Things to do when it's raining

The British weather!  For many it’s a conversation starter…

If you’re visiting Windsor and the Royal Borough and the weather takes a turn for the worse and the raindrops appear, there is no need to worry; there are plenty of fantastic indoor activities and attractions in Windsor and the surrounding area to occupy your time if it starts raining.  Here are a few suggestions, but there are more to be discovered…

Escape in 60

Escape Rooms

With two indoor escape room companies in Windsor – Escape in 60 and Windsor Escape Experience – each with a variety of themed escape rooms, you’ll almost be grateful it rained!  Escape rooms are perfect for adults and families with older children.  Work in small groups of friends or family, against the clock, to solve puzzles and riddles using all the clues in order to 'escape'. 

Museums

Enjoy a trip to one of our local museums.  The Windsor and Royal Borough Museum is an accredited, family-friendly and accessible small local history museum in Windsor’s impressive 17th-century Windsor Guildhall, the chosen wedding venue of King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as that of Sir Elton John and David Furnish.

The Eton College Natural History Museum is a family-friendly museum that opened in 1875 to house the Thackeray Collection of British Birds and other collections.  It’s been located in its present site since 1895. It now houses over 15,000 specimens, donated from the 19th century onwards.  Discover free weekend nature-inspired craft sessions for families with young children.

Eton is also home to The Museum of Eton Life and The Museum of Antiquities.  All three museums are open free of charge on Sunday afternoons (2:30pm to 5:00pm) and The Museum of Eton Life is open additionally on Saturday afternoons.  Visit the website to check latest opening arrangements.

Or how about flying a spitfire simulator at Maidenhead Heritage Centre?  It’s part of a superb permanent exhibition called ‘Grandma Flew Spitfires!’ which tells the forgotten but incredibly important story of the Air Transport Auxiliary’s role in World War II.  The museum also has displays and exhibitions about other aspects of local history including Roman Maidenhead and the great Victorian engineer Brunel.

Visitors and staff in Windsor Castle, image Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world so you’ll need an umbrella or a mac while you move between the different places on the visitor route.  But once you’re indoors in the dry there’s plenty to see.  Explore the treasures of the State Apartments, behold the wonder of St George’s Chapel, be delighted by Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House before savouring something delicious in the Castle’s Undercroft Café.  In school holidays you'll discover indoor arts and crafts activities in the Castle's Learning Centre in Pug Yard.

Braywick Leisure Centre swimming pool

Visit our Leisure Centres

Choose from Windsor Leisure Centre and Braywick Leisure Centre in Maidenhead and enjoy some indoor fun, especially in the swimming pools!

Live music, stand up and comedy

We’ve some great indoor venues to enjoy live music, stand up and comedy.  Find out more about the events programmes at The Old Court, Norden Farm and Windsor & Eton Brewery.

Watch a film

While away a couple of hours at the cinema!  Check out the films and show times at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts or The Old Court Cinema.  The Old Court is also home to The Old Courters, a monthly matinee experience for a more senior audience; it’s just £5 including refreshments and a dedicated member of staff available to assist at all times!

Theatre and theatre tours

How about some live theatre?  The Theatre Royal shows a wide range of live performances including comedy, tragedy, ballet, one-nighters, musicals, theatre, tribute bands, thrillers and the ever-popular annual pantomime! 

Go behind the scenes and discover over 240 years of theatrical history in Windsor.  A tour of Theatre Royal Windsor takes you through a history of the theatre, taking in views from different parts of its stunning auditorium, plus head backstage and follow in the footsteps of the stars and be in with a chance of treading the boards and walking through the set of their current production, subject to rehearsal and performance timetables.

Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory

Chocolate-making workshop

Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory offers chocolate lovers the opportunity to design their own chocolate with organic ingredients and ethically-sourced chocolate. Their expert chocolatiers help you make three bars of chocolate and decorate them with various toppings and infuse them with essential oils and spices. In their longer in-depth workshops, you will also dip truffles and candied fruits in chocolate and make hot chocolate on sticks.  You'll also be taught the art of making bon bons.

Brewery Tour

Book a tour of Windsor & Eton Brewery.  Tours run every Saturday at 12:30 and 15:00 and last approximately 90 minutes.   You’ll learn the history of the brewery, brewing in the town, the brewing process, including tasting of raw materials and, of course, beer tasting!

While you’re in this neck of the woods, try some local craft beers at nearby Indie Rabbie and Two Flints.

Enjoy a 'hole' lot of family fun at LEGOLAND Adventure Golf!

Swing over to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort to experience a mini golf course like no other!  LEGOLAND Adventure Golf is a fun, indoor LEGO-themed mini golf centre featuring four different courses to play on.

Whether you are swinging into Space, driving into LEGO City, taking your best shot in a Medieval village or even putting with Pirates, each theme is a ‘hole’ other level of fun!

LEGOLAND Adventure Golf is a separate attraction to the theme park that must be booked with its own ticket.  It's located outside the main entrance of the theme park, next to the car park.  Two hours free parking is included for Adventure Golf guests.

Castle Hotel Afternoon Tea

Eating and shopping

We have plenty of gorgeous artisan cafes such as Cup of Rosie and Cinnamon Café in Windsor, Bakedd in Maidenhead and The Teapot Café in Cookham!

Let the weather do its worst!  Why not hunker down in the dry and make an afternoon of it with sandwiches, scones and cakes as part of a proper Afternoon Tea?

You’ll be spoiled for choice by the top selection of restaurants and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets, as well as characterful pubs and cosy inns in which to while away an afternoon!

And if all this fails, we have a great range of shops so you can pick up an umbrella or buy a waterproof coat and continue exploring to your heart’s content!

Image Windsor & Eton PhotoArt