Things to Do
Looking for somewhere for that perfect day trip? Thinking of taking a short break and filling your days with some fantastic things to do and places to eat, drink and shop?
From iconic attractions and world-class events to beautiful open countryside and the River Thames, with the wide range of different things to do in Windsor and Maidenhead, it’s the perfect destination for everybody. Read on for great ideas of family friendly, group friendly and pet friendly things to do.
You can book tickets for many of the top attractions and events in Windsor and the Royal Borough here. Check out our latest special offers for ideas and inspiration too!
Destination Access Guides for Windsor and Eton, developed thanks to a partnership between the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and AccessAble, are now available to help you plan your visit.
As you approach Windsor, either by road or rail, you can’t fail to be impressed by the sheer size and scale of Windsor Castle standing majestically on the hill, punctuating the skyline. It's one of the official residences of His Majesty The King and was Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite weekend home. It's the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the jewel in the Royal Borough’s crown.
The castle is open year round but as it’s a working palace it closes for special private events and functions so always check in advance before making a special journey.
How about taking to the water and viewing Windsor and the Royal Borough from the peace and tranquillity of the River Thames?
20 miles of this beautiful and historic waterway meanders through the Royal Borough, between Hurley and Runnymede, and there are villages and attractions waiting to be discovered such as the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham.
Enjoy a passenger boat ride with French Brothers Boats, hire a rowing boat or motor boat with John Logie, celebrate a special occasion with Private Boat Hire Ltd, On Deck Charter, Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company or Hobbs of Henley or hire a self-drive boat for a day or a week with Kris Cruisers.
And a tour with Windsor Duck Tours incorporates both road and ‘splashdown’ in the Thames.
Looking for tours and sightseeing ideas? If you’re interested in some historical and fun facts about the town and the local area then hop aboard an open top bus with Tootbus Windsor or Golden Tours.
Let one of our experienced and interesting tour guides show you Windsor and Eton and share their specific knowledge with you on a guided town walk.
Enjoy the relaxed pace of a horse-drawn carriage ride on the Long Walk and in Windsor Great Park with Windsor Carriages or Ascot Carriages.
Visit Windsor and the Royal Borough Museum located in Windsor Guildhall, where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles were married and where Sir Elton John and David Furnish had their civil ceremony. This is also the home of the Royal Windsor Information Centre.
You can fly a spitfire simulator at Maidenhead Heritage Centre or come face to face with a Kakapo at the Eton College Natural History Museum!
If you fancy catching some live entertainment while you’re here, pay a visit to the Theatre Royal Windsor, nestled at the foot of Windsor Castle, or book tickets for some stand up comedy, live music or cinema at one of our art centres at Norden Farm Maidenhead and the Old Court in Windsor.
For more information on specific events and festivals such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show, check-out our 'What's On' page.
Interested in family friendly things to do? For fun-seeking families, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort offers more excitement than you can fit in one day so you may need a two-day ticket!
Enjoy the thrill of the chase with horse racing at Ascot Racecourse and Royal Windsor Racecourse. Ascot is famous for its royal meeting in June and Windsor for its Monday night evening meetings. Both have family days too throughout the year with great entertainment for children and adults alike!
If you are looking for group friendly things to do then lovers of parks and gardens will be inspired by the year-round displays at the Savill Garden and National Trust Cliveden.
Fans of historic houses will be intrigued by our hidden gems Dorney Court and Frogmore House.
If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place for a great range of outdoor events and activities and sports and leisure options.
The vast and beautiful Windsor Great Park can be accessed at various points in and around the Royal Borough making it the perfect place to visit if you are looking for pet friendly things to do.
From relaxing under a tree with a picnic to walking, running, cycling and horse riding, enjoy the open space and far-reaching views.
If you are visiting any of our parks and open spaces, please dispose of your litter by using bins if they are provided or packing some refuse bags and being prepared to take your waste home with you. Thank you for doing your part by keeping our spaces litter free for the next people that visit.
And the area has famous golf courses, such as Wentworth, on its doorstep and opportunities for water-based activities including windsurfing and sailing at Bray Lake too.
With so much to see and so many things to do, you can always let the Royal Windsor Information Centre help. Our friendly assistants are there to assist you in booking accommodation in a hotel, bed & breakfast, self-catering property or campsite, getting here, getting around and car parking, as well as offering lots of great local tips, maps and guides.
You’ll be spoiled for choice for shopping, eating out and nightlife too!
Check out what great shops you can find in the Royal Borough and how many different restaurants, pubs and cafes there are for all tastes and budgets.
So what are you waiting for?
We look forward to welcoming you to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead very soon.
Inspiration
- Discover ideas for activities, restful retreats, delicious meals out and overnight stays
Things to Do Highlights
Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory
Let's make chocolate in the heart of Royal Windsor! Visit Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory and…
The Savill Garden
The Savill Garden is a garden of beauty and colour where visitors journey through 35 acres of…
Changing the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. A band usually…
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse welcomes more than 630,000 guests each year for a truly memorable day out. …
Windsor Castle
No trip to Windsor could possibly be complete without a visit to amazing Windsor Castle, the family…
Escape In 60 Escape Rooms Windsor
Escape in 60, Windsor offers three different escape room experiences. So, choose your team and get…
Royal Windsor Racecourse
Set on its own island and 165 acres of stunning Berkshire countryside, on the River Thames and in…
Maidenhead Heritage Centre
Fly a Spitfire simulator at this local museum which covers local history from the Romans to Racing…
Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, huge parts of which are open to the public. Windsor Great…
Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd
Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd - a multi-award winning company based in Royal Windsor offering private…
Stanley Spencer Gallery
The Stanley Spencer Gallery is situated in the heart of Cookham, the picturesque ‘village in…
Windsor & Eton Brewery
Fancy sampling locally brewed beer? Then look no further than Windsor and Eton Brewery.
Kris Cruisers
Whether you have a week, a day or just a few hours, with no experience or licence required, relax,…
On Deck Charter
Skipper and Crewed Luxury Private Boat Charter. Join us On Deck for a completely different charter…
The Old Court
The Old Court is a vibrant arts centre with an event programme that features an eclectic mix of…
1-day Classic Windsor Itinerary
If you only have one day and evening in Windsor, make the most of your time! Take a look at our…
Eton College's Museums and Galleries
Eton College looks after thousands of historic, artistic and natural objects, and welcome visitors…
Bray Lake Watersports
Join in the fun at Bray Lake Watersports! Take part in stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing,…

- 1Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory
- 2The Savill Garden
- 3Changing the Guard
- 4Ascot Racecourse
- 5Windsor Castle
- 6Escape In 60 Escape Rooms Windsor
- 7Royal Windsor Racecourse
- 8Maidenhead Heritage Centre
- 9Windsor Great Park
- 10Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd
- 11Stanley Spencer Gallery
- 12Windsor & Eton Brewery
- 13Kris Cruisers
- 14On Deck Charter
- 15The Old Court
- 161-day Classic Windsor Itinerary
- 17Eton College's Museums and Galleries
- 18Bray Lake Watersports
