How to Spend a Weekend in Windsor, UK (2-Day Guide)

If you’re dreaming of a charming English weekend filled with royal history, riverside walks, cute cafés, and that classic storybook vibe—Windsor is calling. Just a short train ride from London, this elegant town blends heritage with modern comfort, making it perfect for a quick getaway. Whether you love exploring iconic landmarks or prefer slow travel by the river, this 2-day Windsor itinerary shows you exactly how to make the most of your weekend.

Why Windsor Is Perfect for a Weekend Trip

Windsor feels like England in a nutshell—regal, walkable, scenic, and packed with things to do. It’s home to the world’s oldest inhabited castle (hello, Royal Family!), the beautiful River Thames, leafy parks, boutique shops, and even the UK’s beloved Legoland. The town is compact enough to explore in two days, yet full of surprises around every corner.

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with kids, or solo, Windsor offers a mellow, scenic escape from the hustle of London.

Day 1: Royal Highlights & Riverside Wonders

Stop 1: Start at Windsor Castle – The Heart of the City

No Windsor weekend is complete without stepping inside Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of His Majesty The King. Even if you’ve seen photos a thousand times, nothing compares to walking past its stone walls and turrets in person.

What to do here:

• Tour the State Apartments filled with antique art, chandeliers, and centuries-old decor.
  
• Visit St. George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married.
  
• Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard (typically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays).
  

Expect to spend 2–3 hours enjoying the castle. The audio guide is surprisingly engaging and gives context to every room and historic artifact.

Stop 2: Explore the Historic Town Centre

Once you’re done feeling royal, stroll into Windsor’s old town. Cobbled streets, pastel storefronts, and heritage buildings make wandering here a treat.

Things to do:

• Shop for British souvenirs and quirky finds at indie stores.
  
• Grab a snack from an artisan bakery or old-school sweet shop.
  
• People-watch at a cute café while sipping English tea.
  

If you’re visiting in December, the streets sparkle with festive décor—Windsor turns into a European Christmas postcard.

Stop 3: Enjoy Lunch at a Classic British Pub

Windsor has some amazing pubs, many with riverside seating. Whether you want fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or a hearty Sunday roast, this is the perfect moment to indulge.

A few great choices:

• A riverside pub near the bridge
  
• A heritage inn around the old town
  
• A cozy, fire-lit spot for winter trips
  

Whatever you choose, Windsor pubs deliver warm vibes and delicious comfort food.

Stop 4: Walk Across to Eton & Discover Eton College

A short walk over the Windsor–Eton Bridge takes you into Eton—home to the prestigious Eton College, where more than 20 UK Prime Ministers were educated.

Even if you don’t tour the college (guided tours run on select days), the area is wonderful for strolling. The High Street is lined with antique shops, traditional bookshops, and centuries-old buildings that look straight out of a movie scene.

A perfect hour-long wander if you love architecture, history, and charming photography spots.

Stop 5: Relax With a Scenic Thames River Walk or Cruise

As your day winds down, head towards the river for one of Windsor’s best outdoor experiences.

You can:

• Walk the Thames Path past weeping willows and elegant swans
  
• Take a river cruise for peaceful sightseeing
  
• Sit on the bank and enjoy the sunset
  

This part of Windsor feels serene—it’s a gentle pause after a busy sightseeing day.

Stop 6: Dinner in Windsor Town

For your first evening, treat yourself to dinner at a nice restaurant in the town centre. Windsor’s culinary scene is diverse, offering everything from modern British cuisine to Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and upscale dining experiences.

Look for:

• A restaurant with castle views
  
• A cozy date-night spot
  
• A global kitchen if you want something different
  

After dinner, Windsor’s relaxed nightlife includes wine bars, riverside lounges, and cute pubs—perfect for unwinding.

Day 2: Parks, Palaces & Adventure

Your second day in Windsor can be as active or as relaxed as you want. Here are two paths: a nature-and-history day or a fun family day. You can mix both depending on your style.

Option A: Great Park, Long Walk & Savill Garden (Nature Lovers)

Start With the Long Walk

Begin your morning at the Long Walk, Windsor’s famous 2.5-mile tree-lined avenue leading to the castle gates. This is the iconic path you’ve probably seen in royal photos or TV shows.

Perfect for:

• A morning walk
  
• Photography
  
• A sunrise or misty morning stroll
  

The views of the castle from here are breathtaking.

Explore Windsor Great Park

Covering 4,800 acres, Windsor Great Park is a vast world of lakes, gardens, woodlands, and wildlife. Spend 2–3 hours here exploring walking trails, ornamental gardens, and peaceful hidden corners.

Highlights include:

• Virginia Water Lake
  
• The Valley Gardens
  
• The Copper Horse statue
  

It’s an ideal spot for a picnic if the weather’s nice.

Visit The Savill Garden

If you love nature or photography, don’t miss The Savill Garden. Known as one of England’s most beautiful ornamental gardens, it offers seasonal blooms, themed landscapes, and peaceful walking paths.

This is a great slow-travel activity—perfect for calm mornings.

Option B: Legoland Windsor (For Families)

If you’re traveling with kids, Day 2 = LEGOLAND Day. It’s one of the UK’s most popular family attractions, offering:

• Rides for all ages
  
• Miniature worlds built entirely from LEGO
  
• 4D shows and character meet-and-greets
  
• Water play areas (in summer)
  

Plan to spend at least 4–6 hours here. It’s worth booking tickets online early to save time and money.

Lunch Suggestions for Day 2

Depending on your plan:

• Picnic lunch at Windsor Great Park
  
• Café stop near Savill Garden
  
• Family-friendly dining inside LEGOLAND
  
• Local restaurants back in Windsor town
  

Try a light lunch if you want more room for an indulgent dinner later!

Stop 3: Afternoon Tea in Windsor

A weekend in a royal town demands afternoon tea. Windsor has several hotels and tea rooms serving delightful trays of:

• Finger sandwiches
  
• Fresh scones with clotted cream
  
• Petit desserts
  
• Endless cups of tea
  

Afternoon tea gives your trip a luxurious touch and is a great rest break after walking or sightseeing.

Stop 4: Visit Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

For a short, enriching stop, head to Windsor Museum. It’s small but packed with interesting exhibits about local history, archaeological finds, and royal heritage.

Spend 30–45 minutes here—it’s a nice addition to the day, especially if the weather turns chilly or rainy.

Stop 5: Sunset at Alexandra Gardens

As your weekend trip winds down, enjoy a last sunset moment at Alexandra Gardens, right by the river. You’ll find:

• Beautiful views of the Thames
  
• Colorful flower displays
  
• A relaxing grassy area to sit on
  

It’s the perfect final memory before you leave Windsor.

Stop 6: Final Dinner or Dessert

Wrap up your Windsor weekend with a memorable final dinner. You might choose:

• A riverside restaurant
  
• A cozy pizzeria
  
• A steakhouse or modern British kitchen
  
• Or just dessert at a cute café
  

Take a slow walk back through the lit-up town centre—it’s magical at night.

Where to Stay in Windsor

Windsor offers everything from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Some options include:

• Boutique inns for a romantic stay
  
• Family hotels near LEGOLAND
  
• Riverside hotels with scenic views
  
• Heritage properties right in the old town
  

Choose a centrally located stay to walk everywhere comfortably.

How to Get to Windsor

One of the best things about Windsor is how easy it is to reach.

By Train:

• Direct trains from London Paddington via Slough
  
• Direct slow train from London Waterloo
  Travel time: 30–55 minutes
  

By Car:
About an hour’s drive from London (traffic varies). Several paid parking options are available.

By Bus/Coach:
Multiple operators run buses from nearby cities.

Best Time to Visit Windsor

Windsor is beautiful year-round, but the experience changes by season:

• Spring: Blooming parks, mild weather
  
• Summer: River cruises, long daylight hours
  
• Autumn: Fiery foliage in Windsor Great Park
  
• Winter: Christmas markets & cozy pubs
  

Your weekend will be enjoyable in any season—just pack accordingly.

Final Tips for Your Windsor Weekend

• Book Windsor Castle tickets in advance
  
• Wear comfortable shoes—lots of walking!
  
• Try to catch the Guard Change if possible
  
• Bring a camera or charge your phone fully
  
• Combine Windsor with Eton for the full experience
  
• Enjoy Windsor slowly—it’s a town meant for wandering

Conclusion

A weekend in Windsor, UK, is the perfect blend of royal history, nature, river views, charming streets, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring Windsor Castle, strolling across to Eton, cruising the Thames, or getting lost in the vast Great Park, the town offers a rich and rewarding 2-day escape.

With this guide, you can plan your Windsor weekend easily and enjoy every moment in one of England’s most magical destinations.