Things to do when Windsor Castle is closed

Windsor Castle is one of the big reasons for a visit to Windsor.  However the Castle is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday and may close at short notice at other times.  It may be one of the UK’s top visitor attractions but it is also an official home of King Charles III, a working palace and often the location of private events such as royal investitures.

Fortunately, there are lots of other things to do in Windsor town centre when the Castle is closed and you may just discover a hidden gem!  Here are our top things to do when the Castle is closed.

1.    Guided town walks – discover Windsor’s amazing history on a guided walking tour with one of our Blue Badge Guides.  You may not be able to go inside the Castle on a Tuesday and Wednesday but our guides will tell you all about its influence on Windsor’s development and will show you around the oldest parts of the town.

2.    Self-guided walks – Explore Windsor and Eton at your own pace via the Queen’s Walkway or Eton Walkway by following the circular markers in the towns’ pavements.

3.    Escape Room Experiences – immerse yourself in the interactive world of an escape room!  Find puzzles and solve clues in order to escape!  We have two escape room companies to choose from in Windsor town centre: Escape in 60 and Windsor Escape Experience.

3.    Take to the river – River Thames passenger boat trips run daily subject to river conditions or why not jump on the Windsor Duck, an amphibious vehicle that lets you enjoy both road and river! Check out our Thames Trail page for more inspiration.

4.    Open top bus tour – Golden Tours' carefully-designed route journeys through Windsor, Eton and Datchet ensuring visitors see all the must-see sights the area has to offer.

5.    Horse-drawn carriage – slow down the pace and experience the wonder of Windsor Great Park by horse-drawn carriage with Windsor Carriages.  Book on to a scheduled trip or create a bespoke experience.

6.    Windsor & Royal Borough Museum – Windsor & Royal Borough Museum is a family-friendly museum bursting with interesting facts and interactive displays of East Berkshire (open Tuesdays only).

7.    Guided tour of Windsor Guildhall – Join a guided tour of Windsor Guildhall and walk in the footsteps of royalty to learn more about the history of this Grade I listed building and its importance to Windsor’s local heritage.

8.    Theatre Royal Windsor – Windsor's Theatre Royal is a beautiful Edwardian theatre nestled between Windsor Castle and the River Thames.  Look out for midweek matinees.

9.    Watch the Guard March – this is one of the town’s top sightseeing things to do and watching the King's guard up close is unique to Windsor!  The march to and from the Castle takes place in the morning on specific days of the week so make sure you check out the Guard March schedule to avoid disappointment.

10.    Windsor Great Park – Access the Long Walk from Windsor’s Park Street and suddenly thousands of acres of Windsor Great Park lie before you: an ancient royal landscape of forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens just waiting to be explored!

11.    Enjoy the tradition of Afternoon Tea – Us Brits love the combination of savoury and sweet treats, accompanied by some of the 165 million cups of tea we drink each day in the UK and there are few traditions more deliciously decadent than Afternoon Tea.  Town centre hotels offering Afternoon Tea menus include The Castle Hotel Windsor, Macdonald Windsor Hotel and Sir Christopher Wren Hotel.  Or perhaps reserve a table near the window of The Ivy on the Windsor's High Street and you will have a view of Windsor Castle as you spread the jam and cream on to your scones!

12.    Windsor & Eton Brewery tour – On alternate Wednesdays (at 1830) you can join a Duke Street Experience Brewery tour and learn all about the history of Windsor & Eton Brewery, brewing in the town, the brewing process, including tasting of raw materials and, of course, beer tasting!

13.    Shopping – with two pedestrianised shopping centres, recognised high street brands as well as a sprinkling of independent stores, shopping really is a great reason to come to Windsor and Eton town centres.  There are lots of food and drink stops for refuelling too.