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.

Don't forget to check out our Special Offers pages too for some great deals on accommodation and meals out.

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 – Bonnets, Bustles and Top Hats

Immerse yourself in the stylish and flamboyant world of Victorian fashion at this Windsor Castle Half Term family activity. Step into one of our spectacular costumes or make a Victorian fashion accessory.  Hear the captivating story of Queen Victoria’s wedding, which took place 180 years ago this month. Taking place on every Saturday throughout the month, plus daily during half term (15 – 23).

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 Love Half Term trail

It’s 1737 and love is in the air… Prince Frederick of Wales and his sweetheart, Augusta of Saxony-Gotha are arranging a secret meeting at Cliveden. Take a romantic stroll around the grounds, tackle some challenges and gather up clues to reveal where the couple should meet to declare their love in this Love Half Term trail at Cliveden! 

5. Legoland Windsor Resort opens for the first time at February half term

For the first time, families will be welcomed to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort for February half term to celebrate Brick Week. This special event will run from 15 until 23 February 2020 with 20 awesome rides and attractions to enjoy and exclusive brick building activities for all the family.

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. Be entertained at our arts centres

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 a brand new show on the Tudors from the critically-acclaimed History of the Unexpected team to String Fever, ‘the world’s first genetically modified string quartet’!  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 15 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.  

Unlock the clues at Windsor’s two escape rooms: Escape Experience and Escape in 60.  Keep calm, find clues, solve puzzles and crack codes in order to escape.  It’s a family experience you’ll never forget!

10. Museums and galleries

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.  Read all about it in our blog. The Antiquities Museum are running a special Ancient Egypt Activity trail on Thursday 20th Feb.

Come and explore Symbolic Shields at Windsor and The Royal Borough Museum on Tuesday 18 February (morning and afternoon sessions).  Discover the Armorial Bearings of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. You will explore crests and shields designed for royalty, knights and guilds to celebrate the House and Family of Windsor. What symbols would you use to design your own family coat of arms? 

If you are a fan of art then you will be impressed to learn that the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the completion of one of Stanley’s most famous paintings: Swan Upping at Cookham, 1915-19.  

The title of the painting refers to the ancient ritual of Swan Upping which takes place each July when swans and their cygnets are lifted from the River Thames and marked to show ownership by either the Vintners or Dyers Companies.  All unmarked swans belong to the Queen.

Tate have loaned this masterpiece to the Cookham Gallery from Nov 7 2019 – March 22nd 2020, and as the focal point of the exhibition it will hang beside many other Spencer works relating to the river including a little seen study (now in private hands).

Book tickets from us!

Visit the Visit Windsor online shop and peruse a great range of attractions and events then book ahead.  If you’re in town and you’re looking for advice on what to do while you are here, then drop by the Royal Windsor Information Centre; our friendly information assistants have the local lowdown and can help with ideas and inspiration on things to do and places to stay.