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!
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 the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, The Queen’s favourite weekend home and the jewel in the Royal Borough’s crown.
The castle is open year round even when The Queen is in residence 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
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. …
The Savill Garden
The Savill Garden is a garden of beauty and colour where visitors journey through 35 acres of…
French Brothers Ltd
French Brothers run boat trips on the River Thames from Windsor and Runnymede. Choose from a short…
The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park where children aged 2 -12 can take to…
Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory
Let's make chocolate in the heart of Royal Windsor! Visit Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory and…
Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour of Windsor
Explore the world famous town of Windsor and nearby Eton with a Golden Tours hop-on, hop-off open…
Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd
Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd - a multi-award winning company based in Royal Windsor offering private…
Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, huge parts of which are open to the public. Windsor Great…
Private Boat Hire Ltd
Private Boat Hire operates five boats on the River Thames offering you perfect venues for small…
Dorney Court
Visit Dorney Court, one of the country's finest stately homes. Lived in by the Palmer family since…
Maidenhead Heritage Centre
Fly a Spitfire simulator at this local museum which covers local history from the Romans to Racing…
Escape In 60 Windsor
Escape in 60, Windsor offers three different escape room experiences. So, choose your team and get…
Stanley Spencer Gallery
The Stanley Spencer Gallery is situated in the heart of Cookham, the picturesque ‘village in…
St George's Chapel
Take in the splendour of St George's Chapel, the burial place of 10 monarchs including Henry VIII…
Segway Events at Windsor
Bray Lake Water Sports is a picturesque setting for a Segway Rally with your Segway Rally having…
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…
2-day Classic Windsor Itinerary
Coming to Windsor for a couple of days? Check out our suggested 2-day itinerary.

- 1Changing the Guard
- 2Ascot Racecourse
- 3The Savill Garden
- 4French Brothers Ltd
- 5The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
- 6Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory
- 7Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour of Windsor
- 8Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd
- 9Windsor Great Park
- 10Private Boat Hire Ltd
- 11Dorney Court
- 12Maidenhead Heritage Centre
- 13Escape In 60 Windsor
- 14Stanley Spencer Gallery
- 15St George's Chapel
- 16Segway Events at Windsor
- 171-day Classic Windsor Itinerary
- 182-day Classic Windsor Itinerary
