So intertwined are Windsor and the royals, that they share the same name – indeed, it was George V who first took the House of Windsor surname in 1917, in honour of his Berkshire castle. For almost 1,000 years, the town has served as the monarchs’ home-from-home and a winsome backdrop for royal pomp: weddings, baptisms, funerals… and now, the afterparty of King Charles III’s coronation.
While the ceremony itself will be at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, Windsor will host the star-studded Coronation Concert the following day – the first public gig at the castle, held on the King’s own East Lawn. As such, the castle will be closed to visitors that weekend, but the wider town will be full of coronation-themed fun: from “Return of the King” beers at Windsor & Eton Brewery’s Taproom, to a posh garden party at Fairmont Windsor Park. Check the Royal Borough’s website for full listings.
But though Windsor always shines in the limelight, it doesn’t need a noble knees-up to win your affections – nor must you be a royalist to have a great time. Peaceful riverside strolls, rollercoasters at Legoland, excellent restaurants, vintage shopping: this lively town has so much to offer, and is just one hour from London by train.
What to do
Tour the King’s castle
Windsor Castle towers over the town centre, the world’s oldest and largest inhabited royal digs. The State Rooms’ opulence is staggering: all glittering chandeliers, gilded plasterwork and vast oil paintings, while St George’s Chapel is instantly recognisable from its television appearances. It holds the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Elizabeth II and Henry VIII (entry with audio tour from £28/£15.50 concessions). Check the castle’s calendar for special events and live entertainment.
The grounds of Windsor Castle cover 13 acres
(Getty Images)
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Mess about on the river
A glorious stretch of the River Thames hugs Windsor’s limits – replete with weeping willows, inquisitive swans and fine picnic spots. Grab an ice cream and a bag of bird food from Mamma Mia Café, and walk the path upstream to Baths Island or downstream to Home Park meadow. French Brothers runs cruises from the jetty beside the cafe: its 40-minute round-trip features Windsor Castle, Eton College, Mill House and Windsor Racecourse, and runs year-round (from £10.60/£7…
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