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You are here: Home > Ideas & Inspiration > School Holidays > Summer Staycation Treats
Airport queues and restricted parking - leave them all behind and enjoy a cracking summer staycation right here in Royal Windsor instead. Kids stay free, riverboats, lots of gin and prosecco, Jesse J and Rita Ora are just some of the highlights on offer during the school holidays. Turn your day trip into a short break and see more of what our stunning destination has to offer. Book some fabulous accommodation near Windsor and get your tickets in advance so you can make the most of your time. And check out our latest Special Offers too!
Explore some of the River Thames’ secret islands on a riverboat adventure. Simple to steer and navigate, the hotel’s three riverboats hold up to 12 people and are back on the water, ready to hire. The fleet is accessed via the hotel’s private jetty and includes boats suitable for beginners and experienced skippers alike; for day trips downstream or for hosting celebrations.
Set sail in an electric-powered riverboat – a thrilling day out for the whole family. Little ones can take turns to steer and navigate the boat as it drifts down the Thames. Why not stop off for a pub lunch, or order a freshly made picnic to take with you? Family riverboats hold up to six people and are simple to use. Available to hire for an hour or up to a whole day, you’ll receive everything you need, including a map, safety equipment and instructions.
From £45 per hour.
Indulge in a luxurious break by the river this summer with a three-night stay for the price of two offer. Meander along the river on long walks, unwind in the award-winning spa and for the ultimate treat, pamper yourself with a spa treatment.
Available on stays Fri – Sun from July – 11 August 2019 and midweek stays Mon – Thurs from 22 July – 29 August 2019 inclusive.
Priced from £330 per couple.
During the school holidays, children up to the age of 12 stay for free when sharing their parents' room at Cliveden House. Discover the 1000-year-old yew tree maze; an all-natural woodland play trail; indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a storybook plan den and a selection of games and toys.
Book direct with The Olde Bell and children under 12 will get their breakfast and a main meal at dinner for free. If you’re staying at the weekend and the sun’s shining, kids can enjoy the Summer Kitchen menu.
The Summer Holidays are the perfect time to enjoy a family sightseeing trip to the country to enjoy the great outdoors. Book your summer staycation and save up to 20% on the best available rates when booking room only, bed and breakfast or dinner, bed and breakfast.
Offer is subject to availability and valid for bookings/stays up to 30th August 2019. Children under 12 stay free on a B&B basis when sharing with 2 adults on a breakfast inclusive package.
Bring the whole family to Taplow House Hotel for a package which includes one night's, welcome refreshments in the room on arrival, tickets to Cliveden House and a picnic hamper to take on your day out and dinner at The Restaurant.
Price from £269 per room (2 Adults and 2 Children) - extend for a second night B& for £125.
Parents with children get one free glass of Prosecco when they order from the new lunch menu of tapas at Giggling Squid Windsor. The Little Tapas for Little Hands menu also has some exciting additions for adventurous palates where kids can choose two small plates for £5.99.
Wed 10 and Thurs 25 July
Join a tour of the gardens with Estate Manager, Russell Dixon, whose stories draw on his 25 years of working here, followed by a guided visit to the hives and talk with the resident Bee-Keeper. Follow up with a pre-lunch glass of Champagne before a 2-course lunch and glass of wine in The Estate Grill or on the terrace.
Price - £75 per person.
Tuesdays only – departing Waterloo at 08.00, 11.15, 14.05
Let the romance of steam travel whisk you away to a bygone era as you travel from London Waterloo to Windsor. Dine in Pullman Style Dining carriages serving a delicious Champagne Brunch, buy snacks and drinks onboard or bring your own picnic, First Class or Standard Class. Tickets are one-way from £35 per person.
Tuesdays only - multiple sailing times available.
Come aboard genuine Victorian and Edwardian Steam Launches 'Nuneham' and 'Streatley', both meticulously restored to their former glory. The ideal excursion for steam devotees and sightseers alike, listen to the unmistakeable sound of the steam whistle as the sister ships cruise past one another on this tranquil stretch of river. The one-hour cruise from Windsor Promenade to Boveney Lock takes in views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, Mill house, Windsor Racecourse and The Brocas Meadows on the return leg.
Price – Adults £14; Children £10.
Various dates from 12 July – 29 September
Band performances take place on the bandstand in Windsor Castle’s Jubilee Garden, designed by Chelsea Gold Medallist Tom Stuart-Smith, who took his inspiration from Windsor’s famous parkland landscape and the Castle’s romantic and picturesque character. It is regularly the setting for musical performances by bands from the Household Division and the surrounding community.
Included with standard admission price.
Every Saturday in July
Discover all the life of the garden at this family event. From colourful blooms to creepy crawlies, see what gardener and artist Alexander Marshal recorded over 300 years ago. Create your own floral masterpiece based on Marshal’s book of flowers to take home.
Free with standard entry ticket.
Wed 24 Jul – Sun 25 Aug – 10am – 4pm / Free event. Grand opening: Wed 24 Jul 10.30am
The Beach is back – inspired by tropical paradise Goa. It’s free to play on every day with beachside tables for snacks and lunch. Get creative with your little ones in daily Beach Craft sessions or relax with them in the Storytelling den. There’s an indoor sensory space to explore, designed for children with SEND and featuring artwork created by local school children.
Friday 26th and Saturday 27th July
The prestige midsummer event has importance, history and glamour with showpiece race The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes regarded as Europe’s premier midseason middle-distance championship race for horses of both sexes and all ages. Saturday post-racing live DJ set from Dermot O'Leary at Ascot’s iconic Bandstand.
Prices from £15 on Friday / from £23 on Saturday.
Sunday 28 July
Join the Summer Garden Party and enjoy the grounds and music from clarinet ensemble No Strings Attached, and the Blue Sky Big Band. Includes a barbecue, children's entertainment, guided tours of the house, Pimm's tent, tea and cake, and the chance to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the grounds or into the Great Park, with Windsor Carriages (must be pre-booked).
Adults £10; Children £7.50.
Monday 29 July - Friday 2 August 10am - 4pm daily.
A week of learning circus skills and performing for children including walk on stilts, ride a unicycle, walk the tightrope and perform on a trapeze. Suitable for ages 7-13 years. Cost £115.
Daily Thursday, 1 - Saturday, 31 Aug 2019 (excluding 27 – 30 Aug).
As series of activities designed for families. Try on some shining armour, meet a mail armour expert or make a sparkling Garter star to wear as you explore the home of Britain’s oldest and most senior band of knights. Activities run on different dates, please check website for details.
Free with standard entry.
Monday 5 - Friday 9 August – 10am - 4pm daily.
Throughout the week children work on individual craft activities with lots of messy materials and also work together on a group art project. Suitable for ages 8+ years. Cost £115.
Saturday 10 August
The world’s top jockeys compete for the points to lift racing’s ultimate team prize. A post-racing concert on the Old Paddock Lawns sees a headline set from Jessie J, followed by Tinie Tempah + Charlsey DJ set. Pop-duo Go West will open the after-racing concert.
Prices from £37
Monday 12 – Wednesday 14 August – 10am – 4pm.
Experience being an A-Troupe dancer in a real dance studio. Children work with professional dancer Charlie Dixon to develop technique, learn routines and create choreography. No audition necessary, suitable for ages 8+ years. Cost £100.
Monday 19 - Friday 23 August – 10am - 4pm daily.
Throughout theatre week children create an entire show from idea to performance, encompassing all aspects of stage production, from lighting to stage blocking and acting with the help of professional directors. Led by Troublemaker Theatre Company. Suitable for ages 10-16 years. Cost £115.
Saturday 24 August
One of pop’s global icons, Rita Ora takes to the stage at Royal Windsor racecourse following a full programme of late afternoon races from 4.45pm to 7.45pm, with an on stage scheduled time of 8.15pm. Gates open 2pm.
Box Office No: 0844 249 1000
General Ticket price - £37.50 (Early Bird) and Children (Under 18) - £20.00
Saturday 7, 21, 28 September
Continue the celebration of the reign of Queen Victoria with a range of art and craft projects, including the chance to make your own version of Victoria’s iconic diamond crown.
Free with standard entry
Sun 1 Sept 1pm – 4pm / Free event
The Kite Festival returns for 2019. Get involved at Kite Making Workshops across the school holidays, then see the creations take to the skies. Or bring your own kite and join in the fun at
Boyn Grove Park (Punt Hill).
1 August - 30 September
Throughout August, take on the challenge to climb 200 steps and conquer the Round Tower. The reward at the top is 360-degree views across historic Windsor Castle, surrounding parkland, Thames Valley, and the London skyline.
Tours run at regular intervals 10:15 - 15:40 each day. Please arrive at the Castle 45 minutes before your tour time.
Combined ticket to Windsor Castle and Conquer the Tower Tour:
Adult £31.50
Over 60/Student £28.30
Under 17 £18.90
Family £81.90 (2 adults and 3 under 17s)
Open weekends (subject to weather)
Chill out on lawns beside the river Thames and catch some of the summer’s top sporting moments al fresco as they are screened live on the riverside TV. Grab a light bite or a refreshing drink from the cool airstream trailer.
Children dine for £10 each
Enjoy family-friendly buffet style dining in Leftbank restaurant throughout the school holidays with plenty of choice, even for fussy eaters. The enclosed outdoor play area keeps the kids entertained, along with oversized games of Connect Four and Jenga on our lawn. Includes the indoor and outdoor pools, board games and seed for the ducks.
There are two luxury boats available at this riverside hotel – perfect R&R for a romantic self-drive cruise, celebrating a family special occasion or a corporate event.
Kingfisher – Skippered hire (up to 12 passengers)
An attractive Dutch river cruiser built in 2010 that combines a modern, well equipped, heated cruiser with the elegance of a teak panelled saloon and a rear cockpit which can be covered or open depending on the weather. Upgrade with a picnic hamper. All trips on Kingfisher include a fully qualified, friendly, knowledgeable skipper.
To enquire about Kingfisher please contact Steve on 07977 448 117
Ferry Nab - Self Drive Hire (up to 6 passengers)
A smaller self-drive boat that can carry up to 6 adults. Ferry Nab is electrically powered meaning she is not only eco-friendly but also quiet to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful stretch of the River Thames. The Ferry Nab is a wonderful way to spoil a partner and celebrate a special occasion, perhaps add champagne to make the trip even more fabulous.
Available to hire by the hour, a licence is not required, and full instruction provided before leaving the hotel.
To enquire about Ferry Nab please contact the Concierge on 01628 484444, option 3
Family carriage rides are available on selected dates throughout the School Holidays. Travel at a relaxed pace, in timeless style on private roads and woodland paths, to see a restored 18th Century Lake with a summer display of glorious Waterlilies and Diamond Jubilee Arbour. Arrange a stop by the lakeside for a picnic & for children to enjoy the pond life or just sit back and enjoy the tour & history of this beautiful landscape.
Children of all ages can meet and have a selfie with Henry the gentle part Shire Horse. The carriage seats 4 adults, or up to 2 adults + 4 children under 12 yrs (max 6 seats). There are 30, 60 min tours & picnic rides available. The 30 min Family Ride is £60 per carriage.
Bag 4 tickets in the Monster Flash Sale, (live from 5 July 2019) to visit the Resort on 12, 13, 14 or 15 July 2019 for just £99*. But once they’re gone, they’re gone. With tickets usually from £52pp when bought at the park on the day, that’s a saving of £109 for a family of four. The Monster Flash Sale is available online from 5 July 2019 at www.legoland.co.uk/monsterflashdeal
Didn’t manage to snap up these tickets? There are other offers during the summer holidays including Kids Go Free on short breaks and the 40% off tickets in the Monster Summer Sale.
Families looking for the ultimate LEGOLAND summer holiday can book a short break where not only do the Kids Go Free* into the theme park, they can also stay for free in the LEGOLAND Hotels and selected nearby hotels. Book online by midnight on 22 July 2019.
The Monster Summer Sale has been extended, enabling monster savings of 40% off all day tickets bought online until 31 July 2019. Tickets in the sale are from just £28 per person for visits to the Resort on any date until 2 November 2019*. For visits during the school summer holidays, day tickets can now be purchased online from £31*per person.
The Monster Summer Sale is available online at www.legoland.co.uk/tickets-and-passes/online-tickets/. Offer ends 23:59 on 31 July 2019. * terms and conditions apply.
Available for use until 31 August
Get a head start on summer activities with a Jump In Summer Pass, which can be used for friends and family to enjoy Jump In together. Purchase online for a unique code to use when booking online or via the Contact Centre. For £35, the Jump In summer pass gives 5 jumps to use at your leisure. Or have 10 jumps for £60.
Available Daily
Make chocolate in the heart of Royal Windsor at a selection of chocolate-making classes. The Express workshop takes 15 mins to complete and 20 mins cooling and packaging time. The longer Chocolatier Workshop is 1 hour and involves making bonbons, dipping truffles and creating large chocolate bars decorated from many topping choices. Explore intricate chocolate techniques such as marbling and half & half bars.
Price Chocolatier Workshop £44.95 per ticket (pre-booking required)
Express Workshop £14.95 per ticket
Various dates available
Commission a private carriage and pair of horses with Windsor Carriages and travel down The Long Walk and through the Windsor Great park.
Select a traditional hamper prepared daily and packed with local produce with enough for a couple or family. Special occasion? Book the flowers and champagne package.
Enjoy new horse drawn carriage ride - Windsor Castle to Savill Gardens: see both Windsor Great Park key attractions in one day. Horse drawn carriage from the castle to Savill Gardens and return via private taxi car.
Price - £360 for 4 people.
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