Windsor — the heart of the British monarchy, a legendary town defined by a thousand-year-old castle and the River Thames. From the towering fortress begun by William the Conqueror in the 1070s to the State Apartments still used by Charles III today, from the resting place of Henry VIII in St George's Chapel to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, from the fleeting figures of Eton schoolboys in tailcoats to the graceful glide of swans on the Thames — every cobblestone whispers stories of crowns, glory and English heritage.
The largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, official residence of the British monarch
Peak of English Gothic architecture, headquarters of the Order of the Garter, resting place of many monarchs
4,800-acre royal parkland, including The Long Walk, Deer Park, Savill Garden and Virginia Water Lake
Built by Charles II, this 2.65-mile tree-lined avenue is Britain's most spectacular landscape axis
Elite boys' school founded in 1440 by Henry VI, alma mater of 20 Prime Ministers, Princes William and Harry
The second LEGOLAND in the world, 150 acres with 55 rides and attractions plus Miniland
National-level ornamental garden commissioned by George V, 35 acres of magnolia and rhododendron collections
Racecourse on the banks of the Thames, hosting over 20 race meetings and family events annually
From the royal grandeur of the thousand-year-old castle to the leisurely river cruise on the Thames, from the elite traditions of Eton College to family fun at LEGOLAND — immerse yourself in the heart of the British monarchy
Take a 40-minute train from London Paddington to Windsor, then walk 5 minutes to the castle's main entrance. We recommend entering right at 10:00 opening time — first visit the State Apartments featuring original works by Rembrandt and Rubens, then admire the exquisite Queen Mary's Dolls' House. Catch the 11:00 Changing of the Guard ceremony at midday, watching the guards march through the High Street to military band music. In the afternoon, explore St George's Chapel, pausing at the tombs of Henry VIII and the Queen Mother. End the perfect day with a pint of local Windsor craft ale at a riverside pub.
Start the morning from the castle's south gate onto the famous Long Walk — a 2.65-mile tree-lined avenue ending at the Copper Horse statue of George III and the snow-covered expanse of Windsor Great Park. Spot 500 wild red deer roaming across 4,800 acres of royal parkland, and explore the magnolias and rhododendrons of The Savill Garden. In the afternoon, walk across the bridge to Eton College, feeling the weight of 700 years of elite education amidst the tail-coated students. As evening falls, board a River Thames cruise for the most beautiful view of Windsor Castle from the water, bringing your journey to a perfect close.
Just a two-minute walk from Windsor Castle on a cobbled street, this classic tea room serves a three-tier silver stand with finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and delicate cakes, accompanied by a pot of freshly brewed English tea. Take a break from sightseeing and soak up quintessential English ceremony.
Set within a luxury riverside hotel, this modern European restaurant offers innovative menus paired with picturesque Thames views. The afternoon tea for two includes delicious sandwiches, warm scones and delicate petit fours, served with tea or coffee. The vintage-style heavy furniture and tableware feel like stepping out of a 1990s British film.
Reviving Windsor's centuries-old brewing tradition since 2010, this craft brewery has won over 70 international and national awards, earning a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II in 2018. Every Saturday at 12:30 and 15:00, they offer a 90-minute brewery tour (£25/person), tasting beer at various stages from raw ingredients to finished product — rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor and a Windsor must-do.
Located in the heart of Windsor's High Street, bold wallpaper and distinctive stamp decorations create a unique dining atmosphere. From whisky-smoked salmon to warm scones, from steaks to fish and chips, it serves refined British and modern fusion cuisine all day. Open for 14 hours, it's the perfect spot to unwind after visiting the castle.
If travelling with children, we strongly recommend adding LEGOLAND to your itinerary. The second LEGOLAND in the world, this 150-acre park features 55 rides, shows and attractions. Key highlights include: Miniland — miniature landmarks of Britain and the world built from over 40 million LEGO bricks; The Dragon Coaster — Europe's first LEGO-themed roller coaster; Adventure Golf — a mini-golf course built from LEGO bricks. Online tickets are around 20% cheaper than on-site, and entry after 16:00 is half price (summer only).