Half Term

Wrap up warm this February half term and enjoy some fantastic winter days out with family and friends in the Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead area.

Find the perfect place to stay where you can relax and get cosy after a day's exploring; choose a lovely hotel, guest accommodation or self-catering apartment.

Explore the winter menus in our local restaurants and enjoy a warming meal after a day’s sightseeing.

Look out for special February half term family activities at many of our attractions and don’t forget that tickets for many events and attractions can be purchased via the Windsor online shop.

Live Big this February half term with South Western Railway

Live Big this February! Travel by train to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and save an extra 1/3 on Advance tickets when you book through southwesternrailway.com.

Why not use Windsor and Maidenhead as your base from which to head up to London?  With your train tickets also giving you 2FOR1 entry at hundreds of London and network-wide attractions and restaurant meals, you'll have more money in your pocket to spend on having a great time. Book anytime up until 23:59 the day before you travel and be as spontaneous as you like.

There’s a whole world of fun and excitement waiting to be discovered on South Western Railway’s network. Time to unleash your inner adventurer and live big.

Top 10 things to do in and around Windsor this half term

Explore our top ten ideas for indoor and outdoor half term family activities in the Windsor and Maidenhead area, whatever the weather! 

1. Windsor Castle – Charge the Castle!

This February, take part in art workshops and, on selected dates, get up close and personal with some armour and weaponry from the Middle Ages as the Castle Learning Team is joined by medieval historical interpreters.

2. Watch Changing the Guard

The guard march is an amazing sight on Windsor’s high street.  In February Changing the Guard will take place at 11:00, weather permitting, on Saturdays, Tuesday and Thursdays.

If you are already in Windsor Castle, you’ll be able to witness the ‘guard change’ ceremony in the lower ward at 11:00.  If you are in the town centre, head to the high street about 10:45 and again at 11:20 where you can see the guards and their band marching on the streets.  It’s a fabulous sight!

3. Winter on the River Thames

Winter is here, there's a chill in the air and perhaps you're stuck for what to do...

Why not take to the river and see the finest view of her majesty's favourite home?

French Brothers Boats offer 40-minute sailings throughout the winter season and half term.

Hot and cold drinks are available on board as well as light snacks, so what are you waiting for?

Head down to the promenade for a warm welcome on one of their fully heated weatherproof boats, for great value winter fun!

Or experience road and river with Windsor Duck Tours.  Book in advance and climb aboard the duck outside the Theatre Royal for a tour with a difference!

4. Cliveden’s Tree Trail and Snowdrops

During February half term, discover the many wild and wonderful trees that call Cliveden ‘home’.  Children can take on the role of nature detectives and explore Cliveden’s gardens and woodlands, finishing up with a tree-themed craft to take home. Trails cost £2 per child plus usual admission prices to the estate (admission is free for National Trust members). The trail is recommended for ages 4-11 and dog-friendly.

Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to bloom at Cliveden and the first clusters of these pearly white plants have already appeared.  You can pick up a snowdrop walk leaflet, free of charge, from the information centre in the Walled Garden car park and also keep an eye on snowdrop sightings by visiting Cliveden’s Snowdrop Watch page.

4. Legoland Windsor Junior Builder Week

Whilst the theme park is closed, February half term is Junior Builder Week at Legoland Windsor Resort. Your overnight package includes fun LEGO® Build activities and awesome entertainment during your stay.

6. Fresh air, winter walks

Avoid cabin fever this half term and get out for a brisk winter walk. The royal borough is home to some wonderful countryside and open spaces.  If you are in central Windsor, the Long Walk – gateway to the beautiful Great Park and with the Copper Horse in the far distance – is right on your doorstep.  With its wide, tree-lined avenue it is perfect for blowing away the cobwebs. 

Windsor Great Park itself offers thousands of acres of open space making it perfect for a family bike ride, a dog walk or a run and you can reward yourself afterwards with a warming drink and bite to eat in The Savill Building’s restaurant or café.  Older children will love the mountain bike trails starting at the Look Out in Swinley Forest.

7. Arty family activities at Norden Farm

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts is the place for all your children’s entertainment this February half term. Whether your children are into music, art, dance, theatre, or film, there’s plenty to choose from.  Live shows this February half term range from the Amazing Bubble Man to an interactive rap musical!  The whole family can enjoy a day bursting with activities and performances, with free parking on site and a Café Bar serving adult and children’s menus.

8.  Go horse racing

Ascot racecourse offers free entry for under 18s.  On Saturday 16 February, enjoy Betfair Ascot Chase Raceday, one of the most important jumps fixtures in Ascot’s racing calendar.

9. Indoor activities

Jump In Trampoline Arena ticks boxes for all age groups, from pre-school children to teenagers. 

Windsor’s Jelly Lounge Family Club offers town-centre soft play for ages 0-8 with some February half term activities thrown in for good measure.

Unlock Windsor’s newest experience, Escape Experience; keep calm, find clues, solve puzzles and crack codes in order to escape.  It’s a family experience you’ll never forget!

10. Museums

Take a trip into Eton on Sunday afternoon and explore Eton College’s museums for free: Museum of Eton Life, Natural History Museum and Antiquities Museum.

Windsor and The Royal Borough Museum will be running half term activities for 4-11 year olds.