1-day Classic Windsor Itinerary

About

Only have a day to get a taste of wonderful Windsor and Eton?  Then read on for some ideas as to how to get the most out of your time in our lovely town.

Please note that attraction opening times and prices vary; please check individual attraction pages for the latest information, call the Royal Windsor Information Centre on +44 01753 743900 or pop in and speak to them in Windsor Royal Station for some helpful advice from people who know the area (they're open Thursday to Sunday).  You can pick up a free A4 map too to help you get your bearings or download one from our Maps page.

Morning: breakfast and Windsor Castle

Start the day over breakfast in one of Windsor and Eton's many lovely cafes or restaurants.  You'll find plenty of choice and a warm welcome in Windsor Royal Station with places to eat including Bill's Windsor, and Cinnamon Cafe which is great for early risers as it opens at 0700!

Then head to Windsor Castle and discover its many treasures and hidden secrets with a self-guided audio guide.  It's The Queen's favourite weekend home and the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.  If the Royal Standard is flying from the Round Tower when you are visiting then The Queen is in.

With so much on offer at Windsor Castle we suggest that you allow 2½ to 3 hours for your visit. If you wish to re-enter the castle later on in the day pick up a wristband from one of the Castle shops before leaving. 

Remember to check the Castle's provisional closure dates to avoid disappointment and to book your tickets in advance.

Lunchtime in Windsor: 1300 to 1400

Have lunch in one of the many restaurants or pubs in Windsor.  There are so many different types of cuisine so there's lots on the menu.

Early afternoon: tour Windsor and discover the local area.

You can take a 40-minute boat ride on the River Thames with French Brothers or cover road and river with the Windsor Duck! Tickets for these tours are available from the Information Centre or on the online shop.

Explore the rest of Windsor and Eton with the Original Tour open top bus tour (operates April to October). The tour takes around 45 minutes but as the tour is hop on, hop off you can get off the bus if you spot something you fancy at one of the 11 stops on the way.

Or how about a guided tour of the Windsor area?  You could join a guided walk or a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Maybe you want to stop off and have a bite to eat at the Windsor Farm Shop?  Or maybe you want to explore fascinating Eton with its famous Eton College and interesting Eton High Street?  Hop off the Original Tour bus at both of these places then catch a later bus to continue your journey back to Windsor.

Late afternoon

Relax at the end of a busy day with afternoon tea and maybe a spot of shopping in Windsor town centre and in the pedestrianised areas of Windsor Yards and Windsor Royal Station.

Evening meal and a show

Why not extend your trip into the evening with dinner at one of the many town centre restaurants, a production at Theatre Royal Windsor or an event or film at The Old Court?