There’s a lot more to Windsor than a visit to the Castle.
Spend a whole weekend here and you’ll have time to explore the historic streets, wander along the Thames, discover Eton and enjoy some of the quieter corners that are easy to miss on a day trip.
The good news? You don’t need a packed itinerary to make the most of it.
This weekend guide to Windsor takes you from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon, with a mix of well-known attractions, local favourites and a few suggestions for where to eat, walk and stay.
Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends or bringing the family, here’s how we’d spend two days in Windsor.
| Day | Your plans |
|---|---|
| Friday evening | Arrive, settle in and enjoy dinner in Windsor |
| Saturday morning | Explore Windsor Castle and the historic town centre |
| Saturday afternoon | Walk the Long Walk and browse Windsor’s shops |
| Saturday evening | Enjoy dinner, drinks or a performance at Theatre Royal Windsor |
| Sunday morning | Breakfast, a riverside stroll and Eton High Street |
| Sunday afternoon | Take a boat trip, explore more of Windsor or enjoy a leisurely lunch |
If you’re arriving on Friday afternoon or evening, there’s no need to rush straight into sightseeing.
Check into your accommodation, unpack and take a little time to explore the streets around Windsor Castle.
The area around Castle Hill, Church Street and Thames Street is particularly lovely for an evening stroll. You’ll find historic buildings, independent shops, traditional pubs and plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
For a relaxed dinner, you could try Browns Windsor, overlooking the River Thames, or The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie in the town centre.
If you prefer something informal, explore the pubs and restaurants along Thames Street and around Windsor Royal Station.
Friday is really about arriving, finding your feet and enjoying your first evening without having to watch the clock.
Local tip: If you’re staying centrally, leave the car parked where possible. Much of Windsor’s historic centre is easy to explore on foot.
A good breakfast is always a nice way to begin a day of exploring.
Windsor has plenty of cafés to choose from, so find somewhere that catches your eye, order a coffee and take your time before heading towards the Castle.
If you’re staying in one of our serviced apartments or houses, you also have the option of enjoying breakfast at home before heading out.
No weekend in Windsor would be complete without visiting Windsor Castle.
As one of the oldest and largest occupied castles in the world, it has centuries of royal history behind its walls.
Depending on what’s open during your visit, you can explore the State Apartments, admire the architecture and visit St George’s Chapel.
We recommend allowing at least two hours, although you could easily spend longer if you enjoy history.
Good to know: Windsor Castle is a working royal residence, so opening arrangements can change. Check the official website and book your tickets ahead of your visit. St George’s Chapel is normally closed to sightseeing visitors on Sundays, which makes Saturday a good choice for a full Castle visit.
After the Castle, head towards Windsor Royal Station or Peascod Street.
This part of Windsor is great for browsing shops, picking up a few souvenirs and stopping for lunch.
You can also explore the smaller streets around the Castle, where you’ll find some of Windsor’s most attractive historic buildings.
There’s no need to plan every minute. Half the fun is discovering somewhere you hadn’t intended to visit.
One of our favourite things to recommend to Windsor visitors is the Long Walk.
This famous tree-lined avenue stretches from Windsor Castle towards the Copper Horse statue in Windsor Great Park.
The views back towards the Castle are wonderful, particularly on a clear day.
The full avenue is almost 2.5 miles long, but you don’t have to walk the entire route. Even a shorter stroll gives you the chance to enjoy the open space and take some lovely photographs.
If you’re visiting with children or simply want a slower afternoon, walk as far as you like before turning back towards town.
By late afternoon, you might be ready to sit down with a coffee, browse a few more shops or return to your accommodation for a rest.
One of the benefits of staying in Windsor rather than visiting for the day is having that extra time.
You can enjoy the town without feeling you need to fit everything into a few hours.
Windsor has plenty of options for a Saturday evening, whether you want a proper sit-down dinner or something more relaxed.
For a special evening, book a table at one of the town’s restaurants and enjoy a meal together.
Alternatively, check what’s on at Theatre Royal Windsor. Its programme includes plays, comedy, musicals and seasonal performances, making it a lovely addition to a weekend break.
And if you’d rather have a quiet evening? Pick up something for dinner and head back to your accommodation.
Sometimes, having your own living room and kitchen is exactly what you want after a full day out.
Sunday doesn’t need an early start.
Find a café for breakfast, or enjoy a leisurely morning at your accommodation before heading towards the river.
If you’re travelling as a family or group, this is where having your own space can make a real difference. There’s time for everyone to get ready without rushing.
Head towards Windsor Bridge and take a stroll along the river.
You’ll see boats on the water, swans along the riverbank and some lovely views back towards Windsor.
On a sunny morning, it’s one of the nicest places to spend a little time.
You can keep the walk short or continue further along the riverside, depending on how much time you have.
Just across Windsor Bridge is the historic town of Eton.
It’s only a short walk from Windsor, but the atmosphere feels a little different.
Eton High Street is lined with historic buildings, independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs. It’s a lovely place to explore at your own pace.
You can also see parts of the historic Eton College surroundings while walking through the town, although access to college buildings is restricted.
Stop for coffee, browse the shops and enjoy the quieter side of a weekend in Windsor and Eton.
If you’re not heading home straight after lunch, there are a few lovely ways to finish your weekend.
Seeing Windsor from the water offers a different perspective.
Depending on the season and operating schedule, you may be able to take a sightseeing boat trip along the Thames.
It’s a relaxed way to enjoy the riverside scenery before heading home.
If you’d rather stay on foot, try part of the Queen’s Jubilee Walkway, a 6.2 km route highlighting 62 key locations around Windsor.
It’s a lovely way to discover more of the town’s history and landmarks.
Travelling with children? You could plan your weekend around a visit to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, although we’d recommend setting aside a substantial part of a day rather than trying to squeeze it into a short afternoon.
Alternatively, spend more time in Windsor Great Park or enjoy lunch before making your journey home.
Choosing where to stay can make a big difference to your weekend, particularly if you want to explore without constantly travelling back and forth.
At Castle Properties, we offer serviced houses and apartments in central Windsor and neighbouring Eton, with options for couples, families, groups of friends and business travellers.
Here are a few places worth considering.
For families and groups wanting to stay close to the main attractions, our Windsor Castle Townhouse is just 75 yards from the Castle entrance.
With five bedrooms and space for up to nine guests, it’s particularly well suited to larger groups spending a weekend together.
Church Lodge is another option for a group stay.
Located close to Windsor Castle, this four-bedroom home sleeps up to eight guests and includes a cinema room and private courtyard garden.
If you’d like somewhere with outdoor space, Windsor Castle House + Garden offers four double bedrooms, a private garden and a location close to the Long Walk.
It’s a convenient base for exploring Windsor on foot.
For smaller groups, couples or families, our Silversmith Court apartments on Eton High Street offer a comfortable alternative.
Each apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen, with Windsor Castle and the town centre a walk away across the bridge.
You can explore our full collection of Windsor and Eton accommodation to find a property that suits your plans.
How long should you spend in Windsor?
Two days is a good amount of time to explore Windsor Castle, the town centre, Eton and the riverside without rushing. If you’re planning to visit LEGOLAND or spend longer in Windsor Great Park, an extra day is worthwhile.
Can you explore Windsor without a car?
Yes. Central Windsor is very walkable, and many of its main attractions are close together. The town is served by Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside railway stations.
When is the best time for a weekend break in Windsor?
Windsor is worth visiting throughout the year. Spring and summer are lovely for riverside walks and outdoor activities, while autumn brings beautiful colours to Windsor Great Park. Winter is a good time for cosy pubs, theatre visits and seasonal events.
Should you book Windsor Castle tickets in advance?
Yes, particularly during weekends, school holidays and busy visitor periods. Always check the official opening calendar before planning your day.
Is Windsor suitable for a family weekend break?
Absolutely. There are historic attractions, open spaces, riverside walks and family-friendly activities nearby. Choosing accommodation with a kitchen and comfortable shared space can also make travelling with children easier.
A weekend in Windsor gives you time to enjoy the Castle, discover the streets of Eton, take a walk along the Thames and still have a little space in your plans to slow down.
And when you’ve got somewhere comfortable to stay, there’s no need to rush home after a day of sightseeing.
Planning a weekend in Windsor? Explore our collection of serviced houses and apartments in Windsor and Eton, or get in touch with Castle Properties to find the right accommodation for your dates.
