From watching the Changing of the Guard to strolling along the Long Walk, these are the best free things to do in Windsor. And yes, they really are free!
Being home to Windsor Castle and a Royal Borough, Windsor isn’t exactly cheap at the best of times. Tickets for the castle for a family for 2 adults and 2 over 5s will set you back £105. So yeah, a day out in Windsor can quickly add up. It doesn’t need to though!
We live here, we are locals, are there are plenty of free things to do in Windsor. Yes, that’s right, you don’t have to spend a penny with this guide. Everything is completely free.
We know Windsor is a special place (that’s why we moved here), and we want to share that with everyone. If that means telling people local secrets and how to save money, then so be it.
Even though castle tickets can be expensive, that castle is absolutely massive and you can enjoy the view of it from all over town. In fact, I would even say I prefer the view of the castle from the Long Walk!
Whether you’re a local looking for something to do, or a visitor looking at seeing the best of Windsor without breaking the bank, then make sure you save this article and tick off a few things from the list.
Watch the Changing of the Guard
If you’ve never been to Windsor before, this is hands down a must. The Changing of the Guard is proper old-school pageantry. All the guards are decked out in royal red military uniforms and their big bearskin headdresses. Before entering the castle, the march through town, so they’re hard to miss.
The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place at 11:00am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (weather permitting). That means you’ve got a few opportunities to see them.
I think the best place to see them is on the corner at the bottom of the high street. Then you can see them marching on the road before they head off to the castle. The crowds are usually a little thinner here too.
Walk along the Long Walk
This has to be one of the most iconic spots in Windsor. The Long Walk stretches for 2.6 miles straight from Windsor Castle gates all the way down to the Copper Horse statue at the top of Snow Hill. It’s a long walk (hence the name), but the views of Windsor Castle from the top of the hill might just be my favourite viewpoint in the town. If you come up here for sunrise or sunset then you’ll understand why.
If you’ve got the time and energy, the full walk there and back is a proper leg-stretcher with beautiful views the whole way. From the castle, it takes about 1h:30m to do the round trip. Alternatively, you can just do the first section to the road in about 20 minutes.
Explore Windsor Great Park
If you want to escape the town centre and get a dose of nature, Windsor Great Park is the place to go. At 19.42km (4,800 acres), it’s a massive park. If you’re a tourist visiting for the day, then I’d recommend doing the first section on the Long Walk up to the gates (you’ll see the gatekeepers house on the left). From there, turn right and follow the path to the road. Once you cross over the road then you’ll be in a very beautiful section of Windsor Great Park.
Here you’ve got wide open fields, ancient oak trees, and if you’re lucky you can spot deer here too. During summer, there are loads of blackberry bushes along one side of the park here. Pick a few of these and you’ve got another free thing to do in Windsor!
Visit Alexandra Gardens and listen to the music
Right on the edge of the river and just moments from the castle, Alexandra Gardens is one of those quiet little parks that locals love. During summer it’s in full-bloom and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic.
Between Saturday 21st June and Sunday 14th September 2025, there are musical performances at the bandstand from 2pm till 4pm on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. It’s a completely free event, and it feels like you’re rolling back the years to the 50s or 60s where everyone would come up to the bandstand for entertainment. It really does make for a lovely afternoon!
Visit the Guildhall
Right in the heart of town, the Windsor Guildhall is packed with royal history. It’s where Prince Charles (now King Charles III) married Camilla, and there are portraits of royals and historic figures all over the place. Entry is free on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am to 4pm. Otherwise, it is closed for private events.
It’s not massive, but definitely worth popping in if you’re into local history or architecture. Plus, the building itself is stunning, especially those iconic pillars out front.
Walk over the Windsor & Eton Bridge
This bridge connects Windsor to Eton and it’s pedestrian-only, which makes it ideal for a slow wander and a few photos. From the centre, it only takes a couple of minutes to get there, and the views of the Thames – especially at sunset – are gorgeous.
You’ll usually spot swans gliding past and rowers practising on the river. There are a few benches on the bridge, so this is a perfect spot to watch the world go by. This is usually where I take people when they’re visiting and say: “so this is where I live, it’s pretty cool, right?”
Wander through Eton and visit Eton College Museum
My dad was really surprised to learn that once you get over the bridge to the other side, you’re in Eton. Even though you could kick a football over the bridge, Windsor and Eton feel like completely different places. Eton is proper old school. It has a cobbled high street, traditional pubs, and quirky independent shops and galleries give it more of a villagey feel.
Of course, it’s also home to Eton College, one of the most famous schools in the world. If you want to have a bit of a nosey around the college, Eton College Museum is open on Sunday afternoons between 1.30 and 4pm. This is completely free to the public, and it gives a little insight into what life is like here.
Go window shopping at Windsor Royal Station
Don’t worry, I’m not about to say you should go shopping. You’re looking for free things to do after all! Saying that, Windsor Royal Station is a lovely place to add to the list. Built in 1897, this is another timeless shopping arcade. The old railway architecture – with its glass roof and wrought iron features – gives it real character, and there are lots of lovely shops here too.
If you keep walking to Windsor & Eton Station, you’ll see a replica train. Aptly named “The Queen”, this was built in 1982 by British Rail and Madame Tussauds as part of the Royalty & Empire exhibition, designed to evoke the Royal Train that served Queen Victoria. Instead of getting rid of the train when the exhibition finished, it found a home here in Windsor! I think it’s too good to chuck away too!
Walk the Thames Path
The Thames Path stretches for miles, but the Windsor stretch is particularly pretty. You can walk as far or as little as you want – we usually do a loop from the town centre towards Boveney Lock and back, which is nice and flat the whole way.
Along the path, you’ll spot rowers from Eton, canal boats, and plenty of swans (seriously, they’re everywhere). This walk really gives you a feel for the town’s riverside charm – and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Discover Bachelor’s Acre
Bachelor’s Acre is tucked away just behind Peascod Street and it’s a real local gem. It’s small, but there’s a playground, splash pad (great for kids in summer), and loads of space to run around or relax. There’s also a cool statue commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
It’s one of those parks that’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there, but once you find it, it becomes a favourite. We often bring a takeaway lunch here and enjoy it on the grass – simple, free, and lovely.
If you’ve got little ones with you, then make sure you check out our guide to the best playgrounds in Windsor. All of these are free too!
Attend a free event or festival
Windsor actually hosts loads of free events throughout the year – you just need to know when they’re on, which is why we have written this guide ‘What’s On In Windsor’. From summer concerts in Alexandra Gardens to the Christmas light switch-on, there’s always something happening.
I find EventBrite one of the best places to see what events are happening nearby. We’ve taken our son to a couple of kiddy events and he has loved them.
Relax in Home Park (The Brocas Side)
Technically on the Eton side of the river, The Brocas is a wide, open green space with the most amazing views of Windsor Castle. It’s the perfect picnic spot – especially in summer – and you’ll often see families playing games, couples lounging about, or even paddleboarders launching from the riverbank.
It’s far enough from the centre to feel peaceful, but still just a short walk from town. We’ve spent countless lazy afternoons here – and every time, that castle view gets us.
Spot deer in the Deer Park
Windsor’s deer are a bit of a local legend. While you can’t always get super close, you can often spot them from various points in Windsor Great Park – especially around the area near the Long Walk and the wider parkland.
They’re a little shy, so keep quiet and tread softly. Seeing them grazing or walking through the mist in the early morning is one of those magical moments you don’t forget. And of course – totally free!
