Things to do in Windsor & Eton
Welcome to Windsor & Eton
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.
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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.
People Also Ask
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.
...MoreWhile 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.
...MoreEton 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.
...MoreYou 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.
...MoreNo, 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...
...MoreThere 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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Number of Tours | 23 |
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