From how to make the most of your day, to transport tips and how not to be ripped off, here’s what to know before you visit Windsor for the first time.
Windsor is a touristy town. While I love the summer buzz in the area. I have that proud feeling that visitors want to come and see what delights we live with every single day! But, I’ve learned a lot from living in Windsor! I’ve picked up information on how to make the most of a day in the centre, what to avoid, and some surprises too.
If you’re planning your first trip to Windsor, this guide is an absolute must-read. It’s full of tips that you won’t find in guide books. They’re things you’d only know by being here all year round.
So, before you set off, have a good digest of our expert advice.
Tips for Visiting Windsor For The First Time
Allow plenty of time to look around Windsor Castle
I think some people arrive in Windsor and assume they can look around the castle in a short time. Well, think again! It’s massive. In fact, it’s the largest occupied castle in the world, and plenty of it is open to the public.
Personally, I’d suggest allowing half a day at the castle if you really want to take it all in (and not be rushing around). That’ll give you a nice pace to explore The State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and see things like Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. You might also want to stop for a cup of tea and a slice of cake at The Undercroft – the café beneath St George’s Hall, which dates back to the 14th century.
I’d also suggest booking tickets in advance. You’ll save time if you don’t have to queue for tickets on arrival, plus they’re cheaper too.
Also, remember to spend time walking around the perimeter too. Some of my favourite views are from just outside, where you really feel the scale of those huge stone walls.
If you want to find out more, read our fascinating facts about Windsor Castle.
The Changing of the Guard doesn’t happen every day
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you’ll need to time your visit for 11am on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Even those days can change depending on weather, royal schedules and events in town. I’d recommend checking the schedule before you visit, if you’ve got your heart set on seeing it.
Alternatively, if you want a quieter experience for your first trip to Windsor, avoid these days. There are definitely more tourists around to see these ceremonies.
Parking in Windsor is expensive
I used to live in London, so I was used to paying a lot for a few hours of parking. However, Windsor is a whole level up! Some of the car parks near the castle charge £6 or £7 per hour (shocking!) If you’re looking for more reasonable car parks which are close to the action, I’d suggest places like Windsor Leisure Centre, where 2 hours currently costs just under £3 (2025 prices).
The Q Park at Windsor Yards is a little pricier, but if you’re visiting for a longer time, you can cap it at £13.00 for 6 hours. In terms of central on street parking, you might get lucky with a space on Barry Avenue, which you can use an app to pay £3 per hour. Close to the Long Walk is York House Car Park, where you can park for 4 hours for £5, or all day until 9pm for £9.50.
Don’t forget Eton
If you’re visiting Windsor for the first time, you’ve probably got a whole day of sightseeing planned. But, I’d suggest spending an hour over the other side of the river in Eton, too. You’ll feel the contrast as you reach the little town. It’s quieter and quainter, with lots of charm. There’s one main street running through it, filled with lots of lovely independent boutiques, pubs and cafes.
Plus, continue along the High Street and you’ll reach the historic buildings that make up Eton College. This prestigious independent school was established in 1440 by King Henry VI as “The King’s College of Our Lady of Eton beside Windsor”. It’s played a huge part in Britain’s history too, educating 20 Prime Ministers.
One of the best ways to learn about it is on a heritage tour. These usually run on Friday afternoons from the start of May to mid-September.
On the tour you’ll get to see the School Yard, College Chapel, Upper School, Lower School, and the Museum of Eton Life. It’s a great way to get a glimpse into this impressive school and what day to day life is like for the school boys.
Budget-friendly things to do in Windsor
You might assume that a day out in Windsor will be an expensive day. Well, as a local, I can tell you that while it can add up, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down.
Consider bringing a packed lunch or popping by Tesco Express or Boots for a cheap meal deal for lunch. There are plenty of beautiful spots along the river and in Alexandra Gardens, where you can sit with your picnic.
If you want to eat out, but don’t want to splash the cash, there’s a Wetherspoons and a McDonalds opposite Windsor Castle. Plus, chains like Franco Manco offer meals under £10.
If you want to visit the castle, definitely book in advance. Tickets cost several pounds more on the day.
For travel costs, train tickets can be pricey. However, the 702 bus service (from London Victoria to Legoland) offers single tickets for just £3. Yes, it takes longer, but you’ll save so much money!
Plus, looking is free! Windsor is filled with pretty spots to wander around and admire without spending any money. Your day out in Windsor doesn’t have to be expensive if you plan in advance.
Wear comfy shoes for The Long Walk
When you’re planning your trip to Windsor, you’ll probably want to visit The Long Walk. It’s a quintessential Windsor view and one of the most iconic spots in the town. But, wear comfy shoes if you want to do the full walk. As the name suggests, it’s a long way!
Created by King Charles II in 1682-85, the tree-lined avenue stretches almost 2.5 miles from the gates of Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue depicting King George III.
It’s also one long path, with a main road cutting through the middle. There aren’t facilities along the way, although The Two Brewers is by the castle gates, and The Windsor Castle pub is a good pitstop along the route.
If you want to find out which pubs we love in the area, don’t miss our guide to the best pub gardens in Windsor.
Don’t come to Windsor and only visit the castle
There’s so much more to Windsor than its famous castle! I’ve already mentioned popping over the bridge Eton, but I’d also recommend visiting Windsor Royal Arcade. Inside, you’ll find several lovely shops, restaurants and cafes. It’s a real destination in itself.
If you’re peckish, you can’t go wrong with the fluffy and delicious cinnamon buns at Cinnamon Café – one of the best cafes in Windsor.
Avoid Windsor’s tourist traps
Ok, this is probably easier said than done. You’re visiting Windsor for the first time, so how do you spot the tourist traps? Well, checking reviews will help a lot. Some pubs, cafes and restaurants have lots of bad reviews from previous customers, so you’re probably better off avoiding them.
There are a lot of souvenir shops near the castle. Many sell cheap tat at inflated prices. It’s up to you if you want to buy this stuff, but I’d think twice as much of it is poor quality. Venturing just a few minutes further from the main tourist area and you’ll find better options.
Get a little lost in Windsor
Since I moved to Windsor, some of my favourite moments have involved getting a bit lost. Sure, I start with a plan, but then I meander a few streets away and discover something amazing.
This is a town filled with beautiful streets, colourful gardens, hidden gems and characterful spots. Sometimes, it’s nice to get off the beaten track and see what you discover.
Book restaurants in advance
Windsor can be extremely busy at weekends and in peak summertime, so if you can, I’d recommend booking restaurants in advance. It’ll mean you can maximise your time sightseeing, as you won’t waste time queueing. Plus, you can guarantee you’ll get a meal somewhere you really want to eat.
Many restaurants in town will accept walk-ins, but you may have to wait for a table during busy periods.
There are some restaurants with large capacities, so those will be easier to find a table on the day. Chain restaurants such as Browns, The Ivy, Bill’s, All Bar One, Wagamama and Cote (on the other side by Eton) are all good options to try for walk-ins.
Escape the centre for a more authentic experience
If you’ve only got a day in the town, you’ll want to see visit the famous sights. But, if you walk 10 minutes from the heart of town, you’ll find places where the locals hang out.
One of my favourite pubs, The Vansittart Arms is a short walk from action, but offers a quieter and more authentic experience. Plus, you’re more likely to get a table here on a busy day in peak season, than at the pubs near Windsor castle.
Visit Windsor’s breweries
Did you know Windsor is home to several brilliant breweries? You might think, let’s go to Windsor and enjoy a traditional pub experience. But, if you’re into your beers, you might prefer checking out one of the local breweries.
They’re all tucked away in a cool spot under the railway arches. You could easily spend the afternoon on brewery crawl, enjoying a drink at Two Flints, Indie Rabble and Windsor and Eton Brewery!
There’s also craft beer shop, A Hoppy Place on St. Leonards Road, where you can pop in, have a drink and buy a few cans to take home (or enjoy by the river in the sunshine).
Explore more of Windsor Great Park
If you have a car, and can spend a bit more time in the area, I’d recommend exploring slightly further afield. Windsor Great Park is vast, covering over 4,800 acres. While it has a history of being a royal hunting ground, these days it’s the perfect spot for a summer stroll, a dog walk or a place to spot wildlife.
Here are a few of my favourite areas outside of the centre of Windsor:
- Visit the Deer Park and see some of the 500 strong red deer. Rumour has it they are direct descendants of deer kept there by Henry VIII!
- Wander the beautiful 2-mile-long trail around the lake at Virginia Water. If you’re into horticulture, you’ll see lots of beautiful summer flowers here too.
- Book tickets to visit The Savill Garden, which sits next to Virginia Water within the park.
- Kids will love Adventure Play – the huge woodland playground within Windsor Great Park, which features treehouses, climbing frames, slides, walkways and activities.
I hope this guide helps you plan your first trip to Windsor. While I’d consider it one of the best day trip destinations in England, it’s also somewhere that will leave you wanting to return. Once you’ve ticked off the central attractions, you might want to come back to explore places further afield, or extend your trip with a day at Legoland Resort Windsor.
Looking for more tips for visiting Windsor? Check out these guides:
- 13 Things To Know Before Your First Visit To Windsor
- Spending One Day In Windsor: The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
- How To Travel From London To Windsor
- When Is The Best Time To Visit Windsor?
- 17 Fun Facts About Windsor, England
- 20 Amazing Things To Do In Windsor In Summer
- 9 Best Things To Do In Windsor In The Rain