Our Top 5 things to do in Windsor
1 - Windsor Great Park
Windsor Castle needs no introduction. But the parkland that surrounds the royal residence holds secret delights that should not go undiscovered. Windsor Great Park is a fantastic day out for the whole family, be that a couple or those with a couple of children.
There is so much to see here. The iconic Long Walk leading down to the majestic turrets of the castle is lined with ancient oaks and chestnut trees. Arguably just as well known as the walk itself are the Red Deer that call this park of their home. Established over 70 years ago by the then Park Ranger, the late Duke of Edinburgh, the 500-strong flock roam the grounds freely. So accustomed to the throngs of daily visitors, the deer are content being close to us humans and have even been known to pose for pictures.
South of Windsor Castle you’ll find a world of outstanding gardens to explore. The Valley Gardens are a true feast for the eyes. With a horticultural collection to impress the most seasoned eye, this spectacular undulating valley of shapes and colours changes with the seasons, so you’ll never see the same garden twice. The Savill Gardens is the collective name for 35 interconnected gardens full of imagination. Meander through The New Zealand Garden and transport yourself to the lush green and wild colours of the southern hemisphere. Or why not discover the Hidden Garden with its charming topiary, tunnels, and archways?
But that’s not all. Take a walk round the glittering Virginia Water Lake to see the rushing cascades at one end and a brightly painted 100ft high totem pole at the other. Take a look at the map of the entire park to get an idea of the scale and all the other wonderful things to discover.
FAQs
Is Windsor Great Park dog-friendly?
Dogs are permitted in many of the public spaces within the park. Where dogs are allowed, they must be kept on a lead. You can find a detailed guide with all rules relating to dogs here.
Where can I park the car at Windsor Great Park?
There are car parks at various points around the grounds. You can find out which would be the most convenient depending on your plans here. Parking will cost £12 for 3 hrs or more.
Can you buy food and drink at Windsor Great Park?
There are plenty of take away spots for coffees and sweet treats around the park. For a more substantial breakfast, lunch or dinner option, Virginia Water Pavilion Café offers a weekly changing menu of Italian home-made family recipes. At The Savill Garden Kitchen you’ll find a great selection of pizzas, burgers and salads with great vegetarian and vegan options. Picnics are unfortunately not allowed on the grounds.
What are the opening times of Windsor Great Park?
The Great Park is open from first light until dusk and is free all year round. Additional charges apply to The Savill Gardens where adult admission is priced at £13.50, under 16’s at £5.50 and under 5s go free.
2 - Windsor and Eton Brewery
Just a 15min taxi ride from De Vere Beaumont Estate lies the Windsor & Eton Brewery. The founders of this craft beer lover’s heaven have made their dream a reality, with award winning beers being served in their very own taproom and all over the inns of Windsor. They’re so good, they’re even stocked in Waitrose.
The flavour of their beers is as deep as the knowledge and passion shared on their brewery tours. Catering for everyone from the solo hop enthusiast to smaller and larger groups, the tour will guide you through their labour of love. And just when your thirst begins to peak, you’ll sit down to a guided tasting of around 7-8 of their best-loved beers.
Ales with names worthy of a storybook and bottle designs to match can be supped alongside a mouth-watering menu. The BBQ sharing board is a house favourite with spicy ribs, buffalo chicken wings, pork pie, and of course, a Scotch egg. All this served with served slaw and habanero sauce. Pizzas, Salads, Fajitas and Burgers are also on the menu with all dietary requirements impressively catered for.
Live music, quizzes and beer festivals litter the Windsor & Eton Brewery calendar, so make sure you take a look if you’re planning a visit. And, when it’s time to go home, their take-away bottle boxes and kegs make for a full-flavoured memory of your visit.
FAQs
What time does the Windsor and Eton Brewery open?
The brewery is open from 10am – 10pm Monday to Saturday with a shorter day on Sunday from 10 – 7pm.
Do they serve anything other than beer?
The well-stocked bar serves a delicious selection of wines and spirits as well as soft drinks.
Are dogs allowed in the tap room?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the main taproom and water bowls are provided.
3 - Legoland
LEGOLAND is the definition of family fun. This place seriously has it all, for kids of all ages and for the kid at heart. You’ll find rollercoasters, 4D films, Lego creation studios, live shows, water rides, train rides, sky rides and interactive zones throughout the park. Little ones can even get their Legoland driving licence at the LEGO City Driving School riding around in their very own LEGO car.
The park is split into different worlds and kingdoms to explore. The latest addition is LEGO MYTHICA: World of mythical creatures. Experience weightlessness the Fire & Ice Freefall, the spinning tower ride. Rocket skywards on the UK’s first flying theatre where you’ll glide over the realms with Maximus the sky lion.
Marvel in Miniland at the 40 million bricks it took to build hundreds of world-famous landmarks from around Europe and the USA, before stopping at Wafflemeister for a chocolate-drizzled wafflepop.
For the smaller LEGO fan, DUPLO Valley is home to the bright bricks of the DUPLO Dino Coaster that soars around the park. Stop off at the DUPLO airport chance to be your very own helicopter pilot and use the controls onboard to propel yourselves up and down and round.
Prebooked tickets are a must to save you both time and money. LEGOLAND opens from 10am and has several naughty yet delicious dining options dotted around the park to keep you well fuelled for all the fun.
FAQs
Where can I park at LEGOLAND?
The carpark is right by the main ticket office at the park entrance. Book online to buy your parking ticket for the day. Print your ticket at home and avoid the queues when you get there, so you can get straight to the fun part.
Can I get any discounts for LEGOLAND?
Booking early online will save you a lot of money. You can also get exclusive offers if you download the free LEGOLAND app. The app has an interactive map of the park, live queue times, a helpful day planner, plus games you can play to continue the adventure when you get home.
Are there any height restrictions on the rides?
There are plenty of rides with no height restrictions to limit your fun, but some of the rides do have some minimum requirements with the tallest standing at just 1.3m. You can find a list of all the height restrictions here.
What’s the best time to go to LEGOLAND?
Like any outdoor activity LEGOLAND is best in the spring and summer. LEGOLAND opens for February half term and more regularly from mid-march onwards. In October, the Spectacular Halloween events are well worth the ticket prices. The firework displays in November are a pyrotechnic wonder and a fitting ending for the year as it closes until selected dates for Christmas events in December. You can check dates on their calendar.
4 - Theatre Royal Windsor
A trip to the theatre is one of life’s great pleasures. And the Theatre Royal Windsor offers a quintessentially dramatic experience. Just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, the theatre has a majestic 200-year-old history and is as popular today as it was when its story began in the time of King George II. With its lush red velvet seats, high ceiling, and vast crystal chandelier, this example of theatre décor will not disappoint. The gold gilded boxes offer a premium view of both the stage and the audience, but that’s not all. This theatre has an option to watch the action eye-to-eye with the actors with on-stage seats.
A-list actors tread the boards of this theatre. Ian McKellen, Iain Glen and James Cordon have all starred in their productions. The calendar is always stacked with impressive features the whole year round, so make sure you check ahead for what’s on. Tickets are reasonably priced for the quality of these productions, starting at just £25.
Surprisingly, it’s not all about theatre in its classical form. The Theatre Royal Windsor is a venue for music, comedies, Opera and dance. There are productions for families with children and more extreme thrillers for adults that would make the bravest person shiver. So, even if the theatre isn’t at the top of your wish list, there’s sure to be something to you’ll enjoy.
That includes the theatre tours which are a not to be missed. Your guide will tell you tales of its colourful history as well as the ghostly happenings seen and heard around the theatre. You’ll then go backstage and a get a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes magic of the current production. The tours are listed in the calendar and are booked just like a normal theatre ticket.
FAQs
Where’s best to park near the Theatre Royal Windsor?
The closest car parks can be found a very short walk from the Windsor theatre. River Street Car Park has free toilets on site and you can pay by card. Alternatively, Castle Pay and Display is also very nearby and is open 24 hrs.
Does the Theatre Royal Windsor have accessible performances?
The Windsor theatre has several accessible performances on its calendar and is committed to increasing its offering. A ListenIR Infrared System for the hard of hearing is available where you can pick up a headset for a returnable deposit of £5. Assistance dogs are welcome at the theatre and discounted companion tickets are available.
Do I have to book, or can I just turn up?
Booking is always advisable at the Theatre Royal Windsor, for the best seats and to avoid disappointment, especially on weekend evenings and matinees. However, weekday matinees are occasionally available at a slightly cheaper rate if you just turn up.
Can you buy food and drink at the Theatre Royal Windsor?
The Theatre Royal Windsor offers a wide selection of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. A range of confectionary is also available. You can pre-order drinks and snacks from the bar to be prepared for the interval if you wish. Apart from your own bottled water, it’s not permitted to bring your own food or drink into the theatre.
5 - Royal Windsor Racecourse
A day at Royal Windsor Racecourse is a unique experience. With its royal connections and long noble history dating back to the 1600s, this racecourse has a special place in the heart of the horse racing world.
Whether you enjoy a flutter or not, the atmosphere is both electric and entertaining. Regular racing days happen from April to October at weekends and on Monday nights in the summer months, with some special events for December planned each year. Ladies Days, Gin & Fizz Days, Prosecco Parties and Rum & Reggae Days are all a fixture of their calendar.
The betting speaks for itself with the usual bookkeepers and Tote options available. But perhaps more infamous than the betting is the dress code. Depending on what enclosure you go for, there is a strict dress code to follow. The most prestigious is The Heidsieck Club Enclosure where you’ll find those dressed to impress. Even little ones, who are more than welcome, are encouraged to dress smartly, although there is no formal code for children. This enclosure boasts the best position next to the winning post and a large TV screen to see all the action in HD detail. A ticket to The Heidsieck Club comes with a high level of access to everything you’d expect, including the Pre-Parade Ring to inspect the specimens before they race and the Bottega Terrazza restaurant, exclusive to this enclosure.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed affair at Royal Windsor Racecourse, the Silver Ring Enclosure will suit you down to a tee. It’s the only area guests are permitted to bring their own picnics. Although it is the furthest enclose from the winning post, you’ll still enjoy a fantastic view over the track, and not a dress code in sight.
FAQs
Where is the best place to stay near Royal Windsor Racecourse?
De Vere Beaumont Estate is just a 16-minute taxi ride away, so you can leave as late as you wish with no long journey home. We can also order a taxi for you to save you from searching for a local company before your event.
What food options are there at Windsor Racecourse?
The 1866 Restaurant looks out on to the finishing straight. Together with TVs and inside betting facilities you can enjoy a comfortable and delicious race day experience. Or, the award-winning Gastro Steakhouse is located in the Victorian Grandstand, just a few steps away from the finishing post. Top-quality cuts from around the world make for a delectable dining option.
Is there good disabled access at the Windsor Racecourse?
The racecourse has disabled parking spaces. There are also disabled toilets at various points in the venue. For those hard of hearing, hearing aid loops are available at the main office. There are lifts to all floors in the main grandstand and to the Paddock Pavillion ground floor. A full list of further facilities and details can be found here.
Can I buy tickets online or can I purchase them on the day?
It’s worth buying tickets online at least 48 hrs in advance of the event to get a discount. However, you can also buy them at the entrance gate. Payment will be taken by card-only.
