Windsor has a way of making a quick visit turn into a longer stay.
You might arrive planning to see Windsor Castle, only to discover riverside walks, historic streets, Eton’s independent shops, beautiful green spaces and plenty of places to eat along the way.
If you’re looking for things to do in Windsor, the good news is that there is far more here than you can comfortably fit into a few hours.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, travelling with family, planning a romantic break or simply exploring somewhere new, here are 12 experiences worth adding to your list.
At the centre of almost every visit to the town is Windsor Castle.
As the largest occupied castle in the world and an official royal residence, it is one of the main reasons visitors travel to Windsor in the first place. Take your time exploring the castle, its State Apartments and St George’s Chapel rather than trying to rush through everything.
Check current opening times and visitor information before your trip through the Royal Collection Trust.
For many guests, staying close to the castle makes the experience even better. You can explore the surrounding streets in the evening when the busiest part of the day has passed and enjoy the atmosphere of central Windsor at your own pace.
Just moments from Windsor Castle, The Long Walk offers one of the town’s most recognisable views.
The tree-lined avenue stretches for around two and a half miles through Windsor Great Park, making it ideal for a relaxed walk and a chance to step away from the busy town centre.
You don’t need to walk the entire route to enjoy it. Even a short stroll gives you fantastic views back towards Windsor Castle.
It is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, although every season gives The Long Walk a slightly different feel.
One of the easiest and most enjoyable things to do in Windsor is actually crossing Windsor Bridge into neighbouring Eton.
Within minutes, the atmosphere changes.
Eton is famous for Eton College, but there is much more to discover along Eton High Street. Take your time exploring the historic buildings, independent shops, cafés and restaurants.
For visitors staying overnight, Eton is also home to our Silversmith Court Apartments, offering a convenient base for exploring both sides of the river.
Explore our Silversmith Court Apartments
The River Thames brings another side to Windsor.
Take a walk along the riverside, stop for a drink or watch the boats pass by. On warmer days, it is one of the best places to slow down and enjoy the town without a particular plan.
The riverside is also a great place to start exploring if you’ve already visited Windsor Castle and want to see something different.
Seeing Windsor from the water is an experience many visitors miss when they only come for the day.
Boat trips along the Thames give you a different view of Windsor and Eton while offering a chance to relax after a morning of sightseeing.
You can find different cruise and boat options depending on the season and the type of experience you’re looking for.
If you want something a little different, you can also read our guide to the Windsor Duck Tour.
Sometimes one of the best things to do is simply put your phone away and wander.
Windsor has plenty of historic streets, small corners and interesting buildings that are easy to miss when you’re rushing between attractions.
Explore the streets around the castle, browse the shops and take your time discovering places that aren’t necessarily on your original itinerary.
A longer stay gives you the freedom to do exactly that.
After a day of exploring, finding somewhere good to eat is all part of the experience.
Windsor and Eton offer a wide variety of places to eat, from traditional British pubs and relaxed cafés to independent restaurants and international cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely breakfast before sightseeing, a quick lunch or somewhere special for dinner, there are plenty of options within easy reach of the town centre.
One of the benefits of staying overnight is that you don’t have to rush your meal before travelling home. You can take your time, enjoy the evening and stroll back to your apartment or house afterwards.
Windsor and Eton’s food scene is another reason it’s worth giving yourself more than just a few hours to explore.
8. Visit Windsor Great Park
If you enjoy being outdoors, make time for Windsor Great Park.
With large open spaces, woodland and walking routes, it offers a complete contrast to the busy streets around the town centre.
It’s an excellent option for families, couples and anyone who wants to combine a city break with some time in nature.
Depending on how much time you have, you could easily spend several hours exploring the park.
For families, LEGOLAND Windsor is one of the biggest reasons to extend a trip beyond a single day.
The resort offers rides, attractions and entertainment designed for children and families, making it a completely different experience from exploring Windsor’s historic attractions.
If you’re visiting with children, staying in an apartment or house can also make the trip easier. Having separate bedrooms, a kitchen and space to relax after a busy day can make a real difference.
Windsor offers a good mix of familiar brands, independent shops and places to browse.
You can explore the shopping areas around Windsor Royal Station or cross into Eton to discover smaller independent businesses.
Even if shopping isn’t the main reason for your trip, it’s another reason why Windsor works well as an overnight or weekend destination.
Windsor changes throughout the year.
Spring brings blossom and longer walks through the park. Summer is perfect for the river and outdoor dining. Autumn brings beautiful colours to Windsor Great Park.
Then comes Christmas, when Windsor becomes especially popular with visitors looking for festive lights, shopping and seasonal events.
Returning at a different time of year can make the town feel like a completely new destination.
This may sound like an unusual item on a list of things to do in Windsor, but it might be the most important.
Don’t try to do everything in one afternoon.
Stay for a night or two and give yourself time for the big attractions as well as the moments in between. Enjoy breakfast without rushing, take a walk along the river, spend longer in Eton and discover somewhere new for dinner.
Windsor is best enjoyed when you don’t feel like you’re constantly watching the clock.
The right location can make a big difference to your visit.
At Castle Properties, we offer apartments and houses in Windsor and Eton, providing guests with comfortable, spacious places to stay while exploring the area.
Our Windsor Castle Townhouse is located just 75 yards from Windsor Castle, making it ideal for visitors who want to stay in the heart of the action.
For guests looking for a spacious central home, Windsor Castle House + Garden is close to both Windsor Castle and The Long Walk.
Church Lodge is another excellent option for families and groups, sleeping up to eight guests and offering a private courtyard garden.
Or, across the river, our Silversmith Court Apartments provide a fantastic base in historic Eton.
👉 Explore all our apartments and houses here: https://www.castlepropertygroup.co.uk/properties/
There are plenty of things to do in Windsor, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to see more.
You can spend the morning exploring a royal castle, walk through historic streets in the afternoon, enjoy the Thames in the evening and still have plenty left to discover the following day.
That is exactly why Windsor is more than just a day trip destination.
Give yourself enough time, stay somewhere comfortable and see where the visit takes you.
