Commonly considered one of the best day trips from London, Windsor is just a few hundred miles from the vibrant UK capital, yet it feels like a world away, with historic cobbled streets lined with some buildings so old they literally seem to be falling down.
- 1. Shop at Windsor Royal Station
- 2. Be careful while walking along Thames Street
- 3. Feel Like a Princess at Windsor Castle
- 4. See Where Meghan and Harry Got Married at St George’s Chapel
- 5. Enjoy Windsor Great Park
- 6. Do the long walk
- 7. Walk the Shortest Street in Great Britain
- 8. Find the Famous Crooked House
- 9. Relive your childhood at LEGOLAND Windsor
- 10. Visit Liz and Her Corgi at Bachelor’s Acre
- 11. Admire the Windsor Guildhall
- 12. Find the Sydney Camm Memorial
- 13. Reflect in the ancient well
When visiting Windsor, one expected “castle central” and not much else. Instead, we were surprised to find plenty of unique places and fun activities to fill the day, like running along the shortest street in Great Britain (a journey lasting just a few seconds) or petting a flock of corgi statues that make up the sweetest tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in the entire country.
If you are heading to Windsor by train, you will most likely arrive at Windsor & Eton Riverside, a tiny station that seems surprisingly simple considering the town’s royal reputation.
But don’t worry: Windsor has a very large station to marvel at and you will find it connected to the other railway station – Windsor & Eton Central. Attached to Windsor & Eton Central is Windsor Royal Station, which is now a splendid shopping center.
This original railway station was built in 1850 and is a Grade II listed building because of its splendid Victorian architecture. It is also full of modern shops, cafes, and stylish restaurants, with a lovely steam locomotive rightly known as “The Queen” displayed in the middle of the covered arcade.
If you are looking for a stylish place to eat or drink, go to All Bar One located inside what was Queen Victoria’s private waiting room, with some period features preserved behind glass such as her marble sink.
If you are walking to Windsor Castle from Windsor & Eton Riverside station, you will most likely head towards Thames Street, a curved street lined with restaurants, shops, and pubs on one side and the castle walls on the other. Since you will inevitably take many photos of the castle, make sure to also watch where you are walking and see if you can spot a clock embedded in the cement outside Pizza Express (a very charming location).
This is a somewhat curious attraction as it is perhaps the only clock of its kind in the entire country. The history of the so-called “sidewalk clock” in Windsor dates back to the 1950s, when a clock was originally installed in front of Dyson & Sons store (incredibly, watchmakers and not pizzaiolos).
The current version dates only to 2011, but as a bonus curiosity, it is said that there is a time capsule hidden underneath it.
The most important and popular attraction in Windsor is the Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, which was one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite main 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 11th century, Windsor is a beautiful castle surrounded by splendid gardens, so it’s easy to see why the former queen loved it so much. This and over 300 fireplaces, more than 400 clocks, and what is supposed to be the oldest kitchen in the country. 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 also make sure not to miss the Queen’s splendid display and also Mary’s Dollhouse inside!
Practical information for your visit. The entrance to Windsor Castle requires a paid ticket which they recommend booking in advance. If you want to witness the Changing of the Guard, make sure to check the schedule here.
Keep in mind that it usually only takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and the main ceremony happens in the castle, so you will need a ticket. No photography or videography is allowed inside, but photos of the castle’s exteriors are encouraged. Some rooms of 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 to take a look at St George’s Chapel, better known by us millennials obsessed with fairy tales as the place where Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018.
St George’s Chapel was originally built in the 14th century, further expanded during the 15th century, and over the years has been the site of numerous royal weddings and burials. Notable royal family members buried here include Henry VIII, Charles I, Elizabeth II, her father George VI, and her husband, Prince Philip.
Photos are not allowed inside, but trust me when I say it is a wonderful gothic marvel worth the admission fee (included in your Windsor Castle ticket).
There are many lovely things to do in Windsor if you enjoy the great outdoors, especially within Windsor Great Park. This 5,000-acre Royal Park was the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle, but it is now mostly free to the public. There is a fenced deer park where semi-wild red deer can roam without being hunted, and there are many beautiful areas for walking or picnicking when the weather is nice. The Savill Garden is the only section of the park where entrance is charged, but it is very beautiful and costs only £7.95 if you book tickets online.
Another attraction located within Windsor Great Park is the Long Walk, a very aptly named straight road that stretches for 4.3 km (3 miles) between Windsor Castle and a statue of a copper horse 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 all the way to Snow Hill, you can see the copper horse statue of King George III and breathtaking views, even of London on a clear day!
For a much shorter stroll, you can also find the shortest street in Great Britain in Windsor: Queen Charlotte Street! It is located next to the Crooked House (see the following section) and there is a small plaque to mark it, so you can photograph your hard-earned achievement for all to see.
This street is less than 52 feet long and lined with ancient cobblestones, plus it’s right down the road from Windsor Castle… so it would be rude not to at least stop by. At the end of this little street is a lovely pub, The Carpenter’s Arms, which is a great place for a drink and some quintessential British pub food!
Another of the strangest things to see in Windsor is located right next to Queen Charlotte Street and is the famous crooked house. The Crooked House of Windsor is the oldest tea house 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 way for the Guildhall. The local council was subsequently reprimanded for demolishing it and ordered to rebuild it, but they did not do a great job!
Since its reconstruction in the 18th century, the building has had a noticeable tilt. In later years it was used as a butcher shop, tea brewery, antique store, and jewelry shop, although it is currently empty. Even so, it is worth stopping by for a photo of the wobbly 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 small bricks known as Lego.
Of course, this would be a great activity choice if you are visiting Windsor with children, but anyone who has memories of building things with Lego 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.
The award for the cutest area, however, might go only to Miniland, where you can see miniature versions of countries and cities from around the world, all created using Lego!
For one of the best interesting things to see in Windsor (at least for shameless corgi-obsessed people like me), head to Bachelor’s Acre where there is a charming statue of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by corgis! The late queen was famous for her love of the adorable soft-bottomed breed, and this statue shows her in a rare relaxed and casual pose. It was installed during the celebrations of her Diamond Jubilee 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 games, 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 many famous couples.
Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Camilla held their wedding ceremony here in 2005 as it was a civil rather than a religious service, as did Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish (also in 2005) when it became legal for same-sex 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 are attending an event, the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum is located inside the Guildhall. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Windsor, especially since you can learn about local history by exploring 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 during World War II. 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 replica model of a Hurricane, you can find it near the Thames, at the western end of Alexandra Park. It looks especially beautiful at sunset when the display lights are on!
Finally, if you are still looking for unusual things to do in Windsor, I can suggest a visit to the ancient well at 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 the side 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 courtyard behind it. There is also a statue of a soldier honoring the fallen Irish Guards nearby.
