but was demolished to make room for the Guildhall. The local council was later reprimanded for demolishing it and ordered to rebuild it, but they didn't do a very good job!
Since its reconstruction in the XNUMXth century, the building has had an obvious lean. In subsequent years it has been used as a butcher's shop, tea house, antiques shop and jewelery shop, although it is currently empty. Even so, it's worth stopping for a photo of the rickety facade.
One of the most fun things to do in Windsor is to visit LEGOLAND Windsor, a theme park and resort completely dedicated to the little bricks known as Lego.
Obviously, this would be a great activity choice if you're visiting Windsor with kids, but anyone with memories of building things with Legos in their childhood (or trauma from accidentally stepping on one) will appreciate it. There are Lego-themed rides, models, building workshops and even two hotels, as it is both a resort and a theme park.
However, the prize for the cutest area could only go to Miniland, where you can see miniature versions of towns and cities from all over the world, all created using Lego!
For one of the best cool things to see in Windsor (at least for shameless corgi-obsessed people like me), head to Bachelor's Acre where there's a charming statue of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by corgis! The late Queen was famous for her love of the adorable fluffy-bottomed breed, and this statue shows her in a rare relaxed and casual pose. It was installed during her diamond jubilee celebrations in 2012 and is known as The Windsor Lady.
Bachelor's Acre has been a place for markets and fairs since the Middle Ages, although today it is a small park with playground equipment and interactive water features, as well as the former queen with her corgis.
The Windsor Guildhall serves as the town hall for the city of Windsor and hosts numerous charity fundraisers, dinners and weddings, including the weddings of numerous famous couples.
Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Camilla had their wedding ceremony here in 2005 as it was a civil rather than religious service, as did Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish (also in 2005) when it became legal for the same -sexual couples.
The Guildhall is very elegant, as it was partly built by Sir Christopher Wren, whose long list of works includes St Paul's Cathedral in London, and literally more than fifty other churches after the Great Fire of London.
While you can't just walk around the Guildhall unless you're attending an event, the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum is located within the Guildhall. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Windsor, especially since you can learn about the local history by poking around the interiors.
Aviation enthusiasts will want to seek out one of Windsor's most hidden gems: the Sydney Camm Memorial. Sydney Camm was a Windsor resident who designed the Hurricane aircraft, which played a very important role in the Second World War. He was called “the man who saved Britain” after the Battle of Britain and was awarded a British Order of Chivalry in 1941, as well as a knighthood in 1952.
If you want to see his memorial, a model replica of a hurricane, you can find it near the Thames, at the western end of Alexandra Park. It looks especially beautiful at dusk when the display lights are on!
Finally, if you're still looking for unusual things to do in Windsor, may I suggest a visit to the ancient well on the corner of St Alban's Street and High Street.
This well is located next to a typically British red telephone box (also a great photo opportunity) and while on the side it says “Ancient Well“, I couldn't find any information, either on a plaque or online, about how old it might be!
It looks very nice, though, with the Royal Mews forecourt behind it. There is also a statue of a soldier honoring the fallen Irish Guards nearby.
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