Windsor's The Long Walk — a 2.65-mile (4.26 km) ancient tree-lined avenue created by Charles II in the 1680s, modelled on Versailles, running straight from the George IV Gateway at Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue atop Snow Hill. It is the world's most spectacular royal ceremonial avenue. Originally planted with 1,652 elm trees, replaced over 300 years by London plane and horse chestnut trees, the 46-metre-wide carriageway allows horses and troops to pass with ease. This was the first section of the marathon course for the 1908 London Olympics and the route of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding carriage procession. Completely free, flat and accessible, it is Windsor's classic half-day stroll experience.
Set out from the George IV Gateway at Windsor Castle, traverse 300 years of ancient tree-lined avenue, reach the Copper Horse statue atop Snow Hill, and overlook the London skyline and Thames Valley
Take a 40-minute train from London Paddington to Windsor, walk 5 minutes to the George IV Gateway on the south side of Windsor Castle — the northern starting point of The Long Walk. Head south along the avenue, flanked by London plane and horse chestnut trees forming a spectacular green canopy overhead, as if entering a time tunnel leading to royalty. After about a 45-minute walk, arrive at the southern end, Snow Hill, and look up at the 26-foot Copper Horse statue — George III dressed in a Roman toga riding a horse, gazing down at his beloved Windsor Castle. From the hilltop on a clear day, you can see Westminster in London, Wembley Stadium and even planes taking off and landing at Heathrow Airport. Rest and picnic before returning along the same route, or turn off at the Savill Garden entrance to explore deeper into Windsor Great Park. The entire route is flat and accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Located at the Park Street entrance at the northern end of The Long Walk, this Grade II listed building from 1709 is one of Windsor's oldest pubs. Push open the door after walking The Long Walk, and the wooden beams and old fireplace create a quintessentially British pub atmosphere. The signature Beef Wellington wraps tender beef in flaky pastry, releasing juices with every cut; the Sunday Roast platter with Yorkshire pudding is a local weekend ritual. Advance booking recommended, especially on Sundays. Average £18-£35 per person.
Windsor's only restaurant on the River Thames, a must-pass on the way back from the end of The Long Walk. The glass conservatory and river-view terrace overlook Eton Bridge and the water where swans glide; choose outdoor seating on fine days and watch boatmen punt past. The menu focuses on modern British cuisine — fish and chips crispy on the outside and tender within, paired with a local craft beer, the perfect recovery meal after a walk. Family-friendly and pet-friendly. Average £15-£30 per person.
Located at 71-72 Eton High Street, just a 5-minute walk from The Long Walk back towards Windsor Castle. This French brasserie is known for reliable quality and affordable prices, a safe choice for groups with picky eaters. French onion soup, steak frites and crème brûlée are the classic trio, with lunch menus from £14.95 offering excellent value. Long opening hours (Mon-Fri 9:00-23:00), suitable for brunch or dinner. Average £15-£30 per person.
Housed in an 11th-century historic building on Thames Street, just a 3-minute walk from the start of The Long Walk. Ancient stone walls and timber beams collide with modern design to create a unique dining atmosphere, with a fireplace blazing warmly in winter. Specialising in modern British cuisine, local ingredients meet creative flair — the Wellington salmon has perfectly layered, melt-in-the-mouth pastry. One of Windsor's most historically rich dining experiences. Average £20-£40 per person.
Windsor's The Long Walk is far more than a tree-lined path — it is a living fossil of British sporting history and royal ceremony. The following experiences will help you appreciate the weight of this 300-year avenue. 1908 Olympic Marathon Start: The first mile of the London Olympic marathon course was set on The Long Walk, starting from the castle gates, eventually giving birth to the standard marathon distance of 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Royal Wedding Processions: The wedding carriages of Charles and Diana in 1981, and Harry and Meghan in 2018, both processed grandly along The Long Walk with tens of thousands cheering on either side. State Funeral Farewell: In 1952, the coffin of King George VI was transported from Windsor Castle to London along The Long Walk — one of the most solemn farewells in British history. Royal Race Days: During the annual Royal Ascot meeting in June, royal carriages process along The Long Walk to the racecourse, and spectators can watch for free along the route.