Top Tips for Spring

After a cold and miserable winter, it’s no surprise that we all look forward to spring. With warmer weather and sunshine on the horizon, now is the perfect time to plan your next trip to the Royal Borough.

Tickets for many attractions and events are available to book in advance through the Windsor online shop. Our friendly staff at the Royal Windsor Information Centre are also there in person to offer advice and make suggestions for great days out.

If you are coming to visit us between March and May, here are our top 10 tips for spring.

1. Discover our Special Offers

We all love a special offer and you can check out our regularly-updated offers on our Special Offers page. So whether you are looking for places to stay, things to do or some great deals on food and drink, you need look no further.

2. Enjoy a Heritage Tour of Eton College

Heritage tours of Eton College run on Fridays afternoons from May to September. Discover more about the historic heart of Eton College, featuring many of the earliest buildings and objects from the College Collections.

3. Follow The Queen's Walkway

The Queen's Walkway is a lovely self-guided walking route around Windsor and Eton which marks the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II becoming Britain's longest reigning monarch. The Walkway is a symbolic 6.373km long for the 63 years, 7 months and 3 days (one day more than Queen Victoria's reign) and links 63 of Windsor's best attractions, features and views.

4. Get ready for the school holidays

The spring months include the Easter break, a half term and two May bank holidays, so it’s good to be prepared for when you get asked ‘What are we going to do TODAY?’ Whatever the weather we have some great ideas for indoor family fun activities when it's rainy and outdoor fun activities when it's dry!

Will it be splashing down into the River Thames on the Windsor Duck or cycling through Windsor Great Park? Making chocolate goodies at Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory or taking part in family activities in Windsor Castle’s Learning Centre?

Check out our Ideas and Inspiration section and get planning!

5. Enjoy spring colour in Windsor parks and gardens

Spring sees our glorious parks and gardens coming alive with colour.

The Savill Garden

The Savill Garden has earned its reputation as one of the finest woodland gardens in the country. Visit throughout the seasons and you will see there is always something new to discover.

In exceptional years spring can begin as early as late February with the appearance of breathtaking Magnolias, or it might be as late as April before you will see the drifts of Crocus followed by thousands of dwarf daffodils in the Alpine Meadow. Generally, visit from the middle of March onwards and you will be rewarded with a host of floral interest.

Before you visit, take a look at The Savill Garden's website to see what is in flower.

6. Discover The Stanley Spencer Gallery

In the tiny former Methodist Chapel in the pretty riverside town of Cookham, discover the wonderful art of the characterful Stanley Spencer. The Stanley Spencer Gallery has two exhibitions a year and the summer exhibition launches in March. Why not visit this hidden gem for yourself?

7. Enjoy a day at the races

Flat racing returns to Royal Windsor Racecourse with the season opener in April and Windsor’s course is unique as it’s on an island in the Thames. It’s famed for Monday evening meetings April to October as well as themed racedays with plenty of family entertainment.

Ascot Racecourse’s racing calendar includes flat and jumps racing year round. Enjoy a spring family race day at the end of March – the final jumps meeting of the season – then celebrate the start of the flat season in May.

8. Royal Windsor Horse Show

May sees Royal Windsor Horse Show, the UK’s largest premier outdoor horse show at Windsor, set in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Enjoy international show jumping, dressage and carriage driving and a whole host of national classes too.

There are numerous exciting displays such as the Shetland Pony Grand National and the skill of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Peruse the retailers’ stalls in the shopping village for that perfect purchase.

9. Book a live show at our theatre and arts centres

There’s always plenty of live entertainment to be enjoyed in the Royal Borough. Take your pick from a gripping drama, a great tribute act or some stand up comedy at our art centres (Norden Farm in Maidenhead, Old Court in Windsor) or Windsor’s Theatre Royal. In addition, you’ll find a programme of ‘live’ cinema events so you can enjoy performances from the National Theatre and the Royal Opera House without having to head into London! Visit our entertainment page for the latest listings.

10. Turn your visit into a Windsor short break!

There’s so much to see and do in the area, why not stay a few nights? Visit our accommodation pages to discover a huge range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from five star spa retreats to cosy and comfortable bed and breakfasts and well-appointed self-catering apartments.