Whether your family loves royal history or you’re looking for a great day trip from London, you’ll find more than enough things to do in Windsor with kids to keep everyone entertained.
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The biggest draw is Windsor Castle – one of my top UK castles to visit with kids, because how often do you get to peek inside a ‘working’ palace after all?
But from bus tours to boat trips, the Long Walk to Lego, plus chocolate, Christopher Wren and the Copper Horse statue, the castle is only the start of the things to do during a day out in Windsor with kids.
Visit Windsor Castle
The world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, Windsor Castle is the town’s most prominent landmark and the most popular attraction amongst visitors. The historic estate has been the family home of British royals for almost 1,000 years.
Packed full of fascinating history, with each monarch leaving their mark through artwork, furnishings, decorative styles, and more, you can discover everything from Henry VIII’s armour to a doll’s house which belonged to a queen.
A visit to Windsor Castle with kids is also a fun and educational way to learn about the British monarchy – one of the few royal homes open year-round.
Kids will feel as though they’ve taken a step back in time as they explore the grand State Apartments and beautiful St George’s Chapel, plus there are the extensive grounds to explore too.
Don’t forget to pick up a free family multimedia handset to listen to Scorch the dragon guide you around the castle (aimed at 7-11 year olds). You can also follow a family trail or download some fun activities and resources to keep younger visitors entertained.
The castle is currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while St George’s chapel is only open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (and may be closed in the afternoons, particularly on Saturdays).
Book discounted tickets to Windsor Castle here
See the Changing of the Guard
Visit Windsor at the right time, and you also get a chance to see the Changing of the Guard taking place here, running on alternate days to the public spectacle in London.
If you have a ticket to the castle, you can also see the Windsor Castle Guard change on the Lower Ward (unless the monarch is in residence when it takes place on the lawn of the Quadrangle, outside the Royal apartments).
But you needn’t pay a penny to spot the guards in their traditional uniforms, marching to music through Windsor – traffic on the High Street is stopped and it’s turned into a temporary Parade Ground, where you can stop to watch the band playing.
The ceremony begins at 11am – if you want to watch inside the castle, it’s best to have the 10am slot to give time to get inside and into position. Alternatively, be in position on the streets beforehand from as the New Guard heads from the Victoria Barracks at 10.45 up Sheet Street to the castle via the High Street and Castle Hill.
The guard changes on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – you can see more details of the particular regiments and any changes to the usual schedule here.
Take a bus tour of Windsor and Eton
While Windsor itself seems perfectly designed to stroll around, if you want to explore some more of the surrounding countryside, it’s hard to beat the Windsor Discovery Tour from Tootbus
The route itself runs from the Theatre Royal, just down the hill from the castle entrance out to Datchet and Eton, past Runnymede where King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta, and back in a loop to Windsor, where you can amble up the aptly named Long Walk and spot some deer.
Along the way, you can learn more about the origins of Eton – including its links to Shakespeare – plus some extra royal history dating back to the time of the Saxon kings.
The guide also has some extra facts about Windsor itself… including why Sir Christopher Wren needed a walnut to prove just how perfectly designed his Guildhall was, as well as pointing out the crooked house and a blue pillar box marking the first airmail flight.
You can start and end the Windsor Discovery Tour at any point with 11 stops on the route, although the main starting point is at the Theatre Royal and the route takes one hour if you don’t get off.
Tickets are valid for 24 hours from the time they are redeemed. The tour runs every hour daily from April to mid-October, and on Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the year, from 9am to 3pm (every 30 minutes until v5pm in July/August).
Windsor Duck Tour
Another unforgettably fun way to explore Windsor with kids is on a Windsor Duck Tour.
The unusual tour takes you around the historic market town in a vibrant yellow amphibious vehicle (you can’t miss it!), allowing you to experience the best of Windsor from both the land and the water.
You’ll first explore some of the town’s most famous landmarks and sights, before splashing into the River Thames to see Windsor and Eton from a rather different perspective.
The entertaining onboard guides are great at keeping kids engaged, with plenty of fun facts and information about the town and its history. Plus, the quacking horn is always a huge hit with younger kids.
There are two different Windsor Duck Tours to choose from: the Swan and Splash route is 70% river, 30% water and particularly good for kids.
French Brothers Thames River Cruise
If you’d rather spend more time on the river, the French Brothers Thames Cruise is another fun way to explore Windsor from the water.
The relaxing boat trip takes you from the Clewer Boathouse to Boveney Lock and back, with amazing views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, Windsor Racecourse, and the Brocas Meadows along the way.
At only 40 minutes long, the cruise is a popular option for families with younger children. The boats run regularly throughout the day, so it’s also easy to pick a time that suits your plans.
Runs daily from February half-term to the end of October, at weekends during the winter months.
Explore Windsor Great Park
Exploring Windsor Great Park is a great way to spend a few hours in Windsor with kids who love the outdoors – or need some space to burn off their energy.
Located to the south of the town centre, the enormous park consists of over 4,800 acres of green space and with plenty to do and see for all ages, from woodland walks to beautiful gardens to bike rides and leisurely picnics.
Younger children can also enjoy the playground equipment on Obelisk Lawn or the newly opened Adventure Play Garden in The Savill Garden.
Many family friendly events are also held in the park throughout the year, such as carriage rides, outdoor theatres, discovery days, and educational young ranger events.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the wide variety of wildlife that calls the park home, from birds and squirrels to deer and foxes as well.
Walk The Long Walk
To reach Windsor Great Park from the town centre, you’ll need to walk along The Long Walk. Built in the 17th century, the elegant tree-lined avenue runs between the gates of Windsor Palace and the copper statue of King George III & His Horse.
At 3 miles long, the full walk takes around an hour, so it might be a bit much for little legs. But the pathway is flat and even, so it is possible to push a buggy or stroller along the picturesque route.
The Long Walk finishes at the famous Copper Horse statue on the top of Snow Hill (the highest point in Windsor Great Park), where you’ll be treated to amazing views over the parkland and back towards the historic castle.
Follow a Treasure Map Trail
For another way to explore Windsor (and Eton) on foot, check out the fun Treasure Map Trails to spot some of the quirky sights of the historic town.
With two different themes, you can choose from animals or aliens if you’re following one of the Treasure Map Trails of Windsor, while if you’re planning a stroll around Eton, there are two more alternatives, themed around robots or wizards.
Theres also 10% off using code MUMMYTRAVELS.
If your kids are too old for a Treasure Map Trail (or you fancy another way to explore), there’s also a self-guided route around the town called the Queen’s Walkway – 63 points of interest around Windsor marked with circular metal plaques in the pavement, opened by the Queen herself on her 90th birthday
The Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park
Sat between Windsor & Eton Central Train Station and the River Thames, Goswells Park is a fun place to visit in Windsor for families for one key reason; its unusual maze.
Also known as The Royal Windsor Maze, the chess-themed flat brick maze is certainly a unique attraction and is suitable for kids of all ages.
Little ones can simply follow the large, twisting maze around the small park, while older kids and teens can attempt to solve the one-way puzzle maze by passing each chess piece only once – there’s a sign that explains more about the maze and how to play.
Also home to the Jubilee Fountain ornamental water feature – and where Queen Elizabeth II lit the VE Day Beacon outside Windsor Castle – the areas was considered a slum in Victorian times until it was cleared, creating the area now known as The Goswells.
Windsor Chocolate Factory
Did you know that Windsor is home to the world’s smallest chocolate factory? Or at least one claimant to that title!
True or not, a visit to Dr Chocs Chocolate Factory opposite the castle is definitely one of the best things to do in Windsor for children and adults alike – as long as you have a sweet tooth that is.
The small chocolate factory not only has a fantastic selection of chocolate and sweet treats available to buy, but it also offers chocoholics aged 2+ the opportunity to make and design their own chocolate in a fun and interactive workshop.
In the express chocolate-making workshop, you’ll get to make 3 chocolate bars using over 30 different toppings. While the more in-depth workshops include lessons in chocolate-making techniques and plenty of extra treats including handmade truffles, glazed fruits, and bonbons.
The Windsor and Royal Borough Museum
If you’re looking for free things to do in Windsor with kids or ideas for a rainy day in Windsor, the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum is also worth keeping on your list for family days out.
It’s only small, with around 100 objects on display, the museum follows the area’s history from Stone Age times through Roman occupation and up to the 20th century, plus there are some fun family activities to try as you explore.
With everything from Roman tiles to First World War letters, kids will love the section with displays themed on Childhood – spot the bauble given to one local girl by Queen Victoria, plus vintage toys and traditional clothes.
Free to enter, it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Legoland Windsor
Located just two miles from Windsor town centre, with buses from the town and shuttle buses from Windsor’s stations, Legoland Windsor is one of the best (and most popular) theme parks in the UK for younger children.
The exciting park has plenty of Lego-themed rides and roller coasters, interactive attractions, live shows, and more for children aged 3-12 years old.
The whole family will love exploring the 12 different lands, from the Kingdom of the Pharaohs to Pirate Shores and Ninjago World, as well as escaping dragons and riding the rapids with Vikings on some of the rides.
Kids can also explore model versions of some of the world’s most famous landmarks at Miniland, get their driving license at the Driving School, and build plenty of their own Lego creations around the park.
And for even tinier guests, Legoland’s DUPLO Valley also has several rides, play areas, and even a water park for under 3s.
Buy tickets with free cancellation here
The Jelly Lounge Family Club
If you’re looking for soft play in Windsor, as well as plenty more family-friendly fun, The Jelly Lounge is a fantastic play space set up by two local mums, Jenny and Tamar.
Spanning over 5,000 square feet, the lounge has soft play areas for babies and children up to 8 years old, as well as plenty of cool interactive installations for kids to play on, such as slides, swings, and even a secret treetop hideout (no parents allowed!).
As it’s also designed to be fun for parents as well as kids in Windsor, there are comfortable seats, fresh coffee and a changing menu using locally sourced ingredients in the Jelly Lounge Eatery.
The club also hosts regular family workshops, including arts and crafts, and mini chef classes. Soft play is available to book by the hour, so the Jelly Lounge is the perfect place for kids to blow off some steam and parents to enjoy some well-deserved downtime during a busy trip to Windsor.
Extreme Motion
Not far from Goswells Park, in Alexandra Gardens, there’s another chance for kids to blow off steam, with a whole string of family activities at Extreme Motion.
For some adrenaline thrills, there’s the bungee trampoline to fly high into the air, or for a rather different adventure, Windsor Adventure Golf has 18 holes winding past water hazards and little palm trees
Windsor Adventure Golf is a brand new 18 hole adventure golf course set in the beautiful Alexandra Gardens. It offers people of all ages and abilities the chance to compete against one another in this modern take on the classic crazy golf.
It’s also a great place to hire bikes if you’re planning to head off through the Great Park or along the river.
Escape in 60: Windsor Escape Room
Want to Escape The Castle? After you’ve seen the real thing, the Castle-themed Escape Room from Escape in 60 in Windsor Leisure Centre, is a fun twist on history for older kids.
Playing the role of a history professor researching legend of Windsor Castle, accused of stealing a diamond necklace, you’ve got 60 minutes to find the secret exit – suitable for kids aged 10+, although clues can be tailored for a younger audience if you contact them in advance.
One of three escape rooms, there’s also the Curse of the Lost Chamber (aimed at aged 7+) as well as the more difficult Amber Room (for players aged 12+) , where you have 75 minutes to solve the puzzles and challenges.
How to get to Windsor from London
Windsor has two separate train stations, which are just 10 minutes apart and around five minutes’ walk from the castle, so it’s an easy day trip from London with kids.
Direct trains to Windsor & Eton Riverside run from Waterloo and take under an hour, or you can also travel from Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central in just over half an hour, although you do have to change en route.
Otherwise, it takes around 45 minutes by car. The cheapest parking in Windsor is in the long-stay car parks on the edge of the town, which are still only around 10 minutes’ walk from the castle. You can also pay using the RingGo app in all the town’s car parks.
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Bus tour images copyright MummyTravels, maps courtesy Treasure Map Trails, all other images courtesy of Depositphotos/AdobeStock/Picfair
