Things to do in Windsor & Eton

Things to do in  Windsor & Eton

Get the royal treatment

Regal and rarefied, Windsor and Eton carry their posh pedigree with undeniable pomp. The twin towns are often considered the seat of Britain’s political and social power, as Eton College—which dates to 1440—has hosted young princes, aristocrats, and future prime ministers. Just across the River Thames is Windsor, crowned by Windsor Castle (the world’s oldest continually occupied royal fortress) and Frogmore House, a lavish country estate. Other top things to do in Windsor and Eton include visiting Runnymede (site of the signing of the Magna Carta) and the expansive Windsor Great Park.

Top 6 attractions in Windsor & Eton

Windsor Castle

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Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world still used by resident monarchs. William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress on the site 900 years ago—and Windsor has been a royal palace and residence since. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.More

St. George’s Chapel

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Situated within Windsor Castle, this 15th-century church is a stunning example of the Perpendicular Gothic style, with its slender pillars, and pinnacles all soaring skyward. Many British royals—including monarchs such as Henry VIII and Charles I—are buried here and it’s also where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in 2018.More

Eton College

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Founded by Henry VI and boasting a history dating back almost six centuries, Eton College is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious boarding schools. One of only four remaining boys’ boarding schools in the UK, the exclusive college has been attended by politicians, actors, literary icons, and royalty.More

Windsor

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Located on the River Thames just west of London, Windsor is an ancient town with a unique royal pedigree. Best known for the eponymous Windsor Castle—the oldest and largest continually occupied castle in the world—the area was formally settled by William the Conqueror. Today, it is regularly frequented by members of the royal family.More

Dorney Court

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Usually open for just one month of the year, Dorney Court is one of England’s best-preserved Tudor manor houses that few get the opportunity to visit. Explore the landscaped gardens of this Grade I Listed building, marvel over family portraits in the Great Hall, and admire the Restoration-era furnishings for a glimpse into England’s past.More

LEGOLAND® Windsor

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With more than 2 million annual visitors, LEGOLAND® Windsor is the second most visited theme park in the United Kingdom. Just about everything in the park incorporates multi-colored LEGO® bricks, from adrenaline-fuelled rides and interactive entertainment zones to cars and building workshops.More

All about Windsor & Eton

When to visit

Windsor and Eton are most appealing in spring, summer, and fall; winter is cold and often rainy. Early spring is a good time to visit if you want to avoid summer’s crush, provided you’re ready for some wet days (think March and April, but not busy Easter). September through November also offers cool, showery spells punctuated by sunny periods. Spring and summer bring warm and sometimes hot temperatures, plus crowd-pleasing events like May’s Royal Windsor Horse Show and June’s Royal Windsor Triathlon; they’re also the busiest seasons.

Getting around

Windsor and Eton sit across the River Thames from each other and are easy to explore on foot. A 20-minute foray gets you from Windsor Castle to Eton College, while a 5-minute stroll will take you to the riverside, where you can catch a scenic river cruise. Cabs and local buses are also convenient. Many tourists opt for hop-on hop-off buses, which follow circular routes around and between both towns. If you’re considering driving, proceed cautiously; the roads to and within each town can get very busy.

Traveler tips

Halfway down Eton High Street, you’ll find Tastes Delicatessen, a tiny gem of a store dedicated to fine foods and treats, including local specialties. Take some time to browse shelves crammed with pickles, preserves, and biscuits, and cold cases stuffed full of olives, cured meats, cheeses, and other delicacies. The deli’s handmade and super-flaky sausage rolls, and the gloriously scrummy Scotch eggs, are particularly good—and perfect for a picnic overlooking the Thames.

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People Also Ask

What is at Windsor and Eton?

The two English towns of Windsor and Eton are linked by a footbridge, and each boasts its own claims to fame. In the royal town of Windsor, the dominating presence is Windsor Castle along with its resplendent, royal-owned parkland. While in Eton, the star attraction is the school of Britain’s elite—aka the prestigious Eton College.

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Is Eton worth visiting?

While Eton is historic and elegant—and worth a visit for that alone—it’s also rather small. A stroll across Eton Bridge to a pub is pleasant on a sunny afternoon. During school time, you might glimpse the college boys in their formal attire, which makes the amble across the river worthwhile.

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Can you walk around Eton College?

Eton College covers a lot of ground, and you can see lots of it as you walk through town. Of course, you’ll see more on guided tours, which include sites that are typically off-limits to the public like the College Hall. Tours take place during the late spring and summer months and must be booked in advance.

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What can you see of Windsor Castle without paying?

You can’t access Windsor Castle grounds without paying. But the medieval fortress is omnipresent around the bustling town, and the historic Long Walk serves up castle views straight out of a storybook. When the King is at home, you can also see the Changing of the Guard ceremony in town without charge.

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Is there a dress code for Windsor Castle?

No, there’s no dress code to visit Windsor Castle as a member of the public. But as with most historical or royal monuments, it’s a good idea to be respectfully dressed. Of course, if you’re meeting the Royal Family for tea, it’s a different story...

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Is the town of Windsor worth visiting?

There are lots of good restaurants and traditional pubs in Windsor, so the town is worth visiting to eat after a castle visit. Beyond that, Windsor’s charms are low-key—there’s a high street and some pleasant parks. Other nearby sites worth seeing include LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and the Royal Ascot Racecourse.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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