Easter in Windsor & Maidenhead | Family-Friendly Events, Top Attractions & Things to Do

Discover top attractions, hidden gems and family‑friendly things to do this Easter holiday

Easter is a wonderful time to explore the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. As spring arrives, the towns, villages and countryside across the borough burst into life, offering a warm welcome to visitors looking for world‑famous attractions, outdoor adventures, family activities, delicious seasonal dining and relaxing short breaks. Whether you’re planning an Easter day trip to Windsor or making the most of an extended getaway, you’ll find an outstanding range of things to do that appeal to all ages and interests.

From iconic landmarks like Windsor Castle and Ascot Racecourse, to peaceful corners of Windsor Great Park and riverside walks along the River Thames, the borough combines history, heritage and natural beauty in a way that few destinations can match. At Easter, the variety of events and things to see expands even further, giving you countless opportunities to enjoy memorable moments with family and friends.

Below, explore our detailed guide to Easter events and activities in Windsor and the Royal Borough, including recommendations for family fun, indoor and outdoor attractions, places to stay, seasonal dining, and free things to do.

Arts and Crafts at Norden Farm, credit Luminous Photography

Family-Friendly Events & Activities

Easter is all about spending quality time together, and the Royal Borough offers an exceptional mix of family-friendly events that make the holiday truly special. Many of our top attractions host limited‑edition Easter activities and trails, giving children the chance to explore, play, imagine and learn while adults enjoy the festive atmosphere. The borough’s blend of world-famous attractions and smaller hidden gems ensures there’s something for every family, from high-energy adventures to creative workshops and interactive exhibitions.

A highlight for many visitors is Easter at Windsor Castle, where the historic setting provides the perfect backdrop for fun and creativity. Children can take part in themed trails inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic hats, while hands-on craft workshops encourage them to design and make their own masterpieces. The Castle’s Easter programme is designed to be both entertaining and educational, making it an ideal choice for families wanting a memorable cultural experience in one of the UK’s most renowned landmarks.

In Maidenhead, Quest Family Fest at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts brings two weeks of family-friendly entertainment. From circus skills and digital animation to magic workshops and special effects make-up, children can enjoy new experiences at an affordable price. Short, varied workshops mean you can mix and match a full day of fun, perfect for families with children of different ages. It’s one of the borough’s best hidden gems for creative exploration.

See the Jumps season out in style at Ascot’s Spring Family Raceday – their springtime extravaganza, where racing favourites meet family favourites. Young racegoers can embrace the charm of countryside-themed attractions within the Queen Anne Enclosure. There are roaming entertainers to meet, face painting to enjoy and arts and crafts skills to learn.

For older children, escape rooms in Windsor offer a dynamic, puzzle-filled challenge. With two great experiences – Escape in 60 and Windsor Escape Experience – families can work together to solve clues, race against the clock and enjoy an hour of adrenaline-filled teamwork. This is an excellent indoor option for teens and tweens looking for something different during the Easter break.

Go Ape's Easter Egg-venture

Outdoor Attractions & Spring Experiences

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Royal Borough, and Easter holidays are ideal for exploring its outdoor attractions. Warmer days, fresh greenery and blooming spring flowers make long walks, bike rides and outdoor adventures particularly enjoyable. With world‑famous landscapes, scenic spots and dog‑friendly areas, the borough encourages visitors to embrace the outdoors at their own pace.

Windsor Great Park remains an unmissable highlight. Its sweeping avenues, gardens and wide-open spaces offer everything from peaceful strolls among ancient oak trees to family-friendly wanderings around lakes, forests and open parkland. At Easter, the park feels especially vibrant, making it a wonderful location for nature walks, wildlife watching and exploring hidden corners of this vast historic estate.

For thrill-seeking families, Go Ape provides treetop adventures with high ropes, zip lines and Segway experiences. It’s a great way to enjoy a more energetic day out while surrounded by beautiful woodland scenery. Meanwhile, Adventure Play, located next to The Savill Garden, lets younger children discover wooden walkways, climbing structures, sculptures and winding paths as they explore a fantastical world designed for imaginative play.

The River Thames offers a different perspective of the borough’s natural landscape. Visitors can hire rowing boats or small motorboats, book a passenger trip or private skippered boat or join an Easter-themed dining cruise. These experiences create a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery, making them suitable for families, couples and groups alike. Boat trips are also dog-friendly options, adding to the versatility of your visit.

LEGOLAND Adventure Golf

Indoor Attractions & Rainy-Day Options

Indoor attractions shine during Easter, especially when the weather is changeable. The Royal Borough is home to fascinating museums, engaging galleries and immersive activities for all ages. These venues offer enjoyable, educational, family-friendly alternatives that allow you to make the most of your visit regardless of the forecast.

Maidenhead Heritage Centre is home to the much-loved Spitfire Simulator Experience. Suitable for children aged 8 and above, the simulator lets you “fly” over London, Paris or New York using replica wartime controls. Friendly volunteers guide you through the experience, making it accessible even for first-time flyers. It’s a unique attraction that combines history, technology and fun.

Across the Thames in historic Eton, visitors can explore Eton College's Museums & Galleries, which offer free entry on Sunday afternoons. The Museum of Antiquities, the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Eton Life and the Verey Gallery all provide engaging exhibits suitable for curious minds. They are perfect hidden gems for families wanting thoughtful, enriching activities during their Easter stay.

The Stanley Spencer Gallery is situated in the heart of Cookham, the picturesque ‘village in heaven’ where Spencer was born and painted for most of his life. The gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of Spencer paintings, drawings, personal letters, photographs, press cuttings and books. Catch the winter exhibition before it closes on 29 March or time your visit for the new summer exhibition which opens on 4 April.

Indoor arts centres like Norden Farm also host films, theatre shows and workshops, offering an excellent mix of creative events throughout the holiday period. Whether you're looking to watch a family show or take part in hands-on arts and crafts, these venues provide a welcoming, community-focused environment.

Easter Break at Danesfield House Hotel and Spa

Places to Stay

Whether you're planning a short Easter break or staying a little longer, Windsor and the surrounding Royal Borough provide a wide range of accommodation options. From elegant riverside hotels and boutique town centre properties to countryside retreats and family-friendly apartments, there’s something for every budget and travel style.

Many accommodation providers offer seasonal packages, making Easter an appealing time to visit. Staying locally allows you to experience morning walks through Windsor Great Park, enjoy early access to top attractions, and relax in welcoming spaces after a busy day. With dog-friendly places to stay also widely available, visitors with pets can explore more freely and enjoy a complete holiday experience.

Proximity to world-famous attractions such as Windsor Castle, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and Ascot Racecourse makes the borough an especially convenient place for families. Whether you're visiting for a long bank holiday weekend or a week-long adventure, staying overnight gives you time to explore at a relaxed pace and discover more hidden gems.

Riverside dining at Mediterranevm Bray Marina

Top Spots for Easter Food & Drink

Easter is a great opportunity to enjoy seasonal dining experiences, from traditional Easter Sunday lunches to spring-inspired menus and indulgent afternoon teas. Windsor and Maidenhead have an excellent range of cafés, pubs, restaurants and riverside venues, many of which offer special menus throughout the Easter period.

You’ll find everything from relaxed, family-friendly eateries to refined dining experiences, making it easy to choose a spot that suits your visit. With the Thames flowing through the borough, riverside dining locations are particularly popular at this time of year, offering scenic views alongside fresh, seasonal dishes.

Local hotels and restaurants often celebrate Easter with themed menus, chocolate-inspired desserts and special seating times ideal for family gatherings. Visitors planning a longer break can also explore food markets, local food and drink producers and independent cafés across towns like Windsor, Maidenhead, Eton, Ascot, Cookham and Bray.

Windsor Great Park

Free Things to Do This Easter

The Royal Borough offers a wonderful selection of free activities that help you make the most of your Easter visit without stretching the budget. From riverside paths to historic sites and scenic parks, you can enjoy meaningful experiences at no cost.

Popular free options include feeding the swans along the Windsor riverside, enjoying leisurely walks via The Thames Trail, exploring Eton’s fascinating free-entry museums, or discovering picturesque streets and hidden corners within Windsor and Eton. These experiences provide authentic ways to enjoy the area’s character, history and natural beauty.

Windsor Great Park, while large enough for a full day out, is free to enter and offers extensive walking routes, wildlife spotting opportunities, and beautiful views across its vast landscape. For visitors seeking peaceful moments away from busy attractions, it is a perfect choice, and a wonderful complement to your Easter itinerary.