Explore Royal Borough of Windsor

A couple weeks ago, we launched the ‘Because I’m a Londoner’ campaign at Heathrow with a focus on Hounslow. This week the focus is on the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

The borough is famed for its castle, theme park, riverside, fantastic restaurants and racecourses. A visit here really does spoil you for choice for things to see and do.

Wander Around Windsor Castle

This is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and it is stepped in British history. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs, including the present-day Queen. It is open throughout the year to visitors and it is very easy to spend all day here!

At weekends, in August and September, the East Terrace Garden is open to the public with over 3,500 rose bushes and great views from the raised terraces. There are child-friendly art activities available here too.

Inside you will find on display the ‘Pantomime’ Pictures. These 16 fairytale scenes were painted during the Second World War to decorate the Waterloo Chamber for Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret's festive, fundraising pantomimes.

For a break head to the Undercroft Café within a building created in the 1360s by Edward III - it sells great sandwiches, salads and cakes.

See the Guidhall

Windsor Guildhall was built in 1689 to be the focus of civic life and it is today still a popular wedding and events venue. The iconic, grade 1 listed building has hosted a number of royal and celebrity weddings and civil ceremonies, including that of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and Sir Elton John and David Furnish.

​Hop On a Tour

A great way to see the key sights of the town is on one of the many open top, hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses. However, if you fancy something a little different how about these tours...

​French Brothers Boat Trips- Explore the River Thames on a 40-minute relaxing river cruise from Windsor with live commentary. Spot wildlife, stunning riverside homes and soak up history as you pass Eton College and head back past the castle. 

Windsor Duck Tour - A road and river experience beginning in the heart of Windsor before splashing down into the River Thames. Entertainment is provided by knowledgeable and humorous live guides.

Spot Wildlife 

Windsor Great Park is 4,800 acres, you will discover a Royal history spanning over 1,000 years, including - historical monuments, ancient forests and stunning horticultural displays, as well as rare wildlife, plants and fungi.​​ Horse drawn carriage tours go from the park, more here.​

Go Shopping

The town centre has a fantastic range of shops as well as ​Daniel department store, a family run business that opened in 1918. It sells a huge range of goods from furniture to fashion, toys to stationary.​ Windsor Royal Station houses premium fashion and beauty retailers and a selection of restaurants within a beautiful 1850s station. ​

Immerse Yourself In An Escape Room

‘Escape in 60’- If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a bit of a Sherlock Holmes then this could be for you. There are three different escape room experiences to choose from and you get clues to find and puzzles to solve in order to escape within the hour. Suitable for 2 – 10 players from ages 7 upwards. 

‘Escape Experience’ - Test your skills at this interactive and immersive escape room in central Windsor. You have 60 minutes on the clock to escape. 

Watch A Film From Your Car At Ascot Racecourse

Ascot racecourse is located 7 miles from central Windsor and for two weeks ​The Luna Cinema big screen is there showing a host of fantastic movies that you can watch from the comfort and safety of your own car. Disney favourites including Aladdin, The Lion King, Toy Story 4 and Frozen 2. All-time favourites include Pretty Woman, Jurassic Park and Pulp Fiction, while musical lovers will find The Greatest Showman, La La Land or Grease. Prices from £29.50 per car.

Go On Rides and See A World Made of Lego at LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND Windsor is for adults and children alike, the theme park includes 55 rides and attractions including Miniland, an area where towns and cities from around the world are depicted, using nearly 40 million Lego bricks. The theme park currently has discounts on full day and afternoon only tickets throughout August and September, starting from £19 per person when booked online. Click here for more. 

Take To The Sky In A Flight Simulator

Fly a Spitfire in the neighbouring town of Maidenhead. The Maidenhead Heritage Centre is currently housing a Spitfire exhibition and simulator experience with replica flight controls and a wide screen pilot view. The Heritage Centre itself is free to enter and shows the history of Maidenhead and its surroundings, including the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), which was headquartered at White Waltham airfield during World War II.

We couldn't fit everything there is to see and do in the borough into this article and so for more options and further information please read on here.