Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Windsor is one of Britain’s most charming and culturally rich towns. Famous for its royal connections, stunning castle, historic parks and thriving arts and culinary scene, Windsor offers the perfect blend of heritage, creativity, and relaxation.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or enjoying a weekend escape, here are the top 10 things to do and see in Windsor.

1. Explore Windsor Castle – A Royal Icon

No trip to Windsor is complete without a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and one of His Majesty The King's official residences. Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, the castle invites you to wander through lavish State Apartments, marvel at treasures from the Royal Collection, and witness the Changing of the Guard – a quintessentially British spectacle.

Don’t miss St. George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the burial site of monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II and Henry VIII. Families and collectors alike will enjoy Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the world’s most famous dolls’ house, celebrating its centenary.

Pro tip: Book Windsor Castle tickets in advance to secure your preferred timeslot.

2. Walk the Long Walk and Discover Windsor Great Park

For nature lovers and walkers, The Long Walk is a must. This tree-lined avenue stretches three miles from Windsor Castle gates into Windsor Great Park, a 5,000-acre royal park teeming with wildlife, ancient oak trees and scenic lakes.

Whether you’re walking, cycling, or simply soaking up the views, the park offers a peaceful contrast to the town’s historic heart. It’s also a great spot for picnics and deer spotting.

3. Visit Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

Located in the elegant Windsor Guildhall, the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum offers fascinating insights into local life through interactive exhibits and artefacts – from a 100,000-year-old mammoth tusk to a model of the Hawker Hurricane plane, designed by local hero Sir Sydney Camm.

An audio trail shares stories from Windsor residents, making this an engaging stop for both kids and history buffs.

4. Explore the Free Eton College Museums

Across the bridge in Eton, discover not one but three free museums within the prestigious Eton College grounds. Open to the public on Sunday afternoons, these include:

• The Natural History Museum – featuring over 16,000 specimens.

• The Museum of Antiquities – showcasing Greek, Roman and Egyptian artefacts.

• The Museum of Eton Life – detailing the life and traditions of Etonians past and present.

Perfect for a relaxed and enriching afternoon, especially for families or curious minds.

5. Discover Windsor’s Thriving Art Scene

Art lovers should head to Piper Art Bar, a unique combination of whisky bar and art gallery, known for its warm Scottish hospitality and curated exhibitions. Enjoy a dram from over 160 whiskies, or tuck into traditional dishes like haggis and Scotch pies in the cosy bar or sunny courtyard garden.

For a deeper dive into British art, the Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in Eton showcases an impressive collection of contemporary Scottish and British paintings, as well as beautiful Zimbabwean Shona sculpture. Many artists featured are internationally recognised, with regular exhibitions and art fairs held throughout the year.

6. Sip and Sample at Windsor & Eton Brewery

Beer lovers rejoice – Windsor has a brewery worth celebrating. Windsor & Eton Brewery (also known as WEBREW) brought brewing back to the town in 2010, and today it’s a thriving hub of local flavour and sustainability.

Join one of their fun and informative brewery tours, including the Duke Street Experience or the Brew Masters Tour, to learn about traditional brewing and sample local favourites like Guardsman or Knight of the Garter.

7. Dine by the Thames at The Boatman

If you’re looking for riverside dining with a view, The Boatman is Windsor’s only proper riverside pub. Enjoy seasonal British cuisine from their terrace, conservatory, or cosy bar, all with views of boats drifting along the Thames.

Dog-friendly and family-welcoming, this relaxed spot is perfect for lunch, dinner, or just a well-earned drink after exploring the town.

8. Stay in Style: Windsor’s Best Hotels

For an overnight stay, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The Macdonald Windsor Hotel offers luxury right in the town centre, just steps from the castle. With its stylish interiors and excellent service, it's an ideal base for exploring Windsor and beyond.

For a more secluded escape, check into Oakley Court, a riverside Victorian mansion turned luxury retreat. Set within 35 acres of grounds, this hotel features a health spa, tennis courts, and riverside dining – perfect for those seeking both relaxation and refinement.

9. Cruise the River Thames

The River Thames is one of Windsor’s most scenic assets, especially along the historic stretch from Hurley to Runnymede. Stroll the Thames Path or explore the river itself with a boat trip or guided cruise.

Several local operators offer everything from relaxed sightseeing tours to private boat hire – a perfect way to enjoy iconic views of Windsor Castle and the surrounding countryside from the water.

10. Experience Horse Racing at Royal Windsor Racecourse

Horse racing holds a special place in Windsor’s royal heritage. Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong passion for the sport, and today His Majesty The King continues the tradition with horses racing in the family’s iconic colours: purple with gold braid, scarlet sleeves, and a black velvet cap.

For fans of racing, the Royal Windsor Racecourse is a must-visit. Set on a scenic island beside the Thames, the course hosts flat racing from April to October, including afternoon and evening meets, family days, and live music events. You can even arrive by boat from Windsor Promenade—making it one of the most unique racing experiences in the country.

Plan Your Visit to Windsor

Whether you're drawn by its royal heritage, riverside charm or artistic flair, Windsor is a destination that caters to every kind of traveller. From castle tours and scenic walks to contemporary galleries and craft beer, it offers a quintessentially British experience – all within easy reach of London.

We intentionally don’t include photo captions—our aim is to encourage you to visit the featured brand’s website and explore their work in full context.

Amazing Britain is the ultimate online magazine celebrating the very best Britain offers to discerning visitors. Showcasing food, fashion, art, interiors, hotels, drinks, and more, we fly the flag globally for British creativity, craftsmanship, and culture — uncovering hidden gems and iconic experiences that make the UK truly one of a kind. For more stories celebrating Britain’s most inspiring creatives, keep exploring at AmazingBritain.com