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Welcome to autumn in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The days may be getting shorter but there are plenty of things to do and look forward to, particularly in the run up to the busy Christmas events season.
When the seasons change, something magical happens leading to colourful autumnal skies and frosty mornings. In this season of leaves and berries, rising mists and early morning dew, wrap up warm to explore the must-see sites and enjoy the must-go events taking place in and around Windsor.
If you are coming to the Windsor area during September, October or November, here are our top tips to enjoy autumn in Windsor and the Royal Borough. Don't forget to check out our current Special Offers and our regularly-updated events listings!
Warden at the top of the Round Tower. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023
🔎 Windsor Castle Conquer the Tower (above): enjoy a guided tour to the top of the world-famous Round Tower at Windsor Castle (to 30 September)
🔎 Windsor Castle Great Kitchen Tour: get a fascinating insight into Windsor Castle as a working royal palace with a guided tour of the oldest working kitchen in the country, which has remained in use for 750 years (to 30 September).
🔎 A Brush with History: some of the most important names from the Modern British art scene will be hanging on the walls of the Stanley Spencer Gallery (to 5 November)
The Windsor Fringe (2023 dates tbc) is the second oldest fringe in the UK and the festival is a veritable smorgasbord of cultural treats! From talks and walks to music and exhibitions, there's bound to be something to appeal.
This year’s Windsor Festival (16 September to 1 October 2023) features a full programme of music and talks over two weeks, including concerts in some very special venues in and around Windsor. Every year the world’s finest musicians, writers, artists and local performers entertain and delight festival audiences, celebrating Windsor's special place as a royal town and inspiring the next generation of artistic talent and creativity.
Cliveden Literary Festival
Cliveden, near Maidenhead, is the setting for the two-day Cliveden Literary Festival (above), 30 September to 1 October 2023, which features a high-profile line-up of writers, historians, politicians and cultural figures. It’s a magnificent English country house with a unique and extraordinary history of politics and intrigue, aristocracy and espionage, sex and scandal. Ever since 1666, the house has also been known for its literary salon, helping to inspire writers from Alexander Pope and George Bernard Shaw, Jonathan Swift and Lord Tennyson to Sir Winston Churchill. Established in 2017, the Festival has featured a stellar international cast of novelists, historians, screenwriters, film directors, actors, spies, generals and politicians. Sitting regally amid 400 acres of greenery, gardens trailing down to the River Thames, it is easy to see why Cliveden has provided such an inspiring setting for so many writers.
Read more about our festivals here.
Traditionally autumn was the time when breweries started brewing again after the warm summer months, using newly-harvested barley and hops. As the nights draw in, toast the arrival of autumn by popping down to the Windsor & Eton Brewery for a brewhouse tour and tasting or for one of their events, such as Oktoberfest or Music Bingo!
Imagine being entertained by royalty in Windsor Castle's Semi-State Rooms, the spectacular and sumptuous private apartments that open to visitors from autumn to spring each year (1 October 2023 to 24 March 2024). The additional five rooms that make up the Semi-State Rooms served as the private rooms of George IV in the 19th century and are included in the visitor route at no extra charge.
Ascot Carriages and Windsor Great Park's autumn colours
October is the best month to experience gardens and landscapes in their glorious russet, purple, red, orange, and yellow colours. Popular spots are The Savill Garden’s Autumn Wood and The Valley Gardens in Windsor Great Park. The 376-acres of National Trust gardens and parkland at Cliveden sees acers and maples become stars of autumn. Walk down to the river for a River Thames cruise along Cliveden Reach, arguably the loveliest stretch of the river. Or sit back and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in Windsor Great Park, available from Ascot Carriages (above) and Windsor Carriages on select dates in September, October, and November.
Read about our five best walks for autumn colour here.
Windsor’s two popular horse-racing venues host multiple autumn events, with added off-track entertainment to complement the on-course action. Ascot is one of the world’s best known courses, where style and etiquette are a big part of the fun. Royal Windsor sits on an island beside the River Thames with boat transport available from Windsor riverside.
Enjoying the racing at Ascot
QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot - 21 October 2023
Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori makes his final European racecourse appearance at QIPCO British Champions Day (above), a thrilling finale to the British Flat season, where leading horses and jockeys from Europe and beyond seek to be crowned the champions of 2023. Expect a Fan Zone with jockey signings and masterclasses, and a lively after party once racing has concluded.
Free Season Finale at Royal Windsor Racecourse - 23 October 2023
Wonder what all the fuss is about? Experience the thrill of watching live horse racing as thundering hooves fly past towards the finish line, accompanied by a roaring crowd cheering their favourite. No need to study form: pick a favourite name, or the colour of the jockey silks.
There’s plenty of fun to be had in Windsor and Maidenhead this October half term. The school holidays are a perfect time to visit. The days may be getting shorter but there’s lots to keep you entertained. Fingers crossed for some beautiful, sunny autumn days but there’s a great selection of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, whatever the weather! From escape rooms and live entertainment to spooky Halloween events and collecting conkers, discover a whole host of fun events and activities taking place during the October half term. Check out our Family Fun page too.
Art in the Garden at The Savill Garden
Autumn is a great time to visit if you are a fan of art and sculpture. Read on for some great art fairs, exhibitions and trails to discover this autumn, and you can also take a look at our top sculptures and artefacts here.
Art in the Garden
Art in the Garden (above) returns for its sixth year to The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park this autumn. Set within the 35 acres of colourful gardens, the exhibition combines eye-catching sculpture with horticultural excellence. As you explore The Savill Garden you'll encounter sculptures in varying styles, subject and materials; all inspired by the natural world. Event runs 6 September to 31 October 2023.
Cookham & Maidenhead Arts Trail (CAMAT)
Meet the artists and makers and follow the free Cookham & Maidenhead Arts Trail over the weekend of 9 and 10 September 2023. The trail’s venues are located within a 5-mile radius around Cookham and Maidenhead and at each venue you’ll see quality art and meet the people who have created it. Each venue is open from 10am to 5pm and refreshments and demonstrations are available at many venues on the trail.
Fresh: Art Fair Ascot
Fresh: Art Fair shows a wider range of art than any other British fair, from exciting new talent to famous names like Hockney, Banksy, Matisse and Dali. Fresh: Ascot will host 40 leading galleries in one convenient place, showing 4,000 original prints and paintings, sculpture, glass and ceramics by 400 UK and international artists. With free parking, licensed cafés, talks, demos and our outdoor Sculpture Park, Fresh: really is the easiest way to browse and buy art. 21 September (private view) then 22 to 24 September 2023.
Stanley Spencer Gallery Winter Exhibition
In the tiny former Methodist Chapel in the pretty riverside town of Cookham, discover the wonderful art of the characterful Stanley Spencer, considered one of the greatest British painters of the 20th century. The Stanley Spencer Gallery has two exhibitions a year and the winter exhibition launches in November. Why not visit this hidden gem for yourself?
Contemporary Art Fairs – WINDSOR
Contemporary Art Fairs – WINDSOR is THE destination for art lovers, collectors, interior designers, homemakers and those who simply want to learn more about today’s art and artists. Browse the wide range of styles and media on display from over 160 artists, ceramicists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors and selected galleries exhibiting. It’s more than just an Art Fair; with a line-up of artworks, activities, live painting demonstrations, workshops and the Prince's Trust miniature canvas initiative, it is a creative, cultural and fun-filled art extravaganza! 24 November (private view) then 25 to 26 November 2023.
Bonfire Night falls on 5 November. Check out the spectacular firework displays lighting up the skies in the Royal Borough. Venues include Ascot Racecourse and Royal Windsor Racecourse.
Check out our guide to free things to do in the Windsor area including watching the guard march, enjoying the river and visiting our museums and heritage centres.
Discover three fascinating Eton museums and galleries open free of charge on Sunday afternoons: the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Eton Life (also open Saturday afternoons) and the Museum of Antiquities.
Windsor Guildhall is home to the Visitor Information Centre where you’ll meet our friendly information assistants, full of knowledge about the local area. The Guildhall is also home to the free Windsor & Royal Borough Museum.
The turning on of the Christmas lights will get everybody into the yuletide spirit! November's light switch on events in the Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead area mark the start of a whole host of fun Christmas events for all the family.
Follow a dazzlingly re-imagined trail and new installations through woodland awash with colourful mythical creatures as the sparkles of fireflies, luminous beacons and dancing fairies blaze the way, and the lake comes alive with flood-lit fountains and glimmering reflections. Windsor Great Park Illuminated runs 16 November 2023 to January 2024; book your tickets now!
Great Fosters Suite
There’s so much to see and do in the area, why not turn your day visit into a relaxing short break? Visit our accommodation pages to discover a huge range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from five star spa retreats to cosy and comfortable bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation. Visit our Special Offers pages to check out deals on offer from our accommodation providers.
Visit our online shop where you can book tickets in advance to many of our top autumn attractions and events.
Search What’s On for all the latest event information.
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