From cosy pub visits and afternoon teas, to royal sights and luxury hotels, these are the most romantic things to do in Windsor for couples.
Are you planning a day out with your other half in Windsor and looking for the best activities? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Windsor offers a romantic mix of royal history, beautiful scenery, a charming town centre and lots of great food and drink options. Plus, if you fancy making it an overnight break, there are plenty of hotels to suit every budget and style.
We love going on dates in town. Even just a little wander down the pretty cobbled streets, hand in hand, perhaps with a coffee stop or a glass of wine, can feel like a romantic moment shared. We’ve enjoyed endless strolls down The Long Walk, afternoons perusing items in the shops, and lazy afternoons by the river. With Windsor Castle as a backdrop, it feels like there’s always a little sprinkle of romance!
Also, a reminder that while a lot of the famous sights are outside, there’s still plenty to do in Windsor in the rain. Just pack an umbrella, a rain jacket and a sense of humour and you can still enjoy your day trip together!
So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary, or just fancy a little quality time together, here are the top things to do in Windsor for couples.
Xxx Best things to do in Windsor for couples
Explore Windsor Castle Together
Windsor Castle is a great date activity for couples of all ages. Exploring the buildings and grounds of the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world is like walking through a real-life fairytale!
We’ve been on a few days out as a couple there, and loved seeing the views over the pretty gardens, taking in the spectacle of the State Rooms and enjoying the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard.
Planning to visit Windsor Castle? Don’t make these mistakes.
Wander the streets of Eton
Windsor is a beautiful town, but there’s something so idyllic about crossing the bridge and wandering along Eton High Street. It’s like Windsor’s quainter little sister! We love looking in the old-fashioned boutiques, shopping for cheeses in the deli and admiring the spectacular architecture of Eton College.
If you’re interested in history, you can book tours of the college buildings. Find out more in our facts about Eton College.
Cruise down the River Thames
While a stroll along the river makes a perfect couples activity, there’s something extra romantic about hopping on a boat and seeing the sights from the water. You’ll drift past historic buildings, see swans gliding on the water and visit some of the countryside surrounding the town. The French Brothers offer daily 40-minute boat trips with a full commentary and bar.
For something quirkier, you could hop on a Windsor Duck Tour. Or, for a luxurious experience, consider hiring a private boat from John Logie or The Boat Hire Co.
Test your relationship with an escape room in Windsor
Have you ever tried an escape room? They’re great places to find out how compatible you are as a couple, and make some fun memories!
There are actually two escape room locations in Windsor. You can book in with a team from 2 players to 6 or 8 players. While some are on the scary side (Cannibal Cabin, we’re thinking of you!) many of them are great for a daytime date in Windsor.
Escape in 60 is located inside Windsor Leisure Centre and currently has three rooms, including a royal-themed room called Escape The Castle.
Meanwhile, tucked away under the arches by Windsor Royal Station is Escape Windsor. There are five different rooms here, including the Crown Jewels Heist.
Mooch around Windsor’s shops
If you and your other half love shopping together, you’re in for a treat. One of Windsor’s biggest selling points is its thriving high street. While many towns are losing physical shops, Windsor’s retail options are many and varied. We love that you can pick up beautiful Moroccan furniture at Ryad Momo, fun gifts and cards at Huttons, clothes at popular chains like Oliver Bonas, Jigsaw and Marks & Spencer.
One of the prettiest shopping areas is inside Windsor Royal Station. The old station has been converted into its own shopping arcade. Don’t miss a trip to Daniel, the department store in the heart of Peascod Street. This well-stocked department store has lots of lovely things, and is a real staple of the community.
Visit one Windsor’s breweries
Did you know Windsor is home to several cool and trendy craft beer spots? Yes, this royal town has a brewery scene (surprising outside of London, I know!) These are brilliant places for couples, especially as three are really close together, so you can make a little brewery crawl out of it!
Start at Windsor & Eton Brewery by the Leisure Centre, then work your way towards town via Two Flints and Indie Rabble. If that’s not enough, you can add in A Hoppy Place on St Leonard’s Road too!
For more info, take a read of our guide to the best breweries in Windsor.
Stroll along the Long Walk
Everyone knows the Long Walk. It’s errr, long, straight and leads from Windsor Castle all the way to the Copper Horse statue. It’s almost three miles long and one of the most photogenic places in the town.
Stroll along, enjoy the views, the trees, the perfect sight of the castle and some leisurely chats as you go. If you want to make more of a day of it, you could pack a picnic or a bottle of bubbly, and toast each other with Windsor Castle as your backdrop.
Relax with afternoon tea
Lots of couples visit Windsor wanting the full luxury experience. It’s a gorgeous town (Yes, I know we’re biased as we live here!) and it has a lot of really great places to eat and drink. For a special activity, we’d recommend booking afternoon tea at one of these spots.
The Castle Hotel – Leaf, this hotel’s restaurant, serves a royal themed afternoon tea. You’ll see lots of classic dishes on the stand, including smoked salmon sandwiches and freshly baked scones with jam and cream. You can select from a range of teas, or upgrade to a glass of bubbly. There’s even a special afternoon tea menu for children.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel – This smart hotel offers a luxurious afternoon tea with riverside views. You’ll see lots of classic dishes on the menu, but there are also options to upgrade to include champagne or Pimm’s (perfect for summer!)
The Ivy Brasserie – This upmarket chain restaurant serves afternoon tea from 3-5pm each day. The menu sounds delicious, and includes a smoked salmon and cream cheese choux bun, fruit scone and chocolate truffles with a liquid salted caramel centre. Yum!
Take in the sights of Windsor from a horse-drawn carriage
Looking to elevate your Windsor fairytale experience? How about booking a trip for two in a traditional horse-drawn carriage through Windsor Great Park.
Ascot Carriages offer carriage rides starting from the Savill Garden on selected days throughout the year. These rides are popular with couples celebrating anniversaries, milestone birthdays or planning romantic proposals.
Relax with a spa day in Windsor
Looking to treat your partner to some pampering in Windsor? How about a spa day? There are a few places within the town centre and just outside, that offer luxurious pampering experiences.
Thy Spa is a Thai spa tucked away on Victoria Street in the centre of Windsor. We haven’t had the chance to experience a massage here yet, but the entrance always looks so inviting! There are lots of massages to choose from, including traditional Thai massage, hot compress massage and a relaxing jade stone massage.
If you have a car, take a look at the Fairmont Windsor Great Park or The Runnymede on Thames. Both have great spa facilities and offer a range of treatments.
Discover the beauty of The Savill Garden
Driving to Windsor and looking to explore beyond the town centre? If you both love nature, then a trip to The Savill Garden is a must. This landscaped garden is full of seasonal flowers, secret pathways and quiet. It’s extra special as the seasons turn, such as when the spring flowers start to bloom or in autumn as the trees turn to rusty reds and oranges.
If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss our detailed guide to visiting The Savill Garden. It’s packed full of tips to make the most of your day.
Enjoy a romantic dinner in one of Windsor’s restaurants
Thanks to the numerous tourists visiting each year, you’ll find a huge variety of cuisines on offer in Windsor. There’s Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese, French, Moroccan, Thai, Chinese, Georgian, Indonesian… the list goes on! While there are plenty of recognisable high street chains (Browns, The Real Greek, Pizza Express to name a few), we prefer to champion our hometown’s independent restaurants. There aren’t many we wouldn’t go back to! Here are a few of our current favourites:
Non Café & Kitchen – This pretty restaurant on St Leonard’s Road serves authentic and delicious Vietnamese dishes. You’ll find warming bowls of pho (perfect for a rainy day in Windsor), colourful vermicelli salads and aromatic fish. Finish your meal with a traditional Vietnamese coffee. The condensed milk is a wonderful addition!
Enzo’s – This traditional Italian restaurant serves amazing wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes and a few main course meat and fish dishes. It’s cosy inside, so we think it’s great for a date night in Windsor. There’s also a charm to the service here – that real feeling of family hospitality!
Misugo – If you’re craving sushi, we think this is one of the best places in Windsor. Their bento box lunch menu is excellent value too. There are plenty of hot dishes too, including ramen, katsu curry and teriyaki.
Stay overnight in Windsor
If you’re looking to turn your day trip into a romantic mini-break, there are a range of hotel options within the town centre. Here are our favourites close to the main sights.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa – If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Windsor, with views of the River Thames and its very own spa, then check into the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel. This gorgeous hotel is located in a charming and historic building, as well as across four historical annexes. With such pretty views and a great location, this one is ideal for couples visiting the town.
The Castle Hotel – We had a lovely stay at The Castle Hotel a little while ago. This luxurious home-from-home is located on the High Street in one of the best locations in the town centre. In fact, the Changing of the Guards marches past the doorstep!
A Perfect Day in Windsor for Couples – A Quick Itinerary
If you’ve read this guide but are short on time, here’s how to spend the perfect romantic day in Windsor together:
- Morning: Start with a visit to Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel. Wander the historic halls and enjoy the views over the gardens.
- Late Morning: Cross the bridge into Eton for a stroll along the High Street and a coffee stop in one of the cosy cafés.
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat in town or enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea.
- Afternoon: Take a river cruise or enjoy a leisurely walk down The Long Walk for picture-perfect castle views.
- Evening: Book a table at one of Windsor’s romantic restaurants (The Ivy Brasserie or a cosy independent spot like Enzo’s).
- Overnight: Stay in style at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel.
I hope this guide helps you plan your romantic day trip to Windsor. If you need any more tips, take a look at our detailed guide to planning your first trip to Windsor.
