Things to Do in the Windsor area

Looking for somewhere for that perfect day trip?  Thinking of taking a short break and filling your days with some fantastic things to do and places to eat, drink and shop?

From iconic attractions and world-class events to beautiful open countryside and the River Thames, with the wide range of different things to do in Windsor and Maidenhead, it’s the perfect destination for everybody. Read on for great ideas of family friendly, group friendly and pet friendly things to do.

You can book tickets for many of the top attractions and events in Windsor and the Royal Borough here.  Check out our latest special offers for ideas and inspiration too!

If you are travelling with a disability, Destination Access Guides for Windsor and Eton – developed thanks to a partnership between the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and AccessAble – are available to help you plan your visit.

As you approach Windsor, either by road or rail, you can’t fail to be impressed by the sheer size and scale of Windsor Castle standing majestically on the hill, punctuating the skyline.  It's one of the official residences of His Majesty The King and was Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite weekend home.  It's the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the jewel in the Royal Borough’s crown.

The Castle is open year round (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) but as it’s a working palace it closes for special private events and functions so always check in advance before making a special journey.  Visiting us on a Tuesday or Wednesday?  Here are some ideas for things to do when Windsor Castle is closed.

How about taking to the water and viewing Windsor and the Royal Borough from the peace and tranquillity of the River Thames?

20 miles of this beautiful and historic waterway meanders through the Royal Borough, between Hurley and Runnymede, and there are villages and attractions waiting to be discovered such as the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham.

Enjoy a passenger boat ride with French Brothers Boats, hire a rowing boat or motor boat with John Logie, celebrate a special occasion with The Boat Hire Company, Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company or Hobbs of Henley or hire a self-drive boat for a day or a week with Kris Cruisers.

And a tour with Windsor Duck Tours incorporates both road and ‘splashdown’ in the Thames.

Looking for tours and sightseeing ideas?  If you’re interested in some historical and fun facts about the town and the local area then hop aboard an open top bus with Golden Tours.

Let one of our experienced and interesting tour guides show you Windsor and Eton and share their specific knowledge with you on a guided town walk. 

Enjoy the relaxed pace of a horse-drawn carriage ride on the Long Walk and in Windsor Great Park with Windsor Carriages or Ascot Carriages.

Visit Windsor and the Royal Borough Museum located in Windsor Guildhall, where King Charles and Queen Camilla were married and where Sir Elton John and David Furnish had their civil ceremony. 

You can fly a spitfire simulator at Maidenhead Heritage Centre or come face to face with a Kakapo at the Eton College Natural History Museum!

If you fancy catching some live entertainment while you’re here, pay a visit to the Theatre Royal Windsor, nestled at the foot of Windsor Castle, or book tickets for some stand up comedy, live music or cinema at one of our art centres at Norden Farm Maidenhead and the Old Court in Windsor.

For more information on specific events and festivals such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show, check-out our 'What's On' page. 

Interested in family-friendly things to do?  For fun-seeking families, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort offers more excitement than you can fit in one day so you may need a two-day ticket!

Enjoy the thrill of the chase with horse racing at Ascot Racecourse and Royal Windsor Racecourse.  Ascot is famous for its royal meeting in June and Windsor for its Monday night evening meetings.  Both have family days too throughout the year with great entertainment for children and adults alike!

If you are looking for group friendly things to do then lovers of parks and gardens will be inspired by the year-round displays at The Savill Garden and National Trust Cliveden.

Fans of historic houses will be intrigued by our hidden gem Dorney Court.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place for a great range of outdoor events and activities and sports and leisure options.

The vast and beautiful Windsor Great Park can be accessed at various points in and around the Royal Borough making it the perfect place to visit if you are looking for pet friendly things to do.

From relaxing under a tree with a picnic to walking, running, cycling and horse riding, enjoy the open space and far-reaching views.

And the area has famous golf courses, such as Wentworth, on its doorstep and opportunities for water-based activities including windsurfing and sailing at Bray Lake too.

With so much to see and so many things to do, our website can help you get the most out of your visit.  Find and book accommodation; choose from hotels, guest accommodation/bed and breakfasts, self-catering properties and even a riverside caravan and campsite!  Read more about getting here, getting around and car and coach parking.  Find out about maps and guides.

You’ll be spoiled for choice for shopping, eating out and nightlife too!

Check out what great shops you can find in the Royal Borough and how many different restaurants, pubs and cafes there are for all tastes and budgets.

So what are you waiting for?

We look forward to welcoming you to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead very soon.