Things to do when Windsor Castle is closed

Windsor Castle is one of the big reasons for a visit to Windsor.  However the Castle is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday and may close at short notice at other times.  It may be one of the UK’s top visitor attractions but it is also an official home of King Charles III, a working palace and often the location of private events such as royal investitures.

Fortunately, there are lots of other things to do in Windsor town centre when the Castle is closed and you may just discover a hidden gem!  Here are our top things to do when the Castle is closed.  Please check seasonal opening times.

1. Self-guided walks of Windsor and Eton

Explore Windsor and Eton at your own pace via the Queen’s Walkway or Eton Walkway by following the circular markers in the towns’ pavements.  Or download one of smartphone-based trails such as Go Quest.  Wander over Windsor Bridge and stroll down Eton High Street, taking in its historic buildings and enjoy a peaceful coffee in one of Eton’s charming independent cafes.

2. Guided Windsor and Eton town walks

Discover Windsor’s amazing history on a guided walking tour with one of our Blue Badge Guides.  You may not be able to go inside the Castle on a Tuesday and Wednesday but our guides will tell you all about its influence on Windsor’s development and will show you around the oldest parts of the town.

3. Escape Room Experiences

Immerse yourself in the interactive world of an escape room!  Find puzzles and solve clues in order to escape!  We have two escape room companies to choose from in Windsor town centre: Escape in 60 and Windsor Escape Experience.

3. Take to the River Thames

River Thames passenger boat trips run daily subject to river conditions or why not jump on the Windsor Duck, an amphibious vehicle that lets you enjoy both road and river! Check out our Thames Trail page for more inspiration.

4. Open top bus tour

Golden Tours' carefully-designed route journeys through Windsor, Eton and Datchet ensuring visitors see all the must-see sights the area has to offer (runs March to October, but please see schedule for exact dates).

5. Horse-drawn carriage

Slow down the pace, create a bespoke experience and explore the wonder of Windsor Great Park by horse-drawn carriage with Windsor Carriages.  

6. Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

Windsor & Royal Borough Museum is a family-friendly museum bursting with interesting facts and interactive displays of East Berkshire (open Tuesdays and Wednesdays only).

7. Guided tour of Windsor Guildhall

Join a guided tour of Windsor Guildhall and walk in the footsteps of royalty to learn more about the history of this Grade I listed building and its importance to Windsor’s local heritage.

8. Theatre Royal Windsor

Windsor's Theatre Royal is a beautiful Edwardian theatre nestled between Windsor Castle and the River Thames.  Look out for midweek matinees.

9. Watch the Guard March

This is one of the town’s top sightseeing things to do and watching the King's guard up close is unique to Windsor!  The march to and from the Castle takes place in the morning on specific days of the week so make sure you check out the Guard March schedule to avoid disappointment.

10. Windsor Great Park

Access the Long Walk from Windsor’s Park Street and suddenly thousands of acres of Windsor Great Park lie before you: an ancient royal landscape of forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens just waiting to be explored!

Conquer the Long Walk, Windsor’s iconic tree-lined avenue into the Great Park.  Will you make it up as far as the famous Copper Horse Statue?

11. Enjoy the tradition of Afternoon Tea

Us Brits love the combination of savoury and sweet treats, accompanied by some of the 165 million cups of tea we drink each day in the UK and there are few traditions more deliciously decadent than Afternoon Tea.  Town centre hotels offering Afternoon Tea menus include The Castle Hotel Windsor, Macdonald Windsor Hotel and Sir Christopher Wren Hotel.  Or perhaps reserve a table near the window of The Ivy on the Windsor's High Street and you will have a view of Windsor Castle as you spread jam and cream on your scones!

12. Shopping

With two pedestrianised shopping centres, recognised high street brands as well as a sprinkling of independent stores, shopping really is a great reason to come to Windsor and Eton town centres.  There are lots of food and drink stops for refuelling too.

13. Walk the 'two bridges loop'

From Windsor town centre, head over Windsor Bridge to Eton, turn left into the common ground area known as ‘The Brocas’ (here you will enjoy some of the best views of Windsor Castle, even though it is closed) continue walking along the towpath with the river on your left until you reach the Queen Elizabeth (traffic) bridge, cross this bridge, turn left again and head back into Windsor passing Windsor Leisure Centre, the Hawker Hurricane, Alexandra Gardens and Bandstand.  This loop walk will take approximately one hour, and you’ll have the river next to you all the way.  There are lots of stopping points and things to see on the way.

14. Explore our top sculptures and artefacts

Read our guide to some fascinating sculptures, memorials, artefacts and works of art just waiting to be explored in and around the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.  There are familiar landmarks such as the Copper Horse in Windsor, as well as hidden gems off the beaten track like Sir Antony Gormley’s Edge II sculpture in Eton.