Royal Windsor is close to London yet it has a completely different feel. Home to Windsor Castle, a historic town, park, river, restaurants, bars and shops all within a 15 minute walk of each other, it’s a ‘bite-size’ destination ideal for a day or weekend trip. Oozing history and character, Windsor is loved by tourists and residents alike.
Culture & Entertainment
Windsor Castle
1000 years old, 1000 rooms, hundreds of staff and billions of pounds of artwork. The castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and home to the Queen most weekends. The castle is right in the centre of Windsor and dominates the town. A tour of the castle takes you through state rooms, historic bedrooms retaining the furnishings used hundreds of years ago. Changing of the Guard is a very popular event with the streets lined with tourists. Soldiers in red uniforms with huge bear-fur hats march with a band to take over the shift within the palace.
Eton
Most famous for Eton College, this pretty little village is just across the footbridge from Windsor. With heaps of character it’s well worth a wander down the high street with its independent antique dealers, restaurants and curio stores.
Restaurants
The choice is endless, representing most global cuisines and budgets. The lower end of Peascod Street has some great little independent restaurants as do the cobbled Castle Streets right by the castle.
The Two Brewers on Park Street dates back to the 1700s, it’s a tiny pub with a great atmosphere and lovely roaring fires in winter. Seating is very limited so book ahead.
The Boatman is the only bar/restaurant right on the river in Windsor, it’s a gorgeous spot in summer with a good menu.
Cote Brasserie in Eton has fantastic river views and consistently good food.
The Alma pub is about a 10 minute walk from the town centre, a fine example of a quirky local pub it’s full of antiques and curios.
Theatre Royal Windsor
This is a small but perfectly formed theatre, all seats have a worthwhile view and the ever changing schedule features well known names and worthwhile performances.
Parks & Recreation
Windsor Great Park
At almost 8 square miles the park is huge. Starting from the castle, it heads down the 2 mile Long Walk up to the copper horse statue where you’ll see lovely views of Windsor and the surrounding area. If you’re feeling energetic the park carries on for miles towards Virginia Water passing an old, pretty village for park workers. Virginia Water Lake in the far side of the park is beautiful year round and a popular walking route with a pub along the way.
River Thames
The Thames runs through Windsor on its way from Gloucestershire to London. Windsor sits on one side of the Thames with Eton on the other, connected by a footbridge. There are several boat trips up and down the Thames from Windsor with an interesting commentary. Alternatively there are footpaths running alongside the river.
Shopping
There are two main shopping areas – Peascod Street and Windsor Royal arcade, by Windsor & Eton Central train station. These have a great selection of high street and higher end brands with a few independent vendors, interspersed with cafes, bars and restaurants. Perfect for picking up a few supplies, meeting friends and watching the world go by.
Schools & Education
Eton is famously home to Eton College. The 1300 pupils still wear pin-striped trousers, coat-tails and stiff collars, and include the world’s royalty and dignitaries. This aside, there are several private schools in and around Windsor, with well rated state schools serving the area.
Location & Connections
Road
Windsor is 1 mile from the M4 and 7 miles to the M25
Windsor is a convenient 20 minutes taxi ride from London Heathrow airport
Train
There are 2 train stations in Windsor, both in the town centre.
Windsor Riverside reaches London Waterloo direct in 55 minutes
Windsor & Eton Central reaches Paddington via Slough in 30 to 60 minutes