Days out and weekends away can be expensive, especially with the kids in tow, so we thought we’d have a look at how much you can do in Windsor for FREE.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD & WINDSOR GUILDHALL

guard change, windsor, serviced apartments Windsor, accommodation windsor, things to do in windsor

CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT WINDSOR

The Changing of the Guard is where the hustle and bustle is taking place late mornings (10.50 am). The parade which can include the Coldstream Guards, Grenadier Guards, Welsh Guards or occasionally the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment and accompanying band, is a real treat for visitors.  Lots of information on the guard change can be found on this website: Guard Change at Windsor

Our pick for best view is the Windsor Guildhall in the centre of town.  The site of many a famous wedding, including Prince Charles and Sir Elton John, the building has steps which will let you see over the crowds to get a good view.  While there, spend some time looking round the impressive building, first built in 1687 and completed by Sir Christopher Wren.  You will note that the four columns to the Guildhall do not touch the ceiling above – legend has it that Wren was told he needed to install supporting pillars but he did not agree – he had the last laugh by installing them but leaving a gap of a few inches above – so they do not support anything and are purely decorative!

 

THE LONG WALK TO THE COPPER HORSE

long walk windsor, where to stay in windsor uk, serviced accommodation windsor

The 2.64 miles of stunning, Elm tree lined walk leads from the doorstep of the Castle to the top of Snow Hill, which has the most amazing views over Windsor. At the top of the hill is the copper statue of King George III on horseback.  The legend has it that King Henry VIII sat at the top of this hill waiting for news of the execution of his second wife, Anne Boleyn.

This is a fantastic walk and is popular with tourists and locals alike.  On the way back you can stop off for a glass of something cool at the wonderful Two Brewers pub located at the Castle gates on Park Street.

ROYAL WINDSOR (WINDOW) SHOPPING

 The Royal Windsor shopping area is largely covered and built on the site of the 100 year old railway station right in the centre of town.  It boasts an array of top retail brands and chic cafes for a great combination of shopping and relaxing.  You can plan what to buy after pay day!

FULL SIZED REPLICAS

hawker hurricane at Windsor, serviced apartments windsor, accommodation windsor ltdWindsor is home to two exquisite full-sized replicas in and around the town. First is the steam locomotive, set in Windsor and Eton Central train station.  This is a full size replica of the steam engine that pulled the Royal Train of Queen Victoria between Windsor and London.

 

The other is the Hawker Hurricane, the legendary WWII Fighter plane – a memorial to Windsor resident Sir Sydney Camm. Both are impressive in their own right and are in great locations. The Hawker Hurricane is along Barry Avenue by the river near the mini golf at Alexandra Gardens.

VISIT ST JOHN’S CHURCH

St Johns Church Windsor

St. Johns Parish Church is located in the centre of town just along the High Street from the Castle.  Built in a medieval style in 1822 this grand church contains the Royal Borough’s war memorial to the fallen soldiers of the Second World War and a spectacular painting of the Last Supper.  All are welcome to the parish church and it is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.

The church has a great 360 image of the inside on their website here: Parish Church Windsor

 

 

 

Windsor Swans

FEED THE SWANS

Feeding the swans is an activity which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and there is certainly no lack of swans to feed at Windsor Bridge.  We strongly recommend that you purchase a bag of swan feed from the food stall located near the Bridge as opposed to feeding them bread.  This is because swans and ducks don’t get any nutritional value from bread as much as they might love it!  There is a safe area to feed the swans and this is usually a very popular spot for tourists with young children or for photo opportunities as the best place to feed them is by Windsor Bridge – a footbridge that takes you over to Eton.  This bridge was closed to vehicles back in 1970 due to cracks in the ironwork that were caused by constant heavy traffic.

It is possible to drive to Eton from Windsor – you just have to take the long way round!

EXPLORE WINDSOR GREAT PARK

WINDSOR GREAT PARKThis beautiful and vast open space provides the perfect setting for picnics, ball games, kite flying and cycling – you can bring your dog too.

ALEXANDRA GARDENS

Take a picnic along to Alexandra Gardens where you can relax in a beautiful setting with a perfect view of the castle, kick-back and enjoy the Windsor Wheel gently revolving in the summer season or watch the ice-skaters throughout the winter months.

QUEENS WALKWAY

The Queens Walkway is a sixty-four-stop walking tour in and around Windsor. The route is marked by Gunmetal Plaques with the Queen’s Seal on. The tour will take you around some of the spots we have on our list and a whole lot more and includes a guide with interesting information about each of the stops.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/241361_156d2f735e6f4bb4b23569f22f2df206.pdf

(credit to The Outdoor Trust, Commonwealth walkways)

ETON WALKWAY AND MUSEUMS

Like the Queens Walkway, the Eton Walkway is a walking tour around the historic town, home to one of England’s most famous and prestigious school.  This tour takes you through the town showing off the eclectic range of architecture, the remarkable individual pieces of the school

WALK ALONG THE WINDSOR TRAIL 

Enjoy an easy stroll along the River Thames Path in either direction from the Castle to see some wonderful countryside and historic locks and towns.  Walking from Windsor to Old Windsor offers wonderful views of the Castle and provides the opportunity to explore Datchet on the way.  Keep going past Old Windsor to Runnymede to see where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215.

WINDSOR CASTLE

jubilee fountain windsor castle

Residents of Windsor can enjoy unlimited free entry to Windsor Castle with their Advantage Cards.  Non-residents who don’t want to pay to enter can still enjoy walking around the outside of the Castle where it meets the High Street with lots of lovely photo opportunities.

If you are feeling flush and would like to buy Windsor Castle Tickets please click on the link! Although not free Windsor Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK.  We get a small commission from the sale of Windsor Castle tickets which helps us to maintain this and other free sites like Royal-Windsor.com where you can find suggestions on places to eat in Windsor and places to stay – from bed and breakfasts to Windsor Hotels.

Thanks for reading!