Coronavirus: what you need to know

Everyone in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead takes the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors seriously.  We will be sharing pertinent information as it is released regarding visiting the Royal Borough as well as advice for all regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19).  Please #StayAtHome and #StaySafe.  Visit our Things you can do page for ideas during lockdown.

Last updated: 27 May 2020.

Key Information

• Latest information about Coronavirus (Covid-19) can be found on the UK Government website.
• Many events and activities may have been postponed or cancelled so do check before you make a special journey.
• Visit nhs.uk for health advice and preventative measures including regular handwashing, covering your mouth/nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing then binning those tissues.
• If you think you are displaying symptoms then visit the NHS’s online 111 coronavirus service for medical advice rather than visiting a GP.
• The latest tourism-related news and information for UK tourism businesses on the outbreak of COVID-19, including links to useful information and advice, can be found on VisitBritain's website.
• As of 16 March, the UK government has advised against all unnecessary travel, and has asked the public to refrain from ‘non-essential contact’ for around 12 weeks.  This means that many of the Royal Borough’s businesses are temporarily closing and events are being postponed. We are continually updating details below.
• If you are in the Royal Borough, there are a number of food establishments who have adapted their offer to takeaway options for customers. Please support these businesses where you can, and if you have questions, please check directly with the business in question.
• As of 20 March, cafés, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres have been asked to close.
• As of 23 March, all non-essential retail stores have been asked to close.
• On 23 March, people were asked to stay at home and only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work; stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from other people; wash hands when returning home.
• The Prime Minister’s statement, 10 May 2020, outlined the roadmap for the lifting lockdown restrictions which include, from Wednesday 13 May, rules around exercise being relaxed enabling people to sit in their local parks, drive to other destinations or play sports with those in their household.  Social distancing rules must be observed.  Subject to scientific advice, in July, parts of the hospitality industry and other public places may be able to open, provided they are safe and enforce social distancing.

Cancellations, Closures and Postponements

Information is changing rapidly and so we are aiming to keep this list as up-to-date as we can. Please follow us on Twitter (#VisitWindsor) where we will be sharing information.

Visitor Information Centre

In line with current government advice, the Royal Windsor Information Centre is now temporarily closed although visitors can still phone us on 01753 743900 between 10:00 and 16:00 Thursday to Monday or email us on windsor.tic@rbwm.gov.uk.  We will do our best to respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

If you have any enquiries regarding tickets or products purchased on our online shop, please phone 01753 743900 between 10:00 and 16:00 Thursday to Monday or email windsor.tic@rbwm.gov.uk. 

Attractions

The following attractions are closed until further notice:
• Ascot Carriages
• Ascot Racecourse
• Bateaux Windsor
• Changing of the Guard (administrative guard mount; sentries will still be posted and guards will change, but there will be no ceremony or music, or guard march through the town)
• Cliveden National Trust (read the National Trust's latest Coronavirus update)
• Eton College Museums
• Escape in 60
• French Brothers Boats
• LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.  Visit https://www.legoland.co.uk/legoland-activities/ to download children's colouring sheets.
• Maidenhead Heritage Centre
• Norden Farm
• The Old Court
• The Original Tour Windsor (starting date and ticket prices for 2020 to be confirmed)
• Royal Windsor Racecourse (racing will resume shortly, but behind closed doors throughout June, July and August)
• Runnymede National Trust (read the National Trust's latest Coronavirus update)
• The Savill Building & The Savill Garden (whilst the garden and visitor centre are closed, from 13 May The Savill Garden car park will be open (reduced capacity) allowing visitors to access Windsor Great Park.)
• Theatre Royal Windsor
• Windsor Castle (closed from Saturday 21 March until further notice).  Visit the Royal Collection’s online resources for historical facts, insights and fun learning opportunities including games and creative ideas!
• Windsor Escape Experience
• Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

Events

• Parallel Windsor has been postponed to June 2021
• RunFestRun has been cancelled
• Royal Windsor Horse Show, Windsor Endurance and Windsor Pageant have been cancelled but this you can get a taste of the action at 2020 Virtual Windsor!
• Windsor Festival Spring Festival has been cancelled.
• Royal Windsor Triathlon has been cancelled.
• Royal Ascot 2020 (16th – 20th June) will not be able to take place as an event open to the public.  It may prove possible to run the Royal Ascot races behind closed doors.
• Windsor Race For Life events for CRUK has been postponed to September.
• BBC's Countryfile Live in Windsor Great Park has been cancelled.

Fitness, Beauty, Spa and Wellbeing

As of 21 March, all gyms and leisure centres are now closed.

Food and Drink

Some businesses are offering takeaway services and we are highlighting restaurants and retailers offering takeaway and/or delivery food services.  Please check each business's website before making a special journey as opening times are subject to change at this time.

Nightclubs and Bars

As of 21 March, all nightclubs and bars are now closed.

Outdoors and Active

Windsor Great Park: From Wednesday 13 May parking will be available at some Windsor Great Park car parks.  Please read the visitor update for important information on visiting by car and accessing Windsor Great Park by bike.  Please note there are no toilet or catering facilities available and playgrounds remain closed.

National Trust: Both Cliveden and Runnymede sites are currently closed but please read the National Trust's latest Coronavirus update on phased reopening of car parks.

Retail

As of 23 March, all retail stores are now closed.

Sporting Venues

All racing fixtures at Ascot Racecourse and Royal Windsor Racecourse have been suspended until further notice.  Royal Ascot 2020 (16th – 20th June) will not be able to take place as an event open to the public.  It may prove possible to run the Royal Ascot races behind closed doors.

Theatres, Cinemas and Arts Centres

As of 21 March Norden Farm, The Old Court and Theatre Royal Windsor are all closed.

Guided Tours

Our Blue Badge Guides have cancelled their tours until further notice.  Windsor Tourist Guides are doing daily Instagram posts on Windsor Castle and Windsor town history!