Things to Do Just Steps from Windsor Castle

Uncover the best activities and attractions near Windsor Castle.

Published: March 21, 2025
 Windsor Castle

Welcome to Windsor, home to the magnificent Windsor Castle. As one of the most famous residences of the British monarchy, it attracts visitors from around the globe. Yet, there’s much more to see beyond its grand walls. The surrounding area offers a delightful mix of historical sites, scenic walks, and charming spots to relax. From exploring quaint villages to indulging in local flavours, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the top things to do near Windsor Castle and make your trip memorable! 

The Long Walk 

Start your adventure with a leisurely stroll down The Long Walk. This majestic tree-lined avenue leads from the gates of Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue. Enjoy the expansive views, peaceful environment, and opportunities to spot local wildlife. It’s an iconic spot perfect for a scenic walk or a picturesque picnic. 

Windsor Great Park 

Nearby, Windsor Great Park offers a vast expanse of natural beauty. With ornamental gardens, ancient woodlands, and tranquil lakes, it’s a haven for nature lovers. Explore the park’s history and charm, and don't miss the colourful displays of the Savill Garden. The serene atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it a peaceful retreat. 

Eton College 

Just a short walk from Windsor, Eton College is a prestigious institution known for its stunning architecture. Take a guided tour to explore its historic buildings and learn about its famous alumni, including many royals who call Windsor Castle home from time to time. The charming village of Eton, with its boutique shops and cozy cafes, offers a delightful setting for an afternoon visit. 

Windsor Royal Station

Windsor Royal Station

Enjoy a unique shopping experience at Windsor Royal Station, a Victorian railway station turned shopping centre. Browse an array of boutiques, gourmet eateries, and specialty stores in this charming setting. The blend of historic architecture and modern retail makes it a delightful stop for shoppers and history buffs alike. 

Theatre Royal Windsor 

Catch a show at the Theatre Royal Windsor, a historic venue offering a rich program of plays, musicals, and concerts. With its intimate setting and classic decor, it provides a memorable theatre experience. Whether it's a timeless classic or a contemporary production, the theatre offers something special for every audience. 

The Two Brewers 

Stop by The Two Brewers, a traditional English pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy classic pub fare, such as fish and chips or a hearty pie. The cozy interior and friendly service make it a perfect spot to relax and indulge after a day of exploring. 

Runnymede 

Visit the historic site of Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. Explore the lush meadows, memorials, and art installations that celebrate history and liberty. The peaceful setting by the River Thames offers a reflective and inspiring visit, surrounded by nature and history. 

Dorney Court 

Explore Dorney Court, a stunning Tudor manor house with beautifully maintained gardens. Discover the rich history and architecture as you wander through its charming rooms and picturesque grounds. The tranquil setting and historical charm make it a wonderful choice for a leisurely afternoon visit. 

Alexander Gardens

Alexander Gardens

Relax in Alexander Gardens, where you can enjoy beautifully manicured flower beds and stunning river views. This peaceful park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet picnic. The calm ambiance and scenic surroundings make it a delightful escape in the heart of Windsor. 

Windsor Farm Shop 

Discover the Windsor Farm Shop, where you can find a fabulous selection of locally sourced produce. Explore the range of gourmet treats, from fresh meats to artisanal cheeses. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for food lovers searching for quality products. 

Savill Garden 

Admire the lush beauty of Savill Garden, part of the Windsor Great Park. Discover seasonal blooms, carefully designed landscapes, and tranquil water features. The garden offers a serene escape into nature’s beauty, inviting you to relax and explore its vibrant displays. 

Ascot Racecourse 

Experience the thrill of Ascot Racecourse, one of the UK’s leading horse racing venues. Enjoy the excitement of race day, the elegance of the crowd, and the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a prestigious event that promises a memorable day steeped in tradition and fun. 

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Virginia Water Lake 

Discover the natural beauty of Virginia Water Lake, where you can enjoy serene walks and scenic views. The tranquil setting and beautiful landscapes make it an ideal spot for photography, picnics, and leisurely strolls. It’s a wonderful place to soak in nature and unwind. 

Eton Antique Bookshop 

Browse rare finds at Eton Antique Bookshop, a treasure trove for book enthusiasts. Discover unique editions, classic novels, and literary gems tucked away in this charming shop. The friendly atmosphere and eclectic collection make it a must-visit for book lovers. 

The Duchess of Cambridge 

Dine at The Duchess of Cambridge, a warm and inviting pub offering delicious cuisine and local ales. The lively atmosphere, coupled with tasty dishes such as steak and ale pie, makes it a delightful dining option. Its cozy charm and flavourful menu provide a perfect end to your day. 

 

For more royal fun, head into London and check out fun facts about the Tower of London, as well as our guide to the capital’s best parks

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This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

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London Insider Travel Tips: Sightseeing on a Budget

Ensure you have the perfect visit to London with some London insider travel tips and tricks! Everyone does their research before they get to London, but does anyone consider the best practices once they get there? You don’t want to travel around London unawares or unprepared, so here’s a list of travel tips to make your trip just that bit easier. From how to make the most out of your sightseeing, to downloading the best travel apps and guides, stay one step ahead. See more, and spend less - Sightseeing in the city When you get to London the first thing most people want to do is explore the rich culture and history on offer. Just looking around the city, London has buildings that date back centuries waiting to be explored, not to mention picture-perfect landmarks and monuments for that all important selfie. To take the stress and cost out of sightseeing The London Pass is the ultimate package to unlock all the best London attractions for a snip of the price. 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In the more ethnic areas you’ll also find great Thai restaurants and curry houses in North London. The options are endless!   The best downloadable Travel guides and apps Everyone has a mobile or smartphone these days and most can’t live without a stream of information at their fingertips. One of the best things to download before you go is a handy travel app you can use offline whilst you’re exploring London. The London Pass® has an app which is your guide to the city, providing you with a list of useful information from attraction opening times, to ideas for days out – and exclusive pass holder offers if you sync your London Pass with your App when you arrive. As well as this you can use their handy maps for the underground to get you from A to B. Another useful App to help you get around London is CityMapper which will help you plan the quickest route – which might often be on foot. The BBC Weather App is another great one, just so you know what to wear for the day ahead! 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In case of emergency, carry your mobile phone on you at all times – and not just for those spontaneous selfies! Make sure you save the number 999 if you don’t already know it which will hotline you through to the Emergency services. Save some in case of emergency phone numbers in your phone as well, should someone need to get hold of your next of kin whilst you’re on holiday.  
Kirsten McCroskrie
Kirsten McCroskrie
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Kirsten McCroskrie
Kirsten McCroskrie

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