Windsor Castle

Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years. The Castle covers an area of about 13 acres and contains magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs), and Queen Mary's Dolls House.

All areas of the castle are accessible to disabled travellers.

What to do around Windsor:
From leisurely boating on the River Thames to romantic horse-drawn carriage rides through Windsor Great Park, there is a large array of relaxing activities on offer.
For those of a more sporting nature, the Royal Borough is home to numerous facilities for activities including golfing, swimming, athletics and cycling.

Royal Windsor Racecourse - Set in 165 acres of beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Thames.

Legoland Windsor - A family park with hands-on activities, rides, themed playscapes and more LEGO bricks than you ever saw in your life.

The Savill Garden - The Savill Garden, situated in Windsor Great Park, covers around 35 acres and offers year-round viewing. There is also a unique temperate house which shelters frost tender plants from the rigours of winter and is a fragrant delight in spring.

Eating Out - Windsor and nearby Eton are crammed with stylish cafes, continental restaurants, historic pubs, wine bars, family-friendly restaurants and hotels with fine dining. Every taste is catered for, from Thai to Moroccan, South American to Asian and French to Indian.

Shopping - Windsor and Eton are a shopper's paradise in the historical heart where high street retailers, designer labels, antiques shops and department stores sit alongside quaint, specialist and souvenir shops. Why not visit the surrounding villages? Each village has its own history and personality and offers a rich variety of boutiques, fine arts and crafts, florists and wine merchants.

The Thames Trail - The River Thames flows into the west of The Royal Borough widens on its route to London. There is something particularly appealing about the River Thames on the stretch from Henley to Runnymede as it is perhaps the most historic, offering easy strolls along the Thames Path, many visitor attractions and lots of waterside activities. Hire a boat or just relax and enjoy.

Family Fun abounds here in the Borough of Windsor, try these places to keep the whole family occupied.

Windsor Leisure Centre:
A unique riverside location makes this one of the finest facilities around. The leisure pool for all the family has a wave machine, giant slides, wild water creek, cannons, fountain and Oscar the Otter’s Funhouse. It is great all round family fun and when you are finished you can grab a bite to eat in the Riverside Bistro.

Ten Pin:
A great family entertainment centre in Maidenhead next to the Magnet leisure Centre. Enjoy ten pin bowling during the day if it is wet or as a fun night out for all.

Magnetic Leisure Centre:
Maidenhead’s superb centre has a 25-metre pool with family fun pools and Cheeky Charlie’s for the 2 to 12 year olds. Crèche facilities are available for up to two hours allowing you to catch some time for yourself.

Windsor Great Park:
A vast open space providing a natural playground for children. Ideal for picnics, ball games and kite flying and the dog can go too!

Getting Here...

By Air:
From Heathrow Central Bus Station take the 77 Bus directly into the centre of Windsor (approximately 30 minutes).
From Gatwick Airport take the train to Clapham Junction then a train to Windsor and Eton Riverside (approx 1.5 hours)
From Stansted Airport, take Stansted Express train to Liverpool Street Station then Circle Line underground train to London Paddington station, then a train to Slough where there is a branchline service to Windsor and Eton Central station taking you right into the heart of the town.

By Rail:
Windsor is served by two train stations, Windsor and Eton Central and Windsor and Eton Riverside. First Great Western operates from London Paddington to Windsor and Eton Central station involving a change at Slough (minimum journey time 25 minutes). A frequent shuttle service runs between Slough and Windsor.

South West Trains operates a direct service from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside station. Journey time is approximately 55 minutes. For those visiting Legoland, South West Trains offers an integrated ticket which includes rail travel, shuttle bus from the station to Legoland and entry fee to the attraction. These tickets must be bought from the departing train station.

By Bus:
Windsor and Maidenhead are served by a number of bus routes and frequent services operate from Heathrow Airport, with buses up to every 30 minutes to both towns. All buses from Heathrow depart from the Central Bus Station, which is located above Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3 underground station.

By Car:
By far the most accessible motorway is the M4, with Windsor being just 1 mile from Junction 6.
On the M4, Windsor is situated 24 miles from London, 26 miles from Reading and 90 miles from Bristol and South Wales.
As well as the M4, Windsor is only 5 miles from Junction 13 of the M25 London circular motorway making its access to the outskirts of London and other motorway links very easy.



Photo courtesy of Windsor Tourism