Culture Breaks

Looking to add a little bit of art and culture to your short break in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead?

We’ve got theatre, concerts, film, comedy, art, dance, festivals, historic houses and a castle with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, all just waiting to be discovered!

Windsor Castle

State Apartments

Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor Castle has since been the home of 40 monarchs, and the appearance of the State Apartments today reflects the changing tastes of the Castle’s royal occupants, particularly Charles II and George IV. Charles set out to rival the achievements of his cousin Louis XIV, at Versailles. He modernised the Castle’s interiors, which became the grandest State Apartments in England. George IV gave the State Apartments a new grand entrance and staircase, and added the colossal Waterloo Chamber, celebrating the defeat of Napoleon. The State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto. Many of the pieces are still in the historic settings for which they were first collected or commissioned.

St George’s Chapel

St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England and is particularly noted for its magnificent stone fan vaulting. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the most senior order of British Chivalry. Within the chapel are the tombs of 11 sovereigns including Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I.

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is the largest, most beautiful, most famous dolls’ house in the world. Built for Queen Mary, consort of King George V, by the leading architect Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1921 and 1924, it includes contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists and craftsmen of the early 20th century.

Theatre Royal

The greatest names in theatre come to the Theatre Royal Windsor, as they have since it opened in 1910. At this intimate theatre, which had the late Bill Kenwright as its producer, audiences are treated to new productions before they transfer to London’s West End or go off on tour around the country.

Arts Centres

The Old Court, Windsor

Located in central Windsor, the Old Court hosts contemporary arts with an exciting programme of music, comedy, dance, theatre and film. Films range from matinee classics, kids’ favourites, comedy to independent film. The music on offer spans a vast amount of styles, from hottest new bands, to DJs, folk or jazz. Comedy nights are proving a huge success, and the theatre and dance events go from strength to strength.

Norden Farm, Maidenhead

An exciting entertainment venue, offering the best in the performing arts. Using its listed buildings for a quality ambience suited to creative activity, Norden Farm hosts both local amateurs and international professional work. Their programme includes gigs (blues, classical, swing, rock), comedy, films (blockbuster, independent and arthouse), theatre, and gallery exhibitions.

Windsor Parish Church

The present Windsor Parish Church building dates from 1822 when it replaced an ancient building from Norman times. The current layout follows the plan of the medieval church on top of the old vaults, and retains many of the memorials. It is home to the Last Supper by De Kleyn (court painter to James I), a national treasure dating from the early 17th century. There is a Royal Pew with two thrones from when George V worshipped there.

Stanley Spencer Gallery

The Stanley Spencer Gallery is unique in Britain, being the only gallery devoted exclusively to an artist in the village where he was born and spent most of his life. Spencer was strongly influenced by the river and his religious beliefs and the gallery in Cookham now occupies the former Chapel where he worshiped as a child.

Windsor Festival

Windsor Festival aspires to be amongst the premier Music and Arts Festivals in the UK. It takes place over two weeks each September/October and performances are located in some stunning local venues including St George’s Chapel and the Waterloo Chamber, Windsor Castle. In the springtime the shorter Windsor Spring Festival alternates with the Windsor Festival International String Competition, the foremost global competition for young string soloists.

Windsor Fringe

Windsor Fringe takes place each September/October and the programme offers an eclectic mix of the arts and entertainment: music of all kinds, drama, visual arts (including photography and sculpture), film, poetry and informative walks.

Dorney Court

Dorney Court is one of England’s most uniquely beautiful Tudor Manor Houses, of outstanding architectural and historical interest. It contains a wealth of family portraits besides a varied collection of art that tell a visual tale of the tastes and fortunes of everyone who has lived there. Traditional oak furniture, carved panelling, silks and tapestries fill the rooms.

Eton High Street

Eton is a very traditional town, home to the world renowned College. Distinctive gift shops nestle amongst traditional and modern art galleries, antique shops, bridal and fashion boutiques and historic tailors. There are many al fresco cafes, and first class restaurants.

Contemporary Art Fairs – Windsor

Over 150 contemporary artists and galleries combine forces in one of the biggest art events in Berkshire. The eclectic mix of art, photography, print making and sculpture takes place at the Royal Windsor Racecourse. Windsor's Contemporary Art Fair offers visitors work by internationally renowned names as well as accomplished emerging artists.