Top 10 Free Things to Do

It's not all about the entrance fees.  Here are some ideas for some free things to see and do when you visit the Windsor and Maidenhead area.  And don't forget:

✅ Entry to Windsor Castle is free with our Residents' Advantage Card and the Castle offers many great free family activities at weekends and school holidays.  If you do pay for entry to Windsor Castle, you can enjoy free re-admission for a year by asking for your ticket purchase to be treated as a donation.  Find out more here.

✅ National Trust members can explore local properties like Runnymede and Cliveden and get free parking at National Trust countryside properties on production of their membership cards.

✅ Children 17 and under go free to the races at Ascot and Royal Windsor when accompanied by an adult.

1. Watch the Guards March through Windsor

Windsor Castle Guard (usually accompanied by a military band) marches from Victoria Barracks, Sheet Street to Windsor Castle via Windsor High Street throughout the year.  The guard march schedule is set by the British Army and changes every month so please check the schedule in advance to avoid disappointment.  The guards leave the barracks at approximately 10:50am then return back again about 11:30am.  The best viewing point is the Corn Exchange at the famous Windsor Guildhall.  The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place inside Windsor Castle and requires payment of the entry fee.

2. Explore Maidenhead Heritage Centre

Maidenhead's history ranges from the Romans to racing cars! General admission to Maidenhead Heritage Centre is free and it gives you access to all the exhibitions and services in the ground floor including:“The Story of Maidenhead” permanent exhibition; temporary exhibitions in the Sammes Gallery; dressing up for children; previous exhibitions and children’s activities on the centre's PC; reference library and gift shop.  Browse photo albums and discover Maidenhead life in the good old days!

3. Stroll along the Long Walk and through Windsor Great Park

Charles II created the three-mile-long Long Walk from Windsor Castle leading into Windsor Great Park.  Part of a vast Norman hunting chase, the Great Park is 2,020 hectares (5,000 acres) of countryside stretching from Windsor Castle in the north to Ascot in the south.  The varied landscape and sweeping deer park, woods, coverts and huge solitary ancient oaks mean the park is alive with wildlife.

4. Attend Evensong at St George's Chapel

St George's Chapel is one of most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings and is set within Windsor Castle.  It is the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh and was the setting for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's marriage in 2018.  If you are a worshipper you can attend church services here free of charge; evensong is a 45-minute service beautifully sung by the Chapel Choir, one of the leading church choirs in the country.  Evensong takes place at 5:15pm (sung every day except Wednesday).

5. Visit St John's Parish Church, Windsor

In the shadow of Windsor Castle, Windsor Parish Church is open seven days a week and contains wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons and a beautiful painting of the Last Supper which is considered a national treasure.  It was given by George III following alterations to the royal chapel and was restored in 2003.

6. Follow The Queen's Walkway

63 gunmetal plaques marked with Queen Elizabeth II's personal royal cypher connect this walking trail around 63 of Windsor's finest sights.  Pick up a free map and leaflet at the Royal Windsor Information Centre or check out the Commonwealth Walkway website where you can get the lowdown on the route's points of interest.

7. Explore The Eton Walkway

Follow 18 bronze Eton coat of arms markers on a circular tour of this historic town.  You'll discover a fascinating heritage and many fun facts to impress your friends.  There is a charge for the printed guide but the downloadable version is free.

8. Discover three free Eton College museums

Did you know there are three fascinating museums sitting within the historic grounds of Eton College?  The Natural History Museum, the Museum of Antiquities and the Museum of Eton Life are all free to explore and are open to the public on Sunday afternoons between 2:30pm and 5pm. The Museum of Eton Life is also now open on Saturdays 2:30pm to 5pm.

9. Walk by the River Thames

Escorted by the Royal Boatmen, the Royal Family once used the Thames to travel between royal palaces.  It's less common these days to see royals on the river, but walks along the Thames Path are not to be missed.  There are some fascinating towns and villages to discover as the river winds its way between Hurley and Runnymede on its journey through the Royal Borough.

If you are by the river during the third week of July you may happen upon Royal Swan Upping, the annual census of the swan population.  The Royal Swan Uppers wear the scarlet uniform of His Majesty The King and travel in traditional rowing skiffs together with Swan Uppers from the Vintners’ and Dyers’ livery companies.

10. Free town centre events in Windsor and Maidenhead

Coming to the Royal Borough? Search what’s on and discover free seasonal town centre events taking place during the year in Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead including:

Live at the Bandstand – during the summer months, bring your friends, family and a picnic and chill out to free concerts in Windsor’s Alexandra Gardens by the River Thames.  

Windsor Championship Dog Show – admission is free (nb parking is chargeable) to this annual dog show, regarded by many as the 'summer Crufts'! With Windsor Castle as a backdrop and a garden party atmosphere it's very popular with visitors.

Christmas events – discover some great free Christmas events for all the family including the Living Advent Calendar, Carols on the Hill and our Christmas Light Switch-ons.

Family treasure hunts – during the school holidays follow free family treasure hunts around the town centres with great prizes to be won. 

Windsor Pumpkin Party – every October half term, Windsor Royal Station hosts a pumpkin party. Who will carve the best pumpkin or wear the best fancy-dress outfit? 

Pancake Racing – watch teams of pancake racers competing head to head in Windsor every Shrove Tuesday.

Check out our what's on calendar for the latest events round up and our special offers pages too!